Some of my most Smarty friends have been raving about a certain campground since March, so I had to check it out myself. Plus, my family has been looking for a change of scenery.
Into the wild we went! I couldn’t wait to get back and share what we found…
In less than an hour, we arrived. Right outside of the small town of Landis, NC lies Cherry Treesort. When Trent Cherry, a native Charlottean, and wife Ashley dreamed of creating their own family getaway a few years ago, they had not imagined what it would become. Today, this scenic landscape is home to six–and growing–unique treehouses.
Being the Italian I am, I booked “Nona’s Nest” for my crew. From the cozy, heated interior with adorable kitchenette (and yes–toilet, sink, and shower complete with hot water) to the rustic grounds below, we were “home” away from home.
Simply breathing in the fresh, crisp air was a vacation for the senses. The trees still had some fall foliage, and the oversized Christmas tree near the farm entrance lit up our spirits in the evening. We overpacked with cards and games since our children could not be stolen away from the hammocks, swinging vine, fire pit, and nearby woods to explore.
There are few greater pleasures in life than to spend time with family, without distraction. We told stories and poked fun at each other. We talked and caught up. We enjoyed the private fire pit. Of course, we put out a few fires of our own (bickering, burned Jiffy Pop, a Daddy Long Legs visitor, overly tired tears, you know the drill). But when we were spent, we were able to retire to our snuggly little cabin above to rest under soft linens on comfy mattresses.
Smarty Holiday Gift-Giving Tip: Experiences as gifts forge memories beyond toys that fall by the wayside! All 5 treehouses and The Hobbit House are eligible for gift certificates this season, good for any day of the year including holidays as long as there is lodging availability. You can reach out to Cherry Treesort owner Trent Cherry directly by FB or at (704) 467-5496 to process the purchase.
One of the unexpected surprises was the lack of mirrors–and how much we liked that absence. It’s nice to not care about appearances, and you can always use your phone in selfie mode or pack a compact for needs like removing contact lenses. Without focusing so much on our electronics and selves, we were able to focus more on each other and the natural surroundings.
Travelers have been visiting the Treesort from all parts of our country and even beyond. How lucky are we in CLT to have this great outdoors gem in such close proximity? For special events needing a picturesque outdoor home during the pandemic, the site even has an amphitheatre and full-farm rental option. Sam and I may have to return in a few months for our anniversary!
In the future, my family plans to make a trip back to check out the newest member of the treesort family: Lucy Lu’s Hobbit House (while popping in at the nearby Lazy 5 Ranch).
Lucy happens to be the Cherry family’s 8 pound yorkie. And “Sweet Ashley”? That’s Trent’s wife who is a school teacher (Note the schoolhouse design.).
Molly and Nick, the couple’s children, have their own legacies in the canopy. They are also entrepreneurs like their parents. Nick chops firewood, and Molly prepares S’mores to offer guests. Trent’s father is the namesake of Chico’s Hideaway, and Trent’s mother is none other than “Nona”.
After talking with Trent a bit before checkout, it was clear to me that this is more than your average campsite. It is a piece of land with tranquil creeks and much love and history running through it. From average Joes and Janes to celebrities, you never know who you’ll find camping next to you. And if you’re curious as I was, it is a working farm. The corn and barley are tended by a local 91-year-old farmer well known in our nation’s agrarian heritage.
When not on the farm, Trent works for Nascar where he began in the pit in 2000. Today, he operates more in an advisory capacity for younger crew members. To this day, he’s never missed a race. I got the feeling that, even though he’s a quiet man, Trent has plenty more stories he could share…
It’s simple to book your stay online; the harder part is narrowing down which of the fun tree house designs to try first. Follow all the farm fun (and Trent’s crafty woodwork) on Insta.
