The Best Ranch Hotels in the U.S. Will Take You to Wild Frontiers | Vogue

"Rooted in a storied California landscape of rolling hills and historic trees, this luxury working ranch has welcomed guests since 1946 across 10,500 acres bounded by a river to the northeast and a mountain range to the southwest; the land was originally inhabited by the Chumash, who named it Nojoqui (“honeymoon place”), later became the 1843 Rancho Nojoqui land grant, and was opened as a guest ranch by Charles D. Jackson Jr. after his 1943 purchase—Alisal translates to “grove of sycamores” in the Chumash language. Days bring classic pleasures like riding horses along 50 miles of trails and fishing on a spring-fed lake, while a visit to the famed library—where Clark Gable married Lady Silvia in 1949—adds a touch of lore. Ranch-style dining is a highlight, with smoked beef ribs and black & blue bread pudding driving home a sense of place." - Nicole Kliest