If you’re looking to do some traveling around the beautiful United States, you have a lot of different options to choose from. Hotels and motels are the classic option, but why not try something different? Instead of setting yourself up in a boring old room, consider booking a stay at a dude ranch. These locations have seen a big surge in popularity recently as ecotourism and agritourism are becoming the best ways to see the world. At a dude ranch, you’ll be treated to authentic, old-fashioned accommodation with modern luxuries and amenities, as well as dozens of fun organized activities for all the family to enjoy. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Overview
Just like how glamping has become popular around the world, dude ranches offer an exciting way for travelers to get in touch with nature and learn a little about the Old West, while still enjoy the comforts they expect from top class hotels and resorts. The great state of Tennessee has a rich history behind it and ranching has always been a big part of the state’s culture and livelihood, so it’s one of the top spots in North America for anyone who wants to stay at a dude ranch.
Best Dude Ranches in Tennessee
Tennessee is a super spot to go on a dude ranch vacation. These are several highly-rated ranches all around the state, offering great access to nearby natural areas and dozens of outdoor activities from horseback tours to fishing trips. If you’re planning a relaxing dude ranch break in the Volunteer State, read on to learn about the best locations.
2.A Tennessee Dude & Guest Ranch
Open to visitors all year long, A Tennessee Dude & Guest Ranch offers one of the most authentic and beloved ranch experiences in the entire state. Not too far from the city of Chattanooga, this conveniently situated dude ranch is one of Tennessee's true hidden gems, offering a wide range of ranch and nature activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Nestled among the scenic Sequatchie Valley, the first thing that strikes you about A Tennessee Dude and Guest Ranch is the beauty of the location.
Guests can simply sit, relax, and observe the valley surroundings, feeling like they're truly a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and modern technology. If you want to make your stay a little more active, the ranch runs all sorts of fun activities for visitors of all ages. There's a big focus on horses at this location, with riding trails and lessons offered every day. Unique services like equine assisted therapy and hillbilly parties are also possible to reserve at this ranch, and the staff go to great lengths to cater for every guest.
1050 Ray Hixson Rd, Dunlap, TN 37327, Phone: 423-554-4677
3.French Broad Outpost Ranch
Situated in a stunning scenic spot on the banks of the French Broad River, this all-inclusive dude ranch offers some of the best vacation experiences in all of Tennessee. With more than 300 acres of land to enjoy and explore, French Broad Outpost Dude Ranch is perfectly located among the Smoky Mountains, ideal for climbers, mountaineers, hikers, or simple nature lovers who want to enjoy the beauty of the views from the quiet comfort of their Old West dude ranch rooms.
French Broad Outpost Ranch's slogan is that it's "Just like visiting grandma's house" and that's exactly the impression you'll get when you step inside the luxury lodgings of this lovely ranch. With old-country decor and only the comfiest, coziest beds, all guests are guaranteed to enjoy a lot of well-earned rest and wonderful food, with classic ranch fare like chicken, turkey, mashed potatoes, and homemade breads on the menu every single day.
461 Old River Rd, Del Rio, TN 37727, Phone: 800-995-7678
, OH4.Clearview Horse Farm
Just a few miles outside the city of Shelbyville, Clearview Horse Farm isn't technically a dude ranch but offers more or less the same authentic experience and is one of the best places to stay in Tennessee if you're looking to appreciate the beauty of the state's scenery and enjoy some old-fashioned American pastimes like rodeo shows and horseback riding.
As the name suggests, this is a prime location for equine-lovers, with Tennessee Walking Horses and other breeds raised on the land, which also features a huge indoor arena for lessons, horse shows, private rentals, and more. Guests at Clearview Horse Farms can take their pick from four unique rooms, each other private bathrooms, cable, and old-timey decorations that really give you the genuine feeling of life on the ranch.
