1. Austin, Texas
Stay: Robin’s Nest Bed and Breakfast on Lake Travis has great access to fishing and boating. 512-255-3413, www.robinsnestlaketravis.com Eat: Get a taste of Texas and try the wild game at Hudson’s on the Bend. 512-266-1369, www.hudsonsonthebend.com Play: Cowboy up in Texas Hill Country at Colbert Ranch. 512-355-3225, www.ridecolbertranch.com
2. Mesa, Ariz.
Stay: Saguaro Lake Ranch also offers horseback riding through the dramatic Sonoran Desert. 480-984-2194, www.saguarolakeranch.com Eat: The authentic green chile and fish tacos at Baja Joe’s Mexican Cantina are delicious. 480-655-1828, www.bajajoescantina.com Play: Go whitewater rafting down the Salt River, or float up in a hot-air balloon over the desert. 800-283-6372, www.visitmesa.com
3. Santa Barbara, Calif.
Stay: Treat yourself to great riding and accommodations at Circle Bar B Guest Ranch and Stables. 805-968-1113, www.circlebarb.com Eat: Find local dairy and produce at the Santa Barbara Certified Farmer’s Market. 805-962-5354, www.sbfarmersmarket.org Play: The Santa Ynez Valley has a variety of wine tasting and tours. www.winecountrygetaways.com
4. Wailuku, Maui
Stay: Enjoy 1920s Hawaiian charm at the Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono. 808-244-5897, www.mauiinn.com Eat: The Polynesian cuisine at Coconut Grill Maui is exceptional. 808-871-8881 Play: Reserve your horseback ride through the verdant scenery of central Maui’s rainforest at Makani ‘Olu Ranch. 808-870-0663, www.makanioluranch.com
5. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Stay: The Jekyll Island Club Hotel is the only four-star resort on the island. 800-535-9547, www.jekyllclub.com Eat: Visit SeaJay’s Waterfront Café, in the Jekyll Harbor Marina, for its all-you-can-eat low-country boil buffet. 912-635-3200, www.seajays.com Play: Take a romantic horseback ride on Driftwood Beach at sunset or head inland among shady oaks. 912-635-9500, www.jekyllexperience.com