Retire in Paradise

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Leave the city behind and enjoy the peace of country surroundings. Lodges, ranches, orchard and farms are perfect for those who want to get away from it all and also enjoy the fun of a bed and breakfast experience. Here are some idyllic locations where you can ride out on the ranch, commune with some cows or just relax and enjoy the views.

Enjoy Big Sky Country at this Montana Bed and Breakfast

Enjoy frontier living at the River Rock Lodge in Big Sky, Montana. The inviting interior boasts the namesake river rock and rustic wood you would expect in wilderness lodge. Mountain vistas and stunning fall foliage will captivate you. Montana architect Jerry Locati designed the beautiful lodge, and his architecture was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright. The comfortable rooms are a perfect place to relax after a day filled with fly-fishing, trout fishing, river rafting, skiing or touring Yellowstone National Park, which is just 40 miles away.

History Abounds at 300-Year-Old Arizona Hacienda

For a true Western experience, ride on out to the Rancho De La Osa in Arizona. Located 65 miles from Tucson, this 300-year-old property is one of the last great haciendas in America. The adobe walls of the hacienda are more than two-feet thick, providing natural cooling protection from the summer heat and warmth from the late night winter chill. Meanwhile, the cantina - known as the “Old Adobe” - is reputed to be the oldest building in the state of Arizona and has been occupied since the early 1700s. The cantina has a huge fireplace which was once open on both sides - one side for a blacksmith shop, the other as a gathering place for guests. Today the cantina is used for guest socializing, for cowpokes like you!

Spend Your Vacation Living the Farm Life

Every season brings a little joy to guests at the Cedar Mountain Farm B&B in Athol, Idaho. There are more than 400 acres to explore with glorious mountain views. In the spring and summer months, guests can visit the miniature horses, goats, sheep and chickens or even help out in the gardens. You can also try your hand at trout fishing at Sage Creek. In the fall, the trees provide an explosion of color to enjoy and in the winter, guests can enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are three suites in the farm’s main cabin, and those guests are treated to breakfast and an evening snack. The Bunkhouse, which sleeps seven and includes a full kitchen, is perfect for families.

22 Acres of Apple Trees in Illinois

What a refreshing change: Okaw Valley Orchard Inn is actually located in an orchard! Located in Sullivan, Illinois, this B&B resides in a barn-style house among 22 acres of apple trees. You can roam the orchard, bird-watch from the enclosed back porch - there are thousands of hummingbirds in the fall - or soak in the outdoor hot tub. There’s an old fashioned apple festival on the orchard grounds Oct 6 & 7, 2007; plus local fishing and hunting activities. Need a place to escape to? Head to the orchard!

Enjoy Peaceful, Easy Feelings at Northern California Ranch

A private riverfront beach, swimming pond and acres of rolling hills covered with trees are what await you at the secluded Shambhala Ranch Retreat Center just outside of Ukiah in Northern California. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or a soak in the outdoor hot tub. The innkeepers cater to small groups, and it is a perfect spot for friends or co-workers to gather and commune with nature. The ranch is eco-friendly using solar power and other renewable energy sources. The seaside town of Mendocino is nearby.

Rustle Up Some Cattle at Texas Ranch

For a truly Texan adventure, try out Canyon Lake Ranch, a 64-acre spread in the famed Texas Hill Country. Guests can hand-feed the Longhorn cattle or hike through the scenic countryside. Outdoor activities such as horseback riding, boating, kayaking and tubing on the Guadalupe River are some of the area’s options. The innkeepers can help arrange fly-fishing expeditions or day trips on Canyon Lake. There are two lodging choices at this Hill Country bed and breakfast, both are completely private. The Starview Lodge includes a swimming pool, hot tub, indoor sauna and a fireplace. The Longhorn Lodge also has a hot tub and with its fenced yard is suitable for children and pets. All guests receive a bottle of Texas wine, fresh fruit and freshly baked cookies.

Tags: Travel & Leisure