Just got a note from Mary Miller at Elkhorn Ranch in Arizona, who tells us  they’re getting ready to open the ranch for another lovely Arizona winter season. “We’ll be ready for guests in mid-November,” notes Mary. “We are quite full for the holidays, but still have scattered openings in mid-November and early December—quiet times with great riding weather! In the new year, January has openings every week.” Mary adds that February, March and April are filling fast, so guests hoping to stay then should call soon. Book: 520/822-1040 or check out their new web site at www.elkhornranch.com.

Russell True writes in from Arizona’s White Stallion Ranch to tell us that “business does seem to be definitely on the upswing for the Arizona ranches.” One reason? “They are offering more specials, not only in pricing but in terms of more ladies weeks, weeks built around rodeos, bridge (as in cards), Elderhostel programs, horsemanship, self-improvement using horses as a catalyst, family camps, and more,” he notes. And that’s not all that’s going on in Arizona. “The other story is that many of the ranches are allowing shorter stays in response to people having less time and money,” says True. Book: 888/ WSRANCH or 520/ 297-0252.

Meanwhile, don’t forget how lovely autumn is in the high country of the Rockies, where fall pack trips are just getting going. As Gene K. says, “Fresh mountain trout, horse bells, and the good old-fashioned wilderness make dude ranch pack trips one of the most exhilarating experiences on earth.” Here’s a list to get you started:

Coulter Lake Guest Ranch CO
Established in 1897 and operating as a guest ranch since 1934, this small, family-oriented outfit has made it’s name with it warm western hospitality, lovely lakeside setting, and unspoiled setting in the White River National Forest of northwestern Colorado. Here, the scenery and wildlife are a photographers delight and hunters can sign up for guided or unguided hunts for deer and elk. In the evening, gather in the lodge to play cards or perhaps sit around the campfire and discuss the day’s sightings with your new friends. Book: (800) 858-3046 or (970) 625-1473 or via www.ranchweb.com/coulter/index.html.

Turpin Meadow Ranch, WY

Autumn at the ranch is a time for relaxation and inspiration. It’s ideal for retreats, group activities, and peaceful family outings: enjoy a hike into forests filled with autumn colors, join a fishing expedition for beginners or experienced anglers; take day trips and tours of Yellowstone Park.
Set in Wyoming’s majestic Jackson Hole, Turpin Meadow Ranch offers a big game hunter’s dream trip—a six-day excursion, with one guide for every two hunters to lead you to the finest elk and mule deer. Or design your own pack trip of 3-10 days, riding with a string of pack mules into the wilderness, backcountry that has been little changed since the days of the mountain men. When you reach camp, you’ll find comfy tents and hearty meals, arranged by professional, personable wranglers and packers. It can be an unforgettable trek through the majestic setting of the Teton Wilderness Area/Bridger-Teton National Forest. Ask about Fall specials. Book: 800/743-2496 or 307/543-2000

Warner Guiding & Outfitting, Ltd. – Banff, Alberta, Canada
Wilderness tenting pack rides, rustic backcountry lodge rides, and learning enriched/interpretive pack rides—it’s all here. Join one of Warner’s unique ‘Holiday on Horseback’ pack trips (pictured above) and you’ll venture deep into the heart of Canada’s spectacular Banff National Park. Here, you can choose to stay in tents or enjoy a backcountry lodge stay at the historical Halfway Lodge or the beautiful Sundance Lodge. Enjoy the outdoors but don’t want the hassle of planning a camping trip? Then the wilderness tenting rides are perfect for you– meals are cooked for you, tents are set up, and you can just sit back and relax. Book: 800/661-8352, or local at 403/762-4551; e-mail to warner@horseback.com

The weather is glorious out in the Rockies, from Colorado north through Wyoming and on into British Columbia. And down in Texas, around the Big Bend area, the weather is perfection, too. Sunny days, gorgeous sunsets, and nights so starry you feel like you’re in a planetarium show. The best news is, there’s still time to jump in and snag a week (or a long weekend) at a fabulous Rockies or Texas dude ranch before the weather cools.

