Fall season is upon us and, in what can be a deflating time of year, we asked our expert correspondent, Dr Barbara Czyzewska, for a luxury destination that could lift the spirits. She’s chosen the United States of America – and more specifically Western-style outdoor adventures that will unleash the cowboy/cowgirl in us all…
Long dark evenings, the sound of the raindrops on the roof, and tree leaves turning warm shades of yellow and red… it can only mean one thing: fall (autumn) has come.
At The Insider, we are taking our warm blankets from the cupboards and piling up books ready to spend the evenings sipping a cup of steaming tea with spices. But there’s also something we can do to make these fall evenings even better – getting out there and embracing our sense of adventure!
To accomplish this, we are traveling to the United States of America to visit some of the country’s most luxurious ranches.
A brief history of American cattle ranching
Hands-up who has seen the TV series Yellowstone? It’s perhaps the most famous fictional portrayal of cattle ranching of the past few years – but while it’s highly entertaining viewing, we’re not sure luxury travelers would be willing to endure quite the level of trauma depicted!
While Yellowstone‘s Dutton family are pure fiction, ranches are very real and have been an integral part of the American landscape since the 19th century. Livestock grazing, in fact, takes up more than a quarter of all US land. The country’s largest working ranch, King Ranch, is located in Texas and sprawls across 825,000 acres (333,800 hectares). It is home to around 35,000 cattle.
So ranching is big business. However, sampling the cowboy lifestyle is also a very popular vacation choice, including for luxury travelers.
Barbara’s best luxury ranch experiences
Paw’s Up Resort and Ranch
We begin our trip in Montana, a large but relatively sparsely populated state in the Western United States. When signing the Montana Organic Act in 1864 (the document which effectively made Montana a territory of the Union), Abraham Lincoln famously said, “My favorite state has not yet been invented. It will be called Montana, and it will be perfect.”
Indeed, the landscape in which the Paw’s Up Resort and Ranch is located is pretty close to perfect. The resort was founded in 2005 by the Lipson family, who transformed their cattle ranch into an upscale destination for glamping and outdoor adventure. The land has a rich history, once home to Native American tribes and later used by homesteaders and ranchers. Today, you have a choice of staying in one of its timber homes, river lodges or tree houses.
The fans of camping among you can head for one of the glamping tents. Don’t worry too much, though, as your personal butler will make sure that you are comfortable!
Brush Creek Ranch
Our second destination, nestled in Wyoming’s stunning Platte River Valley, is Brush Creek Ranch.
This little slice of Western heaven offers an ultimate fall luxury experience, blending rugged adventure with refined indulgence. Spanning 30,000 acres of golden-hued wilderness, you can enjoy horseback riding through aspen groves, fly fishing, guided hunting, or hiking in the Medicine Bow Mountains.
After a day outdoors, savor farm-to-table gourmet cuisine sourced from the ranch’s own greenhouse. With wellness treatments at the Trailhead Spa, Brush Creek Ranch offers the perfect blend of seasonal beauty and sophisticated comfort. Did we already mention that it is all inclusive?
https://www.brushcreekranch.com/
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Would you like to brush up your cattle handling skills or learn how to survive in the wilderness? Look no further than Montana’s The Ranch at Rock Creek, which unites luxury with wide-open spaces. It’s a working cattle ranch with authentic Montana-style barns and lodges.
The EliteTraveler.com says, “It’s a ranch-style experience through and through, from its cuisine at Blue Canteen (think bison burgers and Montana ribs) to a ropes course and shooting sports to exploring the endless, untouched nature around you via foot or horseback.”
https://theranchatrockcreek.com
Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa
When you’ve had enough of the rugged outdoors, make your way to the Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa, which, according to Forbes Travel Guide, “sports luxury lodge décor at its finest – deer antlers, slate floors and stone fireplaces. Its tasteful interiors aim to reflect the outdoorsy nostalgia that runs deep in Upstate New York’s Lake Placid”.
Do you feel you need some pampering? Try their Arnica Recovery Wrap or The Lodge Mud Wrap. Total fall relaxation, guaranteed!
https://www.thewhitefacelodge.com/
These highlights provide just a glimpse of what the USA offers in the fall season, but there’s so much more waiting for the cowboy – or cowgirl – in you. From exploring endless trails to savoring the finest farm-to-table meals, these ranches help to keep the spirit of the American West alive and well.
Whether you’re seeking rugged outdoor thrills or serene relaxation, the American frontier has something special in store for everyone.
From all of us at The Insider, keep your boots dry, and see you in the early spring for new suggestions on where to travel in style and luxury!
- Discover our previous choices as World’s best luxury destinations: St. Moritz, Zimbabwe and French Polynesia
Photo credit
Main image: davidf/Getty
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