Glamping in Idaho: The Great Outdoors meets the Cosmopolitan Life

7/29/2009
Contact:Kellie Kluksdal, Public Relations
Idaho Division of Tourism
208-334-2470 x 2152
kellie.kluksdal@tourism.idaho.gov

Glamping in Idaho: The Great Outdoors meets the Cosmopolitan Life

BOISE, Idaho – (July 29, 2009) – Glamping. This new phrase, while a little clunky on the tongue, is a combination of two words not frequently paired – glamour and camping. Generally speaking, a traditional camper is looking to get back to basics, to simplify and indulge in the great outdoors without worrying about looking pretty. Glampers, on the other hand, posses an equal passion for the beauty and serenity of the great outdoors, but seek to experience the wilderness in a luxurious and well-appointed setting, with the comforts of home close at hand.

Several Idaho outfitters have recognized this emerging travel trend and are offering several unique trips and opportunities that cater to glampers.

The true essence of a glamping trip is embodied by Far and Away Adventures’ luxury river trips. The trips feature fine dining (think stuffed morel mushrooms and braised free-range chicken with fennel pureé and blackberry compote) on tables set with linens and china, chalet-style tents, sleeping bags with sheet liners and full size pillows, tent-side service with hot hand towels and morning coffee, yoga and massages. And then, of course, there’s the fantastic Idaho whitewater, to be enjoyed via competent river guides.

Wine aficionados might like the Salmon River Outfitters’ wine-tasting trip. A Bon Appetit writer said: “I am not a camper in any sense of the word… It was true that the food was delicious, the amount of work expected from us nonexistent, the accommodations almost luxurious, and the scenery unbelievable." Salmon River Outfitters run trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the family-oriented wilderness reach of the Salmon River.

In North Central Idaho, Mary Jane’s Farm is a fully functioning organic farm in Moscow with charming wall tent accommodations. The 12- by 14-foot tents lack phones and electricity, and instead feature wood floors, down linens, wood stoves and a beautiful outdoor kitchen. A separate bath house has a fully-stocked shower and bathroom, complete with fresh flowers. A gourmet breakfast is served in the morning. Set in the rolling hills of the Palouse, Mary Jane’s Farm also offers glampers a chance to lend a hand on the farm.

Linn Canyon Ranch in the Western foothills of the famous Teton Mountain Range, 30 minutes from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offers three luxury sleeping tents for glampers who want a true Western ranch experience. Trail rides on trained and gentle horses, unforgettable pack trips into the high country, a nightly bon fire and gourmet “cowboy dinner” are just a few of the ranch activities glampers can enjoy.

Travelers who would like to book a glamping trip should get in touch with the outfitters to select a trip that fits their tastes. To contact Far & Away Adventures in Sun Valley, go to www.far-away.com or call 800-232-8588. To get in touch with Salmon River Outfitters in McCall, Idaho, see www.salmonriveroutfitters.com or call 800-346-6204. To contact Mary Jane’s Farm, go to www.maryjanesfarm.org or call 888-750-6004. To book at Linn Canyon Ranch, call 208-787-5466.

Idaho—Adventures in LivingIdaho is home to thousands of miles of biking trails, mountains to climb, lakes to fish, 17 ski resorts and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48. So take a break from it all and come out to play. Idaho—adventures in living. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.

News tag(s): Travel