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10 Rustic Stays in the U.S.A. Without Actually Roughing It

The trend of 2020: ranch resorts. We’re talking about log cabins, glamping under a starry sky, horseback riding, fly fishing and drinking your Moscow mules from fancy copper cups around a well-set fire pit. Not only do these spots tend to be family-friendly, but they can be extremely romantic. We’ve lassoed up 10 of our favorite ranch and farm resorts in America to inspire your next jaunt into the wild.

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Earning the ranks of a top resort in the United States, Brush Creek has everything you could want in a ranch experience. This resort is all-inclusive, so you can arrive knowing exactly what you will be paying at check out. With activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, fly fishing, ATV tours and hiking- you will be fully immersed into ranch life. You’ll also have all the comforts of a luxe getaway with a well-manicured golf course, spa, and plush amenities within your accommodations.


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Comin’ at you with another all-inclusive option! The Ranch at Rock Creek is the only U.S. charter member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection – which says A LOT about this place! Amenities here include high level gastronomy, authentically styled rooms, access to over 20 guided outdoor activities on 6,600 acres of mountains, meadows, forests, trout ponds and a mountain-fed creek.


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C Lazy U Ranch
Colorado

Open year-round, this Colorado dude ranch adapts to the seasons, taking advantage of what nature has to offer us high up in the mountains. In the summers, you’ll spend your time riding horses among the wildflowers or wading in Willow Creek to catch your first fish. In the winters, snow blankets our mountainsides, creating some of the best slopes in the west for skiing and tubing. With on-site activities such as trap shooting, archery, mountain biking and plenty of indoor games, you’ll find yourself wishing you had just one more day at the ranch.


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We’re throwing this one out there for the east coasters. While this may not be a traditional “ranch” style property, you can get all the vibes of a rustic getaway from this inn in Warren, Vermont. Guests can go skiiing, snow-mobiling, flying over the mountain peaks on a sailplane, and riding through the mountains on a horse-drawn carriage. In the summer, you can enjoy golf, canoeing, fly-fishing, hiking, and exploring the local waterfalls. Being as it is another Relais & Chateax property, you can count on quality of service, cleanliness- and most importantly, exceptional dining.


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Cibolo Creek Ranch is one of the oldest ranches in Texas, where historical artifacts, art and antiques combine to create a true nineteenth century atmosphere. Explore 30,000 acres of great outdoors and enjoy a range of activities led by experienced ranch hands. Activities include walking and motorized tours, viewing of Native American rock art, and opportunities to explore the ranch’s three historic forts.


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Twin Farms
Vermont

Ensconced in 300 acres (fancy words = fancy times), Twin Farms is an adult-only property that customizes every detail. Indulge in superb meals and fine wines. This resort has so many activities that they had to create an alphabetized list! First up: Bee tour, bicycling, and billiards. That’s one heck of a teaser to the kind of days you’ll spend here. At Twin Farms, the goal is relaxation and restoration.


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Paws Up
Montana

Paws Up is a family-friendly Montana mountain resort situated on a 37,000-acre, authentic working cattle ranch in western Montana. Based on preference, you can choose to stay in an expansive private home or a safari-style luxury tent. We personally prefer to go “all in” and spend our evenings under canvas (pictured here). Bragging rights include: some of the finest sheets, the most soothing spa, and the best activities under the western sun.


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Whiteface Lodge
New York

Whiteface Lodge is tucked into the picturesque woodlands of the Adirondacks’ High Peaks region in Upstate New York. Just when you think that the view is relaxing enough, the Lake Placid spa has been listed in the Top 100 spas in North America by Conde Nast Traveler. Sign us up! Better yet, you can eagerly bring your littles along; they have plenty of activities, including science experiments, crafts, scavenger hunts and more. This is a perfect spot for every family member to get exactly what they need from a getaway.


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This is one that you are just going to have to see to believe. In a former Cattle Ranch of nearly 500 acres, sit just 8 luxury tents, a Farm House and lounge tent for guests to enjoy the ultimate seclusion. Here, not only are the rooms decked to the nines, but the experience of the wilderness and privacy is what you’ll really notice. Activities can easily be arranged, so that you don’t miss a chance to maximize on the surrounding wonders of nature.


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Triple Creek is an all-inclusive mountain retreat for ages 16+, so it is perfect for families with late teens, or romantics. A honeymoon or anniversary would be a DREAM here! In fact, this resort was named as the #1 hotel in the WORLD in 2014. Dang…top that! Fill your days with horseback riding, hiking or snowshoeing, a fly-casting clinic, archery, sapphire panning, a game of tennis, or simply relax by the pool, all of which is included in your nightly cabin rate.

Follow the adventure!

@explorateurtravel