by Adele Woodyard
Did you know you can make like a Wild West cowboy in Florida? A dude ranch is one this travel writer has been to and written about. My weekend on a Suwannee River houseboat has appeared in seven different publications, including a book, but missed one in a lighthouse. And though I’ve camped in tent and cabin, the closest I’ve been to a Yurt is a round glass house in a campground of tree houses. And that was in Georgia. But taken from my own experience, a holiday in any of these accommodations will be worth a price that can range from $40 a night to almost $1200 for two days one night (off-season).
Westgate River Ranch outside Lake Wales offers so many amenities, the most resort-happy dude will be satisfied. Besides the usual horses, cows, and a rural setting there’s a marina, tennis courts, nine-hole golf course, heated outdoor pool, trap and skeet range. Of course no Western “town” would be without a saloon, smokehouse grill, and general store. Even a wedding chapel is available if you decide to tie the knot. In any case, be sure and don your cowboy hat for the Saturday night rodeo. Florida residents get a 10% discounts that start at $89 + tax per night (efficiency). There’s also a campground on site, if you prefer your own bed. 863-692-1321. http://www.wgriverranch.com
Circle F Dude Ranch, also Lake Wales, has 65 horses and a 42 acre lake on the 500-acre property. 25 different activities include swimming, tennis, fishing, canoeing and more. Xtra fee for horseback riding, massage, rockclimbs and zipline. Summer camp for kids is split into four sessions, all but the fourth one now either all or mostly filled. Family two night weekends for four, start at $670, includes tax, meals and most activities. Labor Day Sept. 2-4, Oct. 21-23 Getaway, Thanksgiving 11/25-27, 12/2-4 Getaway. Women Only Getaway, sort of an extended Girl’s Night Out, is Sept. 23-25 at $225 per person including tax. 863-676-4113. http://www.circlefduderanchcamp.com
Miller’s Marina has fully equipped 44 foot long houseboats that can sleep six to eight adults, and explore a section of the Suwannee River. No way can you cruise all 240 miles but you can get to Old Town, Hart Springs, Branford and/or make a left for Sandy Point on the Santa Fe River. The weekend four of us went, we stopped to paddle into the Manatee River State Park then kept on going to
turn around at Old Town. Prices for a two night trip start at $599 plus tax (Dec.-Feb.) up to $825 from Mar.-Nov. There’s a 3-day minimum on all holidays. 800-458-2628; 352-542-7349. http://www.suwanneehouseboats.com
Yurt Tree House, located north of Gainesville, can be reached by land or the Santa Fe River. This unique two-level screened “house” has camp stove, cooking supplies and dining facilities on the first, stairs to the second floor where you can see the stars through the umbrella top. $90 minimum for single night stay. There’s a discount on rate if you supply own water, bed linens or sleeping bag. 352-275-3833. http://www.clubfla.org/treehouse.aspx
A more conventional Yurt for less money is at Torreya State Park on the Apalachicola River. The 20 foot round domed and floored tent has electricity, a wooden door and screened windows. Also A/C, heat, a skylight, two beds (linens not provided) and sleeps up to five people. $40 per night. 850-643-2674. 800-376-3521 for reservations. http://www.floridastateparks.org
Kate’s Light sits on an Amelia Island beach overlooking the Atlantic. A replica of the Thomas Point lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay, it offers three bedrooms, two and one half baths, and all the comforts of home. $485 per night Mar. 1-Sept. 5/11; $380 after Labor Day. 800-777.3359. http://www.ameliaislandvacation.com/lighthouse
Vacation Fun Florida Weblog 