BED DOWN IN AN AIRSTREAM AT AUTOCAMP, PLUS FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S NEW RESTAURANT
Glamp-ground or fancy trailer park? AutoCamp Russian River is both. Opened in August in Guerneville, it’s an offshoot of the vintage Airstream trailer camp in Santa Barbara. Two dozen trailers lining a central pathway are all shiny new, yet look as if they were plucked from the ’50s.
Co-founders Ryan Miller and Neil Dipaola’s concept plays up the trailers’ enduring appeal: “It’s as much a timeless design icon as a symbol of adventure,” Miller says. Santa Barbara architect Dan Weber worked with Airstream to design the interiors. Bay Area designer Lauren Geremia pulled in artwork and furnishings that reinforce the midcentury vibe. The aesthetic extends to the sleek, modern clubhouse, also designed by Weber. Setting: In a redwood grove off Highway 116. You’re a short walk from Guerneville’s shops, bars and restaurants, and the Russian River. The appeal: If you’ve ever flipped through a lifestyle magazine and wondered what it would be like to cocoon inside one of these sleek silver bullets, here’s your chance. Trailers are sparse but well appointed with a fold-out futon and Coyuchi throws in the common area. In the bedroom, two bare-bulb Schoolhouse Electric pendants dangle on either side of a comfortable queensize mattress fitted with hotel-quality linens. For guests who can’t unplug, there’s also a flat-screen TV and WiFi. The tiled bathroom with walk-in shower and Malin and Goetz bath products is as nice as any boutique inn’s. The mini kitchen is equipped with a French press and ground coffee, enamelware and a cast-iron pan. More useful are a bottle opener, stemless glassware and lounge chairs by the fire pit outside your door. The property also includes 10 glamping tents with access to public restrooms and showers in the clubhouse. Insider tip: Linus bicycles for adults and Radio Flyer wagons for the kiddos are first come, first served. Coffee and tea are available in the clubhouse. Instead of gathering around the campfire, stroll up to the clubhouse, buy a bottle of local wine from the Canteen and mingle around the stylish indoor gas fire pit. Good to know: Airstreams are set up to sleep four (two on the fold-out futon), but we found it hard to imagine more than two adults comfortably sharing the space. The camp gate is locked after sunset. If you’re dining out, be sure to bring along the entrance code. Details: 14120 Old Cazadero Road, Guerneville, (888) 405-7553; www.autocamp/location/russian-river.com. Trailers from $225; tents, seasonal, from $175 (April 1-Oct. 31).