This Equestrian-Centric Resort In Tennessee Features Unique Lodging And Awesome Grub
By Meghan Kraft|Published May 25, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
You will find a slew of outdoorsy destinations here in the beautiful Volunteer State, but there’s something extra special about a vacation spent in the great outdoors. If you’re a fan of horseback riding and the wild, wild west, you might want to request a reservation at the authentic French Broad Outpost Dude Ranch. This east Tennessee gem is a true memory maker, with outdoor opportunities and quirky rooms that up the ante on a classic family vacation. Will you be heading to the French Broad Outpost Dude Ranch?
If you have ever heard the term "dude ranch," then it probably conjures up images of cowboys and lassos, the dust on a saddle, and a fiery sunset. The title refers to a cattle ranch that has been converted to a vacation resort, and in Tennessee, you can find the French Broad Outpost Dude Ranch in Del Rio, just east of Knoxville.
The rustic, all-inclusive resort is perfect for folks looking to enjoy the local community at mealtime and horseback riding during the day. There is a glut of experiences to take part in at the ranch, from trail rides to white water rafting and square dancing. Can’t you just imagine enjoying your morning cup of coffee here?
You will stay at the on-site Lone Star Hotel, and with seven rooms and an occupancy total of 21 visitors, you can enjoy meeting new friends while spending time with family. Meals are served family-style, so expect to pass plates!
The French Broad Outpost Dude Ranch opened in 2001 after a stint as a campground, and its location in the Great Smoky Mountains makes it a unique resort in Tennessee. The old-school hotel will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with contemporary luxury, of course, and there is an on-site town to wander as well.
Horseback riding is offered through all seasons, and you can expect a one to two-hour ride each time. There are two opportunities a day, once before and after lunch. Go whitewater rafting and tubing in the summer and play pioneer games during the warmer months as well. The resort publishes a schedule of adventures every season so you can plan out your vacation time.
You will have to request a reservation on the ranch's official website, so make sure you inquire as soon as you know your vacation dates. This neat experience books up quickly!