Planning a vacation with food allergies can be stressful. Finding a destination that caters to specific dietary needs while still offering a fun-filled experience for the whole family can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Look no further than Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY, a resort that truly understands and accommodates food allergies, making it a perfect getaway for families like ours.
Rocking Horse Ranch isn’t just about accommodating dietary restrictions; it’s about creating a memorable vacation experience. With a wide array of activities, from horseback riding and swimming (both indoor and outdoor pools!) to rock climbing, bungee jumping, fishing, boating, mini golf, and mountain tubing (in both water and snow!), there’s something for everyone. Add in an arcade, bowling alley, daily games like bingo and family feud, wine tasting for adults, and captivating evening shows, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable family vacation. Our family has visited three times and we’ve already booked our next trip!
But let’s get back to the food. As a food allergy family, eating out can be a major source of anxiety. Rocking Horse Ranch, however, has consistently exceeded our expectations. Their dedication to accommodating food allergies is truly remarkable, and it’s a huge reason why we return year after year. Here are some tips for navigating food allergies at Rocking Horse Ranch, or any resort for that matter:
Navigating Food Allergies at a Resort: Tips for a Worry-Free Vacation
1. Communicate Early: Call Ahead
Before booking, call the resort and inform them about your specific food allergies. Rocking Horse Ranch went above and beyond; they took down our information and had their chef, Chef Paul, call us back for a detailed discussion. This proactive approach helped ease our concerns before we even arrived.
2. Connect with the Chef Directly Upon Arrival
Upon arrival, before even unpacking, make it a priority to speak with the chef in person. We found it best to connect with Chef Paul during “off hours” in the dining hall, ensuring he had ample time to address our concerns without the pressure of mealtime rush. He reviewed the menu with us, discussed ingredients and preparation methods, and answered all our questions with genuine care and concern.
3. Secure Early Dining Reservations
Rocking Horse Ranch has set meal times. We aim for the earliest seating at each meal to minimize potential cross-contamination and allow for easier communication with the chef if needed. This also demonstrates consideration for the chef’s busy schedule.
4. Reinforce Allergies with Host and Server
Remind your waiter about your allergies and mention that you’ve already spoken with the chef. Providing a chef card with your allergy information reinforces the importance of careful preparation.
5. Express Gratitude
A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Expressing gratitude to the chef and staff for their efforts acknowledges their dedication to your family’s well-being.
6. Pack Backup Snacks
While Rocking Horse Ranch has consistently provided safe and delicious meals, it’s always wise to have backup snacks on hand, just in case.
Beyond the Food: The Sweetest Treat
Beyond the comprehensive allergy accommodations, a highlight for our children is the allergy-friendly ice cream machine. Finding safe ice cream with nut allergies can be challenging, but Rocking Horse Ranch ensures this sweet treat can be enjoyed worry-free. Chef Paul’s willingness to go the extra mile, even turning on the ice cream machine early for a to-go treat on our departure day, solidified Rocking Horse Ranch as a truly special place.
Rocking Horse Ranch has provided our family with peace of mind and truly enjoyable vacations. It’s a place where we can relax knowing our children’s dietary needs are not just met, but exceeded. If you’re seeking a stress-free vacation destination that caters to food allergies while offering a plethora of activities, Rocking Horse Ranch is an exceptional choice.