COLORADO

At Drowsy Water Ranch, a family-oriented ranch outside Granby, you’ll find hayrides, horseback riding, jeep trips, trout fishing, swimming, western dancing, gymkhana rodeos, raft trips, and special children’s programs. Nearby, there’s golfing, hunting, and much more. NEWS: New this year: Cowgirl Only Week September 6-12; enjoy riding, guided hikes, massages, yoga, a mountain supper cookout, plus a sunrise ride, and a trip to local hot springs. And be sure to check out the ranch’s own blog at www.drowsywater.com/blog/

Historic Pines Dude and Guest Ranch is a landmark in beautiful south central Colorado, and one of the state’s most revered ranches. There’s plenty to do here— even if you can’t stay overnight. The ranch offers hourly trail riding; sessions start at 9:30 and 1:30 daily Mon-Fri; and at 9:30 Saturday mornings. Call several days ahead to book your space. Trail riding is available May 1—October 3; call 800/446-9462. NEWS: The next Couples-Only week is September 13¬–19; the cost is a low all-inclusive rate of $1100 per person. The Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinic runs September 19 & 20; bring your own horse (or not) to learn this method of natural horsemanship. A Parelli-trained coach will teach and demonstrate this new approach to understanding your horse; call for more at 800/446-9462.

Both a summer ranch and a winter cross country ski destination, Latigo Ranch (pictured, above) boasts some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery (stand on the front porch of their historic log lodge and you’re looking at 100 miles of the Continental Divide). NEWS: Some prefer to visit Latigo Ranch when there are no young children here, so the week of  September 13–19  is reserved only for adults (no guests under 18 years of  age for the adults’ week).  The ranch is becoming increasingly popular for family reunions. For the latest news and info about Latigo, check out their new blog (click on the word blog). There, you’ll learn how the ranch is going green, about all the latest programs, and get a taste of the season.

Set high in the Colorado Rockies, the Waunita Hot Springs Ranch has been hosting guests for over 40 years. But they’re hip to technology here; in fact, you’ll never have to wonder what the weather forecast for your visit will be: a handy link gives you a complete weather map for the area (http://www.waunita.com/ranchNews/weatherMap.html). NEWS: Green on the ranch: Waunita has a long ‘green’ history concerning heat and domestic hot water (the ranch uses no propane or fuel oil for heating buildings and homes, blessed with free hot water from the springs. They are now moving towards ‘greener’ practices with soda pop cans, plastic water bottles, milk jugs. Weddings: The front lawn of the ranch has been the site of two weddings, and is available for more. Staying in touch: the ranch has begun a “friends of Waunita” email list; if you’d like to stay up on the latest news and/or changes at the ranch, send an email to info@waunita.com.

WYOMING

The Red Rock Ranch is a classic, family-owned/operated dude ranch in a classic location: just outside of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You can easily explore Grand Teton National Park from here. Besides an outstanding horseback riding program, the kids program  keeps families coming back for years, the Western log cabins are  richly appointed yet authentic. Anglers will go for the 2 ½ miles of private blue ribbon fly fishing waters running through the ranch, 4 stocked trout ponds, and a weekly fly fishing clinic. Miles of scenic hiking trails beckon both the beginning hiker and the more advanced. The limit of 28 guests makes for an intimate, relaxed atmosphere; sip your coffee in front of a roaring fire in the lodge, or roam the extensive ranch library. Red Rock is a good choice for family reunions and small corporate groups, due to its wide range of activities, amenities, and its conference center .

