Wow. I don't even know where to start this review, and I talk a lot - so that must be a comment within itself.
Hall and I originally booked a trip to Santa Fe and then he read the famous Arizona Highways article about Rincon Creek Ranch. Each year, we take a trip in February since it's both Valentine's Day and my birthday. He came home and showed me the article and the website for Rincon Creek Ranch and I was sold.
We arrived on Friday afternoon after stopping by the Desert Museum and were greeted by Bill at the main house. He gave us an amazing tour through our casita (Appaloosa) and let us know that Gretchen and the other guest were currently at the Happy Hour in the main building, once we were unpacked and ready to join.
The casita was stunning. As we would learn later, Gretchen had designed each casita individually with complete relaxation in mind. From the letter greeting us, the fresh farm eggs, the fireplace, to the kitchen fixtures, the copper clawfoot tub, walk-in shower, giant king bed, plush robes, rocking chairs on the porch - NO cable or wi-fi. The oasis we had been looking for, to reconnect after a crazy couple months of wedding planning, working and to enjoy our beautiful state.
So we freshened up and headed to the happy hour. Gretchen and Bill poured wine, beer and prepared wonderful appetizers where we all sat and got to know each other for over 3 hours. It was the most we had relaxed in weeks. Hearing the amazing story of how the ranch came to be, the love they had poured into each and every detail, the hilarious stories. Our hearts were full. We went home, cooked food in the fully-prepared kitchen (we brought groceries and they also supply you with a cheat sheet of all grocery stores and restaurants prior to your arrival).
On Saturday, we hiked 9 miles through both their nature trail (where we met a BLM Mustang, other horses, humans and saw so much wonderful nature). We then made lunch and proceeded out into the Saguaro National Park for 7 more miles.
The best part was the quiet. and the wildlife. There were hundreds of birds, some beautiful mule deer, roadrunners (which I know are birds but OMG), coyotes, the list goes on.
After our hike, we ventured to another vacant cabin to sit on the porch *which Gretchen and Bill had encouraged us to do*, brought our binoculars, bird watched and just enjoyed the absolute stillness.
That evening, we stargazed and saw every star in the night sky from the comfort of a blanket, watched a DVD from the collection in the main house, and curled up for an amazing night of sleep. I did wake up when a pack of coyotes got a rabbit outside our house, but seriously, HOW COOL.
The next day, I did some yoga, we hiked and begrudginly packed our things. Gretchen met us outside the casita to bid us farewell and I have never been sadder to leave a place.
We had the most wonderful time and I would recommend everyone to take a trip to Rincon Creek Ranch. I think we will even go back in the summer to watch the monsoons now that we bought a truck, I can imagine that would be such a wonderful sight.
Thank you to Gretchen and Bill for making us feel like family and for the trip of a lifetime. read more