2291 US-231, Shelbyville, TN 37160, Phone: 931-619-0773
3 Best Dude Ranches in Tennessee
- Overview, Photo: Douglas/stock.adobe.com
- A Tennessee Dude & Guest Ranch, Photo: Anna/stock.adobe.com
- French Broad Outpost Ranch, Photo: Erik/stock.adobe.com
- Clearview Horse Farm, Photo: Nadine Haase/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of CFFotografie - Fotolia.com
More Ideas: General Morgan Inn in Greeneville
The General Morgan Inn & Conference Center is an elegant hotel in the heart of Greeneville's Historic District that offers stylish accommodations, traditional all-American dining, exceptional amenities, and unrivaled hospitality. The privately-owned, 1880s hotel brick-and-marble hotel boasts 51 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with private bathrooms and modern amenities, an inviting, family-friendly restaurant, and modern venues for a variety of events.
Set in storied downtown Greeneville, TN, this iconic hotel is ideally situated for exploring the city and enjoying all it has to offer. A short walk from the hotel takes you to the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
The General Morgan Inn boasts 51 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with private bathrooms and modern amenities in a variety of sizes ranging from Single Luxury and Double Deluxe Rooms to the opulent Morgan Suite. All rooms and suites have comfortable beds in Comfort Enhanced™ Jamison bedding, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, soaking tubs, plush bathrobes, thirsty towels and luxe bath products.
Modern amenities include flat-screen televisions, radio/alarm clocks, direct dial telephones with voicemail service, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers, coffee makers with gourmet coffee and teas, and complimentary wireless Internet. Some rooms and the Morgan Suite have fireplace mantles and infant beds are available on request. Extra guest room services include wake-up calls, room service, and a 24-hour concierge desk.
Single Luxury Rooms are flooded with natural light through oversized windows and feature high ceilings, queen-size beds in Comfort Enhanced™ Jamison bedding, multiple sheeting, soft pillows and down duvets and private bathrooms with walk-in showers, soaking tubs, plush bathrobes, thirsty towels and luxe bath products.
Double Deluxe Rooms offer one king or two double beds in Comfort Enhanced™ Jamison bedding, multiple sheeting, soft pillows and down duvets and have private bathrooms with walk-in showers, soaking tubs, plush bathrobes, thirsty towels and luxe bath products. Rooms with microwaves and refrigerators are available on request.
The Morgan Suite is a luxurious suite with a spacious sitting area with comfortable seating, mini kitchenette with fridge and wet bar and a wood-burning fireplace. The suite features a classic and contemporary décor with a king-size bed in Comfort Enhanced™ Jamison bedding, multiple sheeting, soft pillows and down duvet and a stylish private bathroom with walk-in shower, whirlpool bathtub, plush bathrobes, thirsty towels and luxe bath products.
Brumley's Restaurant & Lounge is located within the Inn and serves lunch and dinner in a friendly, relaxed environment. An exquisite 1940s Art Deco mirror takes center stage in the restaurant, around which diners can enjoy traditionally, comfortfood and creative cuisine made with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by an extensive bar menu of craft beers, spirits and fine wines from around the world. Brumley's has three dining rooms from which to choose, which cater for intimate dinners for two to large groups and private parties.
A complimentary breakfast is served in Brumley's Restaurant every morning for guest staying in the hotel and features a range of continental breakfast choices such as freshly baked pastries, rolls, and bread, fresh fruit, juices, tea and coffee.
The General Morgan Inn & Conference Center offers a range of amenities, including a fully-equipped fitness center with cardio equipment, treadmills, stationary bikes and free weights, a full service restaurant and lounge, complimentary continental breakfast, free onsite parking, complimentary wireless Internet throughout the property.
The General Morgan Inn & Conference Center offers a range of venues for a variety of events and functions from weddings and celebrations to corporate meetings and business conferences. Venues for both weddings and corporate functions include the Executive Boardroom, which is 300 square feet in size and can seat up to 12 guests; Brumley's, for large and small groups of up to 34 people; and three Ballrooms and Salons, which are flexible and can be configured to a variety of shapes and sizes for up to 60 people. The Grand Ballroom is a magnificent ballroom of nearly 3,000 square feet and features a customizable dance floor. This elegant room can hold up to 300 guests and has a backroom for on-site buffet catering.
