RanchSeeker Blog

There is nothing quite like homemade pancakes on a lazy weekend morning. Why not make them healthier by adding the superfood oats! The folks over at White Stallion Ranch in Arizona have provided us this yummy recipe for Oatmeal pancakes.  This Oatmeal Pancake recipe is easy, delicious and healthy!

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups buttermilk
3 beaten eggs
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons butter (not oil)
½ cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Combine oats and buttermilk and let stand overnight
2. Combine the eggs, sugar and oil in a small bowl and beat together. Add to the oat/buttermilk mixture
3. Add flour, salt and baking soda. Add a bit of cinnamon if you like!
4. Cook on a hot griddle

This delicious decadent dessert recipe is brought to you by the lovely folks over at Elk Mountain Guest Ranch in Colorado. The guest ranch is convenient 2.5 hour drive from Denver Airport. It's unique for it's spectacular location, horseback rides of unmatched beauty, large variety of activities and superb menu.

Filling:

1-8 oz. cream cheese
 ¼ cup sugar
 2 Tbsp. butter
 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
 1 egg
 2 Tbsp. milk
 ¾ tsp. peppermint extract

1. Beat cheese, butter sugar and cornstarch.
2. Add egg, milk and extract.  Mix until smooth.

1 devils food cake mix
 1 cup water
 1/3 cup vegetable oil
 3 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. Spread 2 cups batter in a greased and floured bundt pan.
3. Place a center tube of filling.
4. Slowly pour remaining batter over filling.
5. Bake at 325 for 55-60 minutes.  Cool

1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup whipping cream
 6 squares (1 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate squares, chopped
 2 squares (1 oz.) white chocolate squares, chopped
 2 tsp. vegetable oil
 ¼ tsp. peppermint extract

For glaze, bring corn syrup and whipping cream to a simmer, stirring constantly with whisk.  Remove from heat.  Add semi-sweet chocolate, stir until smooth.  Spread 2/3 cup glaze over top and side of cake.  Freeze cake for 5 minutes until glaze is set.  Meanwhile, keep remaining glaze warm over low heat.  Slowly pour over cake.  Let cool in refrigerator. For drizzle, microwave white chocolate and oil about 1 minute or until mixture is smooth when stirred.  Stir in extract.  Let cool and drizzle over cake.  Refrigerate.

Family vacations are supposed to be fun, but with kids along, your vacation can easily turn into a hair-raising, stressful time away from home. Most people agree that the key to any stress free vacation is to leave the kids out of it, but for most people, that set–up can be a difficult thing to do. If that’s the case for you, it doesn’t mean that you have to resign yourself to years of harried vacations spent with cranky kids and an even crankier spouse. You can still enjoy a vacation with the kids – as long as you know where to go, and a guest ranch would be an ideal choice for these kinds of situations.

Kids Activities on a Guest Ranch

Not Your Typical Vacation

A guest ranch vacation isn’t like your typical beach or amusement park trip, but it still has its perks. You don’t have to line up for rides or fall into a frenzied state as you realize that your child is lost among the crowd. You don’t have to drive around to look for restaurants that aren’t full, or start your day early just so that you can beat the rush of the crowd. Guest ranches offer a laidback lifestyle, and offer all fun activities right in one place, so you don’t have to continuously hurry from one place to another.

Fun Activities That Your Kids Can Enjoy

Guest ranches may be laid back, but that relaxed and laid back atmosphere does not immediately translate to boring. There are plenty of fun activities to do at the guest ranches, and there’s certainly something that your child will enjoy. Here are some fun activities to keep your kids preoccupied and happy throughout the whole stay.

Horseback Riding –Horseback riding is a popular ranch activity, and is available for everyone.

Fishing – Your kids can fish along with you, or there might be organized mini – fishing activities for children.

Nature Trekking – Teach your kids to appreciate nature by going on a nature trek. A guest ranch should have plenty of nature trails available, and there should be ones that are suitable for kids.

Arts and Crafts or Cooking Classes – Most guest ranches offer free fun classes for children, and these classes or sessions usually involve arts or crafts projects or cooking. Activities like these allow your kids to meet other children, socialize and enjoy.

