RETRO RENTALS takes vintage campers, restores and rents them so your glampscape is kitschy cozy. Rent one of the three vintage campers that have “a lot more character and flair than newer trailers,” said Owner Stephen Austin. “They are cool to look at and people like to see them. It’s trendy and appeals to the younger crowd.” Board The Motown Hotel, a ’55 Detroiter that’s petite and easier to tow and move around. No big rig is needed for hauling. Sleeping four to five campers, this charmer comes with the original ice box and is dressed up in a throwback teal color that scores major eye-candy points. The Silvery Moon is bright and shiny for people of similar mindsets. With one look at this ’54 Duro, it’s a sentimental journey in polished aluminum. Bonus feature: Makeup application and primping right on the side. Most trailers are equipped with retro Melmac dishware, old canister sets and vintage items reminiscent of the trailer’s era. “It’s basic stuff they can camp with,” Austin said, whose take on retro campers and glamping is “more of an experience with the old campers. You are outside a lot more sightseeing, enjoying nature and cooking. You get a lot of attention and get to meet new people.” Check out goretrorentals.com. KARLA’S PLACE in Holland might be glamping merchandise central. All the accoutrements including towels, key chains and books on designing a luxury campsite exist here. Indulge and get inspired by pillows, artwork and leave your lipstick stains on their glamping glasses and drinkware. “It’s an extension of our homes,” said Owner Karla Scheifele. “That’s why people are so into designing their porches and patios. The camper takes on your personality.”
Where to Go HUNGRY HORSE CAMPGROUND offers 90 acres to roam with a basketball court, pool, hiking trail and campfire rings. Glampers will love the Wi-Fi throughout the campground to stay connected and see how many likes they’re getting on outdoorsy selfies. Visit hungryhorsecampground.com for more information.
Glamping merch, and the book Glamping with Mary Jane are available at Karla’s Place in Holland.
Glamping Wish List Everything can be made more glamorous dahling — even camping outdoors. HOME GOODS means a doormat for your camper, scented candles and pretty lanterns for illumination and designer linens and dinnerware to set the (picnic) table. Vases for flowers and a garden gnome or two are a nice touch. We’re civilized folk you know…
THE PIMP CUP is of utmost importance. It’s bejeweled, monogrammed and usually a mason jar or some fabulous novelty sipping glass that will take you through the weekend’s alcoholic slush, infused with vodka and other potions. The person with the most foliage in their glass wins. Think crushed mint, lavender sprigs, fresh berries or a simple strawberry basil drink. ESSENTIAL OILS because the bugs need to go, but stinky bug spray is so predictable. Class it up (or play the hippie) with peppermint oil, said to keep mosquitoes and horse-flies away. Plus, you look absolutely regal applying it.
SWAG/BUNTING is a category made up of cotton flags of vintage fabric, burlap or the like, that add charm, sophistication and a hint of “I’m better than you” to your dwelling. This garland or drapery is the official glampstamp if you will… A DECORATIVE BLANKET is needed, as it gets cold at night. Don’t worry, it still maintains that magazinephoto-shoot allure. The desired look: a touch chilly in expensive wraps or shawls that shouldn’t even be allowed outdoors. HAIR ACCESSORIES are functional and fashionable, be it a head wrap, headband or fancy clips. You’ll want to keep flyaway hair out of your already-sweaty face, but make sure hair pieces look fussy and high end. MAGAZINES help you zone out from all the people you came with, and since your phone has no signal what else are you supposed to do? Oh, and they help distract from all that nature. n
SANDY PINES has nature trails, fitness trails and horseshoe pits calling your name. Try miniature golf, the ropes course or kick back and cool down at the splash pad after a trip to the ice cream parlor. Extreme glamping is here with a Christmas in August event where campers decorate trailers and golf carts and tour the park in its entire holiday overload. Check it out at sandypines.com. HIDDEN RIDGE RV RESORT gives you both the rustic environment you crave while enjoying deluxe amenities like a heated pool and spa, bath houses with private showers and cement-padded sites. Glampers love a theme and can have some fun with the Aug. 11-17 Redneck Fest. Get your information at sunrvresorts.com. LUDINGTON STATE PARK boasts 5,300 acres used for camping, hiking, fishing, biking and nature ogling. Discover hardwood forests, marshlands and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The sand dunes with spectacular views give glampers a quiet spot to contemplate the evening’s dinner attire. See what else the park offers at visitludingtonstatepark. com. YOUNG STATE PARK on beautiful Lake Charlevoix spans more than 560 acres. Pop a squat among a mix of gently rolling terrain, lowlands and cedar swamp areas. The beach here was voted “best beach of the year” by The Petoskey News Review Graphic. Glampers always factor in beach time. PERE MARQUETTE CAMPGROUND is just 1.5 miles from the Pere Marquette River. This campground is surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest and has both modern and rustic sites. Canoe, kayak, raft, fish or mushroom hunt if the mood strikes. Glampers will appreciate the camp store, as it carries the basics along with sunglasses, hats and Pere Marquette apparel. Represent! Get the details at pmcampground.com. HIGGINS LAKE KOA invites you for the day, weekend or summer and features camping solutions for the camper who wants to “rough it” and those who want to feel like they’ve never left home. Glampers will dig the circular, tent-like yurt structures with distinct motifs such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Pirate’s Cove. YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK/SILVER LAKE is located close to Silver Lake and has quaint cabin rentals, tent sites and RV camping spots. Sand dunes are nearby as well as go carts, bumper boats and mini-golf next door. Glampers interested in people watching, a car show and sweet edibles (pickle on a stick!) can walk over to the Apple BBQ Cook Off Festival in mid-September.
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
A THRONE is not your typical camping chair, it is the best in lounging luxury. Look for cup holders, padded armrests, a built-in canopy shade, a fold-down tray for snacks and heck, if you can’t find that, bring a fancy chair from home. You’re trying to create a high-functioning living space, not a make-do, rustic habitat.
OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS say look at me—and that’s the first rule of glamping. Something colorfully loud (neon) or rare and retro. You’ll want to convey the message that you went to a lot of trouble, spent a lot of money and filled your free time with online eBay searches. See also: Chinese lantern or swag/bunting.
PIONEER PARK keeps visitors moving with a baseball diamond, volleyball field and basketball court. Get a workout in by taking the stairs to the beach. There’s also a tennis court, so glampers can glisten in the sun with their cute tennis outfits. More info at co.muskegon.mi.us/parks/pioneer.htm.
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