For those seeking wide-open spaces, treat yourself to a vacation at a bed and breakfast experience at a ranch, working farm or rustic lodge. Ride horses, help out with farm work or just relax and enjoy the country views. We have wrangled up some of the top choices for that rural getaway.
Savor Big Sky Country at Montana Lodge
Set one foot inside the River Rock Lodge in Big Sky, Montana, and you’ll find the kind of wilderness lodge you’ve always dreamed about. The impressive lobby showcases the beauty of natural rock and polished wood, designed by a Montana architect whose work is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright. The scenery is spectacular, just 40 miles from Yellowstone National Park. You can hike to a nearby waterfall or try your hand at fly-fishing on the Gallatin River.
Historic Arizona Hacienda Beckons Guests
City slickers can leave it all behind at Rancho De La Osa in Arizona. The historic ranch is just 65 miles from Tucson, but feels like a relaxing world away. Try your hand at barrel racing or cattle round-ups or simply enjoy a leisurely horseback ride. There’s plenty to do and see at this 300-year-old ranch. The rates include all of your meals and daily activities, such as nature walks or mountain biking, and of course, you can enjoy the scenery of the high Sonoran Desert from horseback. The ranch’s Old Adobe Cantina is known as the oldest building in Arizona, and has been in continuous use since the 18th century. It is here where guests mingle over a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres just before dinner. The guest quarters are furnished with Mexican antiques, and most include a fireplace.
Experience a True Working Horse Farm
The Cedar Mountain Farm B&B in Athol is set on 440 acres of working farmland in northern Idaho. For families wanting to bring their children closer to nature, this B&B offers the chance to get personal with miniature horses, cows, dairy goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, and cats. Two log cabins feature rooms with real log walls. In addition to fall colors, winter is extremely popular for getaways here, according to Al and Daryl Kyle. “Snow sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing) are part of our winter activities. Guests also like to come huddle down for a great Christmas in the country.”
Enjoy an Orchard Bed and Breakfast
Each year the innkeepers at Okaw Valley Orchard Inn host an old-fashioned apple festival at their 22-acre orchard. Guests at this Sullivan, Illinois bed and breakfast can even help out in the orchard during the season, which runs from July to November. The three guest rooms are decorated in comfortable, country style in the main house, which resembles a barn. The grounds include a stocked fishing pond , and there is also an outdoor hot tub.
Enjoy Peaceful, Easy Feelings at Northern California Ranch
Restful, relaxed, refuge: Three words that nicely describe the Shambhala Ranch retreat center and B&B in Ukiah, Northern California. Located near the coastal town of Mendocino, Shambhala Ranch offers serene rolling hills, a natural swimming pond, and a river with beach to play on. Add a hot tub, large rustic rooms with great views, and clean, fresh air close to the Pacific Ocean, and the Shambhala Ranch is an ideal place to withdraw from the world for awhile.
Discover the Texas Spirit at Cattle Ranch
Enjoy the best of Texas Hill Country with a stay at Canyon Lake Ranch, a relaxing bed and breakfast on 64 secluded, peaceful acres. Located just minutes from water sports and fishing at Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River, this Hill Country bed and breakfast offers two private cottages with plenty of amenities. The Longhorn Lodge has a private hot tub, fenced yard and a wide front porch where you can just sit and relax. The Starview Lodge also has a hot tub, as well as a private swimming pool and fireplace. Guests at both cottages receive a complementary bottle of wine, a fruit basket and homemade cookies. Guests also can go for a hike, bird watch or feed the Longhorn cattle that live on the ranch.
Your comments on Big Sky really brought me back to a better time and place : ) It truly is magnificent out there, and it's so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the east coast (where I currently have to toil i out). I dream of going back…one day!
I wish i could have time there as your review make me have a dream to have vacation in a ranch
I've fallen in love with Hayden Valley the first time I saw it. Big Sky's one great view as well.
it's so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the east coast
I tend to think of Bed and Breakfast's are more of an upscale place. Sort of interesting to see the definition being this broad.