Campfires and Cookouts – At night, you and your kids can have fun at campfires. Tell stories, sing songs, roast marshmallows or even enjoy a thick juicy burger over the fire under the night sky.

Wildlife Watching – Guest ranches are usually situated near forests, lakes and other natural environments, so they are very likely to have some friendly and not-so-friendly animal neighbors. Kids will certainly enjoy bird and wildlife watching or petting the friendlier ones at the ranch’s petting zoo.

Sports – Most guest ranches have sports facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts, pools and the like where kids can play games and have fun with new found friends. Younger children should be able to enjoy as well, since guest ranches also have play facilities such as slides, monkey bars, sandboxes and see-saws.

Children’s Programs – Your guest ranch of choice may also have supervised children’s programs. Supervised programs may involve some of the activities mentioned above, or may also include a number of other activities. Letting your kids join a supervised program for an afternoon gives you some time off to be alone with your spouse. With trained counselors and fun activities to offer, you don’t have to feel guilty if you wander around and enjoy the rest of the guest ranch, or catch up on some R and R while getting a back massage.

Kids really do have short attention spans, so what better way to keep them preoccupied than providing them with one activity after another right in one place? A guest ranch allows you to relax, unwind and enjoy the slow pace of life even with your kids around. So, if you’re planning a trip with kids and you want this time to be a successful one, then make sure you’re going on a guest ranch vacation. Find a guest ranch with activities and programs for kids using the Ranchseeker guest ranch vacation search tool.

Camping has its charm and draws many people, but not those who hate the idea of roughing it up in the outdoors. With that, many people choose to stay in cozy hotels instead of staying in tiny tents and sharing communal toilets with other campers. However, many facilities and institutions offer the chance to commune with nature without giving up most luxurious conveniences through what they call “glamping.”

What Is Glamping?

Bar W Guest Ranch

Glamping at Bar W Ranch

The dude ranch offers glamping from May 1 to October 31, as these months are the perfect time to do so. You get to experience the best of two different worlds at the same time. Bar W presents two high-class canvas tents beautifully adorned by Bar W. It showcases simple luxury combined with traditional western casualness. Each of the tents feature a full-sized log futon, a comfy queen-sized log bed, a cozy private porch, a kitchenette and a trendy Western interior decor. Both glamp tents include an exclusive bath situated only a few feet away.

The Resort at Paws Up

Glamping at the Resort at Paws Up

Next time you get the urge to go camping why not consider glamping at one of these dude ranches? Find one using the Ranchseeker dude ranch search tool.  

In the past, guest ranches were simply working ranches that provided fuss-free accommodation to travelers who happened to pass by along the way. Today, however, guests ranches have become a booming part of the tourism industry in Northern America, and have become popular destinations for individuals, families and even couples for their honeymoon. So, if you’re thinking about spending your honeymoon in a luxury ranch, here are some excellent honeymoon ideas to consider before deciding and planning your trip.

A Rustic Romantic Honeymoon

Outdoor Activities Most guest ranches feature outdoor facilities for typical ranch activities such as horseback riding, cowboy cookouts and barbecues, nature trekking and trailing and hiking – which can be a great experience if you have never been to a ranch before. But, luxury ranch resorts have even more than that. There are facilities and amenities that allow you to enjoy golf right on the premises or somewhere nearby. Some other common activities in luxury ranches are wildlife viewing, sports (such as tennis and volleyball), white water rafting, kayaking, yoga classes and photography trips.  Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa in Utah even has hot air balloon facilities. These activities are great romantic honeymoon ideas that you can share with your partner and you can spend the whole day trying all of them and having fun.

Communing With Nature Although there are a wide range of activities that you can do in luxury ranches, you do not have to try them all. In fact, another fun romantic honeymoon idea is to simply do nothing. That’s right; you can simply kick back and enjoy the view. Whether you’re soaking in the hot tub while enjoying the view of the natural forest or sitting on the cabin deck and breathing the fresh mountain are taking a night walk along under the bright moonlight, a honeymoon spent at luxury guest ranches allow you to commune with nature.

