Devil's Thumb Ranch

Description:

• Established in 1937 and reinvented for the new millennium, this guest ranch 8 miles north of Winter Park has become the standout property in the Fraser Valley, melding charming accommodations, an isolated location, and ecological consciousness into a wonderful whole. Bob and Suzanne Fanch bought the ranch and the 4,000 surrounding acres and rebuilt the cabins, then started on a new lodge inspired by the historic lodges of the national parks. The cabins, decorated with antiques in one of four themes (fishing, Nordic, Native American, or Western), are at once rustic, elegant, and cozy. The lodge, opened in late 2007, is a marvel, outdoing all expectations. Its "New West" trappings, hexagonal restaurant, and atmosphere are perfectly suited to the remote locale. It's also green -- the lodge, cabins, and other ranch buildings utilize geothermal energy for heat -- and has a terrific game room with candlepin bowling and other nonelectronic games. But Devil's Thumb Ranch is not all about the indoors: This is just the place to escape the modern world, and it is renowned for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter and horseback riding, fly-fishing, and rafting in summer.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010