It was founded in 1947 by Colonel John H. Lapham, a retired Air Corps colonel who built an airstrip and started his flight school at the 542-acre ranch. Unforgettable Texas Family Vacations If you are looking for luxury ranch resorts in Texas, then Flying L Welcome Accommodations Activities Events STEAKHOUSE Location Contact Pet My daughter didnt miss a single ride. Their property stretches from the lowlands of the Medina River which is beautiful for swimming to high up in the hills that offer stunning panoramic views. Resort features: All-Inclusive. The wide variety of accommodations and activities also makes it popular with multi-generational vacationers. Why you should stay: A private airport and upscale lodges are just some of what make this five-star ranch resort feel so luxurious. Pet-Friendly Dude Ranch Gracious Alisal Ranch is situated on 10,000 rugged acres in California's Santa Ynez Valley, the heart of Santa Barbara County's wine region. When we visited, it was entirely too cold to swim in the pool but we did adventure along the Medina River one afternoon (where my little guy jumped right in!). From high-end ranch resorts with ritzy amenities to working ranches with family-friendly, cowboy experiences, theres quite a range (pun intended) of possibilities to meet the interests of all kinds of travelers. Idaho, Arizona and California also have a decent concentration of guest ranches. As travelers continue to lean towards remote, domestic trips, dude ranches make for a particularly compelling choice. You know how the classic cowboy song goes. The supervised children's program is also top-notch. After a career in advertising and sales, Janie knows what makes compelling, substantial content. WebPlan your own all-inclusive getaway in the Lone Star State today! It wasnt long before we were introduced to the Hicks family tree, who married who, how many kids everyone had and just how much the family loves their Texas home. Anyone looking for the real deal when it comes to a ranch getaway should consider Dixie Dude Ranch, a working ranch founded in 1901. Southern love stories are spun in the Best Romantic Texas Bed and Breakfasts. Located 47 miles northwest of San Antonio near Bandera, the Mayan Dude Ranch offers their brand of horsepitality high in the Texas Hill Country. You'll build up an appetite as well and three full meals are included in the daily rate. 6 Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S. - Travel + Leisure They are often secluded with wide-open spaces and plenty of fresh air. Porches present panoramic views from the perch of comfy rocking chairs. Theres also the option to book one of the three historic forts and haciendas if youre after something really out-of-the-norm. All Resort Types Meetings Reunions Wedding All-Inclusive Beach Family Golf Nature Fishing Romantic Hunting Pet Friendly Ecotourism Luxury Mountain Lake Historical Honeymoon Overnight stays are unavailable December 16-26, 2023. This remote Utah ranch is a bucolic retreat on the shores of Bear Lake. Related Read:10 Best Hikes in Texas for Top-Notch Lone Star State Scenery. Pros: With ponies, horses, and all activities included in the modest price, it's a slice of the West without leaving the East. The Buckaroos childrens program is for kids ages 4 to 6, and the Wranglers is for kids ages 7 to 11; both include riding lessons and daily trail rides, educational nature programs and more. In researching various ranch vacations, I wondered what is a dude ranch in particular. While enjoying the surroundings of your countryside paradise, you can fill up your day by taking an ATV tour, horseback riding, or hanging out by the ranchs pool. In fact, golf in Texas is spectacular. 8 Ranches to Visit Related Read:The 11 Best Small Towns in Texas To Visit This Year. The friendly, helpful staff will get you situated in a lodge room with a view of the lake and the resorts 11,140 acres of rolling prairie. The popular Barn Buddies program gives up-close access to the horses while teaching grooming and saddling skills, while tractor rides, a petting zoo, horseshoe pit, and s'mores by the campfire offer nostalgic fun. What Type of Dude Ranch Should We Visit? Dude ranches also often present an even safer and more attractive vacation option right now since many offer standalone cabins and most ranches feature plenty of space for social distancing and focus on spending time outdoors. Ask about programs that emphasize riding techniques, that partner the horse and rider for the duration of your stay, and that allow the guest to participate in choosing the horse right for them. Guided horseback rides showcase the area's beauty and the wranglers are so genuinely friendly, you'll feel like they're your country cousins by the end of your stay. Youll notice a bit of historic charm in some of the cabins, which were built back in the 1940s and 50s. Add your love story to the historic emblems of the South. A stay at BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch is what you make of it with diverse accommodation options that include romantic suites, a quaint farmhouse, a covered wagon, and a safari tent. Cons: The ranch feels somewhat corporate rather than authentically Western. WebDude Ranch Vacation Map A bird-eye view map of dude ranch vacation destinations for your convenience. