Curious circular structures are popping up across SD&G, serving as accommodations for agri-curious tourists, dynamic spaces for like-minded people, and even pop-up event structures.
Groovy Yurts
In the early aughts, Swiss long-haul trucker Yves Ballenegger hauled school supplies to Mongolia, only to return home with a truckful of yurts. Years later, he started his Groovy Yurts business in Alexandria. While he still sells yurt to those who want them, he also rents them out for private events like weddings, corporate retreats, shows, and festivals. Yves says yurts are a way of life in Mongolia. “They reflect the deep connection Mongolians have with the environment.”
Photo: Groovy Yurts
Cornerstone Organics
When farmer and massage therapist Jaime MacRae’s husband offered to build her a garage for her practice, she opted for something less conventional—a yurt. The yurt now has a place of pride at Cornerstone Organics, their farm in Long Sault, and is used for everything: massage sessions, vendor markets, yoga and meditation classes, book clubs and crochet meetups. “The yurt has taken us from being a small organic family farm to more of a community,” says Jaime.
Photo: Cornerstone Organics.
Springfield Farms
Visitors to Springfield Farms in Apple Hill come from as far away as Sweden and the UK to experience a unique glamping experience. The Mongolian-style yurt offers sleeping accommodations for three with views of the rolling rural landscape and starry night sky. It’s part of owner Eleanor McGrath’s vision for agri-tourism for the region.
“We added the yurt to provide an opportunity for eco-tourism and to raise awareness for the beauty of our region,” says Eleanor.
Photo: Gina Dragone.
