Although the location is rural and rustic , the accommodations are far from it . “ I think a lot of people think sustainability means a reduction in quality of life . We are trying to demonstrate that you can live beautifully , comfortably and sustainably at the same time ,” said Headley .
The lodging features spacious luxury tents imported from the Netherlands , which Cappie has further retrofitted , or “ Capp-sized ” as they say , for additional comforts . Although they are “ tents ," it ' s far from your average camping experience . Each one is lifted onto a private deck above the valley floor to allow an open and unhindered view of the river and surrounding Black Hills area . Each one is spaced 65 feet apart to maintain privacy , and with only eight tents on the property , the guest list stays pretty short , guaranteeing a quiet and intimate experience .
Each tent also has a custom wooden front featuring large french doors , through which guests can let in the bright South Dakota sky and a light breeze . Inside , they are decked out with a king bed , designer furniture , and ensuite bathroom with luxury appliances .
Upon arrival , guests are greeted by the executive concierge at the resort ’ s main facility , where they will go over any planned excursions , spa appointment or anything else they might want to set up for their stay .
At the main building , guests can take time to nourish their soul and body through use of the wellness room , sauna and massage therapy throughout their stay at the resort .
The main facility also houses the Meander Restaurant , where executive chef Kyle Smith prepares a new menu for each day of the week . For resort guests , meals are a part of the Shortgrass experience and are included with each stay . The restaurant offers an elevated western fine dining experience featuring quality local ingredients . Although the menu changes , some examples of a second course meal at the restaurant are a wood-fired bison ribeye with mushroom ragout , grilled asparagus and a tarragon huckleberry demi ; or perhaps a cast iron brioche crusted walleye with braised kale and onions , roasted potatoes and a tomato almond pesto .
The resort strives to be “ beyond-organic ” in terms of how they raise food and treat the land , and aim to be a truly farm to table dining experience . The goal is for the restaurant to be able to source 90 percent of its food from the resort property .
Eventually , the resort will house large greenhouses , gardens and barns to cultivate their own food on-site , but in the meantime they utilize a three-acre property in Spearfish as well as other local suppliers like Fretless Farm . Working with local farms and gardens , Shortgrass is proud to help carry on the legacy of Spearfish family farms to feed the region .
“ This is phase one , and one of the next projects is a 50-foot botanical greenhouse , and that will grow everything that the chef and the bartender need from lemon , limes , turmeric , ginger , basil , sweet pepper , and everything else ,” said Cappie .
Before sitting down to enjoy a decadent three-course meal , guests can enjoy signature cocktails or their own favorite drinks made by in-house mixologist Alex Spiekermeier . Spiekermeier makes many of his own syrups , mixers , bitters and salts , often with local ingredients to create libations found nowhere else . Non-alcoholic specialty drinks , including NA beer and wine , soda and sparkling wine are also available . For special occasions and celebrations , guests can inform the concierge to have something special on hand to drink . Guests receive a $ 20 per person , per day credit for beverages with their stay .
A stay at Shortgrass is different for each guest , depending on their purpose for coming and their individual interests . Some may prefer to spend their entire time at the resort , basking in ultimate relaxation or utilizing some of the free amenities . Things always available to guests for free include access to the river to float down in a tube , swim or fish , nightly bonfires , access to the wellness center , or blankets and hammocks to find your own special spot of the 50 acres with fresh mountain air .
Guests can also inquire for pricing on a multitude of other activities , including guided tours of area parks , a relaxing sunset soak , specialty massages , a picnic on the grounds , a tour of local gardens and ranches including Kremer Buffalo Ranch , or even doing some blacksmithing or helping Cappie with projects . It ’ s these extra special experiences and eagerness to give guests the exact kind of vacation they want that puts Shortgrass Resort a cut above the rest .
The couple wants to show that their slice of South Dakota is a place where anyone can feel welcome , despite any preconceived notions they may have of the state or of the people who live here .
“ We like cat people and dog people ,” is Headley ’ s way of saying they aim to be inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and lifestyles .
Cappie and Headley come from drastically different backgrounds themselves . For example , Headley has a PhD . and she jokes Cappie was “ lucky to graduate high school ,” not because he ’ s not smart , but just that he dreads traditional classroom learning , wanting instead to learn in a hands-on way by doing . They have a brains meets brawn dynamic that helps them to achieve a perfect balance , even when it comes to decisions for Shortgrass .
Owners Jared “ Cappie ” Capp and Rachel Headley are South Dakota natives with a passion for the sharing the best of the Black Hills area with others . myblackhillscountry . com Down Country Roads 9