Family brings glamping to historic Pennsylvania farm
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A father-daughter duo is turning part of their 123-acre Mercer County farm into an inclusive glamping and camping retreat.
Why it matters: Like many rural Pennsylvania counties, Mercer is striving to attract young people and secure its economic future amid population decline.
- Kat St. Pierre and her dad, Rick, hope to draw visitors and create a welcoming space to enjoy the outdoors at Ray of Sunshine Camping and Glamping.
The big picture: The two have been building glamping cabins with wood milled from the farm's trees since May, aiming to preserve the land for future generations.
- A former English teacher who recently returned to the farm from Arizona, St. Pierre said it was time to decide how to keep the land productive as the business of farming grows tougher.
- It was also the perfect chance to soak up time and lessons from her dad, she says. "He's a jack of all trades, and he's almost 80. It was kind of a now or never thing."
Zoom in: Ray of Sunshine, in Jefferson Township about an hour north of Pittsburgh, will feature two off-grid, two-story cabins for up to four people starting at $110 per night, and a smaller cottage for two starting at $75 per night.
- It will also have five tent platforms ($15 per night), backpacking sites, private composting outhouses, fire pits and lawn games.
- Guests can rent camping gear like tents, sleeping bags and flashlights, or take advantage of camp setup and takedown services.
- Ray of Sunshine recently launched free artist residencies, too.
Between the lines: St. Pierre plans to host workshops and teach outdoor skills to make access to nature more equitable, she says — recognizing how outdoor culture can exclude underrepresented communities.
- She wants to create spaces where queer people and those who've felt unwelcome can feel safe exploring, she says.
What they're saying: "That was a big motivation for me because I was once intimidated by camping culture," she says.
The intrigue: The farm has been in St. Pierre's adoptive-father's family since the late 1700s, given to his ancestors as payment for their service in the Revolutionary War.
- Once a dairy farm, it's now rented to organic growers.
What's next: The venue is expected to open to the public in May. Reserve a spot here, or follow Ray of Sunshine on Instagram.