Lodging

“The process was way more fun than I expected,” says Schnepf — who, along with her husband, Mark, owns and manages Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. She spent eight months taking the trailer apart and putting it back together, meticulously preserving the period appliances, cabinetry and fixtures. Next, she bought two 1969 Airstreams in “disgusting” condition, along with a 1955 Terry Pullman Train. Schnepf fully restored all of them, and the farm’s Cozy Peach lodging business came to life in the Sonoran Desert.

That’s an apt description for this old motor lodge on Tucson’s west side. Since 2018, the McCoy has been making waves on social media for its prolific displays of local art. But just as key to the hotel’s success, its staff says, is that guests are in tune with its community-centric vibe. “We tend to attract people who are about connecting and community,” says Norma Lopez, the McCoy’s assistant general manager. “We get a lot of neighbors talking to each other and sharing contact information because they hit it off really well.”

Having worked in the corporate world in Denver, the Santys wanted something new. The Sheridan House fit the bill. “It just seemed a perfect fit to run a B&B and help people’s vacation dreams come true,” Debbie says. 

The inn offers eight room options. All of them have private bathrooms and are comfortably furnished with upscale amenities for two people. And several have porches or balconies that guests can use to enjoy the scenic and peaceful surroundings. “People need to escape from reality and reconnect,” Debbie says. “That’s what this place is all about.” 

“The way we describe [glamping] is to think of all the comfortable elements you have at an upscale hotel, but within a 100-plus-acre location where you’re staying in a safari-inspired tent with high-quality linens and an en suite bathroom,” says Matt Gaghen, the CEO of Under Canvas.

The concept takes a love of the outdoors and makes it more accessible. Tents vary in size and amenities, but each comes with furniture, a wood-burning stove and housekeeping services.