During the summer, when temperatures frequently rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Quartzsite, Arizona is a virtual ghost town. It's in winter that this city grows beyond all imagination as thousands of RVing snowbirds flock here. The city hosts an unending parade of rock, craft and travel shows from December through March. A Long Term Visitor Area (LVTA), free Bureau of Land management areas and commercial campgrounds offer camping options at all levels of comfort.
Commercial RV Parks
Quartzsite is home to numerous RV parks. The Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce website lists over 20 parks, some of which, such as the B-10, are in the middle of downtown. Others, such as the Tyson's Well seasonal RV park on Kuehn Road, are part of wider businesses, such as the Sellarama, Tyson's Well's flea market. Facilities in Quartzsite range from a patch of gravel with hookups to full-service trailer parks. It's possible to find parks that allow pets and parks that decline them, downtown camping and places off the beaten track, and weekly and monthly rates.
As we embrace the warm days of summer, one cannot help but think of things like grilling, hiking, swimming in local lakes and rivers, and of course, camping. I grew up camping every year in the shadow of Mount Hood (I’m from Oregon originally), and so it has always held a special place in my heart. I can remember so many years worth of incredible memories- some involving 50-60 people coming up to the mountain at a time! In fact, many of my absolute-most-favorite memories from when I was young are centered around my family’s many camping adventures. Although we slept in tents and ate by the campfire, I like to think that my family was a bit crazy and unconventional when it comes to camping. You see, it was not unusual to have a hot tub in our site, or even a stand up arcade game or pinball machine attached to a buzzing generator. All the neighboring campers were always in awe of our site, and often would come ask to play these games, or even jump in our hot tub. In more recent years, we had a floating dock that we would anchor off shore, and would literally become party central as it contained built-in coolers, benches, and a slide (which you slid right into the water from). We flew pirate flags from it, and paddled to and from it from our campsite in small boats and floating toys. Needless to say, my childhood was amazing and those same types of experiences will inevitably be passed onto my children.
Recently, I saw a book in a gift shop about “glamping”- or “glamorous camping”- and being the camper that I am, I was instantly intrigued. While I’m sure many HaveHeart readers are familiar with the concept, let me explain to those who (like me) are not… Urban Dictionary defines “glamping” as: “shorthand for glamorous camping; luxury camping– I aint’ sleepin’ in no tent! For real, I’m going glamping.” Why in theeee world am I just now learning about this?!? Where was this concept all those years when I was sleeping on the hard ground with rocks in my back? Where was this idea when I was reading books by candle light or even straddling the toilet seat in an outhouse that smelled of, well… you get the picture… I clearly have been missing out.
A quick Pinterest check of the term glamping produces nothing short of a myriad of colorful images, how-to’s, and even dress codes (because really, why sit around a campfire in ripped cutoff jeans and a t-shirt when you can wear long flowy skirts and cowboy boots?). Google images for glamping yields the same thing; beautiful homemade tents with flowing white linens making up the sides, real beds inside, furs, string lights, lanterns (and not the plastic ones you have to smack to make them work), night stands, and even little refrigerators adorn these spaces that seriously look like something straight out of HGTV. There are even special glamping recipes (apparently hot dogs and generic marshmallows are for amateurs these days). When I first started researching this idea, I was in total shock… a beautiful, blissful, omg kind of shock- where in the world have I been? How did I not know about this? Well, I do now, and I can say (with a certainty that I have never known before) that I will absolutely be trying my hand at glamping in the near future! Now don’t get me wrong, there is something inherent about sleeping in a tent under the stars that makes me so incredibly happy- I grew up drinking iced tea out of jugs and boiling crayfish (which we caught) on the propane stove, and I am certainly not above it- but to infuse a little bit of glamour into camping…? Sold.
