The word “vacation” may stir up thoughts of beach resorts and tropical weather in your mind. But what about thoughts on bull-wrangling, grilled steaks, and horse riding? It may not be the most conventional idea you’ve thought of, and it may not have ever crossed your mind at all. Who do you know these days that suggests you to spend your three-day weekend on a ranch instead on a beach? Only the adventurous would be telling you to steer clear of the palm trees and head for open fields, campfire songs, and horse shoe tosses. Guest ranches across the US are one of the best kept secrets in vacationing. Perhaps you are looking for something a little more adventurous and a little less listless like lying on the beach, and if that’s that case, a ranch may be your answer.
First off, disregard any preconceived notions about taking a vacation on a ranch. A weekend, week, or even longer vacation at one of these ranches can be just what a person needs to escape office pressures and the various duties of running a household. Whether for a romantic couple looking to try something new, or a family wanting to having a bonding experience, the activities at the ranch are so abundant, there’s something for everyone. At dude ranches, a child that grew up watching cowboy and horse riding on the television can finally see it all in real life. It can be wildly entertaining for children needing more exposure to the great outdoors. And the activities like horse riding and exploring the fields, it can add a little spice to a couple’s relationship. The whole trip is meant to give visitors a taste of the old west back when cowboys still rode and mail was delivered by wagon. There’s no limit to the wonders a trip to one of these welcoming ranches can do.
Tracking down a ranch to visit is the least of the trouble you have to go through. Locations sprout up all over the US, everywhere from wide plains in California to the big sky of Montana. Each ranch takes pride in offering genuine activities of the Old West. Don’t be put off by the worries stranding yourself in the middle of no where with a half-hearted host. The authenticity of the ranches, right down to the howdy accents, shows how dedicated the staff really is, which makes the experience all the more rewarding.
So the next time you have a weekend that is actually free, consider spending it at a dude ranch. You may find out that it was just what you needed.
