It’s time to travel again. Hit the road. Get off the beaten path.

Here are five of my favorite rural getaways for you to explore and visit.

They are guaranteed to offer

Quiet respite. Fresh air. Walking trails. Serene surroundings. Interesting nearby excursions. Engaging and charming hosts. Abundant wildlife. Blooming colorful plants. Well-furnished, comfortable interiors. Great night’s sleep.

Drop me a message after your visit and share your story.

Also, suggest other rural getaways that others may enjoy as well.

Happy travels. 🚗✈🚂🌞

Loya’s Little House

Address: 56676 160th Street Ames, Iowa 50010

Email: loyasbnb@gmail.com

Web: Home – Loya’s Little House B&B – Ames – IA (loyaslittlehousebnb.com)

Telephone: 515.733.4701

Unique Features: 10 miles north of Ames, Iowa with access to the Skunk River Valley. Bountiful breakfasts with foods harvested from the farm. Bocce ball court and croquet lawn on site. Exquisitely, yet comfortably, furnished. Ideal for groups of all ages and abilities. The artwork and lush gardens are fascinating. Hike the trails. Canoe the river. Use the furnished binoculars to view the many birds, including bluebirds on the 50-house bluebird trail built and maintained by the owner.

Suggestions: Explore the area including Iowa State University’s picturesque campus, Campus and Ames | Iowa State University (iastate.edu) ride and dine on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum (bsvrr.com) and walk the High Trestle Trail (Ideal at night when bridge is lit up). High Trestle Trail: Iowa Tourism Map, Travel Guide, Things to Do: Travel Iowa

Mrs. Pfanny’s Garden Cottage

Address: 86765 Highway 81 Randolph, Nebraska  68771

Email: pfannysfarm@gmail.com

Web: www.pfannysfarm.com

Telephone: 402.360.4064

Unique Features: Cottage sits on the edge of the 12-acre property. Thursday nights June-August the property hosts Market Nights where locals and guests enjoy farm raised produce and fellowship under the Binzebo (A grain bin converted to an open-air gathering area.) Guests are welcome to attend and participate in the fun. No TV in the cottage. Art supplies furnished for guest creativity.

Suggestions: Visit the Plainview Klown Doll Museum Klown Doll Museum of Plainview, Nebraska, Admire the history and beauty of St. Jane Frances Church in Randolph, NE. St. Jane Frances de Chantal – St. Jane Frances Catholic Church in Randolph NE (saintjanefrances.com) and take a side excursion to Norfolk, NE-the boyhood home of Johnny Carson. Plan a Day Trip to Norfolk, Nebraska – Linda Leier Thomason

Clover Cliff Ranch

Address: 826A US Highway 50 Elmdale, Kansas 66850

Web: Kansas Bed and Breakfast – Flint Hills – Chase County (clovercliffranch.com)

Telephone: 620.343.0621

Unique Features: A beautiful ranch located in the majestic rolling Flint Hills between Wichita and Kansas City. Stay in one of the rooms in the elegant later-Victorian, Empire-style stone house or one of three freestanding options: The Bunk House, Gables House or cabin.

Suggestions: What to See & Do in Kansas Flint Hills – Linda Leier Thomason

Country Vineyard Retreat

Address: 14149 450^th Street Carson, Iowa  51525

Web: Airbnb property Country Vineyard Retreat – Guesthouses for Rent in Carson, Iowa, United States – Airbnb

Unique Features: The loft has a vineyard and countryside view with plenty of outdoor space to roam, including a beautiful farm pond ½ mile away.

Suggestions: Where to Eat, Stay & Play in West Central Iowa – Linda Leier Thomason

The Porch at Evergreen Hill

Address:  2194 120^th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

Web: Airbnb property The Porch at Evergreen Hill – Cabins for Rent in Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States – Airbnb

Unique Features: Surrounded by trees, this cottage sits on 18 acres of land overlooking the Des Moines River. Watch the sunrise and observe deer or other wildlife grazing in the open fields. Interior is perfect blend of historic and modern.

Suggestions: Explore the community of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Win an Overnight Stay & Kayak Adventure in Fort Dodge, Iowa – Linda Leier Thomason

©Copyright. July 2022. Linda Leier Thomason
All Rights Reserved. This means seek permission before using copy or images from this site. Images are available for purchase.

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business.

You will most often find her outdoors enjoying natural settings, wherever she’s at.

Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Send me a note today. Let’s connect.