Spa Services Although located in the middle of the wilderness, luxury ranches are also like five star resorts that feature spa facilities. Spending the whole day getting pampered in the spa is one of the best romantic honeymoon ideas, and you can experience it right in the premises of the venue. You can choose from relaxing massages, body scrubs or facials. Relaxing spa services are great after a full day’s worth of tiring outdoor activities.

Some Romantic Guest Ranches

Echo Valley Ranch

The Resort at Paws Up is a luxury ranch located in Montana which offers 2 types of accommodations for honeymooners: a luxury home or a glamping tent. Each of these can offer the privacy honeymooners are seeking. They provide various honeymoon packages with activities such as massages, horseback riding, canoe trips and more. You will surely have a honeymoon like no other at The Resort at Paws Up

The Resort at Paws Up

Need to do more research? Find more luxury ranches using Ranchseeker's easy free dude ranch vacation search engine.

Only four hours away from Vancouver, Tod Mountain Ranch is nestled in Louis Creek Valley. Albeit small and modest, the guest ranch presents an exclusive, peaceful, and serene atmosphere to savour a special, hands-on horse riding adventure. Here are some of the specials that the ranch has to offer:

Canada Day Weekend

Take advantage of three-night accommodation, full meals and snacks, and use of facilities at the ranch from June 18 to July 1, 2013 at only $745 per head, tax exclusive.

August Long Weekend

For only $845 per person, you can indulge in a three-day weekend of riding adventure from August 2 to 5, 2013.

Labour Day Weekend

On Saturday, people can head over to Barriere to explore the many exhibits at the Fall Fair & Rodeo. After lunch, experience the Rodeo, Chuckwagon Racing and Chariot Racing. Following the Rodeo, you will eat your supper at a nearby bistro before heading back to the Tod Mountain Ranch. You can leave on Monday following the afternoon meal. Get this special offer on August 30 to September 2 for just $845 per head.

Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend

This special offer is valid from October 11 to 13 for only $745 each person. The Thanksgiving Weekend package covers three nights of fun-filled riding, meals and lodging.

Winter at the Ranch

Here’s a great deal for those who want to go somewhere for the winter. For only $1000 per night, you, together with up to twenty-four friends, can exclusively use the ranch. This is valid from November 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.

With all these great deals why not consider a guest ranch vacation at Tod Mountain Ranch?

The Three Bars Ranch, situated in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, was chosen as Canada’s #1 Guest Ranch back in the year 2012. This guest ranch is large enough to accommodate at least forty people, requiring a minimum three-day stay.

Three Bars Ranch in BC

So, what does this guest ranch have to offer? The Three Bars Ranch ensures your comfort and privacy through upscale log cabins. The log cabins are provided with a private bath, the choice between a king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds, a living room, kitchen amenities, private porches all overlooking at the exquisitely landscaped yards. That’s luxury all in one cabin, and it might even tempt you to stay there the whole day. But of course, there are many activities and experiences that should call you outside of your accommodations.

Rustic Cabins at Three Bars Ranch

What To Do At The Guest Ranch

White Water Rafting at Three Bars Ranch

You can also experience the full culinary experience of a guest ranch – meals are often served as buffets, or barbeques.

Dining at Three Bars Ranch

You will never get bored at the guest ranch – and nightfall is no exception. Evenings are filled with activities such as volleyball tournaments, campfires, songs and other games. Spend your holidays at a guest ranch – where you will never get bored, your kids will be stimulated physically, and you can exercise yourself through countless physical activities provided by the Three Bars Ranch, without sacrificing your comfort.

Here’s one thing that is worth noting: They have a special Rodeo Week offer that is valid from August 11, 2013 to August 17, 2013. With this offer, During the Aug 11th week, guest will have the option of joining the ranch crew for the evening performance. This is always a highlight of the summer. So go ahead and contact Three Bars Ranch today.