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. When it gets hot, its time to get wild at a water park Texas style. For something homey and a bit more family-friendly, the Homestead is a nice, spacious option. Some of the ranchs activities include campfires with smores, a swimming pool, and hayrides to feed the longhorns. 13 Gorgeous Log Cabins with Private Hot Tubs Across the U.S. Pros: The location feels miles away from the stress of modern life. Drowsy Water Ranch Granby, Colo. Stay in one of the newly renovated 14 cabins, each furnished with handcrafted cedar furniture, comfortable sleeping accommodations for four, a refrigerator, and all the comforts of home. The Bandera texas dude ranch is an all-inclusive resort in Texas where visitors can sleep comfortably in the charming, cozy cabins. It has been operating for over 75 years now and offers an idyllic setting where the visitors can relax and experience the western lifestyle. 7 of the Coolest Dude Ranches in Texas | Houstonia Pack your boots, jeans, concho belt, Western shirt, leather fringe jacket, and hat to experience a part of the Wild West. 8 Ranches To Visit In Texas | Guest & Dude Ranches Amenity packages include three meals daily and all the activities, including one or two horseback rides per day. On the propertys many trails, you may spot deer, armadillos, roadrunners, wild turkeys, and more. The ranch is surrounded by dozens of wineries, which is convenient for sampling top vintages once you're out of the saddle. She speaks fluent Italian. The family-owned business has 120 guestrooms, and guests can go horseback riding in the morning and can cool off at the indoor water park in the afternoon. What you actually do on your family dude vacation will depend greatly on the time of year. Thats where you get out there and really get your chaps dirty, working with cattle, sheep and other livestock. Guests are saturated in serenity without lacking creature comforts. Related Read:9 Best Texas Lavender Farms for Getting Your Fragrance Fix. We participated in skeet shooting and archery and then relaxed in the infinity pool and hot tub. Dude ranch vacation costs can vary quite a bit. explore Resorts & Lodges in that Children ages 5 and under in the Buckaroos program are led on smaller horses in a pen. Think roping, horseback riding, skeet shooting, luxury spa retreats, delicious barbecue, and gourmet cuisine. All the ranches have strict COVID-19 policies in place, which we've highlighted. For wide-open spaces, outdoor activities, and plenty of nature, consider a dude ranch vacation. Related read: Cowboy & Western Name Generator, 11 Best Resorts in Texas for a Rejuvenating Getaway, 9 Incredible State Parks with Cabins in Texas, 9 Awesome Cabin & Cottage Rentals Near New Braunfels, Texas, The 6 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Texas, 10 Luxury Cabin Rentals in Texas for a Pampered Getaway. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. Mayan Dude Ranch Vacations in Bandera, Texas While staying at this blissful Cons: Cabins are grouped fairly tightly, so you may hear your neighbors. The Resort at Paws Up is the creme de la creme of all-inclusive pet-friendly dude ranches. One horseback ride per stay is included in the rate, as are free daily pony rides for young children. All Some dude ranches require minimum stays of anywhere from two nights to a week, but others allow you to book just one night. For a western-themed adventure that doesn't sit on its high horse, consider a dude ranch vacation. Rides are as short as one hour and as long as a full day with lunch served lakeshore. Ranch but the kids and I love the ranch lifestyle, so Im constantly looking for a kid-friendly dude ranch near me tovisit. While you can certainly book activities like fishing and hunting la carte, Cedar Cove also offers all-inclusive packages that cover meals, your choice of guided activities, and access to on-site amenities like kayaks and paddleboats. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. Guest rooms are in either the Main Lodge or the adjacent motel-style Oklahoma Building. High ceilings and porches with panoramic views accentuate the sense of space. Well, he stays prepared for whatever adventure I throw at him! Dude & Guest Ranch Vacations - The Dude Ranchers Association Its rustic elegance all around at The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, which has 16 cabins plus 16 guest rooms. You can reconnect with nature on a private horseback ride with the ranch cowboys, who will tell you tales about the Old West. Whats the Deal With All-Inclusive Dude Ranches? Tucked outside the city limits of both San Antonio and Austin in the Hill Country of Texas sits a family-run dude ranch that has been sharing their Old West traditions with guests from around the world for the last 50 years. For a dude ranch vacation with ample charm, pack your Stetson hat