Mountain Vacations – The News Desk

The origin of the dude ranch vacation is a fascinating story. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, "dude" was the name given to "big-shot city slickers" by Western cattle ranchers (or cowboys). When these "dudes" left their big eastern cities to head out West, ranchers would host them on a complimentary basis at their guest or dude ranches. In fact, offering to pay a rancher for their hospitality was considered an insult. The first known dude ranch, Custer Trail Ranch, was started by several brothers in the 1880s in the Dakota Badlands. After President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Eaton brothers' property, the word spread about this Western cowboy life with horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Roosevelt even purchased a ranch nearby, known as the Maltese Cross Ranch. Eventually, ra...

If you're enticed by the idea of camping but don't want to deal with the inevitable grunt work that comes with it, glamping (or glamorous camping) is the perfect compromise. Read on to discover the most unique glamping resorts in California, Florida, Tennessee and other destinations across the U.S.The Resort at Paws Up: Greenough, Montana(Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up)There's glamping, and then there's glamping at The Resort at Paws Up. One of the pioneers of modern-day glamping, The Resort at Paws Up offers six exclusive glamping camps (with prices to match), each one offering a different experience. Solo travelers and couples will love the two-story Tree Haus at the resort's adults-only retreat, called the green o. North Bank Camp – with three-bedroom, two-bathroom tents – is ideal ...

Tag: Mountain Vacations

The 11 Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.

The 29 Best Glamping Resorts in the U.S.