The Hills are Alive...with Cowboys

What images pop in your head when you hear the words “dude ranch”? Those of you from Texas could be imagining horseback rides, swimming and campfire singalongs. Those not from Texas might be thinking of a cattle drive across the desert followed by a gun fight at the O.K. Corral.

If you are looking for a unique family getaway while fulfilling your cowboy dreams you might consider a dude ranch in Bandera, Texas. While only a 5 ½ hour drive from Dallas/Ft. Worth, the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World” is in the heart of the gorgeous hill country. The winding climb that takes you further and further into the hills is truly one of the most stunning drives in the state. 

Hill Country Landscape

There are several ranches from which to choose. We happened to pick the Flying L Ranch. Built in 1946 as an airport and resort, it is now a 772 acre guest ranch. With villa style lodging and daily meals it offers an impressive selection of activities including horseback riding, hay rides, an 18-hole golf course and water park. (I was a little disappointed there wasn’t skeet shooting and would have gladly traded the golf course.)

After checking in, horseback riding was first on our to-do list. Led by the head wrangler, Tawni, our caravan of horse riders rode along the hill country trails and through creeks. One of our wranglers, Joe Bob, a bona fide cowboy, kept us all entertained with his stories. But don’t let him see you with your camera or taking selfies! These were raw and tricky paths that required your full attention. As the sun was peeking through the canopy of trees on our mild 70 degree day, being distracted by the beauty around us was a bigger problem for me.

The lodge provided breakfast and dinner. So for lunch we went into town. With a population of less than 1,000, Bandera isn’t much more than Main Street and some surrounding neighborhoods. But the street is lined with quaint boutiques and interesting restaurants, all filled with locals and tourists. On Saturdays there is a gun fight performance at the end of Main Street. Local cowboy historians get together in authentic period costume to entertain thrilled children and their parents. And don’t worry if you want to ride your horse into town. Hitching posts are provided in front of each business.

Back at the lodge, guests were loaded up in a tractor pulled wagon and carted off to “The Ghost Town” on the edge of the property. Here we were served a chuck wagon dinner and listened to live country music. Cowboys offered entertainment including whip cracking and archery lessons and herding dog exhibitions. Before we left Ghost Town, the horses were released for their nightly stampede into the pasture. It was a great sight! When we drove back to the lodge, under a sky completely packed with stars, our driver shined a spotlight into the fields and we were able to see antelope, rabbits and herds of deer alongside the path. All the city folk were impressed.

The Ghost Town at the Flying L Ranch

Every night is capped off with sing-alongs around the campfire and making s’mores. Cowboy Buck played his guitar and sang for us. At one point I looked around at the incredible mix of international guests singing to “Burning Ring of Fire”. I thought to myself how awesome it must be for them to return home and tell their friends how they sang Johnny Cash songs at a dude ranch in Texas. 

When it was time to leave we returned home taking state highways instead of the interstate. It gave us the most breathtaking hill country views for most of our journey. It was a thoughtful reminder that such beauty exists in our state. 

Below are my recommendations when visiting Bandera.

Accommodations:

www.flyingl.com  

www.dixieduderanch.com

Dining:

Busbee's Bar B Que

Old Spanish Trail Restaurant

Places to See:

Hill Country State Natural Area 
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hill-country

www.lifedigs.com