Rankin Ranch

Lodging

Charming mountain cabins (seven duplex units) accommodate singles, couples, families and groups.....up to 48 guests. Parents and children love spending time with us during the summer and holidays, while the spring and fall finds more couples and singles enjoying the peace and quiet during the Off-Season. Each cozy cabin is named for a special place on the ranch...Lightner Flat, Rankin Hill, Ruby Mine....and is nestled in evergreens and mountain lilacs with picturesque views of the surrounding oak covered mountains. "You start relaxing the minute you step out of your car," says George Westin. Rooms are wood-paneled with high open-beamed ceilings; carpeted, heated, and air conditioned; each room has a small sitting area; private entrance and bath; accommodations can be reserved as a single room or two connecting rooms. All rooms have a comfortable queen bed, twin bed, and a day-bed. Each single room easily accommodates a family of four or five, but if you want to spread out, the connecting room is available. Our larger "deluxe" cabin, the CHIMO, features a spacious floor plan with two queen beds, sitting area with two sofas (queen "sleepers" which gives you a total of 4 queen beds in the room), table and chairs, and plenty of room for fun family get-togethers; large bathrooms with separate tub, and tiled-shower; microwave and refrigerator for extra snacks; and the most spectacular view of our lush green meadows and hay fields. Comforters on all beds will keep you toasty and warm after those brisk evenings of star gazing. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast (which is served anytime between 7:30 and 9:00 giving you the opportunity to "sleep-in" if you prefer), a full day of activities awaits you in this peaceful country setting. Daily maid service, and three beautifully prepared meals free you to enjoy every minute of your stay.

Activities

For years guests have come to Rankin Ranch to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and easy going lifestyle. Some sit by the pool and read a book as the world passes by, while others never miss a chance to horseback ride, and soak up the wonderful mountain sunshine and fresh clean air. RIDING is definitely one of the favorite activities at the ranch (twice a day, every day except Sunday when we ride in the morning only). There are adult and children rides (minimum age for horseback riding is six years). Wonderful lunch rides down the creek are weekly activities for adults and teens. Take your lunch in saddlebags and ride out. You'll find a cool, quiet spot to picnic in a beautiful, natural setting. No horns or sirens here...just the sounds of water flowing over the rocks in the creek, and chirping birds! Most rides are leisurely so you can enjoy the spectacular scenery. "The heady scent of wildflowers and pine permeate the air as you ride along mountain trails past White Face Cattle lazily grazing in meadows, green from underground springs and creeks." (Valley Magazine) All rides are guided by wranglers. David Staats, head wrangler, grew up in the area and has lots of cowboy tales. He is very knowledgeable also of the native plant and wildlife on the ranch. Many of our guests have never ridden before; some own their own horses. David will find the "perfect" horse for you. OTHER ACTIVITIES enjoyed by guests are hiking in our mountains and meadows (we're happy to pack a lunch for your adventure), bicycling on our quiet country roads; swimming in the heated pool (heated mid-May through September), and relaxing in our new hot tub; trout fishing at Julia Lake is great fun for all ages (we'll cook your catch); and there's tennis, shuffleboard, ping pong, volleyball, horseshoes and more....be as busy or as relaxed as you wish. Our large oak-paneled recreation room provides hours of entertainment with a professional size Pool Table for those twelve years and older; there's Fooseball, and cards and games for all ages. Each season offers something special. Springtime wildflowers lure guests back year after year. Our beautiful scenery, and century old barns and buildings lend themselves to the annual "Art Week" for sketching and painting...May 19 to 24, 2002. Art lessons are FREE to guests...adults and children are all welcome to join in the fun. Summertime and holidays are filled with returning families. Fourth of July is a favorite time at Rankin Ranch...true patriotic spirit fills the air with "Red, White and Blue" galore! There's old-fashioned games for the entire family....sack races, egg-spoon run, water balloon volleyball and more, followed by a delicious All-American barbecue. The evening is not complete without our historical pageant....a display of AMERICAN pride, and a reminder to each of us how fortunate we are to live in the United States! Join us July 1 to 5 for this special celebration. During the summer, parents and grandparents love the supervised activities for children which gives adults time to relax and enjoy ranch activities while children are happily entertained. Each evening, during the Regular Season, there are planned activities for all ages. Square Dancing and Western Line Dancing usually on Friday or Saturday nights; Hay Wagon Ride and Barbecue in the meadow on Wednesday or Thursday evening; Pool Tournaments for adults with prizes for the winners; everybody loves the U Talent Shows...your children are the stars; Bingo Night...spend your winnings, Rankin Ranch Bingo Bucks, in the gift shop; and Fun Horseraces...children are the jockeys on stick horses and adults and teens bet on the winners with Rankin Ranch "Fun Money." Late evening walks in the summertime are delightful, too. However, you may prefer viewing the starlit skies from the comfortable chairs near your cabin entrance. Springtime and autumn offer a slower pace with cooler temperatures; our huge fireplace in the recreation room is a welcome sight after a brisk day of outdoor activities. Couples and groups especially enjoy these quieter times during our Off-Season months. FAMILY REUNIONS...family members drive and fly in from across the U.S. to be together...no telephones or interruptions...the ranch offers a relaxed atmosphere and the perfect opportunity for creating lifetime memories! Excerpt from a letter from the Burnham Family..... Keith and I want you to know how pleased and happy we were with our "Family" vacation at Rankin Ranch. It isn't easy to find a place that has something of appeal for all ages, from 1 year to 70 years, but I think you did it! Out of 29 people we didn't hear one complaint, and there were at least six of them who wept on the way home because they had to leave. It was truly a wonderful, memorable week for all of us, and we are deeply appreciative to all of you for making it so special. Again, many, many thanks for all that you have done! I am sure you will be seeing more of us in the years to come. Sincerely, Barbara SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS...We're delighted to help in any way that we can to make your graduation, birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion a happy celebration. We provide a free cake and a small gift from everyone at the ranch. If you have special needs (flowers in the room, party favors, a photographer, etc.) just let us know.

Children

After being at the ranch for only four hours, eight year old Daniel White asked his mom, "do you think we can live here forever?" SUNSET MAGAZINE says...."It offers a relaxing atmosphere, hospitable staff, and great children's programs: a petting farm, arts and craft activities, hikes, treasure hunts, and swim meets." Parents and grandparents especially appreciate the seasonal children's program during the summertime and holidays. Counselors are on duty from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm with planned activities for children ages 4 to 11. Kids love making wooden boats to race in the creek, and kites to fly in the meadow....there's never a dull moment! More fun plans await the children each evening before and after dinner. Bob Schenker asked his young son, "How much do you think our trip to Rankin Ranch was worth?" We loved David's reply..."MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS!"

Dining

Before dinner, adult guests enjoy the evening Patio Party in Lightner Square in the shade of the Mulberry tree. Many guests bring their own adult beverage (as the ranch does not have a liquor license) to this quiet gathering...a fun time to relax and visit with other adults. Delicious homemade dips, with chips, and mixes await you on the glass-topped table...Roberto's Guacamole is everybody's favorite! The GARDEN ROOM, where breakfast and dinner is served, is a beautiful, spacious dining area furnished with family antiques and wicker. Each evening you'll find candle lit tables, linens and fresh flowers....these special touches add to your dining enjoyment. Amid Rankin Ranch cowboy photos, guests enjoy hearty ranch-style meals....complete with a variety of fresh vegetables, top quality meats, and homemade breads and desserts. Helen Rankin taught Rudy, ranch cook of twenty years, many of the old Rankin family recipes. Lunch is usually served on the terrace overlooking the pool...there's always a delightful afternoon breeze.

Map