The Best of Bandera
Details on our favorite Mother/Daughter vacation.
I can’t believe our summer is starting to fade and will be over in a few short weeks. Last year was a long school year for us, and in the early spring I felt like we needed something special to look forward to. We planned our third trip to Bandera, Texas - The Cowboy Capital of the World - to kick off summer. I am so glad we did this for a Memorial Day Weekend girls getaway. We started summer on such a strong foot after all of the together time, challenges and fun some time on the ranch brings to us.
You can read more on why we love Bandera in this previous post, which I suggest. Besides that, I have never shared much about what we really do when we are down in this beautiful part of the country.
I don’t know if a few days on a horse ranch outside a small town without cell or Internet service is for everyone, but I personally can’t recommend it enough and am happy to answer some common questions and share more about our pilgrimage that I hope to keep up as the years go by.
Where We Stay
We just finished our third stay at Hill Country Equestrian Lodge. When we go the two of us, we stay in the duplex suites, which are like a small suite hotel room with a kitchenette (a mini refrigerator with a propane burner for food prep). We’ve also stayed in one of the cabins which is much roomier and more of a vacation cabin feel, equipped with a full kitchen.
There’s no room service or housekeeping, but there’s lot of grounds to walk around, where the horses ranging on the prairie will walk right up to you while an armadillo might cross your path. The porches are amazing for looking out and seeing the sun come up or down.
Snip, the ranch dog, might come by to check on you if you leave the door open, which we tend to do.
What We Do
Besides relaxing, we come to Bandera specifically to work on our riding. Diane, the owner of Hill Country Equestrian Lodge, is picky in all the good ways and an amazing teacher. She is serious and commands respect, something I like Heidi to see from a woman, and is just as encouraging as she is focused on form and excellence.
While we do one arena lesson and one trail ride a day, it’s fun to see beginners at the lodge taking trail rides on the property or enjoying one of their first riding lessons. All levels are welcome and tended to if it’s something you’ve wanted to try. Besides riding, we love the pool at the lodge and just relaxing in our cabin, snacking and reading.
Summer in Bandera is great for taking in the rodeo. On Memorial Day Weekend, the national circuit comes through Bandera. This is such an amazing opportunity to see bigger names compete up close in Bandera’s local arena. There’s also an arts and crafts show on Memorial Day Weekend in the town square where we both found treasures.
On Fridays throughout the summer, Bandera has a local rodeo which is a great way to see the events and get out for the evening.
What We Eat
Our duplex cabin has a camping vibe, and I tend to pack easy meals to enjoy while we are there. There’s cereal and cold milk for breakfast, a cooler full of fruit that gets better the longer we’ve been out on our horses and sandwich supplies. Something about a grilled cheese when you’re sweaty off the trail in Bandera tastes so much better.
A trip through Bandera would be lacking without a trip to the Bandera General Store for a scoop of Blue Bell.
OST Restaurant is one of the oldest still operating in Texas. The chuck wagon salad bar was classic and we love the cheeseburgers.
TJ’s at the Old Forge is our favorite steak house - a must on our last night to refuel from all the fun. If you want live music, you’ll hear it walking up and down the street or can go to Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar to catch a picker playing.
We Bring
I’ve learned from experience that the lodge is more fun the more I’ve prepared. This time, we brought a large cooler of fruit and groceries to fill up the refrigerator, coffee and milk, firewood and roasting sticks, games, cards, books, pillows and our favorite quilts. Why not? It’s our little home when we’re there.
The games are so memorable, especially by the pool!
What I love most about summer is the fun is so simple and pure! We’ve been to Bandera in the winter too when it’s fun to bundle up and ride, but this year’s trip was the best one yet. I hope I can make it a summer kickoff for years to come.
Do you have a simple spot you love to go back to? Let me know if you have any other questions about our trip!