There is something about a fast gallop on a twisting Adirondack trail.  It is a livening of the senses - a rush all at once of images, odors and sounds, a convergence of dust, air, tall grass and pine, of leather and horse sweat and the war whoops of childhood either being lived or momentarily reborn.  Many who vacation at 1000 Acres Ranch Resort in Stony Creek, NY simply go there for horseback riding.

But there may be 9,999 other reasons why families return summer after summer to this timeless place nestled in the valley along the narrow, upper reaches of the Hudson River.  Some go there for their children.  There is such a wonderful blend of freedom and structure that the nerve-shattering call of the wild – "I AM BORED!" – is as rare as a honking car horn.

Parents don’t cook.  Three delicious and very filling meals a day are served in the spacious dining room or poolside pavilion.  No one will want to miss a meal!

When it comes to fun at 1000 Acres, though, horses are only the beginning. Golfers enjoy the game on a picture-perfect course that runs along the banks of the Hudson River. Boaters can take a rowboat out onto the river, or adventure down the Hudson on a kayak. Fishermen can take special fishing trips on the Hudson. And if you still do not have enough to do, you can try tennis, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, and a whole lot more. In fact, these activities often show off the camaraderie that pervades 1000 Acres: it’s not unusual, for instance, for guests and staff to square off in a friendly softball or volleyball game.

But what if you are not big on sports or games? Not to worry – 1000 Acres has more than enough for you to do. Three swimming pools, including an indoor pool, allow guests the chance for a dip anytime during the day. From there, they can hit the Jacuzzi for the ultimate in relaxation. Nightly cocktail parties are always a favorite, as is the country line dancing and country western bands to dance the night away.

Kids can find plenty of memorable experiences at 1000 acres. That’s because the Ranch pays special attention to them. During the on season, the Children’s Director presides over a whole range of activities, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, games, swimming and face painting. Toukie the Clown performs her magic along with the Ranch’s Cowboy Ernie!

Whether you are young or old, everyone fills up on food. The full country breakfast features all kinds of eggs and omelets, cooked to order. The luncheon buffet treats guest to a variety of delicious salads, cold cuts, and the Chef’s choice of a hot dish and award winning soup for a hearty meal. On Tuesday, that lunch time spread makes way for a poolside cookout – so you don’t even have to leave your chaise lounge.

Perhaps the highlight of the day, though, comes at dinnertime. Monday promises to deliver a Western-style barbeque complete with baby back ribs and grilled chicken. Thursday brings an outdoor steak roast with outstanding cuts of sirloin. When you are not dining by the poolside pavilion, 1000 Acres offers a generous family-style dinner that adds a pleasant note to the end of the day.

Here, too, the resort specializes in the spirit of friendship: guests are assigned to the same table seating and server for their entire stay, so they make fast friends by sharing a table with other guests. And those friendships don’t stop with check-out: many guests, upon leaving 1000 Acres, rebook for the very same week the following year, ensuring that they will enjoy the company of the same folks year after year.