Fite Ranch

In 1918, my grandfather, Bartley Hoyt Kinney, founded a coal mine and he named it Tokay (from the name on a box of wine sitting in the corner).  Until 1949, that mine produced coal, but once the demand dwindled, the mine was closed down.  During that time, however, a town had built up that included a school, a store, and a bar.

South of Tokay, a man named Dean Fite owned a large ranch.  Not long after the mine was abandoned, Dean purchased the property, and it is now known as Fite Ranch.  In 2002, Linda and Dewey Brown purchased the ranch, and they turned what remained of Tokay into a B&B.  They live in the house my grandparents lived in (and my Aunt Ruth was born in), and the guests stay in what used to be the bachelor's quarters.  Sixteen rooms were made into four guest suites, each one roomy and well appointed.

This B&B is perfect for a person who wants total quiet.  Sitting outside in the morning, the only sounds emanating from the desert are the occasional bird chrips and coyote howls.  No cars, no planes, no television (though there is one in the room).  We would have liked to have time to explore the area a bit, but we had too much planned for the day.  Next time, we will leave ourselves a day to talk with Dewey and Linda and relearn some family history.  

There is more to do in the area than one would think.  And staying at the Fite Ranch is a great way to spend your extra time!