For a different, enjoyable, and participatory vacation idea, or even to satisfy that inner cowboy longing to come out, nothing beats a dude ranch. And while you can experience all the luxury of an upscale hotel, you can do it without all the pretense and attitude.
There are even western style dude ranches along the East Coast. So the need to fly the whole family out west won’t be a concern.
Just like all other vacations, there are various levels of activity, accommodations and services available at dude ranches. They can be offered either a’ la carte by the operator, or as an all inclusive package.
Our choices tend to be more a’ la carte, with add ons. It’s not unusual for extended horse rides to cost more (unless you attend a ranch that focuses on riding), nicer dining to cost a little more, or some specialized activities to be cost/per.
We like a nice mix. And on some ranches that can include fly fishing for trout in the local stream, skeet shooting in the local fields, or even rock climbing (or rock hunting).
The key to having the greatest dude ranch experience is to ask lots of questions when booking. A lot of questions! Most dude ranch operators pride themselves in utilizing all the natural surroundings, and finding the perfect way to share them with the guests.
But let’s not forget the accommodations. Some dude ranches feed you chuck wagon style, or family style. Everyone sits at long tables and passes the grub. That has always been one of our favorite times, as we were able to sit and visit with new friends without seeming otherwise pushy.
Even fast eaters gave you 20 minutes to find something to talk about! But of course, it never came to that.
If your idea of the perfect dude ranch experience is gourmet food served in the grasslands out west, there are of course ranches that specifically cater to that.
And at the end of the day, when you’re sitting in the rocking chair on the porch, and staring at the sunset there are ample opportunities to enjoy a good Scotch, or other adult beverage. But be sure to ask about this when booking.
One dude ranch we stayed at in Kerhonkson, New York had a nice lounge. They even had a happy hour with drinks in the lobby for the guests. Seemed (and sounded) great. Until you realized that children were allowed to run unfettered through the bar, through the social hour, and even up on stage at the nightly entertainment.
When I asked the management about their policy regarding children in the bar (the place we thought we could hide from the little troublemakers), they politely told me that not allowing the children to go where ever they wanted would mean they couldn’t call the ranch a ‘family’ dude ranch. And that they were, a FAMILY dude ranch.
They went from dude ranch, to dud ranch. And quickly onto our do not revisit list.
Whether you want fine dining, or great BBQ, upscale accommodations or camp tents, luxurious showers or bathing in the Snake River in the morning (been there, done that – FUN!), dude ranches have so much to offer.
The really great thing about most all of them, is that you don’t have to go anywhere else. It’s all right there.
Imagine a week in a lodge in the mountains, with your own lake, like in Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner’s movie – “The Bodyguard”.
And, imagine how relaxing your next vacation would be if once you arrived, you put your car keys in your luggage and didn’t have to touch them for a week! Just eat, rest, be pampered, ride, and watch the sunset. Every night!
Now you know why we always go back.
