Ozark ranch offers 20 percent off

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

Have you ever thought about taking the family vacation in Arkansas? Experience the "Natural State" with a stay at a Dude Ranch.

The end of summer in Arkansas spells cooler temperates and hot deals in the wilderness. Autumn is the ideal time to visit for pleasant weather and an outstanding leaf peeping setting.

You won't be roughing it at the Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Buffalo National River, a 90-minute drive (50 miles) from Branson, Mo., and in the Arkansas Ozarks. The ranch offers accommodations in rustic log cabins outfitted with heavenly beds and linens and three delicious “squares” each day.

Daytime activities include horseback riding on a maze of trails beneath a forest canopy, paddling the Buffalo River, trout fishing, spotting wildlife, soaking in the hot tub, and discovering hidden waterfalls and old Indian caves.

Try rock climbing at the ranch's course, which has been rated the best in the state. For more thrills, ride the ranch zip line.

Starting Sept. 8 and through October, all-inclusive rates dip 20 percent at Horseshoe. Take the savings off daily rates of $180 per adult, per night, or from weekly per person rates of $970.

Rates for non-riders are $150 per day, or $810 per week, per adult. Child rates are $135 daily or $730 per week for ages 8-16. Children ages 3-7 are charged $95 per day or $515 per week. There is no charge for children age 2 and under.

Visit the Arkansas tourism pages for more on what to do, see, and experience (and for a great page of suggested scenic drives).

Through midnight Aug. 25, AirTran offers one-way sale rates from $79 to Branson, Mo. Rates apply on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday on trips finished on or before Dec. 16.