Last week, I spent a couple days at the incredible Greenhorn Ranch in Quincy, CA. About an hour and a half away from Reno airport, it was a destination that I didn't even know existed! The drive was easy, entertaining and this city girl was definitely intrigued. I passed through towns that boasted population counts of 126 people, and I just smiled in delight. This was going to be an adventure! This guest ranch is a great destination for families, for girlfriend getaways, guys weekends or couples looking to detach from the world and reconnect, and if your main objective is to ride horses, learn about them, and really immerse yourself in a guest ranch experience, this is the place for you. If you're looking for a place to host a destination wedding, it's intimate enough to buy out the entire ranch and have 90 people on property. The photo shoot and ceremony locations are breathtaking, definitely IG worthy! Here are my tips and takeaways on how to spend your time at Greenhorn Ranch! 1. Take advantage of riding lessons and sign up for a trail that fits your experience level. I had not ridden a horse since I was a kid and this was all new to me. The first afternoon I was there, I took a little introduction lesson and hit the trail for just a couple of minutes to get comfortable with the saddle, how to use the reigns and get acquainted with the horses. If you are an experienced rider and prefer to lope, they will just check your experience level to get you on the right trail or practice with you more in the arena and make sure you are safe and work with you until you get it! Insider tip: They'll match you with the best horse that fits your needs and comfort level, but Paleface was my buddy for the week and took such good care of me! 2. EAT!!! Meals are included at the guest ranch and if you're thinking bland burgers and hot dogs, think again! Chef Scott made sure we were happy and full all week. From fritatas for breakfast, Thai curry for lunch and the most delicious duck confit I have ever tasted for dinner, the menu changed daily and there was never a day I left the Chuckhouse (where most the meals are served) unsatisfied. Don't worry, there was also deli meats and cheeses for more simpler and lighter lunches, as well as fruit and yogurt for breakfast. There were different options available and just let them know your dietary restrictions and they'll make sure to take care of you! Insider tip: If you happen to be there on the rare occasion that they make homemade donuts for breakfast, do NOT skip them! These are the most delicious pockets of heaven I have ever tasted! 3. Participate in as many activities as you can! There are schedules available and program director available for you to discuss what's available and things to do, like skeet shooting! I have shot handguns at a gun range before, but I had never done skeet shooting with a shot gun and this was so much fun. Being left handed was a bit of a challenge, but did manage to hit 3 out of 10 targets. This city girl was not doing so bad! But if skeet shooting isn't your thing, you can fish (they have a pond on site), practice archery, swim (they have a pool!) or just relax and enjoy the scenery. Talk to the program director on site to see what other fun activities they have in store! Insider Tip: Let me help you book this trip so I can coordinate a special activity that includes being with the horses while they are in their natural state, without saddles or reigns, grazing in the meadow. Being able to meet the horses up close and really get to know their personality and how they are cared for was my favorite activity of the week. I learned so much from their handlers and the horses themselves that I will forever take with me. 4. Don't go to bed early! After dinner, they had activities for everyone to do. From making s'mores at the bonfire, to line dancing lessons to karaoke, there wasn't a night that wasn't full of entertainment (from the guests and staff!). Grab a drink from the talented mixologist, Naomi, in the saloon. She's handcrafted some cool cocktails using local distilled liquor from Shelter Distilling, based in Mammoth. If karaoke isn't your thing, play a few rounds of pool or ping pong and enjoy the night. There really is something for everyone. Insider Tip: If you happen to be at the ranch during a full moon, take a minute to lay in one of the hammocks outside and just take it in. Super beautiful site! 5. Detach! There isn't any phone service or TVs. This place will really help you take a much needed electronics break to spend time with your loved ones and others at the ranch. It really becomes a social gathering during breakfast, lunch and dinner, as everyone (staff and guests) get together to share a meal and chat. Get to know your fellow ranch mates and the staff, it's a lot of fun and who knows, you may develop some friendships you didn't expect! Insider Tip: If you must, there is WiFi in certain areas of the ranch. Take a break in the Lodge next to the fire and check emails from there in between activities or first thing in the morning. Or maybe update your Instagram page to make your friends jealous... it really is a gorgeous place. They are currently doing some great renovations at the ranch over the winter break and will be reopening for the season in April. They are a seasonal ranch, so contact me to get pricing, available dates and to book your next trip or to take a tour to see if it's the perfect place for your wedding, corporate retreat or incentive group! Contact me today to learn more about this great destination and get ready to Cultivate your Cowboy!
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abby who?I'm an independent travel advisor and I love to share my passion, experiences, pictures and stories with you! Archives
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