Ranches in the south have long been a great place to get away from it all.
However, they have not been immune from the problems in the wider economy, as CNNMoney.com has pointed out.
In an article entitled Battling the slum with beer and barbecue, the case of Texas-based holiday resort Circle R Ranch is studied.
The ranch, which in its past has catered for huge corporate clients such as Hyundai, has seen a huge downturn in revenues.
From a peak of $4 million in 2006, revenue in 2008 was only $2.5 million.
Now the company is faced with the idea of turning its back on the lucrative businesses in favour of the wedding market - well known for its small budgets and high-demand clients.
Steven and Wendy Foster, who have owned the ranch since 1997, employ around 12 key workers. This figure swells to 200 during the big party seasons and a number of the staff every year are new and need to be trained.
Mr Foster admitted that the company was "behind the curve" when it came to technology, but said it was a "tough time" to invest in a decent website.
Now, however, the company is taking the advice of experts on how to resurrect their flagging business.
Some areas, such as bringing back the temporary staff instead of training new ones, were highlighted by management consultant Susan Steinbrecher.
She suggested emailing staff that had worked in the previous party seasons in the winter, updating them on news at Circle R Ranch, encouraging them to feel that the business is a family rather than simply a job.
"This is a family business. Research tells us that family is everything to today's younger workers. Even at work they want to feel part of a family," she said.
"Your message should emphasize the sense of togetherness that gives the client a wonderful experience at Circle R."
Ms Steinbrecher also advised employing a general manager as she said Steven and Wendy could not "keep up" at the pace they are working at.
Now, the company looks set to have revenues that are flat this year, which would seem to be a good result in recessionary times.
Now with a midlevel HR Specialist, Circle R has begun to see its calendar refill and although many companies are cutting back on extras, the corporate clients are returning, helping the Ranch out at a time when many are suffering.
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