If you have never spent a few days at a Texas dude ranch, you’re missing out! A dude ranch is the perfect family friendly vacation – Texas style! And the best place to find a dude ranch in this great state of ours, is in the Hill Country.

Just google “Texas Dude Ranch” and you’re sure to find a hundred of them. Our family can personally vouch for the Flying L Ranch in Bandera (just west of San Antonio), and we highly recommend it. Bandera is called The Cowboy Capital of the World - and with good reason!

At the Flying L, not only can you spend family time together riding horses, fishing, learning about life on the ranch… all the typical dude ranch happenings; but you can even sneak in a little grownup time… play a game of golf, have a relaxing visit at the spa. All while the kiddos are busy with some special activities geared just for them. (They won’t even miss you.) And if horses aren't your thing, rent a few bikes and go on a family trail-ride!

The accommodations are nothing to shake a stick at either. They have villas that are great for families, and suites nestled over by the golf course. There’s a bunk house for a bigger crowd, and a line of cottages that run along the Medina River. They even have tee-pees!

They’re all decorated beautifully, and are rich with history. Many famous people have stayed-a-spell at the Flying L, including John Wayne, Slim Pickens, Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, and more. And the TV show, The Cisco Kid, was filmed there.

Although the Flying L does sport a water park, it certainly doesn’t have to be summertime to visit. (I actually prefer this time of year when you’re talking about outdoor activities like hiking and horseback riding.) This is also the time to benefit from their fall specials.

The scenery is breathtaking – rolling hills, waterfalls. And there are plenty of porches to sit on and soak it all in. (If you're like me, you'll spend a lot of time on the porch with a book in your lap.)

You can get more information on their website – www.flyingL.com. Whether you stay at the Flying L or any other dude ranch, you’re sure to have a knee-slappin' good time. So round up your little cowboys and cowgirls, and mosey on out to the Texas Hill Country.