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Ranch at Emerald Valley: A Gem in the Mountains

The Broadmoor Resort and Spa is known for its 5-Star, 5-Diamond status, so when a glamping opportunity is available through the world-renowned resort, guests know they are in for a treat. Located 40 minutes from the Colorado Springs haven via private transfer, the Ranch at Emerald Valley is a luxury lodging opportunity set in a serene mountain environment high in the Colorado foothills.

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Originally a logging operation and then an exclusive fishing camp, the historic grounds have been re-purposed for the Ranch at Emerald Valley. Offering private log cabins complete with wood-burning fireplaces, heated floors and bathrooms that are not only chic but rustically charming, the ranch is primed for a luxury stay akin to the Broadmoor. Two central, stocked fishing ponds are ideal for idling away the afternoon, with gourmet chefs on-hand to cook your catch of several varieties of trout or help release back into the stream-fed waters.

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Wild raspberries appear throughout the property in season, ripe for picking they are the most organic, natural fruit you may ever have. Nibbling a few on my hike up the Emerald Valley Pipeline Trail, we passed towering aspen groves, crystal clear mountain streams, and a historic cabin fireplace that make for a wonderful and scenic hike steps from the central camp. Horseback riding is also available from the stables and knowledgeable guides speak of the history and ecology of the local area.

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Back at camp, the Olde Swan Tavern bar is a perfect place to grab a cocktail or glass of wine to take to the outdoor deck overlooking the fishing pond. Better yet- the fireplaced gazebo overlooking the lower pond as the sun sets over the valley with nearby two outdoor Jacuzzis. Attentive Broadmoor staff, for which the resort is known, are perfectly placed around the property; attentive but not overbearing, warm and welcoming without being a nuisance. Archery, horseshoes, canoeing and board games are also available as entertainment at Emerald Valley Ranch, where cellphone reception is sparse at best and fairly non-existent for the time being. A welcome respite from the day-to-day phone calls, texts, and social media-alerts via phone, WiFi is available on property so techies are not completely cut off from the digital world.

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Meals are one of the highlights at the Ranch at Emerald Valley. Treated to a scrumptious breakfast, light but tasteful buffet lunch and several course dinner, the culinary experience at Broadmoor delights throughout their property, even in the middle of the 100,000 acres of Pike National Forest in which the lodge is set. Utilizing local ingredients and approachable game recipes, sommelier suggestions made our meal even more delicious with perfectly paired wines with succulent offerings such as Wagyu beef ribeye, Colorado Lamb medallions and other seasonal fare. Save room for pre- and post-dessert nibbles as well. A ramekin of fresh blueberry compote over a bite of creamy panna cotta before receiving a sizzling skillet of fresh Palisade Peach cobbler with creamy ice cream, finished with house-made hazelnut truffles as a post-meal finish was delightful, if filling. I had to pass on the campfire s’mores…

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Lodging at the Ranch at Emerald Valley is exceptional, the ten cabins on property unique and full of character. The cozy bungalows are free of television; fireside lounges and legendary Broadmoor beds make for a luxury in-room camping experience. Pre-prepared logs in the fireplace beg to be lit for an aroma that will fill the room with fresh pine and mountain air as the sound of the cascading water feature on property seeps through the windows. Thoughtful touches, such as the horseshoe-material door pulls and historic western art pieces only enhance the look and feel of the property. Starlit skies and the feeling of being “away from it all” comingle with the well-kept greenbelts and splashes of wildflowers on property. Thick forests, fresh mountain breezes, and chattering squirrels allow for a relaxing, nature-filled summer vacation spot in the mountains.

To book your reservations at the Ranch at Emerald Valley, visit www.broadmoor.com/EmeraldValleyRanch. From visiting with guests around the Main Lodge firepit to exploring the surrounding wilderness, the Ranch at Emerald Valley is a beautiful glamping experience to be had in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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Last Night & Morning at the Santa Barbara Auto Camp

I think it’s worth mentioning that the Airstreams are comfortable, but not particularly spacious– not surprising considering they are mobile homes.  They are best if used as a fun home base to explore the area, and the Auto Camp’s location makes that easy to do. After feeding Scarlet, we drove down to Sterns Wharf to watch the sunset. It’s a quick drive and with State Street so close, it’s easy to to get the lay of the land here in Santa Barbara.

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Then I headed to The Lark, a restaurant I had been hearing about, to meet a friend for dinner. The Valet parked the car in the lot so that he could keep an eye on Scarlet for me. After catching up with my friend over dinner, Scarlet and I headed back to the Camp. Between the day’s beach exploration and the groomer’s Scarlet was exhausted and made it clear she was ready for bed. I had wanted to check out the Uptown Lounge on State Street, which has an open mic night on Tuesdays, but I couldn’t bear to leave Scarlet. We sleep soundly.

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I woke up to beautiful pink skies the next morning, and even saw a rainbow over the Auto Camp. I ate the vegan Santa Barbara protein bar out of the goodie box for breakfast. With a big rain storm expected, I decided to pack up the car so Scarlet and I hit the road early to head back to L.A.. We had a great time at the Auto Camp and very much enjoyed our Southern California glamping adventure.

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I was impressed with how well everything worked at the Santa Barbara Auto Camp and the value for money. It’s a fun and funky change of pace and worth checking out for a a couple of days.

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First Night at the Santa Barbara Auto Camp

Since I had my dog, Scarlet, with me during my stay at the Santa Barbara Auto Camp, riding one of the beach cruisers that came with my Airstream to the beach wasn’t an option for me during my stay, but it would be an easy ride 3 1/2 mile ride and the area is very bicycle friendly. Instead we drove to the Santa Barbara Yacht Club to to watch the sunset on the beach. It was lovely, and so many of the public lots in the area have free parking for an hour or 90 minutes, which is a refreshing change from Los Angeles.

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When we returned to the Auto Camp, I fed Scarlet dinner and we wandered down the street towards the delicious BBQ aroma that was wafting towards our Airstream. It was coming from the Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch, which I had read about in the Auto Camp Neighborhood Favorites guide. It said that the BBQ chicken and Tri-tip with Mexican flair were a favorite among the locals, so I decided to give it go. The 1/2 chicken plate had 4 pieces of BBQ chicken and was served with rice, beans and tortillas and was under $10. I ate on the patio, so Scarlet could be with me.

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Afterwards we took a walk through the funky neighborhood and peaked into the windows at some of the nearby shops on De La Vina street. Jedlicka’s Western Wear looked particularly interesting. When we got back to camp, Scarlet and I cuddled on the fluffy bed while I tried using the Satellite TV, and found it  to be user friendly. Since the compact kitchen had all the basic necessities like glasses and a bottle opener, I was able to enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir I had bought at a local bottle shop.

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I had been concerned that the Airstream would get cold at night when the temperatures dipped, but the two wall heating units kept us nice and toasty. The sheets were soft and the duvet cover was simple and luxurious and we got a good night’s sleep.

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