My warm welcome to Hidden Meadow Ranch ranch was cowboy Alan on horseback, guiding me to a luxurious log cabin/lodge that has been custom designed -- a one-of-a-kind retreat that includes gourmet dining, personal horsemanship instruction, fly fishing on a spring fed trout pond, tranquil canoe rides, Apache-guided nature hikes or swinging in a hammock surrounded by unspoiled serenity.

Strawberry Cactus, one of twelve cabins, was spacious, with 2 bedrooms, a stone fireplace, premier rustic furnishings, fine linens, antiques and authentic western artifacts. The old-fashioned front and back porches had limitless views of the pine forests and meadows, which were welcomed retreats throughout the day. As the sun quietly tiptoed through my lodge windows early each morning, I awoke to a crackling fire and the cool mountain air. (My recommended attire for your stay is blissfully casual, although dress denim is recommended for dinner in the Ranch House).

Without question, Hidden Meadow has created a luxury lodging experience that complements the naturally beautiful secluded setting. And the service is fabulous. They anticipated every need, from special towels at my cabin door to wipe off my boots, turndown service, and firewood neatly stacked each time they visited the cabin. I especially enjoyed the nightly hand written notes on my pillow and the lights subdued when I returned from dinner.

Planning for this type of vacation means packing light. Even if you’ve forgotten your favorite boots, they offer a vast collection for you to borrow for horseback and hiking. Another thoughtful touch. The Mercantile cabin is more than a sundry shop: there are hats, boots, country clothing, blending an old-fashioned general store feeling with comforts of the 21st century.

In an era of generational vacationing, Hidden Meadow Ranch is a great destination for sharing something special with the family. Whether parent, grandparent or a couple in love, being in the great outdoors and enjoying the simple pleasures of each other’s company is easy. We tried fly-fishing, currying and riding horses, making a leather belt and dreaming by a campfire. Don’t even think about TV as you open your daily Good Morning list of things to do that arrives on your doorstep before breakfast.

In addition to priding itself on its rustic heritage and wilderness location, Hidden Meadow’s sophisticated dining includes all meals graciously served in the Ranch House, a cavernous thick-beamed lodge with deer and elk trophies and plush leather sofas for enjoying the impressive stone fireplace. The heartiest appetites (or most selective) can indulge in Chef Robert Murphy’s creative regional mountain cuisine for casual breakfast, lunch, and romantic candlelit dinner. The first evening we dined on Elk Tenderloin, achiote-marinated, beautifully tender and flawlessly presented with roasted fingerling potatoes and Vidalia onion served in a separate mini bellini pan. We also shared Cornmeal Crusted Golden Trout, dressed with crispy threads of magenta spinach, followed by a warm, dark chocolate soufflé and fine Port. Other dishes included Pan-seared Lump Crab Cake with Avocado Corn Salad (see recipe below), Roasted Poblano & Tomatillo Soup – with lime crème fraiche & manchego cheese, Buffalo Burger, sautéed mushrooms, smoked mozzarella & roasted garlic, Chili-Rubbed Porkloin Sandwich with cinnamon spiced apple and melted brie.

Roughing it in style also means taking care of little wranglers too. There is a 5:30 seating for small children and activities to keep them busy throughout Mom & Dad’s quiet dinner hour. Chef Robert’s menus change seasonally with Southwest specialties prepared daily from weekend campfires to their famous S’mores and Snifters...something yummy for the kids and ‘warming’ for the adults.

If you’re fond of riding, they have well-trained horses for novice as well as expert riders. We spent an unforgettable morning with Erin, whose professional and caring horseback introduction to the Apache National Forest was a highlight of our day. She discussed aspen groves, how elk tear away bark with their antlers, the remnants of bear claws on Arizona White & Ponderosa Pine. Canero Lake couldn’t have been more beautiful, worthy of the 3-hour ride on our horses Freckles, and Cowboy. Our surefooted mounts took us up and down steep rocks through the forests. A midday summer storm approached, taking its lazy time passing through, and it seemed a bit risky for two city slickers. But with Erin’s guidance and well trained horses from their stable of Appaloosas, Quarter horses and Arabians, we felt that we were in capable hands.

Guests can choose from a variety of rides, blazing untamed mountain trails, riding The Knoll and Strawberry Canyon or simply riding through the meadows looking for bald eagles, wild turkey, coyotes, bobcats or elk.

As I bid Hidden Meadow Ranch goodbye, I carry the memories of the grand mountains, untamed desert and spirit of adventure that made the pioneers our heroes. It captured a part of my spirit and passion for America like no other love before it.

Crab Cake with Avocado Corn Salsa Crab Cake 1 lb. Cleaned fresh Blue Crab Meat 2 T. Celery, minced 1 Shallot, minced 1 Lemon, zest ½ Lemon, juice ½ t. salt 4 T. olive oil 4 C. Panko breadcrumbs -- reserve 1 C. 4 ½ T. Mayonnaise Gently mix all ingredients (except 1 C. breadcrumbs). Mix into 8 small round portions and roll in breadcrumbs. Heat a Teflon pan over medium heat for 1 minute, add olive oil and crab cake. Sear for 1 ½ minutes and turn over, cook for 2 minutes until nicely browned. Serve on top of avocado corn salsa.

Avocado Corn Salsa 1 Ripe Avocado, peeled, pitted and diced medium 1 Ear of Fresh Corn, roasted...remove kernels ½ Shallot, minced 1 Lime, juiced ¼ Red Bell Pepper, small diced 1 T. Cilantro, chopped 1 Garlic Clove, minced Salt & Pepper to taste Mix all ingredients well. Make into a round on the plate and place crab cake on top. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves.

Leigh Cort is one of America's specialists in representing distinctive destinations & people in the travel, dining, art and entertainment industries. As Public Relations and Party Director for New York City's distinguished Trump Tower, she produced galas and promoted their significance to the international 'rich and famous'. Leigh's enthusiasm for travel & food prompted her to launch TableTalk, a Travel/Culinary publication from Savannah to St. Augustine. Her journals are her obsession, writing about travel, food, chefs, themed parties, coastal adventures and intriguing people. She's also a member of North American Travel Journalists Association and Int'l. Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

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