You just can’t be bored at Spotted Horse Ranch. Summer fun ranges from trail rides to trout fishing (their an Orvis partner) and exciting float trips on the beautiful Snake River. The Spotted Horse Ranch is handy to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and if you’re looking for bright lights, there’s the quaint town of Jackson, with its stagecoach rides, weekly rodeos, and places to bend an elbow or listen to music. NEWS: Anglers here go for Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat, Rainbow, and Brown Trout. These fish are fighters and they’re wily, so they offer flycasters a satisfying experience no matter your experience level. There’s a new spring-fed pond with its own Cutthroat population, a way to help anglers build confidence and improve casting skills. A free casting lesson is offered on Monday afternoons.

You want really close-up views of the Teton Range and Snake River Valley? Triangle X Ranch sits in the heart of Grand Teton National Park (the only operating guest ranch concession inside the park). This is a real working dude and horse ranch, so you’ll find a true western experience. And thre’s plenty of fun: riding, cookouts, square dancing, wildlife watching (and photography). You can also access a scenic rft trip, guided angling expeditions, and more. Sit back and relax or use Triangle X as your gateway to a wilderness adventure. In winter, the ranch becomes a hub for cross-country skiing.

TEXAS

A trip to Cibolo Creek Ranch is a journey back in time to the romantic old west. If you’re looking for rich history, boundless vistas, and timeless hospitality, this is the place for you. Cibolo Creek Ranch is ‘Texas big’, stretching over some 30,000 acres around the Big Bend area (and it has its own private airstrip!). It’s an oasis of luxury, adventure, and serenity. Set amidst the Chinati Mountains, the ranch sits in the cool, clean mountain air. Hop on your horse (or ATV) and explore, go fishing, hiking, swimming. Or not. Many guests enjoy simply relaxing by the pool, working out in the fitness center, or chilling out in the hot tub or sauna. But all enjoy the panoramas. There’s beauty all around, even in the ranch buildings themselves: stylish enough to have been featured in Architectural Digest Magazine.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

High in the Canadian Rockies, Three Bars Cattle and Guest Ranch combines the setting for real adventure and western hospitality. Activities range from fly fishing to mountain biking and horseback riding. Three Bars is a working ranch and if the ranch is moving cows when you are here, there will be opportunities to go along. NEWS: Run by The Beckley family, the ranch was recently voted Canada’s Best Dude Ranch for 2009. An Adults Only Week is set for September 6-12; call the ranch for details. And from October through mid-May, the ranch is available for conferences.

Sometimes, in order to find a real escape, you just have to strike out into the wild and pit your skills against a wily fish or elusive game animal. It’s one way to really get away from it all, a sure effort to connect with your wilder side, and just the kind of wild adventure that many dude ranches specialize in.

Timeless adventures like these have also long been a popular means for anglers and hunting enthusiasts to reconnect with buddies, make new friends, or bond with brothers and sons. And who knows? You might find your hunting adventure of a life time here. You’ll find a range of hunting/fishing lodges at Ranchweb.com. Three featured lodges include:

The Lodge at Chama (open year-round) is a 36,000 acre retreat in the rugged San Juan Mountains of Northern New Mexico and owned by The Jicarilla Apache Nation. Over the past five decades, the lodge has developed a widely-acclaimed game management program that has helped establish thriving native populations of deer, elk, buffalo, bear, turkey and grouse. Elk hunting is a speciality at the Lodge, but you can also try fishing/ flyfishing, hiking, wildlife tours or photography, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and shooting the sporting clay.

In Texas, at the JB Hunting and Guest Ranch (near Palacios), the terrain varies from rolling grassland to thick woodlands and cactus-surrounded areas. They offer professional guided hunts with an authentic, down-to-earth enviroment. You can go for hogs, rams and many exotics, with a variety of different hunts such as rifle, bow, dog & knife, stand, safari and many more types.

Or go way outside the box, to La Pampa Argentina and the Poitahue Hunting Ranch. It’s a scenic ranch, where the terrain ranges from woods, to green plains, and rolling hills, all rich in various fauna. Its a mix that assures unique scenery and a truly wild hunting experience; go for red deer stags, boars, wild goats, blackbucks antelopes, pumas,  and  exotic species. Just remember: the season here is opposite of that in the northern hemisphere (their summer is December, January, February).

