When it comes to gift-giving, I've always believed in the magic of experiences. So, for my parents' Christmas gift, I decided to create memories that would last a lifetime. While my mother wasn't too keen on traditional camping (as you might recall from a previous blog post), I figured glamping might be the perfect compromise. And so, our adventure at Mountain Memories Retreat began. It was booked during her birthday weekend, which made it even more special.
Tentrr Tents: Mama Bear and Papa Bear
I booked two safari tents, affectionately named Mama Bear and Papa Bear, through Tentrr. The campsites are located in Pickens, SC. The tents were a delightful blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Inside each, we found a queen-sized bed, a cozy sitting area with a table and chairs, a bench at the foot of the bed, side tables, and a small shelf for our essentials. After my mom's last experience spending the night in nature, she was thrilled to see a comfy bed with pillows and soft bed linens.
Campsite Comforts
Outside our tents, a picnic table and a large drinking water container awaited us. The site also had a communal social area equipped with a spacious dining table, a firepit for cozy evenings, a composting toilet, and running water. Unfortunately, the water pump wasn't functioning during our stay, which initially caused some concern for my mom but she seemed okay with the water outside the tents for washing up and toothbrushing.
Cooking Up Memories
Being the designated camp chef, I brought along our cooking supplies and camp stove. I prepared a delicious dinner and breakfast for our crew, turning mealtime into a memorable family affair. My family was glad we did not have to our typical camp food of hotdogs and canned chili. We had chorizo burritos with refried beans for dinner including a chocolate dessert for my mom's birthday. For breakfast we ate like kings and queens with eggs, pancakes, and sausage patties.
Starry Nights and Board Games
Evenings were spent under the starry sky, huddled around the campfire. We played board games at the table and marveled at the vastness of the cosmos. If you haven't played Rummikub, you are missing out. It got pretty competitive and we had to pop out our headlamps to keep the game going in the nightime.
Ruben: The Host with the Most
Our camp host, Ruben, was nothing short of exceptional. His attentiveness and warm hospitality added an extra layer of comfort to our stay. He ensured that everyone's needs were met, helping my mom feel at ease throughout the trip.
A Wet Surprise
Nature decided to gift us with a gentle rain while we slept, which, due to the open tent windows, led to a few wet pillows and a damp spot on the floor. It was a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of our adventure.
Conveniently Located
The retreat's proximity to Highway 11 made it easy for us to embark on day hikes and explore nearby state parks, adding an extra layer of adventure to our glamping getaway.
The Gift of Adventure
This glamping gift turned out to be a true winner – an experience that blended the comforts of home with the wonder of the great outdoors. It was a reminder that the best gifts are the ones that create lasting memories and bring loved ones closer together. Despite the unexpected rain, everyone had an incredible time and cherished our stay at Mountain Memories Retreat. My mom, in particular, fell in love with the experience and even expressed a desire to bring one of her friends here when she was in town.
Go to Tentrr website for booking information for these two sites:
Ruben is not on social media.
Comments