and escape to Wildcatter Ranch Resort in North Texas Hill Country ranch, just 90 miles from Dallas. Theyre so strong and healthy! No-frills guest rooms are uncluttered with cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, and large screen LED TVs, and some have fireplaces and private patios. The ranch offers a variety of accommodations, from intimate log cabins with homespun decor to elaborate mountain chalets with glass-enclosed living rooms providing spectacular views. Grand County, Colorado, on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, has been called the Dude Ranch Capital of North America. Cons: Alisal Ranch is expensive and there are similar options available elsewhere for less. We included a variety of locations across the US, but all offer wide-open spaces and stunning scenery. To get in touch with your inner buckaroo without making a big dent in your wallet, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch is an affordable getaway located only 90 miles from Manhattan. Each tipi provides luxurious linens, a fireplace, a cast iron soaking tub, and a private patio. Nightly entertainment includes moonlight bonfires, whip-cracking demos, and a cowboy chorus. Dixie Dude Ranch, situated just an hour west of San Antonio in Bandera, has been a go-to getaway for familiesand dudesfor 75 years. In truth, we arent quite the prototype of cowboys and rodeos. The cabins are definitely rustic, but well suited for our expectations and needs. Mayan Ranch is perfect for families, located in Bandera and is surrounded by the Medina River. You know what else is diverse? The Catskill Mountains in New York State have long been a playground for urbanites seeking a rural escape. Yes please! We research, evaluate and select travel destinations based on a number of factors, including our writers experience, user reviews and more. Cindy Brzostowski is a freelance writer focusing on travel and other lifestyle content. Pick up the daily schedule the night before to plan your day! We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Finally, a water park, nightly entertainment, and arcade ensure kids are never bored. tucked among trees and deer visiting us early in the morning. Weekly rodeos are held in town during the summer months, and a number of the ranches host their own rodeos throughout the year, too. Wine trails, outdoor adventures, swimming holes and luxurious resorts await. Our Mayan Dude Ranch vacations in Bandera, Texas are some of the best families memories weve made in Texas. Also called a guest ranch, dude ranches can be 100% operational (or working dude ranches) or strictly cater to luxury dude ranch guests. Accommodations at the Mayan Dude Ranch include brick cabins scattered throughout the property and a two-story lodge right next to the main house. Though horseback riding is the main attraction at our favorite dude ranches, you'll also enjoy a wide slate of additional activities to keep non-equestrians busy, from fishing to hiking to roasting marshmallows around the campfire. The propertys 19th Hole Grill serves breakfast and lunch, grab-and-go items, beer, wine, coffee, and more. Her beats include Italy, New England, and the Caribbean. The all-inclusive guest ranch, just 90 minutes outside of New York City, has all the traditional aspects of a dude ranch, plus so much more. The Marble Mountain Ranch has been family-owned since 1968. There are so many variations all over the country, so its important to know the difference between a luxury dude ranch and a working dude ranch. Cabin suites and main building hotel rooms utilize natural materials like wooden bed frames and stone fireplaces, and in spite of mounted taxidermy, the look is genuine gaucho over kitschy. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider If horseback riding isn't your thing, there's also skeet shooting, tennis, fishing, swimming, line dancing, and archery. The extensive riding program is led by experienced wranglers and there are 50 miles of trails dipping through verdant glens, grass-covered hills, and riverbanks. You wont have much cell service while youre here, but who needs it given the many different activities at your fingertips. Extensive programming for children allows parents to enjoy adults-only time. Cons: It's very hot for much of the year so schedule your ride for early morning or late afternoon. WebWe've partnered with dude ranch vets Bob & Karen Foster, and anointed them our dude ranch concierge consultants to help dissect and pinpoint a perfect ranch vacation for Set high in the Colorado Rockies at nearly 9,000 feet of elevation, Waunita Hot Springs Ranch is filled with snow-covered mountain views at every turn. Saddle up and go for a guided 45-minute trail ride or try not to get thrown from the mechanical bull. With 25 miles of lightly-tread riding trails rambling across the ranch, couples may have a trail all to themselves. Whats the Deal With All-Inclusive Dude Ranches? Think swimming holes, archery, hiking, fishing, square dancing, stargazing, bird watching, or just relaxing with a good book. South Texas Hunting Ranch All Inclusive Packages Daily activities and experiences will also vary depending on the area of the country and time of year you visit a guest ranch. We looked for options to suit a wide range of adventurers. Includes: Options available for all-inclusive stays or a la carte dining and activities. Sign up at the front desk! Pros: If you're looking for family fun within an easy drive from New York City, this is the jackpot. The remote beauty of Big Sky country is easy to appreciate from the back of a horse. Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! Guests sleep in glamping tents outfitted with electricity, luxurious bathrooms, claw foot soaking tubs with room for two, and cushy beds. Which Dude Ranch Destination Is Best for Us? We've broken our list into categories, with options for travelers on a budget, as well as families, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and active seniors. Texas All Inclusive Resorts & Vacations Theres horseback riding, ATV tours, clay and long-range shooting, and mountain tours just make sure you book your chosen activity at least 24 hours in advance! Pros: Many guest rooms and casitas have panoramic views that exploit the desert location. They dont serve lunch or dinner, but there are plenty of restaurants in Bandera to enjoy, or you can grill outside or use the microwave in the lodge. Each day starts with a delicious Cowboy breakfast cooked on the open range, followed by so many activities to fill your time with endless fun. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Embark on a cross country tour with the 50 coolest Airbnbs in the U.S. and see which is best in your state. A dude ranch is an establishment orientated towards visitors and is considered a type of agrotourism. At the Silver Spur Ranch, youll enjoy home-cooked meals, plenty of great activities like horseback riding and hiking, and even a bonfire under the stars. On the East Coast, there arent as many options, though you can find one or two in Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York and Georgia. WebThe Sugar & Spice Ranch. Dude, when used in the context of dude ranching, is a term of respect for those experiencing a lifestyle they dont otherwise know or understand, and there are basically two kinds of dude ranches. The most budget-friendly place of the bunch, this 800-acre working cattle ranch offers a relaxing escape from the city. Theres also the on-site spa where you can unwind with treatments like a deep tissue massage plus a restaurant with themed dining nights. And dont forget, if you need some help choosing the perfect dude ranch vacation, you can always ask our expert for advice. Scenic roads and must-sees across the state. Cibolo Creek Ranch is one of Texas oldest ranches, WebDude Ranch - Resorts and Lodges in Texas Experience an authentic Western experience the next time you travel to Texas at a bona fide dude ranch. Guests can also enjoy bullwhip and shooting demos, fossil hunting, hiking, buckaroo rides, stargazing, ranch animals, lasso lessons, a playground, and more. The comprehensive children's program gives parents plenty of kid-free time to enjoy that massage. Or, dive into the pioneer experience and stay in one of the Conestoga wagons, based on the authentic 19th-century design. Select a region using the map to your right or pick one from the drop down below. Over 100 horses call the ranch home and an extensive year-round riding program is at its core. 1-830-460-8487. Trade your skirt for blue jeans, your tie for a red bandana, and your stress for a peaceful Hill Country sunset at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch near Bandera. Every cabin is standalone and there's no main lodge, making this an especially attractive choice for social distancing. Yoga, fly fishing, trap shooting, hatchet throwing, and a zip line course are popular pastimes in addition to equestrian sports, and in cold weather, snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing round out the offerings. As such, keep an eye out for moose, black bears, elks, and eagles. Rooms and suites feature cozy wood-burning fireplaces, plus tasteful accents like reclaimed barn wood paneling, and fine linens covering the pillow-soft beds. A dude ranch is a Western-style resort typically featuring rustic-chic accommodations and a wide range of outdoor-centric activities, including horseback riding, fishing, hiking, roping, roasting marshmallows, chuckwagon dinners, and more. It was lovely. Additional horsemanship activities include team penning and lessons on equine behavior. My brothers cabin was a studio and a short walk away. Roomy cabins with bunk beds work especially well for families. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant, or drive into Graham for lunch and shopping on the square. In summer, the sparkling waters of Bear Lake are a wonderland for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The Dude Ranchers Association was formed in 1926 to preserve this special way of life And no matter what time of year it is, the hot tub is open.
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