Editor’s note: this is the last in a 5-part series: Americans need a dude ranch vacation NOW.

Romance, adventure, and tradition. That’s how the guest ranch (aka dude ranch) got its start—as an entry into the West we dream about, and the way of the cowboy.  As Tim Singewald, at Wyoming’s DC Bar Guest Ranch and Bridger Wilderness Outfitters reminded us, yesterday’s kids saw Roy Rogers, John Wayne, and even Spin and Marty (Disney’s cool ’50s teen cowboys) on television daily—every little boy in America wanted to be a cowboy.  Yet that image of the cowboy is missing from TV today and some of today’s kids don’t quite ‘get’ what’s so thrilling about being on a ranch and playing cowboy for a week. Or just playing in the great—really wild—outdoors.

“Many city kids don’t really know what a dude ranch is—and how much fun it is,” Tim says. “They think of a ranch vacation as rocking on a porch and looking out at the sunset” and they think: BORING. Or they think a guest ranch is only for an accomplished rider. So not true. “They don’t realize there’s so much action and adventure here, and so much to try: Learn to fly fish, learn to ride a horse, learn how to camp outdoors, learn to watch (or track) animals,” Tim notes. And at some ranches, the list goes on to include learning to rope a calf, raft a river, shoot a bow and arrow, pilot a canoe, mountain bike ride, take photographs, try new yoga postures, and maybe even learn to be a little stronger, healthier, and more fit.

And the old view of a ranch is, well, so five minutes ago. Now you can find a ranch with a candlelight dining rooms, even golf courses and spas and fitness centers where the ‘rents (parents, in kid lingo) can learn a few handy  things, too, like tips on handling stress back in the real world. At places like Lost Creek Ranch, classes on yoga, hiking, and cooking are a part of packages offered regularly. At California’s Highland Ranch, you can learn clay pigeon shooting, take a yoga class, or brush up on your musical skills (the parlor piano is always in tune). Many ranches have Internet hookups for guest use, so you’re never that far out of touch.

But the timeless thrill and romance? Well, it’s still here, in the horses galloping through the pastures (with you in the saddle), the froth of whitewater on an untamed river (with you paddling the raft),  and the tangerine glow of a campfire (reflected in your kids’ shining faces). And the adventures a child and the kid in all of us adults can have in the open air. Good times.

Right now, we’re all feeling the pull of nostalgia, the remembrance of easier, better, more honest times. What easier way to recapture, no, to LIVE those good times than to go off and play cowboy for a while? Take the plunge. Jump on that horse (or into that river raft). Make a new tradition for your own family, by following the traditions of America’s guest ranches and the romance of the cowboy way. Along the way, you’ll find romance, action, and adventure you never dreamed possible in this age of cold computers and blaring iPods. Thanks for the reminder, Tim.

Editor’s note: This is the third in a series, 5 reasons Americans need a dude ranch vacation NOW, a part of  the ongoing “Discover Ranch Vacations Campaign”.

Photo courtesy: Lost Creek

Family reunion groups are discovering that a dude ranch is the perfect host for their unique gatherings. Consider the advantages: a dude ranch is by its nature warmly welcoming and family-friendly, so you’ve set the right tone immediately.

Everything is taken care of, so no need to worry about catering and setting up activities. And you’ve got a getaway with a single price (no annoying add-ons), so every member of the group can plan ahead.

And the setting and scenery are always something family reunion memories are made of. “We’ve come to look forward to such groups for certain weeks in the season,” says Mike at the Lost Creek Ranch.  “Typically we offer incentives for large bookings and encourage very large groups to book the entire ranch.  This allows us to cater to their specific needs/wants.”

Set near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the ranch offers great rates in low season (May 31 – June 14 and August 30 – September 6).

