When it comes to vacationing, you’ve already visited the flashy intersection of Times Square and experienced the frenetic energy of Los Angeles. It’s time for calmer, more relaxing vacation spots—the kind where you can hear yourself think!
The following quiet resorts, B&Bs, ranches, and inns offer the ultimate respite from your everyday schedule. Lose sense of time as you crack open a book in the garden or trot along scenic trails on horseback. At these relaxing getaways, you’ll taste cuisine made with fresh ingredients straight from the garden and find comfort in the sounds of chickens chattering in the distance. Which place is calling your name?
Brewery Gulch Inn
Step out on your balcony and inhale the fresh sea breeze of the Mendocino coast—your vacation has officially started! At Brewery Gulch Inn, you’ll find your own private oasis on a bluff, surrounded by pines and the blue bay in the distance. Spend an afternoon strolling the peaceful ponds or sitting in the garden, and you’ll find yourself wondering why you don’t escape the city more often. When you’re ready to venture outside the grounds, discover the blooms at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, and indulge in a fine vintage at nearby Goldeneye Winery.
Honey Farm Bed & Breakfast
Leave behind honking horns of the city for the sounds of happy gobbling turkeys at Honey Farm Bed & Breakfast. On this Texas farm, you’ll make fast friends with the resident donkey, llamas, chickens, and more. But beyond the friendly farm animals, the property promises a stay reminiscent of Grandma’s house. Choose a room in the main house, or cozy up in the converted cedar barn. For some time away from the farm, check out the history at Railroad Park and stock up on some maple bacon goodness from nearby Glaze Doughnuts.
Spring Creek Ranch
Spring Creek Ranch offers the kind of wildlife you won’t find in your own backyard. Located on a wildlife sanctuary, this luxury resort places you in the heart of nature, where mule deer, elk, and moose happily roam. There’s no sign of the hustle and bustle of city life, as you soak in the unrivaled views of Grand Teton from your accommodation. Stay in your choice of an inn, townhouse, or mountain villa, and then gear up to explore the region. Try your hand at fly fishing with Snake River Angler or join a guided adventure with Teton Mountain Bike Tours for a healthy dose of the great outdoors.
Grand Canyon Western Ranch
Get a taste of the Wild West at the Grand Canyon Western Ranch. This old Arizona cattle ranch has a rich history with a long line of owners, ranging from gunfighters to champion rodeo riders. Embrace the rustic charm for yourself as you settle into a pine cabin, decorated with wagon wheels and saddles. You’ll find yourself breaking in your very own cowboy boots as you join a guided horseback ride and buffalo safari and cheer on the steer roping at the Western Arts Rodeo Arena.
Mountain Village Farm B&B
Looking for an interesting vacation spot? Kingfield offers that and more. Here you’ll find an inviting 18-acre farmstead, where six charming Maine Cottage-style rooms await. The Mountain Village Farm serves organic breakfast each morning, and there are local trails for hiking, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing. If you’re in town during the winter, a visit to nearby Sugarloaf Mountain Resort is a must, but if you’d prefer not to hit the slopes, a visit to the Ski Museum of Maine is second best.
Orchard House Bed and Breakfast
You’ll feel like you’ve turned back the hands of time as you step into the 1850s country manor. The Orchard House sits on 12 acres of farmland, which was originally handed over to Licking County after the Revolutionary War. Today the B&B retains much of its historical charm, but with some modern flair, such as the contemporary artwork that adorns the guestrooms. Start your day with a locally sourced breakfast and get to know the region. Set your sights on the Bryn Du Mansion to catch a Saturday polo game on the lawns and take a tour of the Denison University campus and its biological reserve.
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Fresh air and the sound of nature is just what the doctor ordered, and you’ll find it at this Idaho dude ranch. Whether you stay in a lodge room or your own log cabin, settle into the ranchers’ lifestyle. Hop on one of the resident horses and admire the sweeping views of Lake Pend Oreille, or if it’s wintertime, join a sleigh ride on the ranch’s Nordic trails. Outside of the ranch, uncover more nature at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, or head into town for a pint of Alpha Dog at Laughing Dog Brewing. Ah, we feel relaxed already!
Wildcatter Ranch
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of silence. At Wildcatter Ranch, you’re in for a quiet romantic getaway in the North Texas Hill Country. Choose from a variety of accommodation styles, and then get ready for some fun on the ranch! Let the cowboys lead you on a horseback riding adventure or practice your aim with archery. Craving some civilization? Romp around the city of Graham, where you’ll come across shops and eateries in the Historic Downtown Square. Brothers Smokehouse is a great spot for some barbecue before heading back to the ranch.