10 Great Places for Rustic Relaxation

By Dusty Dave, Author

USA Today 5/13/2004. Same old sandy vacation looming? Bag the beach this year to giddy up, get away from it all and go rustic. "Everyone feels refreshed and revived after even a short time in the wilderness," says cowboy Dusty Dave, author of The Top 100 Most Beautiful Rustic Vacations of North America (Rusty Duck Press, $21.95). Here, DD shares with USA TODAY's Shawn Sell some special ranches, lodges and camps that offer soothing streams, crackling fires and lots of animals.

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Afognak Wilderness Lodge
Afognak Island, Alaska
"Serious about wildlife viewing and fishing? Go to Afognak Island, where the Kodiak brown bear, elk, deer, sea lions, seals, sea otters, porpoises, bald eagles and puffins await, as does fresh- and saltwater fishing. No luck? Hearty local cuisine is served family style in the main lodge before you retire to your spacious log guest cabin, elegantly rustic and cozy." 800-478-6442