Glamping can be anything from sleeping in tents, staying in vintage trailers (think pop ups, tow-behind small ones, or even airstreams), or even yurts or already built structures- the main concept is that you’re trading a little bit of dirt and grime for a little bit of bling or comfort. Food becomes chef-like concoctions, drinks look like something you’d see at a fancy party (no red solo cups here!), and bedding goes from your crappy old flannel sleeping bag, to fluffy down comforters and pillows. Literally, the creative person in me is squealing right now just thinking of the possibilities…
Inspired by the vast amount of glamping literature I have found, I am going to share with you some ideas I have come across, including some locations for you to truly discover your inner glamper.
We will start with some glamp-appropriate food:
shellfish (fresh oysters sound amazing right now…)
home-baked bread
lots and lots of wine and/or champagne
fresh greens
artisan cheeses
lots and LOTS of chocolate (homemade truffles anyone?)
foil meals (make ahead of time-cook on the fire until ready)
homemade gourmet marshmallows (think different flavors like coconut, coffee, or even marshmallow s’more pops)
glamp-friendly coffee drinks (think iced caramel macchiatos and mochas from mason jars)- no instant Folgers here!
Next, we will look at glamp-friendly dwellings:
real beds (no thank you air mattress with the slight leak, which will inevitably leave me laying on the hard ground when I wake up)
furs (faux, of course- no need to attract wildlife with the smell of a potential meal)
beautiful, beautiful lighting (string lights, paper lanterns, candles (we’re not talking citronella here…)
rugs
chalkboards (think the pretty ones with frames) to pass along daily activities, meal plans, etc. with your fellow campers
Basically anything that you would like in your perfect space- outside. There are no rules… If you like glimmer, bring it. If you like bling, bring it. Pearls? Sure. Vintage artwork? Really, why not?
Glamping locations (clearly not exhaustive, but rather a few options for your consideration):
Treebones, location: Big Sur, California- located in the Los Padres National Forest. The campground resort is best known for its furnished yurts — tent-like circular fabric structures with wood lattice frames. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make like a bird and stay in one of the “human nests.” Amenities include restaurant dining, a heated ocean-view pool and hot tub, and spa services.
Pretty Vacant Properties, location: Joshua Tree National Park- Acido Dorado and Rosa Muerta — two vacation rental sites from Pretty Vacant Properties. Here the hefty price tag is more about the architecture and less about turn-down service. While it’s hard to adequately describe the structures, there is something incredibly theatrical (and stunning) about seeing these pavilion-like homes in the stark desert landscape.Amenities? It’s all about the building, baby — gold-mirrored ceilings, private atriums, and glass walls are just a few of the features of each house. The fire pits, reflecting pools, and sort of outside-while-inside feel don’t hurt either.
The Resort at Paws-Up, location: Montana- A 37,000-acre getaway that epitomizes glamping. There are staff on hand to build a fire, whip up a rustic (but five-star-quality) campground meal, or adjust the heat in any of the luxurious furnished tents. Horseback riding, fly fishing, and river rafting are just a few of the activities you can enjoy. Amenities include pretty much everything. Chances are if you want it, they’ve got it.
Costanoa, location: California- It seems like if you throw a rock along Highway 1 in California you’re bound to hit some sort of upscale camping spot. Besides a main lodge and cabins, Costanoa also has furnished tent bungalows to give you that roughing-it feel. Amenities include spa services, restaurant dining, and yoga classes.
El Capitan Canyon, location: Santa Barbara, California- Situated in groves of oak and sycamore trees along El Capitan Creek in Santa Barbara is El Capitan Canyon — a group of cedar cabins, yurts, and safari tents catering to the “luxury camper.” If you aren’t convinced that glamping is really for you, El Capitan Canyon is good middle ground. The safari tents have outdoor picnic tables, a grill and firepit, as well as a shared shower facility. Amenities include spa services, a heated pool, and Saturday night barbecues and concerts in the summer.
Even if you would rather create your own glamping space, or prefer to glamp from your old volkswagon van, it is obvious that this trend is here to stay. Camping seems as if it is no longer for the “rough it” kind of people only, but rather inclusive of those who may just want a little bit more than hamburgers and potato salad. Seriously, there are countless blogs which include maps of glamping areas (throughout the US), special glamping recipes (artisan pizzas do sound pretty good cooked over a firepit, don’t they?), tips for being super organized, and literally thousands of photos of Pinterest-worthy glamp sites.
