Most of the leaves have fallen from the trees but winter isn’t officially here yet. So what can you do during this “in-between time” at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch? The answer is a lot. There is still a lot to do. However, the one thing that stood out the most during this trip was relaxation. Just taking it easy. Connecting back with family. Making memories. Read below the top ten things you can do to relax at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch.
1. Start to Relax …
Sit by the fire and relax. There’s an indoor fire pit with seating all the way around it. Get a drink at the bar or a coffee from Starbucks kiosk. Abby girl recommends the Shirley Temples from the Silver Dollar Saloon. You can even grab a board game from behind the desk or a color page for the children
If you would rather sit by an outdoor fire, then after dinner head out to the campfire and make some new friends. Abby made a friend at the campfire last time we were there and now they are great friends and penpals! Side note, smores, and sticks can be found by the Chuck Wagon.
2. Get a Massage
They have multiple services here to get a nice relaxing massage. Treat yourself. You deserve it
3. What can be more relaxing than this face?
Go sit in the goat pen. Yes, you heard me correctly. Go sit in the goat pen. It is extremely relaxing to just go be with goats and chickens. It’s like goat therapy. After the goat pen, don’t forget to go stop by and say hi to the resident bull as well. He likes some love too.4.
4. Take a Ride
Go for a horseback ride and this time of year the deer are beginning to mate and you might just see them frolicking through the forest or bedded down in the foliage. There are many horse programs for all ages and the wranglers are super knowledgeable and helpful.
5. Ah, a nice relaxing stroll …
Take a hike. Go for a hike around the lake. It’s about a mile. If you would prefer, you can also take the tractor around the lake or take the tractor halfway and walk the other half. You can also hike down past the outdoor fire and down past the bounce pillow and rock wall. You can also just randomly stroll! So many options to just “take a hike.”
6. Just Sit
Just take a moment. Sit somewhere and just be. There is even a large television in the main hall where you can sit and relax. I almost fell asleep! Dad did! Sure you can just stay home and sit in front of a television … But, it’s so much better in this rustic, inviting setting. Also, right now, there are also many autumn touches around the ranch that make it feel so fall festive and cozy. Can’t wait to see what they do for winter! It also makes it great for lots of awesome places to sit for photo ops too.
Side Note: Have you seen our video on IG TV where Abby scares daddy while he’s trying to relax? Click here
7. Go for a Dip
The outdoor pool might be closed for the season, however, the indoor pool is open and what’s better than going for a float to relax? If you can’t swim, then just wade in or sit your feet in and sit by the edge. It becomes not relaxing if the lifeguard has to rescue you.
8. FREEDOM!
Higher a sitter and have some alone time. Go to the front desk to inquire about having someone watch your children. I’m with mine 24/7 as a homeschooling mom. So sometimes, it’s nice to just have an hour to breathe.
9. Movie Time
Take in a movie in the Tapederos Room. They have a movie screen in there for viewing the movie. Check the activity schedule to see what’s playing.
10. I like Nightlife …
Take in the nightly entertainment. This trip we took in an educational show from a bird rescue (Wild Mountain Birds) and got to meet some amazing birds! The night before there was a magician (David Haines). There’s always dancing too in the BullRoom Showroom/Dance Hall. I find getting my boogie on very relaxing. So does Abby Girl. Her favorite dance style … Hip hop! So go dance those stress factors away. Sometimes they also have karaoke upstairs and for some, singing a tune is relaxing as well.
Bonus Tip For Relaxing-
Do some arts and crafts. There are always activities throughout the day. However, what a better way to get your mind off of things but to craft! This time around they made Pine Cone Turkeys just in time for the Thanksgiving Season.
And Bonus Food For Thought-
There are many articles discussing how mountain air is so much better for you than always breathing in city air or air at a lower altitude. One commonality is that reducing stress is listed in almost every article. So go take-in that fresh mountain air! Here is a post from HuffPost
A Personal Message-
To be able to go and recharge and reset is awesome. What a better place than in heart of the Catskills at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. Thank you to the ranch for hosting us. Abby girl very much enjoyed spending her fourth birthday with you. Go to their website to learn more and follow them across social media. They also many specials and new things happening all the time.
Here are some past articles on the Ranch-
-Learn about the Staff
-Get ready for warm weather
-Revisit last winter as you prepare for this winter at the ranch
You can also jump over to my HV Parent blog where it’s listed as one of Abby Girl’s number one spots to visit and for more articles about the ranch. Stay tuned for a feature on there next week! See where it lands in the top spot next. www.hvparent.com/adventures-of-abby-girl
You May Also Like
Heather
This sounds like a great place to relax, especially during the Fall season. I love how much there is to do and it sounds like some great memories could be made there.
13 . Nov . 2019