Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Brady.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Nearly five years ago, my husband and I began daydreaming about opening a glamping retreat, something we once imagined as a distant retirement plan. But after one particularly difficult day at work and a terrible boss, I realized I didn’t want to wait any longer. I called my husband and said, “Let’s do this now.” From that moment on, everything changed.
We spent the next eight months immersed in research, studying costs, zoning regulations, land opportunities, and tent suppliers,learning everything we could about building an upscale glamping experience from the ground up. Once we had a clear plan, we took a leap of faith. We sold our home, most of our belongings, and invested our savings into the dream. Our house sold in less than a week, and we moved in with my parents while searching for the right piece of land.
In January 2023, we closed on a 30 acre property that is now Wheat Creek Outpost. That same day, we bought a tractor and got to work. The land needed significant care, we rebuilt the entrance bridge and cleared out debris, including a mobile home that once stood where the camp lodge is today. Nearly everything you see was built by our own hands, aside from the elements that required licensed contractors. With guidance from the North Carolina Forestry Division, we thoughtfully cleared and restored the land with the goal of creating a space that supports and preserves local wildlife. All of this was done while we both worked full-time jobs, spending every free moment in the dirt, building what would become Wheat Creek.
We started with the camp lodge, eventually moving into the upper level while continuing construction. Our first tent was installed just two weeks before Hurricane Helene. Thankfully, we had partnered with a high quality tent supplier, our tents weathered the storm without issue, affirming that we had built something meant to last.
The vision for Wheat Creek Outpost began in my mind, and my husband brought it to life with remarkable craftsmanship. Piece by piece, our glamping camp took shape. After navigating countless challenges, we officially opened our doors on Labor Day 2025 with our first two tents, The Perch and The Dogwood. Our third tent is set to debut in Spring 2026, marking an exciting next chapter.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and still a little amazed that we did it. Our goal was to design a space that feels both elevated and nostalgic, blending the charm of classic summer camp with the character of an English hunting lodge. The result is a thoughtfully curated experience that offers all the comforts of a boutique hotel, set in a beautiful, immersive outdoor setting.
We have 30 private acres to explore with 2 ponds and a creek (Wheat Creek), we also have a Walnut grove which is a prefect spot to relax in a hammock. We have walk trails and guest can enjoy the camp lodge where we have a small camp store, coffee bar, and offer a selection of books and games. The camp can be booked for small groups and we also host events.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Along the way, we faced no shortage of challenges, Hurricane Helene, the threat of wildfires soon after, flooding, and difficult experiences with contractors who didn’t respect our time or money. We also navigated the less visible hurdles of building a glamping camp from the ground up: permitting delays, zoning restrictions, and the complexity of bringing in utilities to a remote property. Sourcing reliable materials, managing unpredictable weather, and balancing full time jobs while building added another layer of difficulty. Nearly every step took longer and cost more than we ever anticipated.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up going to a YMCA summer camp and my parents and I would also go camping in a pop up camper. This is where my love for animals and the outdoors come from, and lots of the touches you see at Wheat Creek came from my experiences camping in the summer as a kid.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wheatcreekoutpost.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheatcreekoutpost/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheatCreek
