A Thanksgiving getaway

Can't face another overstuffed meal with the relatives? Try something off the hook for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's not far off—November 27—and its always a Thursday, which makes it perfect for kicking off a four-day weekend or week-long trip. And what better way to plug into the true spirit of the holiday than to get back to the land on a guest ranch?

Now is the time to start planning a Thanksgiving ranch getaway. Give thanks for the past year—or just rest up and recover from it—on a luxury ranch (some have indulgences like spas and soaking tubs). Or share the bounty of the season on a rustic ranch; many have been in the same family for generations, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about taking care of the land and being thankful for all it has to give us.

Here are a few ranches open at Thanksgiving (at our press date, they all had T-Day openings, but call ahead to check/book): Bar W Guest Ranch in Montana; Clear Creek Ranch in North Carolina; Elkhorn Ranch in Arizona; Grapevine Canyon Ranch in Arizona.

Whatever style of ranch you visit, it'll be a Turkey Day you'll remember for years to come. For a list of ranches that are open in fall/year-round, check  Ranchweb.com. Click here for ranch travel bargains.