A guest ranch is an ideal solution for such gatherings, with both indoor and outdoor options for your family meetings, whether it be in the great room in the ranch house or a conference room in the bunk-house. Look for a ranch that can accommodate groups.

More ranches to consider for family reunions: Angel Ridge Ranch, near Ridgeway and Ouray, in Colorado. And check the Lodge at Sun Ranch (formerly Papoose Creek) in Cameron, Montana.

The West’s historic dude ranches are unique. They tap into years of tradition and often, storied tales of pioneering the West. Recently, we talked about some of Montana’s historic ranches.  As a result of our story, Kelly Kelsy, from Nine Quarter Circle Ranch in Montana, wrote to tell us more about her historic ranch.
Set in Gallatin Gateway, the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch sits in the high country of the Montana Rockies. At 7,000 feet in elevation, surrounded by national forests containing a million acres of primitive wilderness, the ranch offers a variety of riding and unspoiled trout waters. The ranch history dates back to the 1800’s, when it was first homesteaded; Indians once ran elk herds here, Jim Bridger rode after buffalo, and Chief Joseph passed near here on his retreat to Canada.

Kelly offered up more reasons guests may choose an historic ranch. “Often, their family has been going to the same ranch for many years and they want to continue to do so,” says Kelly. “New guests may come to an historic ranch they want to get away from the hustle of their busy lives and get back to basics— as they certainly can at our ranch.”

Tradition is a vital part of the appeal of ranches like the Nine Quarter Circle. Kelly tells us theirs is one of the true traditional ranches and that many guests love coming back simply because the know things haven’t changed since the ‘50’s. “I think that is the thing they love most about us—we don’t change and take on all the latest “needs” that people think they want.”

What else the guests love: spending time with their family; “having real quality time, not superficial time”. And the time to make those memories that last a lifetime.  “We are seeing fourth-generation families coming back year after year,” she adds. “Many of the families that met here are now friends in their personal lives and have become involved with all the joys and sadness that comes with those friendships.” Those relationships are the kind that take time to build. And it helps to know the ranch will be there, when you’re ready to reconnect, just as it has been for decades.
More historic ranches: In Wickenburg, Arizona, the Kay El Bar Ranch has been operating since 1926, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.  And in California, the Hunewill Circle H Ranch has attracted guests since the 1930s and ranching since the 1860s. Now that’s historic!

Family time.

It sounds so simple to find, yet it can be more elusive than you think—even on some vacations. Well, quality time with the kids is all about balance. You want to be together—except when you want alone time, adult time, or just-kids time. It’s hard to find a vacation that makes all of that possible, until you think about a dude ranch.

How do you make sure you choose a ranch that will foster family time? Pick a ranch that caters to families with kids, and with select “youth activity leaders” designed to guide children into fun activities; then, you don’t even have to think twice about what the kids are up to all day. Or you can be with ‘em every minute: it’s up to you how you schedule things.

Either way, the end result is a happy child, relaxed parents, and good times spent together.

But first, take time to research your ranch destination. Not all ranches focus on families and children. Research, read, and talk to the ranch owners or past guests. At Colorado’s  Lost Valley Ranch, owner Bob Foster says, “The number one thing we spend time on is finding young “supes” or supervisors who really enjoy being around kids and teens.” He adds, “Trying to find young people as supervisors who have a passion—that’s the key.”

Foster, with years in the business, has learned that kids don’t want to be pushed into ‘programs’, they want freedom. “But we guide them into fun things to do,” Foster notes. “It takes more time and staff to do it that way, but returning guests come back to Lost Valley Ranch because of our kids and teen programs.”

At California’s Rankin Ranch, the counselors prepare activities daily, ranging from riding and nature walks, to treasure hunts, talent shows, and toy boat building   to learning about the area’s Piute Indians (and making Indian crafts). In any spare time, most kids enjoy feeding the calves and chickens skittering about on Sarah’s Farm area.

