Who Am I?

With American notables such as Oprah Winfrey, Justin Beiber, Mathew McConaughey and Miranda Lambert, all embracing Glamping holidays I found the camping alternative very attractive. Their stories and descriptions of their experiences sounded much more exciting than the camping ideas that I had in mind.

My initial interest was to incorporate this idea into an annual camping event that until recently, with the sale of business, I was only able to attend during the day. I searched and searched and could not find the climate controlled, sleep off the ground luxury (after all, it is my vacation time) set-up that I wanted. I liked the idea of renting a RV, but the price and the fact that I would be, in fact, closing myself off (and in a box) to the camping experience and neighbors wasn’t exactly ideal.

What to do? Well, buy the tent(s) and furnishings for the experience I wanted and start new business. And why not? With my previous 25 years’ experience in business as a bartender and in the catering and service industry this is the type of niche business that I would be comfortable with. And what a terrific match? It’s operation and nuances are exciting opportunities requiring the passion and tools that me and my team already possess.

With camping groups, festivals, family reunions, weddings and other parties already a big part of life in the Texomaland Area, the glamping culture is a perfectly suited addition and upgrade. Acquiring the tent (four season bell tents can be expensive too) and the furnishings along with transport and the storage of the equipment (the downside) is no longer an issue for people in Texoma. We will set up and break down the tent(s) leaving you to simply enjoy the experience and nature.

I not only look forward to growing with this business, but I am excited to see where glamping grows in the 21st century. What’s more, I want to see this website grow as a resource for individuals that wish to “D.I.Y.” so we can all enjoy the great outdoors and those experiences together. Please share your experiences and photo.

Solar Oven, You Say?

As a young man, my mother would to do all kinds of special things for us kids and to stretch a buck. On our day trips to the lake, local rivers or theme parks like Six Flags she would put Hot Dogs and Hot Dog Buns up in the back window of the car when we parked and it was off to the fun, well, to stand in line in the hot sun in the case of the parks.

My Dad is still well known (and underappreciated) as the Cheapest Man in America. Therefore, we were allowed to drink as much water as we wished from the water fountains (you youngsters may need to google this concept this was before bottled water but after the racist separated fountain of the South circa 1980s) but there was no money to be spent on any soft drinks, frozen treats or food that we smelled at every turn.

Okay, back to my point; about lunch time we’d go back to the car in the parking lot and Mom would make the best Hot Dogs ever! How? Well the Ice Chest in the floorboard was full of cold drinks and condiments that perfectly accompanied the HOT Wieners and Soft Warm Buns that seemed to have steamed in the bag in our Texas / Oklahoma Sun. Those of us that have worked in the Food Service Industry will remember the Time/Temperature rule of >140` and 4 hours or less – remember to keep that package sealed until ready to serve.

Back during this time my Mom and many of her friends had taken to the trend of making Sun Brewed Tea. Do you remember that? Of course, the ladies of the time had the glass gallon jar complete with lid and printing “Sun Tea” on the outside in what I believe was yellow print with a Sun and probably some Lemon Slices.

My Mom, and her trendy friends were using Solar Ovens! That old car and it’s back window really was cookin’! This is the reason it’s not wise and illegal in many areas to leave persons or pets in cars. What’s more, it turns out that the labels we applied to our parents were incorrect. Dad is frugal and my Mom a Naturalist!!! Who knew? I still do this (go ahead. Call me a name. I know you want to). My parents were able to satisfy all of us and often times our cousins at a fraction of the cost the other parents were spending. And they did it with the resources they had at hand.

There are several Solar Ovens on the market (very expensive) and D.I.Y. videos online too. I’m pretty handy and enjoy cooking with a crockpot so I plan to investigate, research and write more on this idea soon. I enjoy eating as a past time and consider myself to be a Foodie so I believe that I am up to this challenge.

As you know, to be successful at camping, one needs to be able to use what is available, respect the camp grounds used and conserve precious space needed to get all supplies back after trip. With luck, there will be plenty of sun for your holiday and Solar Ovens will work even during a partly cloudy day. This may be a good means of conservation and to save space. Stay tuned.

Take A Hike!

Hiking and Camping go together like Ants and a Picnic and while in the Lake Texoma Area we have some suggestions for unique hiking experiences you and your family will remember for a lifetime.

There are hiking opportunities in most every state park and camp ground here but if your focus is on the local vegetation, wildlife and especially bird watching then we have a terrific suggestion for you. Grab your camera, lace up those hiking boots and head over to Hagerman Wildlife Refuge on Texas side or to Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

Of course, by the nature of a refuge, camping or glamping is not possible at these locations. That is not a reason to skip these amazing parks and the adventures they have to offer. Check out their websites to plan optimal timing for the migrating birds, blooming wild flowers or other seasonal happenings at the parks. They can both be found on our links page.

Don’t forget your cameras!!! It’s like hunting but much more humane – Catch and Release (and the photographical evidence to back up your “Fishin’ Story”).

What About The Ice Chest(s)?

