That Time We Stayed in a Yurt...

Leslie Dinunzio12.12.19

Let’s talk about that time my family stayed in a yurt in Maine. What’s a yurt, right? It’s…. “Glamping” for a fun term. A yurt is essentially a one-room latticed round structure with a domed top. The sides of modern yurts are made from heavy tarp material, although back in the day the covers were made from animal hide or hair. So more than a tent but less than a cabin.

In April 2019, I wanted to have a small getaway over school break and was tasked with finding accommodations within driving distance (from Connecticut) and reasonably priced. So I booked a yurt in Durham, Maine, through Maine Forest Yurts (MFY). MFY is owned by wonderful people, The Crowley Family, and they offer exceptional, personal service. Fun fact - if you’re a fan of the show Survivor there’s a great tie-in to this property!

We booked a two-night stay in April 2019 and chose the Fisher Ridge Yurt, one of four yurts on the property. Our yurt had a propane cooking stove/oven, solar lantern for nighttime light, wood stove, a futon and two bunk beds. It was stocked with kitchen necessities, games/books and water for cooking. Now for the roughing it part - there is a separate room with composting toilet and a gravity fed shower (warm your own water!).

There are trails to explore, kayaks and canoes for use and plenty of relaxation. You’re also one town from Freeport, Maine, where there is lots of outlet shopping, restaurants and the LL Bean flagship store. We befriended another family who were emailed a scavenger hunt map and we joined an exploration of the property in search of capsized boats, a bench over the water and beaver chewed logs.

This was a great experience for my family to bond. No power means no electronics (other than the battery-operated radio to listen to the Yankees game). Dinners cooked together, game nights, s’mores each night over a campfire that we scoured to gather wood for. Those are memories to cherish.

 I’d love to discuss any traveling plans, whether they be rustic or luxurious and can be reached at Leslie@wishesfamilytravel.com