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MC Fireside Chats, an Outdoor Hospitality PodcastOutdoor Hospitality News/Commentary for Campground, RV park, and Glamping business owners Author: Modern Campground LLC
Join Brian Searl as we discuss important topics and recent news from the outdoor hospitality industry. Our weekly episodes will feature guests ranging from campground owners to companies that provide products/services, and much more. Language: en Genres: Business, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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MC Fireside Chats - September 10th, 2025
Wednesday, 10 September, 2025
On September 10, 2025, MC Fireside Chats was guest-hosted by Zach Stoltenberg, Associate Principal of Architecture at LJA, as Brian Searl was out for the week. The episode featured a discussion on glamping and outdoor hospitality, with special guests including Kelly Jones, Vice President of Operations for Great Escapes RV Resorts; Jayne Cohen from Campground Consulting Group and Glamping Consulting Group; Dawn Farnworth, co-owner of By the Wye glampsite in Wales, UK; and Chang Liang, managing partner at Collective Acre, which operates two glamping resorts in TexasThe show kicked off with a discussion on what's new in the industry. Dawn Farnworth noted a growing trend in Wales and the UK for guests to "escape the tech world," seeking experiences that allow them to switch off and disconnect from Wi-Fi. The conversation also touched on upcoming events, with Kelly Jones mentioning her plans to attend several conferences, including the Jellystone Park Symposium, OHI, KOA conference, and COE. Zach Stoltenberg also plans to attend the KOA and COE conferences, while Jayne Cohen mentioned two of her associates would be at the US Glamping Show.Dawn Farnworth then shared details about her glampsite, By the Wye, located in Hay-on-Wye, Wales. The site, which started as a project during the COVID-19 lockdown, features five safari tents on a 10-acre woodland property. The tents are built on platforms elevated 14 to 15 feet off the ground, placing guests in the tree canopy for a unique, nature-based experience. The site is fully sustainable, with no electricity or Wi-Fi, running entirely on solar power. The furniture is crafted from local wood, including salvaged oak from trees affected by ash dieback.A key aspect of the By the Wye experience is the balance between rustic camping and high-end amenities. The tents are equipped with full en-suite bathrooms and kitchens, providing a "hotel experience in a tent". Farnworth emphasized the importance of this, noting that it brings back guests who might be deterred by a more primitive "muddy tent in a field" camping experience. The site caters to both couples and families, with one tent designated as a "romantic" couples' tent and the other four for families.The discussion moved on to the importance of ancillary revenue and the guest experience. Dawn Farnworth talked about the "hampers" offered at By the Wye, which are baskets of local produce, chocolates, and other items. Guests receive a complimentary hamper upon arrival, and additional, more elaborate hampers can be purchased in advance. Kelly Jones shared a similar concept from Great Escapes RV Resorts, which offers "barkuterie boards" for dogs and "fun in the sun" packages with beach towels and sunglasses, demonstrating that add-ons don't have to be food-related.The show then transitioned to Chang Liang, who discussed Collective Acre's two resorts in Texas: Moon River Ranch and Camp QYB. Moon River Ranch is a 550-acre glamping resort with a safari animal theme, home to over 600 wild animals. The resort is strategically located between major cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin, making it a popular destination for family gatherings, weddings, and corporate events. It offers a "full ranch takeover" package that includes all accommodations and activities, such as skeet shooting, archery, axe throwing, and kayak excursions.Camp QYB, Collective Acre's second resort, is a 40-acre lakefront property north of Dallas. It serves as a testing ground for different lodging types, including cabins, wagons, and "Area 51 vessels". The site also features 50 RV sites for guests who prefer to bring their own trailers. Liang highlighted that both resorts focus on events and a diverse range of activities, such as a "luxury glamping picnic...