So instead of opting for the usual routine this summer, why don’t you branch out a little bit and try to incorporate some glam into your camping adventure? Who knows, maybe you’ll even run into me… Just don’t have a prettier glamp site than I do.
RV Camp in Quartzsite Arizona - Propane and Dumping
Rose RV Park
A Full Service RVPark
Short Walk to the shows
Easy In, Easy Out
We are friendly to pets and ATV’s
Features:
Full Hookups
Dry Camping
Propane
Water stations
Dump stations
Walking distance to main events
RV’ers Haven Quartzsite RV Park Book Early
If you are cruising the great southwest come and spend some time in
Quartszite, AZ at Rose RV Park. Rose RV Park is located at 600 E. Kuehn
St. We have just installed brand new RV pads with full hook-ups, we also
have acres and acres for RV dry camping and tent camping. Here at Rose
RV Park we have installed 4 full service waste dump stations 16 filtered
water stations, and a propane fill station. It’s everything you need in
one quiet spot.
http://www.quartzsiteroservpark.com Call 405-306-2309 to make your reservations today. RV Camp in Quartzsite Arizona | Quartzsite Arizona RV Camp. Get your Site today. Rose RV Park
Rose RV Park A Full Service RVPark Short Walk to the shows Easy In, Easy Out We are friendly to pets and ATV’s
RV Camping in Quartzsite Arizona
http://www.quartzsiteroservpark.com Call 405-306-2309 to make your reservations today. RV Camp in Quartzsite Arizona | Quartzsite Arizona RV Camp. Full Hookups
Dry Camping
Propane
Water stations
Dump stations
Walking distance to main events
RV’ers Haven
Quartzsite RV Park
Book Early
If you are cruising the great southwest come and spend some time in Quartszite, AZ at Rose RV Park. Rose RV Park is located at 600 E. Kuehn St. We have just installed brand new RV pads with full hook-ups, we also have acres and acres for RV dry camping and tent camping. Here at Rose RV Park we have installed 4 full service waste dump stations 16 filtered water stations, and a propane fill station. It’s everything you need in one quiet spot.
video: https://youtu.be/gJSjmpsd8hM
website: http://www.quartzsiteroservpark.com
RV Land For Sale - Quartzsite, Arizona - Rose RV Park
Walking distant to Big Shows. It is a full service RV Park. It has 4 RV Dump stations and 16 water stations. For all RV’s, and a propane truck for propane. It also make deliveries to nearby properties. It is on 5 Acre with 87 spaces, an office building, tool shed with washer & dryer for employees, restrooms for employees and storage shed. Includes computer program for booking reservations. learn more at: http://rvlandsale.com/
If you are cruising the great southwest come and spend some time in
Quartzsite, AZ at Rose RV Park. Rose RV Park is located at 600 E. Kuehn
St. We have just installed brand new RV pads with full hook-ups, we also
have acres and acres for RV dry camping and tent camping. Here at Rose
RV Park we have installed 4 full service waste dump stations 16 filtered
water stations, and a propane fill station. It’s everything you need in
one quiet spot. http://www.quartzsiteroservpark.com Call 405-306-2309 to make your reservations today. RV Camp in Quartzsite Arizona | Quartzsite Arizona RV Camp
Flagstaff Arts Council announces Local Color 2016, a biennial exhibition at the Coconino Center for the Arts. The exhibition will feature a diverse range of styles and media from local artists, including ceramics, paintings, sculpture, large murals, and more. Also featured in the Jewel Gallery is Before the Myth Makers, a new exhibition of paintings by Flagstaff artist David Lash. The member’s reception takes place on Saturday, April 16, 6–8pm. A Public Opening Reception will take place on Saturday, April 23, 6–8pm.
The Coconino Center for the Arts is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. More information on the exhibition can be found at flagartscouncil.org or by calling (928) 779-2300.