It’s important to stay hydrated in our Lake Texoma heat. My friends and I enjoy a good cocktail or beer.  Most of our camping excursions occur in the summer time and the ice chest with beverages in it is opened and closed at great frequency.  This is the reason that I like to pack two chests. One strictly for food and the other for beverages.  I probably overstate myself on the subject of Food Safety but I wish to warn again to watch those temperatures and keep cold food as cold as possible!!!  While on the subject of Food – be sure and keep your meats and veggie separate to prevent cross-contamination.  Even while preparing food.  (I have and use Ceramic Knives for Veggies at home and on holiday.  Vegetables, especially Lettuce cut with these knives take longer before turning brown.  I love them so much they were my Christmas Gifts last year.  The ones I camp with came from Amazon and fold closed.  Be forewarned – while made of ceramics, these are knives they are sharp and they will cut you and your fingers as easily as a traditional knife.)

Plan ahead and refrigerate or freeze whatever you are taking on trip the night or a day before.  This will help to maintain temperatures once items are placed in your Ice Chest for the journey.  Don’t allow that food to thaw until you’ve decided it’s time.

Pay attention to your ice too.  The more surface area an object has the quicker it will absorb heat.  We suggest that you fill gallon jugs half or ¾ full (allowing for expansion) and freeze them, they will keep your Foodstuffs colder longer as they take longer to melt than smaller pieces in bagged Ice.  This will also hold the melted Ice (water) and prevent it from getting items in your Ice Chest wet.  A Tip: Food also cooks faster when in smaller pieces for the same reason , more surface area.

Condiments are almost a necessity.  Mustard is a good choice because its acidity helps prevent it from spoiling.  Yellow Mustard is even sometimes called “Table Mustard”.  Ketchup, Mayonnaise and Salad Dressings should be handled and used with care.  Be sure and keep these items as cold as possible as long as possible.   Keep an eye on Food Using these things as an ingredient too.  I have no doubt that everyone loves your Potato Salad and I’m just as sure that they would prefer their Botulism from a Plastic Surgeon…

Frugally Fabulous

Glamping is a state of mind and all about comfort and style. When camping space is at a premium. All equipment should be compact for transport and serve more than one purpose or use. If carrying on one’s person then being lightweight is as important as space.  Think Swiss Army Knives and those Multi-tool Pliers as we explore some other items with dual purposes.

As I write this I’m setting on a bench seat – well, you might see an Ice Chest if you were here. But this is Glamping and my bench seat is padded with a shaggy chair cushion. Come dinner time it will become a Food Preservation Unit - an Ice Chest, as I open it to prepare a meal.

Those Nightstand over there are nice and get many compliments. They are actually just wood boxes made of old pallets that carry many of our supplies for our camping excursions during transport and storage. What’s more, my other plastic containers stack into one another as do their lids.

Romance, Wedding, Slumber Party or a Staycation

Staycation, a portmanteau of "stay" and "vacation" is a wonderful option for families to reap the benefits of a vacation while limiting the time and expense of travel. Glamping can fit perfectly with this concept.

Whether your interest in a staycation is due to budget, time restrains or health concerns, a Glamping Texoma Tent can be an exciting option to enjoy some local attraction here in Texoma while staying close to home. Camping is an excellent means of bonding as families spend time together and enjoy the outdoors.

We spend so much time and money on our landscaping and backyards why not take advantage of the fruits of our labors with an evening or two right in the middle of it. How exciting for the kids to spend evening or host a slumber party all the while under your supervision? How about a romantic dinner and evening under the stars for you?

While on the subject of romance; Is there a wedding in your future?  Glamping Texoma’s Tents are a perfect addition for an outdoor wedding! Accompanied with banquet tent(s) for ceremony and / or reception, our tents can be used as kick off venue for a memorable honeymoon and even a roomy dressing room for bride and her bridal party during the festivities.

Have guest coming but not the room? A Glamping Rig isn’t just a tent in the backyard, but a stylish temporary room heavy enough to add climate control. These arrangements will be closer than a hotel, accommodations more personal and memorable experience for young and old.  Click here to get more information about this temporary guest house to be placed on your lot.

Hey Lady! Don't Forget The Juice Box.

My friends and I can be Wine snobs. Even after 25+ years bartending and enjoying wines from all over I still find myself looking down at a box of wine. This is foolish on my part as box wine has really come into its own and there are even some brand winning award against their corked bottle counterparts. I’m not here to endorse any product but my own. The brand I’m thinking of is Black Box and it has won an impressive number of awards. I have yet to try this wine, but no doubt will soon.

Open boxed wine can last six to eight weeks, and even longer if you keep it in the refrigerator. How long can you store an open bottle of red wine? Maybe 5 days. Not only does the plastic bib seal better than its glass counterpart, it’s also environmentally friendly.

Did you know that Denison, TX and one of her citizens, T. V. Munson had a part in Wine History? It’s an interesting story and a good excuse for a wine tasting excursion for some research… Check out our links page to start your planning.