By Larry Bleiberg
Special to USA TODAY
If you love the outdoors, but don’t relish the idea of roughing it, glamping may be for you. So-called “glamorous camping” offers posh amenities in rustic settings. “It’s about making nature more accessible to folks, to get out there more easily,” says Anne Howard, who with her husband Mike wrote the new book “Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America” (Falcon, $29.95).
The couple, who travel full time and blog at HoneyTrek.com, spent 2½ years researching the book. They say glamping makes even more sense for travelers now. “It’s a smart, safe and appropriate way to travel in a post-COVID world.” They share some favorite destinations with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY:
Depot Lodge, Paint Bank, Virginia
In a forgotten whistle-stop town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this former rail depot now welcomes overnight guests in safari tents, a caboose and trailer. National forests offer hiking, biking, fishing and rafting. “You can have a private lake or your own riverfront. They’ve got so much Appalachian character,” Anne says.
More details: DepotLodge.com
Cypress Valley, Spicewood, Texas
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this modern treehouse resort is connected by zip lines and suspension bridges. “These are tree mansions. They’re so creative,” Mike says. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and swimming and tastings at a nearby winery.
More information: CypressValleyCanopyTours.com
Treebones Resort, Big Sur, California
Bed down in a yurt, designer treehouse or whimsical artist-made hut in this retreat along the famed Pacific coastline. “You can hike in a redwood forest or go jade hunting along the ocean,” Mike says. There’s also an organic garden and gourmet restaurant, along with yoga, massages and seasonal whale watching. “You can choose your own adventure.”
More information: TreebonesResort.com Read more from USA Today.
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