Story and photos by Melissa Golio

Everyone deserves a second home and for many that home is the 1000 Acres Ranch Resort. According to current owner Jack Arehart Jr. the Ranch, located in Stony Creek, New York, was created by Jack and Ester Arehart in 1942 as "something to do." The ranch, which was originally a recreation camp, sits right on the banks of the Hudson River.

The ranch started out as a singles resort. "Guys would bunk on one side of the ranch, the girls on the other side, and the bathrooms were in the middle," Arehart, who grew up there, said. Now it is more of a resort for families to enjoy and return to year after year. This shift in clientele came during the '60s and '70s.

Arehart, who does not know exactly why his parents decided to start the ranch, remembers living there as a boy and loving it. "It was wonderful" Arehart said. "We weren't busy and I was the only kid here." Now the ranch sees several kids return with their families every summer to enjoy the activities the resort provides.

"When we built the golf course there weren't many places to play up here, now there's a course on almost every corner"

In the '70s, Arehart added a 9-hole golf course. "When we built the golf course there weren't many places to play up here, now there's a course on almost every corner," explained Arehart. A 13-unit motel was also added in 1995 but other than these few adjustments, Arehart has kept the resort just as his parents created it.

Although the ranch did not pick up business until about the '50s, the resort now receives a large number of guests. The summer months are the busiest, however, the ranch does see a good number of visitors on the weekends during the winter season.

Railroad tracks, which sit just a few feet from the main building, are still being used. Around the Christmas holiday Santa takes a trip on the train to the resort. Scenic Railways, which is a train that takes the scenic North Country route, also makes several stops at the resort throughout the year.

Among the many activities that are offered at the ranch, horseback riding is among the most popular. According to Bobby Kelso, the ranch wrangler, who is in charge of the horses, the ranch carries 48-50 horses during the fall, spring, and summer, and about 25 horses during the winter. Kelso has been working at the ranch since 1963. "There are nice people, the guests are all really nice, and there are a lot of old timers who return," said Kelso.

Horseback riding is offered during every season and ranges from beginners to advanced riders. There are about 100 trails that can be taken and every ride is led by Kelso. Other activities offered throughout the year are golfing, snowmobiling, rafting, kayaking, and several other fun activities.

"The relaxed atmosphere,' said Arehart is one of the main reasons guests come back year after year. He describes the ranch as a people-oriented operation. When walking into the main building of the resort you can certainly get a sense of the home-like feel. A fire place is going, the dining room is set for the families to come and enjoy the delicious food, and everyone is extremely friendly.

The resort is located on a very long road and takes a little while to get there. However, once you get there you will not be disappointed, because as Arehart put it best, the resort is simply, "wonderful."

Have you ever been to this ranch?

Things to do at the Ranch:

1. Horseback Riding- Beginner to Advance

2. Golfing on the 9-hole course

3. Kayaking, row boating, and rafting on the Hudson River

4. Relax in one of the three heated pools, the outdoor pool, or Jacuzzi

5. Snowmobiling

6. Hiking

7. Tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, shuffleboard, badminton, and fishing

For Kids:

1. Arts and Crafts

2. Scavenger Hunts

3. Games

4. Swimming

5. Talent Shows

6. Masquerade Parties