Greenville, TN is home to an array of interesting attractions and activities to enjoy. Catch a performance or theater show at The Niswonger Performing Arts Center or visit the Greeneville Antique Market, which is a haven for antique lovers, housing over 75 booth spaces across three floors, which sell an eclectic range of treasures. The City Garage Car Museum features a collection of more than 40 cars including a 1901 Oldsmobile.
Back to: Best Tennessee Weekend Getaways & Vacations
111 N Main St, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743, Phone: 423-787-1000
More Ideas: The Inn at Fontanel
Inspired by Tennessee farmhouses, and built to look the same, The Inn at Fontanel is an award-winning boutique hotel in White Creeks Pike, Nashville. The highly acclaimed Inn was transformed from a Southern Living ‘Idea House' into a luxurious guest house which offers exceptional accommodations and deluxe amenities for romantic getaways and intimate family gatherings.
The unique hotel features five separate structures housing guest accommodations, which are connected by more than 2,500 square feet of wooden decking furnished with plush patio furniture and overlooking a gorgeous courtyard of gardens with water features. Designed to encourage gatherings by day, yet offer privacy and seclusion by night, the unique layout of the hotel is made of six exclusive suites, namely the Double Queen North Bunkie, Double Queen South Bunkie, King Carriage House Suite, two King Guest House Suites, and the Inn at Fontanel King Suite in the main hotel building. A grand communal room with beautiful clerestory windows can be found in the main house for guests to come together, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and socialize, and features comfortable seating and an honor system wet bar.
The Fontanel Inn is made of six exclusive suites, namely the Double Queen North Bunkie, Double Queen South Bunkie, King Carriage House Suite, two King Guest House Suites, and the Inn at Fontanel King Suite in the main hotel building. All rooms are beautifully appointed and decorated in a variety of elegant country styles, with soft, pastels hues, luxurious linens and down pillows, plush furnishings, and modern conveniences.
The most luxurious accommodation at the Fontanel is The Grand Southern Suite, which adjoins the central portion of the five-room hotel structure and features a cavernous king-size bedroom and en-suite bathroom with marble walk-in shower and luxury soaking tub, as well as a walk-in closet.
The King Guest House features a king-size bed and luxury en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and soaking tub, a spacious sitting area with comfortable seating and a wood-burning fireplace and a fully equipped kitchenette. An outdoor patio is ideal for relaxing and drinking in the stunning views.
The Queen Guest House has a private entrance with unique fabric wall coverings and unique decor. The suite offers a queen-size bed and luxury en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and soaking tub, and overlooks a lovely courtyard.
The Carriage House is luxuriously decorated with a queen-size bed, and en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and soaking tub. The suite also offers a sidebar and comfortable seating area, as well as alovely rooftop patio with breathtaking views.
Both Bunkies(North and South Bunkie) stand separately from the main estate structure and feature two double beds, en-suite bathrooms with showers and baths, fully equipped kitchenettes and outdoor patios with stunning courtyard views.
Fontanel is home to Cafe Fontanella, which is renowned for being one of Nashville's most authentic and unique Italian dining experiences. Inspired by Old World flavors and regional tastes, Cafe Fontanellaserves a creative menu of Italian and American dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, with something to satisfy all appetites. The family-friendly, casual cafe offers daily specials and has a full-service bar, and inviting dining room and outdoor patio, on which delicious brunches can be enjoyed.
There are a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy at Fontanel ranging from zip lining adventures through the shaded forest canopy and excellent hiking and walking trails through the hotel's conservation area to wine tasting at Natchez Hills Winery and whiskey and rum-tasting at Pritchard's Distillery. Fontanel also offers an array of outdoor and recreational activities on their 187 acres of beautiful green space for the whole family to enjoy from hiking, biking, volleyball and frisbee to softball, soccer, and jogging.
