Texas Ranch provides ideal setting for family vacations

Guest Ranches have become a growing destination for vacationers looking to get away from the hustle of the city and experience the slow paced lifestyle of the country. Families are particularly attracted to ranches as they usually offer a variety of activities to see and do for the young and old alike, as well as providing learning opportunities for children.

Guest ranches can vary from place to place. Some ranches offer guests the ability to participate with the daily chores, some have activities arranged ahead of time such as hayrides, while others are strictly for leisure and allow you to just soak up the outdoors and do things at your own pace.

The Double S Ranch (www.doublessranch.com) in East Texas is molded after the latter. They welcome visitors to spend their vacation the way they want and to appreciate all of amenities and natural wonders the ranch has to offer.

The Double S Ranch sits on 800 acres of secluded land nestled within the Piney Woods of East Texas. The ranch is a working cutting horse ranch specializing in the breeding, training and cutting of both Paint and Quarter Horses. The ranch belongs to several professional associations including the National Cutting Horse Association, American Cutting Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, and the American Quarter Horse Association. The ranch has produced several prize-winning horses. In addition, to raising horses, other livestock such as cows, mules and guinneas are also bred at the ranch.

For the outdoor adventurer, there are 12 miles of trails that meander all over the property which provide the excellent window into the lore of East Texas. Hikers can expect to see wildlife of all types including deer, squirrels, armadillos, raccoons and multiple species of birds including the occasional Bald Eagle, just to name a few. The spring is a favorite time of year for visitors as the landscape comes alive with the blooming of daffodils, azaleas, jonquils, and of course the state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet. But possibly the most breathtaking of all of the sights is the annually anticipated blooming of the Dogwood trees. The woods on the ranch become lit up, as the white flower of these trees blossom. There is even a trail on the ranch called the Dogwood Trail.

The ranch also boasts two stocked fishing lakes that are equipped with boats and trolling motors for visitors of the fishing sort or guests who just enjoy the serenity of peaceful waters. Guests are even welcome to keep fish from the lakes for their dinner fare. One of the ponds has a large fishing pier where food is made available for feeding of the fish, ducks and geese. The spring fed, crystal clear water of this pond provides a look into the life of the fish in their natural habitat.

Golf enthusiasts also enjoy the Cypress Creek Golf Course that is located just minutes away from the property. This is a nine-hole semi-private golf course that features large and undulating greens that are not only beautiful, but also difficult to read. The fairways are plush, and there are numerous hazards incorporated into the course design. Water hazards (streams, creeks, and ponds) come into play and add to the challenge of this beautiful course. The Double S Ranch offers a stay and play package with the golf course.

Accommodations at the ranch are provided by Deer Lake Cabins (www.deerlakecabins.com), which is owned in conjunction with Double S Ranch. There are 8 cabin/lake houses available for rent that can sleep from 2 up to 8 people. Most of the cabins are located on the banks of one of the lakes and have decks that provide the perfect place to sit and relax and watch the sun set. All cabins are beautifully furnished and include full kitchens, televisions, VCRs, central heat and air, and most have washers and dryers. Cabins are also furnished with grills for the benefit of the guests.

Guests who are interested in dining out will find many delicious alternatives just a few short miles away.

For more information, visit www.doublessranch.com or www.deerlakecabins.com.