Trade the noise for a night sky and the constant scroll for a deck of cards. We sit with Wendi Kribs, co-owner of Gorgeous Stays near Bryson City, to unpack how a glamping campground can deliver the comforts of home without the distractions—and why that balance changes how people connect. From rustic tent platforms and safari tents to yurts, tiny homes, a shipping container, and even renovated buses, Wendi shares how they built a choose-your-own-adventure experience that fits families, Appalachian Trail hikers, and curious travelers who crave both nature and cleanliness.
What makes this story different is the heartbeat behind the business. After years in Michigan—her husband as a chiropractor—they moved to Western North Carolina and discovered a property that mirrored their dream on paper and in spirit. They bought it and reshaped their routines: early morning and evening work, play in the middle of the day, and a porch that sometimes doubles as a pop-up chiropractic office. Layered into that is a candid look at parenting a son with special needs, the decision to avoid passing each other in the driveway, and the choice to build a life where everyone has a role and a place at the table.
We walk through what guests can expect: a welcoming community lodge for shared meals, pool, darts, guitar jams, and game-day moments; a thoughtfully stocked bathhouse with hot showers, towels, and toiletries; and units designed to deliver hot coffee, fluffy pillows, and a good night’s sleep before you step back into the trees. Wendi also talks about serving hikers in season, meeting families where they are, and answering the “gazillion” glamping questions personally so guests land in the right space from the start.
If you’ve ever wondered whether glamping is too fancy or not comfortable enough, this conversation clears the fog and offers real-world examples of how flexible, human-centered hospitality works. Subscribe for more neighbor-to-neighbor stories, share this episode with a friend who needs a mountain reset, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.