Guidebook America Newsletter March 12, 2009

Cody, Wyoming

Dude Ranchers' Association Offers Tips on Summer Booking

For first-time dude ranch vacationers, there are a few things to remember when reserving a ranch getaway during the height of the 2009 season.

First - choose a general ranch category, with the understanding it’s difficult to pigeonhole a ranch as each is different, often a reflection of the tastes and preferences of the owner. Understand also, ranches vary within each broad category. Some provide simple amenities and rustic accommodations. Others are designed for those who prefer to be surrounded in luxury, and wish to be pampered while on vacation. Most are found somewhere in between.

The first category is the Working dude ranches. These are active cattle or sheep operations. (Remember Billy Crystal in the film “City Slicker?”)

The Dude ranch category is probably what most imagine a dude ranch vacation to be like. Western pleasure horse-back riding is the central focus with many other outdoor activities to enjoy at the dude ranch.

Finally, there’s the Resort dude ranch. These ranches tend to be the largest spreads, accommodating more guests at one time than the aforementioned. While Western riding is still a central activity, these ranches offer a wide range of activities and sports similar to ones found at an American resort.

Narrowing them down by whether they offer a families preferred activities makes sense. Bird watching, painting, hiking, spa treatments, golfing, rafting, canoeing, skeet shooting, cycling, tennis, even rock climbing and hot air ballooning are just some of the choices on ranch activity menus.

After choosing a preferred category, narrow in on a destination. There are more than 100 member ranches in the Western US and Canada from Alberta to Arizona from California to Arkansas.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure your summer ranch destination is a member of the DRA. As described here, there are a range of ranch experiences to choose from. But one thing is certain. DRA ranches meet the highest quality standards in the industry and are guaranteed to portray themselves accurately to prospective guests. So, do the research now to confirm a place for family and friends on a ranch next summer. Then, rest easily knowing there won’t be any surprises upon arrival, a comforting notion for any summer vacation planner.

Since 1926 the Dude Ranchers' Association has been helping folks find quality ranch vacations by establishing and enforcing high standards for its members.

www.duderanch.org

Tupelo, Mississippi

Take a Drive Through Mississippi

Tombigbee State Park, courtesy Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Great Escape: History, beauty and the great outdoors on the unspoiled Natchez Trace Parkway.

It is, first of all, a road, 444 miles of it, stretching in a canted diagonal that leads from Natchez up to Nashville. It is also a record, first carved out of the prehistoric wilderness by mastodons and giant bison lumbering north, and then by Native peoples, the Chickasaw, the Natchez and the Choctaw on hunting and trading parties.

Today, however, it is above all an escape route, rescuing today’s visitors from the mass-produced clutter of the modern world, as it surrounds them with unspoiled natural beauty and a rich and exciting history of our nation and our land. The Natchez Trace Parkway isn’t the road less traveled, but it certainly feels that way with its tranquil scenic vistas.

Each year more than 50,000 visitors take in the engaging exhibits at the Natchez Trace Parkways Visitors Center located in Tupelo, and yet the atmosphere on the Trace is so serene that it’s been named one of the country’s best biking roads.

For more information visit www.visitmississippi.org

Grapevine, Texas

Main Street Days

Grapevine’s 25th annual Main Street Days will be a fun-filled outdoor adventure on May 15, 16 & 17 in Historic Downtown Grapevine, as the popular festival highlights the city as the ideal place to enjoy an active lifestyle and the great outdoors. Kick off the summer in Grapevine -- it is the perfect spot for active lifestyles and outdoor enthusiasts. Festivities include an outdoor exhibition featuring demonstrations, education and interactive activities. Festival guests will have the great opportunity to watch and/or participate in scuba diving, BMX stunts, rock climbing, quad bungee jumping, kayaking, a fishing tank, 10K walk/run, and much more.

Traditional Main Street Days fun will delight all festival guests throughout the weekend including the gunfighters of the Old West, non-stop entertainment on four stages featuring a variety of music from rock and R&B to bluegrass and country, and festival foods including funnel cakes and corn dogs. Main Street Days will also feature two wine pavilions featuring Grapevine and Texas wines. Enjoy arts and crafts, exhilarating carnival rides, and short runs on the Main Street Days Festival Flyer at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

For more information visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com

Snohomish, Washington

Getting’ Into the Garden Party Groove – Snohomish County-style

Park with view of Sound and Mount Baker
credit - Snohomish County Tourism Bureau

When the folks across Snohomish County in Washington State start sprucing up after the doldrums of winter, that means only one thing – it’s now garden party season!

Music, laughter and happy chatter fill the air, mingled with the fresh scents of lusty hyacinths, creamy crocuses, and luscious lavender, at weekend festivals and along the route of garden tours. Enjoy browsing the arts and crafts booths, peruse garden décor and sculptures, listen and learn at the horticulture lectures, and join in hands-on demonstrations. These fun and informative events are the opening acts to a full growing season of flowers, fruits and vegetables that will culminate in harvest celebrations.

Here are just a few garden events:

Sorticulture, Everett’s Garden Arts Festival - Friday, June 12 – Sunday, June 14
Gardens of Merit Tour - Saturday, June 27
Lavender Hills Farm Lavender Festival - Saturday, July 11
Mukilteo Garden & Quilt Tour - Saturday, July 18
Edmonds in Bloom Garden Tour - Sunday, July 19