Now who doesn't like chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite for all and especially these ones from Tod Mountain Ranch that are so sinful they are "evil". Make up a batch of these chocolate chip cookies and be sure to have plenty of milk handy. These chocolate chip cookies keep well in an air tight container. Guest at Tod Mountain ranch enjoy these chocolate chip cookies as a frequently and it's difficult to keep the cookie jar full!

Evil Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1 egg
1 cup chopped walnuts or dried cranberries
2 tbsp. milk

Cream butter and sugars. Add egg, milk and vanilla. Slowly add dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop by tablespoon onto baking sheet. Bake at 350F (175C) for 12 minutes.

RanchSeeker would like to welcome Lone Mountain Ranch, a historic summer and winter guest ranch located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of Southwestern Montana, to our website!  With miles of horseback riding trails just outside their back door, some of the best fly-fishing in the world with their Orvis® endorsed guides, their Outdoor Youth Adventures Program, guided hiking and biking, Yellowstone National Park tours and white-water rafting and zip lining just minutes away, you’ll have every opportunity to immerse yourself in this natural world they call home.  Incredible guest ranch cuisine, cozy accommodations in a log cabin or their Ridgetop Lodge, and jaw-dropping classic alpine scenery compliment the plethora of adventures to offer the perfect destination for a summer guest ranch vacation experience.    

Lone Mountain Ranch

December through March, this Montana guest ranch transforms into a winter wonderland and is a favorite of winter enthusiasts. Voted as the #1 Nordic Ski Area in North America, the warm western hospitality, dependable snow, nearby Yellowstone Park, meticulously groomed cross country ski trails, snowshoeing, amazing food and experienced staff create an unrivaled Rocky Mountain experience.  There are endless day adventures including 85 km of Nordic ski trails and 30 km of snowshoe trails that meander through forests, ridge tops and meadows, moonlight dinner sleigh rides to a log cabin in the woods, back-country ski tours, snowcoach trips into Yellowstone Park and live music in the saloon. As an Orvis® Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge, they also offer winter fly-fishing trips on the Gallatin or Madison Rivers.

 Lone Mountain Ranch

Lone Mountain Ranch is the perfect vacation for families, couples and singles looking for an opportunity to disconnect from their world and connect with nature!

Are you a foodie and love horseback riding? How about booking this Memorial Day long weekend away at The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana for their Montana Master Grillers Event from May 24^th-27th? Once you’ve experienced Montana, you’ll understand why they call it “Big Sky Country.” The majestic beauty of the state is apparent wherever you go—just as apparent as that big Montana sky!    

The Resort at Paws Up

At the Montana Master Grillers event you can expect to find fine wines, spirits, beers and mouth-watering grilled cuisine while dining outside in a stunning wilderness setting. This will truly be an unforgettable wilderness adventure! Imagine one-on-one interaction with some of the finest chefs, smokologists, winemakers, brewers and distillers in America. At The Resort at Paws Up event you will enjoy lunches and dinners prepared by world class chefs who specialize in grilling and BBQ cooking. Meals will be paired with the finest wine, whisky, bourbon and specialty beers so make sure you come ready to have your taste buds spoiled.

Montana Master Grillers Event

Schedule of Events: Friday

Arrivals Welcome Reception Dinner: “Meat-n-Greet” the three Master Grillers as they compete to build the ultimate burger Wines: Pepper Bridge/Amavi

Saturday

Breakfast Wilderness Activity BBQ Boot Camp Lunch: Chef Ostini Wilderness Activity Bourbon and Country Ham Seminar Dinner: Chef Sappington Wines: Parducci Wine Cellars

Sunday

Breakfast Wilderness Activity Cooking Demo Lunch: Chuck Wagon Wilderness Activity Pickling Demonstration Country Fair BBQ Dinner: All Chefs and Beverage Partners

Monday

Breakfast Departures

All-inclusive rates start at $5,555 per couple (Four days/three nights - based on two adults)  

Horseback riding at The Resort at Paws Up

So if you are looking for something fun to do on the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and you love the outdoors and you enjoy great food accompanied by fine wine and other spirits then the Montana Master Grillers Event at The Resort at Paws Up, Montana’s premier 37,000 ace luxury ranch, is the ideal guest ranch getaway for you.