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Go Unplugged This Summer

Farm and Ranch Vacations for B&B Family Fun

Parents and kids can enjoy great getaways while learning that not all food comes from a supermarket, and that not all entertainment requires electricity! Listed alphabetically by state, these www.BedandBreakfast.com members welcome families seeking a fun family farm or ranch vacation. Unless otherwise noted, rates quoted are for double occupancy, including breakfast, excluding tax and gratuity. Children of all ages need to be carefully supervised by their parents.

Craig Ranch B&B, Limon, CO: At this 15,000-acre cattle ranch, enjoy a first-hand view of gathering or branding cattle. Kids will also enjoy the swings, basketball, tetherball, ping-pong, and billiards, or can even learn to spin wool. The Cowboy Package includes accommodations plus dinner for two, breakfast for two, and a ranch tour for $115-$125; children under four, $20. Info: www.craigranchbandb.com, 719-775-2658.

First Farm Inn, Idlewild, KY: Friendly horses offer noses to pet and eagerly take carrots and apples from outstretched hands. Two-hour horse experiences include grooming, tacking up, and riding. Family packages include breakfasts with kid-friendly entrees, outdoor hot tub, row-boating, and horseback ride. Closely supervised children welcome. Two-night packages for four start at $450. Info: www.firstfarminn.com, 800-277-9527.

Earthshine Mountain Lodge, Lake Toxaway, NC: Escape to western NC for a Pioneer Heritage Festival, and apprentice in the blacksmith shop, learn to ride horses, feed animals, spin wool, mine for gems, and make candles; visit a Cherokee village to learn traditional customs. All-inclusive daily rates are $170/night/person for adults; $110/night/person ages 10-15; $90/night/person ages 6-9; and $50/night/person under 6. Info: www.earthshinemtnlodge.com , 828-862-4207.

Pipe Creek Farm B&B, West Falls, NY: Riding lessons offer the chance to learn everything about horses, including brushing, tacking and riding. Swimming pool, games, and TV will keep children busy when they’re not riding. Horse stalls are available ($10 nightly) if you BYOH. The $250 horseback-riding package for a family of four includes one night’s lodging in the family suite, breakfasts, and three-hour riding lesson. Info: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/216518/Listing.aspx , 716-652-4868.

Cedar Creek at Spruce Hill B&B, Spruce Creek, PA: This working farm with cattle, chickens, bees, rabbits and cats, invites families to spend weekends gathering eggs, playing with the bunnies, suiting up to visit the hives, or making jam. Family suite, $160 nightly; double rooms, $100-125. Info: www.cedarhill-sprucecreek.com , 888-764-9790.

Sunrise Farm B&B, Salem, SC: Children enjoy visiting the llamas, miniature horses, and Muffin, the pot-bellied pig. Other activities include boating, swimming and fishing, mountain biking, hiking, berry picking, and the self-guided waterfall tour. Family cottages have kitchens, living rooms, porches, and grills. Children under 12 free in cottages. Rates, $95-130; breakfast included only for inn rooms. Info: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/ppf/inn/206710/Listing.aspx , 888-991-0121.

The Inn at Quail Run, Wilmington, VT: Families enjoy mingling with the llamas, sheep, chickens, and the innkeepers’ own children. This totally kid-friendly B&B has a swimming pool, children’s movie room, and ping-pong table. The cottage accommodates up to 13 people, perfect for extended families. Rates, $90-200; $25 for 2-12; $35 for 13 and up. Info: www.theinnatquailrun.com, 1-800-3-4ESCAPE (800-343-7227).

Edited by Marilyn Miller

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