This stay was hosted by Blind Buck Valley Farmstead in exchange for an honest review about The Glampground. All opinions are my own.

“There is nothing new except what has been forgotten.” – Marie Antoinette

Did you know that “cottagecore” isn’t just a new, trendy Instagram aesthetic? Here’s a fun, random fact I recently learned from NPR: While we might know of “cottagecore” thanks to Taylor Swift popularizing the vibe – epitomizing a romanticization of the rural lifestyle – its roots are much, much older. In the late 18th century, Marie Antoinette, inspired by the naturalistic paintings of the time, commissioned the construction of a rustic retreat in the greenery outside the Palace of Versailles. The string of cottages not far from palace grounds gave her the feeling of escapism, and it was here where she would indulge in living a “simple” life. Perhaps, much like I did last month while I was upstate at The Glampground at Blind Buck Valley Farmstead, she’d daydream about a nostalgia just out of her reach, a painting in her mind about watercolor sunsets over rolling green hills, and the hazy promise of a brisk autumn making her think, “perhaps this quiet life is for me.”

As some of you may have seen on Instagram, my family and I spent a few unplugged days last month glamping at Blind Buck Valley Farmstead (BBVF) in the heart of Salem, a charming hamlet in Northern New York located east of Saratoga Springs, just three hours outside NYC. The town is steeped in rural charm and Revolutionary and Civil War history, whilst Blind Buck Valley Farmstead itself spans a sweeping 180-acres, including a Farmhouse and Glampground for visitors to stay. The property comes with cheerful red barn houses and friendly farm animals, rolling hills, fields of wildflowers and a secret watering hole, sure to keep the “Marie Antoinette city girl yearning for nature” in all of us happy and content, you know? And though we visited at summer’s end, I can imagine the visual opportunities for fall foliage — well, surely they are endless.

It was late August when we stayed at The Glampground at Blind Buck Valley Farmstead, brand spanking new and ready to welcome us with open arms. While we saw very little reason to leave our glampground oasis which was outfitted with almost every modern convenience we needed, we did venture out once to explore the area – I’ll share more below of our family adventure to idyllic Lake Lauderdale below, in case you’re planning a trip soon. I’ll also highlight a few other area spots recommended by our host that we didn’t get to on this stay, but all the more reason for us to return very, very soon. But first, since we’re all in need of a little visual escape + virtual detox right now, here’s more about Blind Buck Valley Farmstead and their new Glampground, which would be absolutely magical for a fall stay!

Blind Buck Valley Farmstead (BBVF)

BBVF is a working farm and there are two ways to stay and enjoy the beauty of Blind Buck Valley! There’s the Farmhouse, which sits on the lower part of the farm on 5 acres that are private to the group renting the farmhouse, and then The Glampground (where my family stayed), which is located in an upper corner of the farm among a gorgeous grove of pine trees.

The Glampground at BBVF

The Glampground provides guests with an opportunity to experience “elevated camping”. When I was invited by Sarah, the lovely owner of Blind Buck Valley Farmstead, to come experience the new Glampground, it was a resounding yes amongst my family! Glamping seemed like a win-win for everyone because my kids always beg me to take them camping, but I always say no. I don’t want to “rough it”, pack all the gear, or share a campsite or showers with strangers. (If my vision of camping is way off base, please do drop me a comment!) That’s why glamping, or “fancy camping” as my kids called it, sounded like a good compromise.

Everything you would ordinarily need to bring for camping (and more) is thoughtfully provided by Blind Buck Valley Farmstead. As a family of 6, that made packing for this travel adventure so easy! I literally threw a couple outfits for each of us in a luggage, snacks for the road, and children’s medicine just in case. Our host even provided a pack n play and high chair for our baby.

Here’s a quick rundown of amenities at The Glampground:

- 4 occupancy tents that each have a queen-sized bed (you can also request twin bed air mattresses)
- a large recreation tent with a kitchen/grilling area
- a bath area with two showers and a sink (there is running water at The Glampground via a well)
- 2 outhouses

Every tent and common space has bug spray (you’ll need it!), linens, bath towels, flashlights, lanterns, emergency whistles. The rec tent has a fully stocked kitchen island full of pots and pans, utensils, dishes, cooking oils spices. There’s even a large 7-day cooler for your use! And we loved the fresh baked loaf of sourdough bread provided by Covered Bridge Bread Company and beef burger patties from OverEast Family Farm.