Mary Poppins- Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA), announces their upcoming production of Mary Poppins, a practically perfect musical that is capturing hearts in a whole new way! Performances take place Thursday – Sunday, April 28 – May 8, 2016 at Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem, AZ 85086. Times vary, so please see website for details. Tickets may be purchased online at www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org. Adult tickets are $19 and Students, Seniors and Children 12 and under are $16. Disney's Mary Poppins is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: (212) 541-4684 Fax: (212) 397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
Scottsdale - Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
A Salute to Cowboy Artists of America and a Patron: 50 Years of Amazing Contributions to the American West - Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, a retrospective exhibition featuring one artwork by every artist who has ever been a member of the Cowboy Artists of America, pays tribute to the 77 CAA artists and prominent Arizona leader Eddie Basha, who is a CAA Honorary Member in Memoriam, $8-13, 480-686-9539 orhttp://scottsdalemuseumwest.org
Bruce Munro: Sonoran Light - Desert Botanical Garden, showcases eight large-scale light-based installations using an inventive array of materials, and hundreds of miles of glowing fiber optic, located throughout the Garden, Munro’s site specific exhibition will reflect his unique interpretation of the wonderful flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert landscape, $12.50-30, 480-481-8188 or http://www.dbg.org
Personal Journeys: American Indian Landscapes - Heard Museum, explores the unique relationship American Indians have with land and how it has been expressed in art, also explores the connection to and loss of land, $7.50-18, 6022-252-8848 or http://heard.org
Desertscapes: Narrative Landscape Photography by Wayne Norton - Pueblo Grand Museum, photographer Wayne Norton describes this exhibit of black and white landscape photographs as a portrait of the American desert, through which he wishes "to question Man's treatment of the desert and our existence there..." $6, 602-495-0901 or http://www.pueblogrande.com
Stradivarius: Origins and Legacy of the Greatest Violin Maker - Musical Instrument Museum, This special exhibition will introduce the story of how early violin makers from the modest Italian city of Cremona shaped global music from the 16th century onward. Explores how the workshops of the Amati, Guarneri and Stadivari families produced and perfected the look and sound of instruments in the string family, http://mim.org/
Glengarry Glen Ross - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, an office full of real estate salesmen are given the news that all but two will be fired at the end of the week, the atmosphere begins to heat up, Shelly Leven, does everything in his power to get better leads from his boss, but to no avail, when his coworker comes up with a plan to steal the leads, things get complicated for the tough-talking salesmen, an Actor's Cafe Production, $25, 7:30 & 2 pm, http://desertstages.org/
The Diary of Anne Frank - Hale Theatre, this lovely, tender drama is based on true events, Anne Frank is a Jewish girl in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam in World War II, she, along with seven others, survive for two years in the sealed–off upper rooms of the annex of her father’s office building in Amsterdam, a story of courage, hope, and the triumph of the human spirit, $18-28, 480-497-1181 or https://www.haletheatrearizona.com
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas - Arizona Broadway Theatre, it’s the late 1970s and the happy-go-lucky town of Gilbert, Texas has just been put on the map when a crusading television reporter aims his camera at a favorite, local “destination” – The Chicken Ranch, frequented by governors, senators, mayors and victorious college football teams for more than a century, the town is now faced with recounting the good times as they struggle with the demise of their best pleasure palace, a charming, lively and genial show, 623-776-8400 or http://azbroadway.org/
Spring Migration Bird Tours - Southwestern Research Station, concentrates on spring migration and endemic birds of the Sky Islands, you may see more passage migrants such as Hermit Warbler, Townsend's Warbler and Cassin's Vireo, 520-558-2396 orhttp://research.amnh.org/swrs/visitor/package-tours
