It’s been a whirlwind of a week.
This is probably the busiest time of the year for us as we ramp up efforts to develop glampgrounds across the country, and the past several days had me traveling through a total of eight states (counting airport layovers, because why not?).
But in all seriousness, this trip was all about visiting three potential Ferncrest franchise locations and meeting with our prefab manufacturer—who is going to play a key role in building and scaling our glamping structures.
Stop 1: Nebraska – 44 Acres of Natural Beauty (and a Few Challenges)
My first stop was a stunning 44-acre property in the heart of Nebraska. Rolling hills, towering cottonwood trees, a river winding through the land, and a crystal-clear pond—it was shockingly beautiful.
But, like any development project, there are challenges. This particular property has some floodplain issues that we’ll need to navigate.
The key lesson here?
No property is perfect, especially when you’re working within a budget. Land like this, which might not be ideal for residential development due to flooding risks, can actually be a perfect fit for a glampground—offering affordability, natural beauty, and access to nature.
Stop 2: Wisconsin – The Driftless Region & a Circus Legacy
Next up: Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.
If you’ve never been, this area has some of the oldest rock formations on earth, creating a landscape of rolling hills that you wouldn’t expect in the Midwest. I never knew this, but it was pretty neat to learn about and see!
The site for this potential Ferncrest is located near a small town with a fascinating history—it’s where the Ringling Brothers circus started, so the entire town carries that quirky, entertaining legacy.
This property is the perfect example of a site that blends two key glamping advantages: proximity to a town with character and activities, and stunning natural beauty. Just a short distance away, there’s an incredible state park, making this location a best-of-both-worlds scenario for future guests.
Stop 3: Michigan – Lakefront Dreams and Zoning Hurdles
The last stop was Michigan, where I visited a 13-acre lakefront property.
This site is currently going through the zoning process, led by a talented and thoughtful developer who has long dreamed of creating additional income streams and a long-term cash-flowing asset like a glampground.
Sometimes, navigating townships isn’t easy, and this project has been in the works for a while. Hopefully, we’ll get good news in the next few weeks.
Stop 4: Pine’s Prefab Manufacturing Facility
Last but not least I stopped to visit Justin and Natasha from Pine – an innovative prefab manufacturer we are working closely with on the next generation of the Ferncrest experience.
We’ve got some AMAZING structures coming out that we designed in collaboration with them.
Prefabricating structures and delivering them fully built to our campgrounds can save 30%+ in time and money, making it a no-brainer to utilize as we grow our business.
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All of these locations are potential future Ferncrest franchise sites, and while I’m not ready to share all the details just yet, this trip was an incredible opportunity to get closer to both the people and the land that we’re working with.
This is a major moment in our company’s history.
We are actively building Ferncrest into the leading glamping brand in the country.
And what makes it even more special is the people we are partnering with—passionate, caring entrepreneurs who want to own their own glampgrounds but also want the support of a strong network. It’s humbling to have people choose to work with us, and it’s on us to make sure we deliver on our end of the bargain to guide and support them on this journey.
Side Notes from the Road
- I ran out of gas for the first time ever. Yes, I was that guy stranded in a rental car on a highway in Indiana during rush hour. Not my proudest moment.
- Small-town mayors are the best. Meeting local leaders who are excited about these projects is always a highlight of these trips.
- Five days, endless inspiration. There’s something about being on the ground, seeing the land, and meeting the people that makes this all feel real.
Now, I’m heading home to recharge—but not for long. The work continues, and I can’t wait to share what’s coming next.
Happy Glamping,
Brian