Don’t forget to think outside the box—or even outside the West. At New York’s Rocking Horse Dude Ranch Resort, there’s an outstanding children’s program and day camp (optional babysitting nursery available), plus a giant Fort Wilderness playground and pony rides.

So look for a ranch where they hand pick all their potential staffers, as Foster does, and then ask detailed questions about the kids’ programs. And don’t forget to ask your own children what they want in a ranch vacation. Oh, and, it’s okay to tell the kids what you’re looking for out of this vacation. After all, it’s okay for “the ‘rents” to have fun, too.

Seeing your children react to a new setting—with animals, in the outdoors— is bound to bring out a whole different side to them. And letting them see you —relaxed, happy, away from daily routines, and not in ‘parent mode” for a change—can only help your relationship.

Sitting next to your kids by a campfire at night singing songs, riding with them on the trail, or just gathering over chow at the end of a happy day; now that’s quality family time.

Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a 5-part series running on consecutive Mondays: Americans need a dude ranch vacation NOW!

After last week’s story on Wedding at the ranch, we told you how, for prospective brides (and their mums), planning a wedding doesn’t get much simpler than choosing to hold it at a dude ranch. “No need to book a separate chapel, hire a caterer, or find a baker for that pesky cake. They can cover all of that for you, and lodge your out-of-town guests, to boot… ”

Well, that generated a nice note from Mary Bahus-Meyer at Colorado’s Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch about their wedding packages. Mary told us about Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch’s romantic location—in a scenic spot in the Colorado Rocky Mountain foothills, just 7 miles west of Loveland, and an easy hour drive from Denver (DIA).

And if you’re looking for a memorable Rocky Mountain site for your wedding, consider Sylvan Dale. It’s aptly named, with wide open spaces, tranquil ponds and lakes, and the Big Thompson River flowing through the 3,200-acre property. They’re open year-round for weddings, and the most popular dates are (‘natch) May through mid-October because “brides like to be married outdoors in our scenic setting”.  They can accommodate 50-180 guests.

The ranch’s wedding coordinator, Sue Bennett,  notes that”Brides like that they can have their rehearsal dinner, wedding, lodging, and other activities all here at the ranch—they don’t have to drive anywhere.”

And since Sue was looking out at a view of a glorious mountain ridge, with the trees just starting to bud, she added “And of course, there’s the natural beauty.”

But what about hearing from a bride who had her event there? A recent testimonial read: “Thank you so much for everything you did to make our wedding day so special. It was wonderful to have everything taken care of so beautifully. You really helped us enjoy the day without any stress. The food was delicious and the service was wonderful. We are so happy that we chose to have our wedding at Sylvan dale. It was a perfect day. Thanks again, Teresa & Bud.”

Mary tells us that ceremonies can be held in the Jessup Lodge (indoor or outdoor options); a two-story building with a dining room on the lower level, fireplaces, antique furniture and western charm. Reception facilities on the upper level overlook the twisting Big Thompson River. Another option: The Heritage reception room is a warm and charming spot, with dramatic stone fireplace, log trusses, oak flooring, a covered wood porch, and an adjoining game room.

Outside, the Daddy J Pavilion is a third choice; a 30′ by 60′ covered pavilion tucked into the bend of the Big Thompson River, for a casual, intimate gathering or a grand affair. The adjacent   ceremony site is beautifully landscaped with an expansive lawn, and edged by wildflowers and aspen trees.

Generally, all packages include: one-hour rehearsal, ceremony and reception sites, ceremony chairs, tables for guestbook, programs, unity candle, music, gifts, cake, bridal party, guests, buffet, and bar, white linens, tableware, glassware, napkins, dinner menu, non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers, champagne and sparkling cider toast, cake-cutting services, wait staff and bartenders. Contact: Sue Bennett – wedding coordinator – 970/667-3915 x. 11. E-mail: sueb@sylvandale.com. And please, tell ‘em the Ranchweb blog sent you!

