Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In March 2023, my husband Larry (5ht generation rancher to Antelope Valley) and I purchased the former Antelope Café and RV park through a foreclosure sale. The property was acquired strictly *as is*, and the initial condition reflected decades of deferred maintenance. Cleanup required significant hands‑on labor and our goal initially was to clean it up, make the property more marketable to sell. However that is when opportunities and energy for seeing the project through developed. We were given ideas and opportunities that would allow us to take the project one step further, with the help of Travel Oregon, Visit Central Oregon, and Cycle Oregon. These supporters gave us hope, and that hope has turned into what it is today.
From that starting point, we formed “Antelope 3, LLC”, named for our three children and the next generation we hope to build opportunities for. Our goal has been to create sustainable, small‑town businesses that support local residents, attract visitors, and help stabilize Antelope’s extremely limited rural economy.
The first business, “Antelope Basecamp”, now provides lodging and tourism services for travelers, cyclists, and families passing through the high desert. It is a Dark Sky lodging facility offering 10 cabin units, five RV Spaces, and two tent sites. The second business, “Antelope Market”, is nearing completion and will offer food and beverage services in the restored historic café building.
Together, these two businesses are positioned to create “four new jobs” in a town with a population of only 37. For Antelope, even a small number of jobs represents meaningful economic growth, increased local spending, and long‑term stability. As operations expand, additional positions will be added, supporting both residents and the broader regional tourism economy.
Antelope 3, LLC’s redevelopment work demonstrates how private investment, historic restoration, and rural entrepreneurship can bring new life to a community that has experienced decades of decline. Our commitment is to continue building businesses that honor Antelope’s history while creating real economic opportunity for its future.
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?
NO, by all means I say that in caps for a reason. From a town of 37, there are literally three loud voices that try to block and challenge every move we make. From accusing us to misusing grant funds and calling our granting agents, to telling locals we don’t have permits to do what we are doing even though we have spent thousands to our local Wasco County in building permits and licenses. Its funny how those three loud voices though have turned into the biggest spark for success. While it has been a challenge with a few, it is going to be rewarding with many and since the Antelope Basecamp has opened we are seeing that through. No new project is easy, there is no text book for how to be an entrepreneur out in the middle of no where, and there definitely is not a text book on how to deal with the “Karen clubs” of the area.
What I can say is now that we are near the end, the bumpy road is sure making for a smooth and rewarding road at the end.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I attended University of Oregon (graduate 2006) and have worked as a CPA doing accounting ever since, up until July 31, 2026 I am taking a break to get the Market running. My career of 20 years shows commitment, but going forward I need more excitement then just crunching numbers. I want to see hands on work show physical rewards. Being married to a 5ht generation cattle rancher, Larry, he gets to work hard each day and see the impacts of his work on our home grounds. Inadvertently I want that same satisfaction of seeing something accomplished (not just in a spreadsheet on a computer), however physically with interacting with tourist, selling products to support a sustainable workforce, and to see it be a sustainable model. While this might be a major career shift for me, I am excited for the adventure.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I do not see any big shifts. Antelope is Antelope and it will always be the small town destination with a micro resort and a rural solitude feel. We do not want to change that because it is rare. In todays ever changing world, sometimes just getting away and relaxing to see the stars is all it takes. We hope Dark Sky tourism becomes a very successful endeavor not only for us however for others, because truly we need to protect this rare feature of life to see the stars.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.antelopebasecamp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antelope.basecamp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Antelope.Basecamp/
