Plan a ranch or a farm stay three ways: On a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Budget:
Getting there: Binghamton is 44 miles from Walton, N.Y. One-way rates range from $99-$139; valid on connecting Delta, United or USAirways service.
Stay: Stay on a real working farm in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. This unspoiled region of waterfalls, forests, streams, lakes and valleys is home to the 85-acre Stony Creek Farm. Accommodations are in roomy and cozy wood floor tents with enough beds for up to six persons (five adults and one child); wood-burning stove for cooking; a gravity-powered toilet; bed linens; bath and kitchen towels; one crate of firewood; candles and an outdoor cooker. Through Aug. 25, tent rates are $565 for two nights; $615 three nights and up to $1,187 for seven nights; 1738 Freer Hollow Rd., Walton, 512-524-1817, www.featherdown.com.
Eat: Meals are not included, but keep the eggs you find in the chicken coop. Soups to prepare for four persons is $28 per batch; a campfire stew for four to six persons is $35 and a basket of fresh veggies from the organic garden is $20. Build Your Own Pizza Night is $15 per person. The "Honesty" shop offers chickens, grass-fed beef, veggies and greens for sale.
Experience: Relax after a free-range eggs and heirloom pork sausage breakfast and then head out to catch a bass or a trout dinner (licenses and rental gear at the local supply store). Hike the numerous back country trails, canoe a stream or head into nearby Cooperstown to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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Moderate:
Getting there: Granby is 90 miles west of Denver, Colo. and near Rocky Mountain National Park. One-way sale rates range from $84 to $178; nonstop AirTran, Frontier, Delta or United.
Stay: The 600-acre Drowsy Water Ranch dude ranch offers outstanding programs and activities for all ages. On stays through Sept. 17, only weekly reservations accepted (Sunday arrival through Saturday lunch). Per person adult (age 18 and up) rates are $1,835 double occupancy, per week. Weekly rates for three or more family members sharing accommodations are $1,820 adults; $1,650 children 14-17; $1,400 ages 6-13 and $780 for ages five and under. Included are cabin or Lodge room with private bath; all meals; a personal horse for the week and all ranch activities; Granby, 1-800-845-2292, www.drowsywater.com.
Eat: Gourmet to hearty western meals can come out of a saddlebag, a chuckwagon or served up family-style. Special diets can be accommodated.
Experience: On-site is a game area; children's playground; swimming pool and over 100 resident horses. Find your inner cowboy or cowgirl during a week of riding. Relax in the 80-year-old main lodge to play cards, relax in the library or meet new friends. Take part in pack trips; rodeos; hayrides; river raft trips; infant/children and teen programs; swimming; fishing and more.
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Splurge:
Getting there: Greer, Ariz. is a four-hour drive from Phoenix. One-way sale rates range from $84 to $154; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay: Located in the White Mountains and surrounded by two million acres of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Hidden Meadow Ranch is a luxurious retreat situated at 8,500 feet (summer temps in the 80s). Each of the one dozen chic log cabin homes average 900 square feet and feature living/dining area; mini-kitchen; stone fireplace; covered porch; hand-carved wood furnishing; art and antiques; private master bedroom; well-appointed bathrooms; SAT radio; CD player; WiFi and complimentary beverages. A cabin-only rate for two persons is $295 per night. A la carte dining is available. Ranch activities are $50 per hour, per person in addition to the cabin rate; 620 County Road 1325, Greer, 1-866-333-4080; www.hiddenmeadow.com.
Eat: The Ranch House Restaurant serves gourmet "western mountain cuisine" such as meat, game, poultry, seafood, vegetables and locally sourced organic choices. Special dining events might range from forest picnics, barbecues along the pond to campfire breakfasts. An all-inclusive "Rancher's" package, including accommodations; all meals; non-alcoholic beverages and unlimited ranch-sponsored activities for two persons is $595 (15 percent gratuity added at check-out), per night.
Experience: Ranch-sponsored summer activities are extensive. Highlights include horseback riding; fishing; archery; carriage rides; canoeing and kayaking; woodworking; roping; fly tying; leather working and target shooting. Or simply relax on the sun deck in the hot tub or in a hammock. Stroll the meadow at dawn or dusk to spot deer, elk, wild turkey and bald eagles.
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Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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