PHOTO COURTESY: Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

Simplify, simplify, said Thoreau, and it’s not bad advice, especially when planning a wedding.   And for prospective brides (and their mums), planning a wedding doesn’t get much simpler than choosing to hold it at a dude ranch.

I know, it’s thinking waay outside the box. But consider: by choosing a ranch, you instantly simplify your life. No need to book a separate chapel, hire a caterer, or find a baker for that pesky cake. They can cover all of that for you, and lodge your out-of-town guests to boot!

Take the Diamond D Ranch, outside Stanley, Idaho. Weddings have become increasingly popular  here since a chapel (at left) opened its doors here in 1997. “It is a truly unique experience to be married in God’s country, deep in the Frank Church Wilderness,” says rancher Linda Demorest. It took 11 summers to complete the intimate and unique chapel, which they built rock by rock. Demorest is also a minister and performs many weddings inside the structure, which overlooks Loon Creek. Others have chosen to be married out near the lake, in the gazebo, or even the spacious front lawn.

Diamond D Ranch wedding packages include a minister, accommodations (yes, there’s a honeymoon suite), use of all facilities, all activities- including horseback riding-and a fully catered gourmet menu (typically, a variety of appetizers, dinner, and next day’s brunch). Of course, set up and take down of all wedding  decor, flowers, tables, and such is included.  A wedding cake can be provided, and beer and wine can be served (an additional cost).

The chapel has hosted weddings of up to 150 guests. Notes Linda, “While we only have overnight arrangements for 35-40 guests at a time, there are lovely campsites along the river where many wedding guests have pitched a tent in the past.”

Beautiful, unique, and above all simple. What more could any bride want for her wedding?

More ranches with wedding packages: Try Colorado’s Sylvan Dale Ranch, just one hour’s drive from Denver or Rocky Mountain National Park; we’ll write more about Sylvan Dale’s wedding packages next week. And if you’re looking for a southwest setting for the nuptuals, check out Tanque Verde Guest Ranch outside Tucson.

With vacation dollars tight this year, it’s more important than ever to choose the right vacation style for you and your family. For some, the choice can come down to a sort of ‘cruising versus dude ranching’ faceoff. Each is a fun way to vacation (and frankly, we love cruising). So how do you decide on the best choice for you this year?

How green: for some folks, a green or eco-friendly choice is important. When it comes to the energy-use of a mega-sized cruise ship as opposed to even one of the larger dude ranch resorts, it’s no comparison. Horse power (and the natural, earth-friendly practices that are a time-honored way of life at so many ranches) will always trump the energy use of a giant floating hotel.

Family friendly fun: both cruise ship and dude ranch offer plenty. And if Broadway-style shows and dazzling nightlife are your thing, then maybe a cruise is your best bet. But if you’re looking for family togetherness, and a getaway that, frankly, excludes the more adult side of some cruise ships (especially those with casino gambling and grownups-only entertainment), then maybe the ranch is the place for you.

Shopping: if this is your main goal, choose a cruise ship. Big ships have lots of shopping right onboard in their own malls; and on shore, they’ll steer you to their favored shops. You just don’t find shops at a dude ranch (but hey, isn’t that what you’re trying to get away from?)

Crowds and costs: of course, the mega-ships are built for crowds (that’s how they can bring down their ticket prices). But beware; once in port, those crowds can hold you up when you’re trying to get off the ship. At a dude ranch, finding peace and quiet and your own patch of sky are part of the package. And those low cruise ticket prices? Often, it means you pay extra for everything from soft drinks to on-board fun and shore excursions. At a dude ranch, all-inclusive really means just that. You won’t have to reach into your wallet ten times a day–it’s all covered.

So, if you want to know exactly what your vacation will cost, choose a dude ranch. And all those other things that are included at the ranch? Getting away from crowds and shopping malls, finding peace and quiet and real family time: priceless.