9 to 5 the Musical - Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, Violet, Judy and Doralee have had it with their egotistical boss and create a wild fantasy where they give him the boot, when a coworker overhears the ladies talking about their fantasy in the restroom they are forced to take action, while the boss remains "out of pocket," the ladies take control of the company and improve the workplace for all, a Mainstage Productions, $15, 7:30 & 2 pm, http://desertstages.org/
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - Arizona Broadway Theatre, laugh and sing along with Alexander’s misadventures in this hilarious musical based on the wildly popular children’s book by Judith Viorst, discover, along with Alexander, that sometimes everyone has a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, 623-776-8400 orhttp://azbroadway.org/
Pete, Or the Return of Peter Pan - World Premiere - Tempe Center for the Arts, Wendy has grown up hearing of adventures in Neverland, she never really believed until Peter Pan arrives with fairy dust and she and her brother find them-selves in the greatest adventures of their lives, Wendy jumps into a world of pirates, fairies, ninjas and pterodactyls finding firsthand what it really means to BELIEVE, magical new play celebrates founder David Saar's last production as Childsplay's artistic director, written by incoming artistic director, Dwayne Hartford, for ages 6 and up, http://childsplayaz.org
Inspiration to Creation: The Hidden Life Behind Bronze – Phippen Museum, featuring an amazing collection images of Western sculptors by artist and bronze specialist Erik Petersen and his professional photographer cousin, Willie Petersen, $5-7, 928-778-1385 orhttp://www.phippenartmuseum.org
Historic Prescott Downtown Walking Tours – Visitor Information Center, learn a bit of Prescott's historic past and present, 90 minutes, tours are every Friday, Saturday & Sunday unless major event is downtown, 10 am, donations appreciated, 928-445-2000 or http://www.prescott.org
Variations – Fine Visual Art by Four Women Artists - West Valley Arts HQ, the artists’ varied styles encompass multiple ways to manipulate mediums to express individual internal identities, one artist primarily creates representational images using beads while another works in a contemporary style to portray split images with oils, the remaining two artists primarily portray Southwestern themes, one using soft pastel and the other using acrylics, free,http://www.westvalleyarts.org
11th Annual Cowgirl Up! Art from the other Half of the West Invitational Exhibition & Sale – Desert Caballeros Western Museum, one of the most important art shows for women artists, whose artwork captures the spirit and lifestyle of the American West, exhibit continues through May 9, 928-684-2272 or http://www.westernmuseum.org/Cowgirl-Up.aspx
Return to the Desert - Celebrating 25 Years of Paintings by Dyana Hesson - Desert Botanical Garden, a retrospective celebrating Dyana Hesson, one of the Southwest’s most beloved botanical artists, http://www.dbg.org
Personal Journeys: American Indian Landscapes - Heard Museum, features more than 60 works of art, including textiles, ceramics, baskets and paintings that merge the physical place, process and cultural meaing behind Native landscapes, http://heard.org
Jo’Jini’ – If These Objects Could Talk - Navajo Nation Museum, rather than describing the purpose or origin of each piece of the Jo’ Jini’ Exhibit, the objects tell their own stories, features 60 different contemporary objects that were donated by 25 different donors such as the Navajo artists themselves, and from doctors and teachers who wanted to share their pieces with viewers, it includes jewelry, folk art, pottery, historical items and contemporary pieces, 928-871-7941
The 5th Annual International Society of Scratchboard Artists (ISSA) exhibition is an International art competition dedicated to presenting scratchboard art as a fine art medium.
Summer Concerts in the Park - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, live performances, variety of local bands, train & carousel, free, Sundays, 7:30-9 pm, 480-312-2312 orhttp://www.therailroadpark.com
Pinkalicious - Valley Youth Theatre, a musical based on the book by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann, live on stage at Valley Youth Theatre, 602-253-8188 or http://vyt.com
8th Annual Agave Heritage Week – Hotel Congress, Seminars with a world-renowned mezcal expert Sergio Inurrigaro, a fundraising Agave dinner, taste mescal unattainable in the U.S., Agave 101 spirit seminar, live music, a commemorative shot glass, taco and salsa bar, a cascarone, historical and cultural art exhibit, premium tequila, $35/advance, 6 pm, must be 21+,http://hotelcongress.com/
