Lisa Gipson
What’s
GLAMPING,
you say? Just north of Santa Barbara , in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, is the small town of Buellton. Perhaps you know Buellton as the “home of the split pea” as it’s impossible to travel Highway 101 without seeing billboards announcing Pea Soup Andersen’s. Not as well-known is Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, a mecca of awesomeness for glampers and outdoor play enthusiasts.
Well worth the five-hour drive from San Diego, the beautifully maintained Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground (www.flyingflags.com) offers a variety of unique glamping options: luxurious safari tents, renovated vintage airstream trailers, and adorable furnished cottages and cabins. Plus, everyone receives freshly baked cookies at check-in (as if we needed more convincing). The surf-themed cabins have kid-sized bunk beds, in addition to a full-sized futon and queen bed. There are even teardrop camper trailers available in an area affectionately dubbed “Canned Ham Village”, perfect for parent/child bonding as they only sleep two. For the ultimate glamping experience, we stayed in Safari Village, which consists of nine safari tents and six shared bathrooms (each with a
A Glamping Adventure in
Buellton
It’s like camping, but there’s nothing rustic about it. Combining the words “glamorous” and “camping”, glamping includes the comforts of home (beds, electricity, indoor plumbing). None of this sleeping-on-the-ground stuff. Not that sleeping on the ground is bad; everyone should do it at least once!
private sink, toilet and shower). Safari tents feature very comfortable beds, air conditioners (heaters, if needed), a couch, TV, microwave, refrigerator, outdoor kitchen, covered patio table, and all dishes and kitchenware needed for cooking! Glamping in safari tents is amazing—a tenting experience I can get into. During the day, kids ride bikes and scooters (brought from home) through the pet-friendly property, swim in one of two resort-style swimming pools, challenge friends to bocce ball and horseshoes, and play on the playground. At night, families sit under the stars and roast marshmallows over a fire pit (many sites have their own). If you don’t feel like cooking, grab a meal at the onsite Campfire Café or have a gourmet sausage from the Santa Ynez Sausage Co. airstream trailer—a cute venue with delicious food to enjoy at picnic tables. Don’t miss the Flying Flags barbecue every Friday night (first come, first served), featuring tritip, ribs, chicken, a variety of rotating
side dishes and dessert. Eat around the campfire or take dinner back to your cabin, safari tent or RV. There’s no need to leave the Flying Flags property, but there are fun things to do in the area that families love! cont. on p. 20
18 • SanDiegofamily.com • June 2018
