Ah, the romance and adventure of playing cowboy! But then there’s that “roughing it” element. We may be a little to citified for that part.
Not to worry. We found a place where guests can have the ultimate cowboy experience with amenities that eliminate uncomfortable conditions. Westgate River Ranch, in Lake Wales (south of Orlando) in the heart of Florida’s cattle lands, offers guests a “glamping” experience. It’s camping, but more glamorous.
Guests can satisfy a craving for the outdoors without worrying about traditional camping chores. At their service is a glamping concierge, available around the clock, to do everything from scheduling daytime activities to starting campfires at night. They even deliver hot cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit and coffee to glamping tents every morning.
Camp sites sport screened-in porches with rocking chairs, private gas propane grill and picnic table, access to private bathrooms and an array of interior amenities: bedroom furniture and dining set, a mini refrigerator, microwave, air conditioning, electrical outlets, a ceiling fan and various board games.
To celebrate International Glamping Weekend, June 6 -7, Westgate River Ranch is offering a special glamping vacation package through June. An enhanced glamping package includes a golf cart, $20 daily resort credit and s’mores kit to enjoy around nightly campfires along with a glamping site that features a fully furnished, air-conditioned tent and private bathroom access.
To encourage more new glampers, the package is available for booking through June for travel dates through Sept. 30. The package starts at $199, offering a savings of up to 25 percent.
For those seeking even more cowboy adventure, the ranch offers a variety of activities: an authentic cattle drive, horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting, archery, a dinner hayride with a singing cowboy, mechanical bull, swamp buggy and airboat rides.
Weekend guests can also attend the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in Florida, with trick riding, bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing, followed by line dancing and a street party at the River Ranch Saloon.
For more information or reservations, call 863-692-1321 or visit www.westgateriverranch.com and use code "IGW2015." Accommodations must be booked by June 30 for travel dates through Sept. 30. The package offers up to 25 percent savings with rates starting at $199 per night for weekday stays and $279 per night for weekend visits (savings based on rate plan availability).
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