Fontanel presents an idyllic venue for special occasions and celebrations with multiple unique venues to suit every need. In addition to providing beautiful settings and indoor and outdoor spaces for all types of functions, the hotel also offers an array of bridal and engagement portrait settings, a luxurious Bridal Suite and Groomsmen Lounge, onsite catering with customized menu options, and year-round access to the hotel grounds for event planning. Other services include a dedicated Event Services Manager, introductions to some of Nashville's premier vendors for floral arrangements, cakes, and photography, and rehearsal dinner space.
Back to: Best Tennessee Weekend Getaways & Vacations
4125 Whites Creek Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37189, Phone: 615-724-1600
More Ideas: Clarion Inn Willow River in Sevierville
Located in Sevierville, Tennessee, the Clarion Inn Willow River is an elegant plantation-style hotel that exudes the grace and charm of the Old South. Boasting a beautiful antebellum design and gleaming white colonnades, the hotel stands out picturesque plantation surroundings and offers luxurious accommodations, an array of exceptional amenities and services and uncompromising Southern hospitality that mirrors the gentility of a bygone era.
Well-appointed guest rooms and suites are beautifully furnished with antiques and period pieces and feature modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers and wireless Internet. Luxury suites enjoy fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, and all rooms have glorious views over the scenic landscapes.
The hotel provides a complimentary continental breakfast every morning and has a heated indoor and seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a whirlpool, and a small fitness center for guests to enjoy. A business center offers the use of computers, as well as printing, copying and faxing services.
The Clarion Inn Willow River is ideally located for exploring the region and is situated just a few miles from the Tennessee Museum of Aviation, the Adventure Park Zip Lines at Five Oaks, and the Circle G Ranch Safari Adventure.
The Clarion Inn Willow River features 89 well-appointed guest rooms with private balconies and lovely views over the surrounding landscapes. Every room is comfortably furnished with contemporary décor in calm, neutral tones and feature en-suite bathrooms with large showers and soaking tubs, thick bathrobes and luxurious bath products for pampering. Bedrooms have one king or two queen size beds with comfy pillow top mattresses, crisp cotton sheeting, and a variety of pillows and spacious sitting areas feature pullout sleeper sofas for extra guests, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, coffee makers with complimentary coffee and tea, refrigerators, and wireless high-speed Internet.
Luxury suites feature the same amenities as the standard guest rooms with the addition of larger sitting areas with cozy wood-burning fireplaces and whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms. Modern amenities in the luxury suites include flat-screen televisions with cable channels, coffee makers with complimentary coffee and tea, refrigerators, and wireless high-speed Internet.
Guests can enjoy a delicious continental breakfast, compliments of the Clarion Inn, every morning during their stay. Breakfast is served in the airy dining room overlooking the garden and includes a range of healthy choices such as freshly baked bread, rolls, pastries and cereals, hot dishes on request, fresh fruit, juices and coffee and tea.
The Clarion Inn Willow River has an array of exceptional amenities and services to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests have access to a heated indoor and seasonal outdoor swimming pool to cool off, a hot tub for the ultimate in relaxation, and a fully equipped business center with computer access, as well as printing, copying, and faxing services.There are meeting rooms available for small business gatherings, and a fully equipped fitness center is also available for guests to stay fit while at the Clarion. Additional amenities include a communal coffee/tea area, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, laundry facilities, and complimentary onsite parking.
Sevierville offers a variety of activities and attractions for the whole family, ranging from NASCAR-themed go-kart tracks and petting zoos to underground cave tours, aircraft museums, and interactive mini-golf courses. Furtherafield, Sevierville's sister cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also offer fun things to see and do such as Dollywood and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
Back to: Best Tennessee Weekend Getaways & Vacations
1990 Winfield Dunn Pkwy,Sevierville, Tennessee 37876, Phone: 865-429-7600
