Wannabe cowboys and cowgirls get their chance to ride the trails at central Ohio's upscale dude ranch, the Heartland Country Resort. Riding on horseback through the 100 hilly acres surrounding the resort is delightful when the trees are covered with snow.
Innkeeper Dorene Henschen designed and built the resort's secluded log cabin, a structure with three separate suites located on a wooded hillside. Each suite is equipped with Jacuzzi, fireplace, private porch, kitchen and charcoal grill, and the refrigerators are stocked with basic food items. Want a break from KP duties? At Heartland you can order breakfast, a picnic lunch or a candlelit dinner delivered to your suite.
Formerly a fourth-grade teacher, Henschen loved taking her students on field trips in the country, so she originally bought the resort with families in mind. Today it doubles as a getaway for couples. Guests can take English or western riding lessons or help feed and groom the farm animals. Relax with a good book, challenge each other to a board game or simply gaze at the star-studded night sky.
Nearby attractions include the country's largest Amish population, as well as the Snow Trails ski area.