Firelight Camps ♥ 1150 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY (607) 229-1644
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If you ever wanted to get away from it all but not have to rough it, Firelight Camps has your answer. Glamping. Glamorous camping. This my friends is talking my language.
Safari Tents with private balconies and plush bedding on real beds is where you can commune with nature and get away from your daily stresses and enjoy being with nature without the downside of camping such as bugs, or sleeping on the ground.
I fell in love with this place the moment I saw their website and knew I had to see Firelight Camps for myself. First impressions are important and the reception tent drew me in. The outdoor Safari-esque room set the scene offering a gathering space with everything you might need including a bar that offers Finger Lakes wine, beer, and craft cocktails, and an outdoor lounge artfully surrounded by lanterns.
Photo ©Bitches Who Brunch
Photo ©Allison Usavage
The tented lobby also has wifi, a water station to fill your canteen, charging station, and a Camp Host to answer your questions and guide you to the great amenities in town or at the nearby resort which has John Thomas Steakhouse and August Moon Spa. A nightly campfire sparks at dusk, and the Camp Store offers homemade s’mores as well as local Finger Lakes products for snacks and happy hour nibbles. You are also encouraged to bring your own picnic and enjoy Finger Lakes products found on your travels. In the morning, a complimentary continental breakfast of locally sourced foods is provided between 7:30am and 10am.
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Are you feeling relaxed already?
Each tent has its own private balcony.
As you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed the camping meets luxury experience.
Glamping means hot showers, and the bath house is a minute walk away with flushing toilets, full length mirrors and hair dryers, so you can look and feel fresh for your adventures. None of that roughing it stuff in this area. Glamping is like staying in a high end hotel out in nature.
One of the larger tents. Photo ©Andy Noyes
A Campfire sparks at dusk when a complimentary tasting awaits you at the bar. Photo © Allison Usavage
Don’t forget to visit some of the gorgeous areas surrounding Ithaca. A little hike will let you enjoy those s’mores just a little bit more!
Ithaca’s Taughannock Overlook, one of the 150 waterfalls in a 10 mile radius
This article wouldn’t be complete without some information about the owners. Anyone who dreams up this fantastic idea and makes it a reality has to be interesting. I was pleased and intrigued to learn more about co-owners Emma and Robert Frisch. They co-founded and co-owned a boutique hostel and restaurant in Nicaragua called “La Buena Onda.” The couple decided to bring the Glamping idea back to the States and chose beautiful Ithaca, NY. Robert attended grad school at Cornell so was familiar with the beauty, waterfalls, culture and community. Both are world travelers (Nicaragua, Kenya and Ecuador were mentioned as places they lived or volunteered), and their business philosophy is for the Glamping experience to awaken appreciation for nature, inspire adventure and deepen connection with family, friends and community. Emma was a top finalist on Food Network Star season 10, and is the culinary director at Firelight Camps. She embraces local seasonal ingredients and has a food blog with over 500 recipes, Emma’s Kitchen. Want to know more about this interesting couple and Firelight Camps? Check out the video below.
When you arrive at Firelight Camps, you feel and see the love and passion behind it.
Amy Riposo, A-List Editor
Read the full list of area Top Places To Keep Your Spirit Alive
