Founder and owner Ken Stewart is particularly proud of the spacious new bed and breakfast, which opened in the spring and features five bedrooms, a sauna, and an in-ground pool.
The 4,000-square-foot B&B has beautiful vistas of rolling hills and meadows and is within walking distance of exotic animals such as zebras and llamas and more standard fare like horses and bulls. A room in the bed and breakfast rents for $129.
"It's just another part of our effort to attract more families," says Smith, adding that no shooting is allowed when children are at the ranch.
Canoe Creek Ranch is also launching its new "A Day in the Country" theme. Established to bring individuals outdoors, the excursion includes safari rides where parents and kids alike will be treated to views of goats, rams, miniature cattle, buffalo, sheep and African Watusi.
Main attraction is still shooting
Also available are hay rides, scavenger hunts, horseback riding trips, paintball actions hunts and cowboy round-ups. The activities are open to interpretation and modification of a group's needs.
Although the ranch is trying to widen its appeal, the main attraction is still shooting, or more specifically, whitetail hunting during the season and sporting clays. Experienced shooters as well as beginners are welcome.
"We offer gun rentals and lessons for those interesting in shooting clay," says Smith.
The trails on the ranch offer many different motifs for shooters. Several stations have an old-West motif.
Canoe Creek Ranch also provides clay shooting tournaments for those avid about the sport.
"Shoot for the Cure of Cancer" is an upcoming joint venture between the ranch and the American Cancer Society. Teams of four shooters will be provided shotgun shells and a barbecue lunch for $100 per person, though any donations in addition to that amount are welcome and encouraged. All proceeds will go toward the charity.
In what will surely be an innovative year, the ranch is planning Kentucky's largest living nativity scene for Christmas.
"We're all really excited about what all is coming up," says Smith.
To book a family outing at Canoe Creek Ranch, call 1-877-881-4551 or visit www.canoecreekranch.com.
