Need a break? Escape to this affordable glamping resort just outside of Charlotte

There’s nothing like the great outdoors. I love hiking, boating, and swimming but never warmed up to camping. The bugs, dirt, and burnt hot dogs just didn’t pique my interest. But a new trend targeted to people like me who love nature, sans mosquito spray and tents, is changing the game.

Enter: glamping. What is glamping, exactly? Well, the word itself is an amalgamation of glamour and camping. But think of it as the natural beauty of Mother Nature with just the right amount of modern luxury thrown in.

In other words, glamping offers the benefits and fun of camping without the hassle. You don’t have to sacrifice your showers, comfy bedding or food that’s not pork and beans. And thanks to Long Cove Resort on Lake Wylie, the trend that started on the West Coast has made its way to our neck of the woods. Long Cove Resort not only boasts its own tiny house community for glamping but also features a beach cove, lakefront cottages, RV campground, marina and more.

I spoke with Rebekah Converti, co-owner of Long Cove Resort, to get a better idea of what glamping is all about and the inspiration for this local take on a nationwide phenomenon.

“You’re going to laugh about this a little bit,” she said. “But the concept of ‘Dirty Dancing’ inspired me.”

When Converti came to the now-location of Long Cove, there was just a campsite, marina and pool.

“I thought this could be so much more, and families could come here to reconnect,” she said. “I talked to the people on the West Coast who did glamping, and they recommended bringing it here, to the East Coast.”

With the inspiration of “Dirty Dancing” and West Coast glamping in tow, Long Cove Resort officially opened their first seven cabins in February 2017. And the resort’s home on Lake Wylie makes it a big draw for glampers who want it all, both relaxation and adventure.

Long Cove prides itself on offering the whole package to local guests on a staycation or out-of-towners. The pool – featuring a 12-foot deep end, right on the lake – has recently undergone a $130,000 makeover. And outdoor patios, including a 2,000-square-foot BBQ patio, are available for weddings, corporate events or family reunions.

“We also have a number of boating activities, like pontoon rentals and wakeboarding, if you want a little adventure,” Converti said.

But what makes Long Cove truly one-of-a-kind? Converti says it’s their hotel-style amenities and picture-perfect sunsets from their private beach cove.

“Being able to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset,” she said. “It’s something you can technically do anywhere, but to be on our beach, overlooking the lake, is really special because the view is amazing.”

Converti added: “Other places have cabins and cool experiences, but Long Cove serves Starbucks coffee, our beds are all Memory Foam and all of our bedding is made by a local hospitality company.”

Above all, Long Cove puts the spotlight on hospitality, providing kitchenware, television, WiFi and Netflix to guests for a wholly personal, luxurious experience.

“We try to go above and beyond,” she said. “A lot of honeymooners come here, and we’ve had four people get engaged here this year already. And when you get engaged here, you get flowers and champagne because we want guests to feel like they’re getting a personalized experience.”

Despite its numerous offerings and amenities, Long Cove is pretty affordable. Price variations are determined by the year and size of the house, but guests can stay in a suite, right on the water, for as little as $109 per night (though a minimum two-night stay is required). The resort features several different suites – their most expensive is a $250 rental that sleeps up to eight.

And though Long Cove’s bread and butter is its comfortable, upscale offerings, Converti says that the biggest tip she gives guests is simple: Get outside.

“Go explore, go fishing, just go out there and enjoy being together in the outdoors,” she said. “Really this place is about disconnecting to reconnect. I have found the people who really just spent time being here, cracking open a book or having a conversation, relaxing and having fun, get the most out of Long Cove.”

Converti emphasized that the ease, comfort and fun of glamping make it a must-have experience, especially since Long Cove provides everything that guests will need.

“It’s great for families, it’s great for moms or ladies’ nights – my biggest thing is coffee in the morning and wine at night, and you get that here,” she said.

And the best part?

“You don’t have to bring anything – you can just come and be.”

Get there

Long Cove Resort on Lake Wylie:14629 Rainbarrel Rd #5, Charlotte, NC 28278

(704) 992-7811

This story was originally published August 7, 2018 at 12:40 AM.