Now of course, there is no electricity or WiFi. But isn’t that the point of glamping/camping – to unplug? However, battery and solar operated fans and charging pads for devices are provided in every tent. And best of all, The Glampground is rented to one group at a time, so you have the entire area to yourself! My kids enjoyed playing fun games like cornhole at The Glampground, and hanging out in the cozy hammocks in the grove of pines.

Wagon Tour & Farm Experience

Part of your glamping stay at Blind Buck Valley Farmstead includes a fun farm tour to meet and play with the animals, collect farm fresh rainbow eggs from the chicken coop and veggies from the garden, and a wagon ride through the hills. Is there anything more bucolic than this? Cottagecore lovers, eat your heart out!

As I mentioned at the start of our trip on Instagram, I made a deliberate choice to try not to check in or post on social media while we were glamping at Blind Buck Valley Farmstead. My hope was that it would allow me to be more present in the moment and truly disconnect. I wasn’t disappointed. I kept my phone handy for snapping the occasional photo and video so I could share with you later, but in general, the WiFi was blissfully out of range. I did, however, take out my nice camera a bit to capture some special moments around the Farmstead, and take lots of notes for your next potential upstate getaway. We also enjoyed a few, special add-ons, like a campfire dinner experience.

Special Add-Ons at The Glampground: Campfire Dinner

On our first night, our host arranged a special campfire dinner cooked by Chef Dan Spitz, a private chef in upstate New York who uses seasonal and foraged ingredients for his menus. Dare I say this dinner experience was magical? Imagine your own private chef giving you professional cooking tips, prepping and cooking everything over a campfire right before your eyes, the delightfully meaty notes of lamb and sweet corn intermingling with charcoal. Chef Dan’s menu for us was rustic, comfort food, elevated – and boy, did he deliver.

Our appetizers included preserved Roma tomato and goat cheese bruschetta, followed by a hearty bean stew with charred Swiss chard, carrots, onions, scallions, fennel pollen and dill seed that came together in an earthy concoction in the cast iron pot. For the main entree, perfectly cooked lamb steaks that make you question why you don’t always cook meat over a campfire, were accompanied with your choice of a bright olive tapenade or smoky Romesco sauce. There was also sweet corn cooked in its husk – sweet corn being a specialty of this region of upstate New York – and slathered with Spruce tip compound butter. And for dessert? Well, Chef Dan’s rustic blueberry and peach cobbler was just *chef’s kiss*.

Lake Lauderdale

It’s just a short 10 minute drive to this idyllic lake in Cambridge, New York — and Lake Lauderdale has a small beach! It was in the 80s/90s when we went glamping so a dip in the lake felt like heaven. The kids had so much fun playing in the water. Helena LOVED the sand (a little too much haha) that she took it upon herself to get a mud bath. Blind Buck Valley Farmstead provided beach buckets and scoops but we forgot to bring it with us — not a problem because my kids made friends and borrowed buckets from other kids!

Highlights in the Area

The Georgi on the Battenkill, NY: With 9 acres of lush lawns, romantic gardens, and a row of 60+ year old hydrangea trees, this beautiful, hidden treasure wraps around the famed Battenkill River, just west of the Vermont border.
The Dorset Quarry in Dorset, VT: A slightly farther drive from BBVF about 20 minutes away, this is the first marble quarry in America built in 1785 and is now used as a secret swimming hole. Beginning in 1839, large blocks from the quarry were used in the construction of notable buildings like the New York Public Library. The quarry is said to feel natural and wild despite it being man-made.
Lake George: This town in New York’s vast, protected Adirondack region of mountains also sits on a lake of the same name. On the shore, there is a restored British fort, built in 1755. Enjoy a picnic at nearby Million Dollar Beach.
Saratoga Springs, NY: Only a 35 minute drive from Blind Buck Valley Farmstead, you will find a TON to do and explore in this charming town. It is well known of course for the Saratoga Race Course and thoroughbred horse racing, but also has mineral baths and a landmark concert venue.

As for the rest of these photos – I think they do the glamping experience at Blind Buck Valley Farmstead more justice than my words ever could! Enjoy! If you’re looking for a unique fall getaway near New York City, use my code JAMIEXBBVF for $25 off a 1-night stay or $50 off 2 nights when you book through Airbnb.