Hospitality
Western Hospitality...much more than meals and lodging!
In the old west, western hospitality was much more than just meals and shelter. It was also the provision of social sustenance.
It was a time when people gathered, news and stories were shared, and comfort obtained through good food...thoughtfully and caringly prepared, and rest before the next day's activities. This tradition was so valued in the frontier that hospitality became viewed as a moral imperative; hosts were pleased to offer food, water, and rest to travelers.
Family Style Hospitality
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are served western family-style, around a cozy table or tables, where you can get to know the other guests and share stories of the day's adventures.
Our Favorite Compliment
One night after dinner we were all sitting around the table trying to tie a popular, but complicated, neckerchief knot known as the Buckaroo Knot.
At first, no one was successful and what is even harder than tying the knot is trying to explain how to tie it. But everyone was having a good time trying and teasing the other when they yelled "I got it" only to have the knot fall apart. As each were becoming successful, they would cheer on and help the others. Eventually the dad said to me in private: "This was worth the whole trip. We never take time to all be together like this after dinner." Yep! That is what Western Living and hospitality is all about.
Authentic Ranch Dining & Western Cuisine
Family Style Hospitality
Meals and thereafter were the traditional time for gathering of family, friends, visitors, and ranch hands.
Enjoy the comfort of home cooked meals and conversation. So, sit down to a meal cooked with care and enjoy each other!
Home Cooked Meals
Marilyn either cooks or oversees the cooking of every home make meal. She has gotten rave reviews of her cooking and hosting.
Breakfast!
Pour yourself a stout cup of cowboy coffee, relax by the fireplace, and chat with the other guests.
Might take your mind off the tantalizing aromas of pancakes, eggs and bacon cookin' in the kitchen. Breakfast is one of the guests' favorite meals at the ranch.
Looking for lighter fare? Enjoy a homemade muffin, bagels, toast and jam. Or, yogurt, cereals, granola and fresh fruit.
With a breakfast meals as yummy as this... you'll be set for a fun day in the saddle!
What's for Lunch?
Well, now... that depends on how much fun we're having! If it's a full day in the saddle, we'll pack a box lunch and have a picnic alongside the trail.
Most guests opt for a couple of shorter rides - with a stop back at the ranch house in between for lunch - the lunch menu varies from grilled burgers and brats, Mexican fare, or we'll set out some sandwich fixings. Be sure to sample our homemade stews and chowders.
What's for Dinner?
Sometimes we’ll have steak and potatoes. Hey! We're ranchers! We’re gonna eat beef! Other nights, we may enjoy grilled salmon and bourbon chicken. If the cook is feeling feisty, we might have Cajun shrimp & grits or a delightful Thai curry.
Our menus are varied. Our plan is that if one stays for two weeks, they will not have the same meal twice (unless requested). Most meals are authentic, western family style recipes. (Yup ~ we can accommodate special diets, too. Just let us know, in advance.)
Spanish Influence
In addition to great western cowboy cooking, we love to share our Spanish heritage specialty meals. Such as hearty, green chili stew, posole, enchiladas, or - to die for - carne adovada with a side of calabacitas.
Desserts?
Oh, yeah... And you best have two! It's a well-known fact that nobody gains weight on a ranch vacation.
Sundowners
It's a tradition around these parts... to relax on the porch after chores are done. Soak in those amazing New Mexico sunsets while the cook prepares the nightly meal.
Note: "While we don't sell alcohol, you are warmly invited to bring your favorite wine, beer, or spirits. We’ll happily provide the ice, mixers, and chilling setups so you can relax on the porch and watch the New Mexico sunset."
After Supper
After supper, around a blazing campfire, we can share stories of the day’s activities, entertain each other with our personal experiences and talents, or just enjoy a little bit of star-gazing in the evening sky.
Lodging in our Guest Quarters
Although many say our ranch setting is so pretty, they'd sleep under the stars. However most prefer a to take a bath/shower, then sleep in a comfortable bed in one of our private climate controlled guest rooms.
Come on in and take a look at your lodging!
Branded Doors
Firstly, you will notice is that the doors of our guest rooms are branded, some with local ranch brands. This room is the “bar B”.
Why do ranchers brand cattle?
So we can tell, at a glance, which ones are ours and which ones are our neighbors. Seeing as how they pretty much all look alike.
* All rooms are non-smoking and all bedrooms have a spectular view of the plains and distant mountains, to the west.
Antique Furnishings
In keeping with our “turn of the 20 th century” feel, our guest rooms are furnished with antiques. Several pieces are over a hundred years old. But on the other hand, we do have modern conveniences to go along with furnishings from the past. Each room has its own heating and air conditioning controls, modern toilets, and plenty of LED lighting.
Each Room is Unique
Each of our guest rooms has its own style.
Although the bed headboards and frames are antique, subsequently we converted them to hold modern, comfortable queen-size mattresses. Two rooms offer twin beds.
Ensuite Bathrooms
Each guest room has a private ensuite bathroom with skylight to brighten your mornings. Rooms have either a spacious, tiled, walk-in shower or two rooms are equipped with a tub-shower combination for a nice soak for easing those sore riding muscles.
Central Laundry Facility
Pack light, bring fewer clothes. A washer/dryer is available for guest use. In the laundry facility we also have an exchange library and chairs for outside use.
The Ranch House
A few steps away, the adobe ranch house is always open for your enjoyment.
Relax around the fireplace, listen to western music, and socialize with other guests and staff.
The coffee is always on!
Furnishings
Much of the furniture in the ranch house was built before 1900.
Besides being comfortable and interesting, there is an added benefit to antiques: No matter how young, or old, our guests may be, there is always something in the room that is older!
Western Library
Our western library can take you back to a simpler, but more rugged time… Curl up with a good book, join those who settled this land so very long ago. Relax your tired muscles.
We specialize in books written in or about the area.
Deep Breath. You just entered a stress-free zone.
View from six beautifully decorated guest rooms in a 2 million acre playground.
Contact Us:
Still have questions or want to know more? Contact us and let us give ya a hand.