With remote work and our devices demanding evermore of our attention these days, it’s no wonder we all seem to be looking for new experiences and a way to reconnect. Tapping into that, Sarah & Gavino Olvera recently launched “The Canvas Experience,” a local ‘mobile glamping’ company that makes it easy to get outside and make the connections we’re yearning for.
Glamping (aka “glamourous camping”) has been on the rise for several years, offering luxury outdoor accommodations for those who want to be in nature, but can do without ‘roughing it.’ The Canvas Experience is the first to bring the concept of ‘mobile glamping’ to Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley area. Setting up in backyards, campgrounds or private land, they deliver, set up and take down all the equipment, furnishings and decor. They’ve spared no expense on making the mobile version just as luxurious if not more than the high-end ‘glampgrounds’ people travel to.
“The juxtaposition of being in nature and surrounded by luxury is what the glamping experience is all about,” explains Gavino, “By making it convenient, we hope to enable more people to get into nature more often.” It was that idea that led the couple to start their business. Between spending their family vacations camping and living in Montana and Indiana, Sarah and Gavino have experienced first-hand the benefits of being outdoors. “City and suburban life have advantages, but we tend to get disconnected from the natural world. When we get outdoors, we have new impressions of ourselves, each other, and it helps us remember there’s something bigger than us out there,” Sarah added.
Started in July, the company offers two different-sized canvas tents, which the couple has named “Stella” (the 16’ bell tent) and “Bertha” (the 20’ emperor tent) after their love of The Grateful Dead. They offer packages for various events, from sleepovers, date nights, and family camp-outs to reunions, weddings and corporate events. They also offer a host of add-ons like firepits, outdoor games, movie theaters, party lounges, a full poker setup, and even a silent disco to enhance the events. Every setup includes a ‘treasure box,’ which Sarah explains, “It’s a place to set your phones aside. The ‘treasure’ comes from the ability to be present to friends and family – and nature – which has become more and more difficult for all of us.”
Servicing a wide area around Croton-on-Hudson, NY, where the company is located, the couple travels within a 25-mile radius at no charge and applies a mileage fee to locations beyond. The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. “There’s nothing better than watching someone who’s never even considered camping get excited about The Canvas Experience setups,” said Gavino, “Our mission is to provide first-class service and help people have a whole new adventure – even in their own backyard.”
To get in touch with The Canvas Experience or find out more, visit thecanvasexperience.com
