Old West Charm Meets 21st Century Convenience at Flying L Guest Ranch
by Karen Craft
Dust off your cowboy boots and hat and join in the fun at the Flying L Guest Ranch! Conveniently located four hours’ drive outside of Houston in the Texas Hill Country, the Flying L is a perfect getaway destination for travelers who want to leave the big city behind for awhile without having to travel too far.
The Flying L began its life as a 542-acre “dude ranch” in 1946, and it has been a favorite watering hole for war heroes, movie stars and literary giants ever since. Famous guests have included John Wayne, Slim Pickens, Willie Nelson, Tex Ritter, Jim Reeves, Ray Price, Buck Owens, and many more, and popular TV show The Cisco Kid was filmed on location at the Flying L.
Today, the ranch is a unique Western resort and conference center, boasting something fun to do for every member of the family. The big cowboys can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course while the young cowpokes cool down in the brand new Lone Star Lagoon water park, which includes a lazy river, wave pool, “figure-eight” waterslide and waterfalls. Younger kids can also enjoy the activities at the kids’ club (ages 3-12). Everyone in the family will want to visit the equestrian center for horseback riding lessons (the ranch keeps 40 horses on hand for its guests), trail rides, and rodeo events. Putt-putt golf is also a favorite activity among the guests at the Flying L.
At the end of the day, guests are encouraged to gather ‘round the campfire near the main house for s’mores by the fire. For those who are still feeling energetic after a long day of play, the ranch offers volleyball, shuffle board, horseshoes, tennis, and basketball courts as well.
The all-inclusive accommodations at the ranch include one- or two-bedroom villas, as well as a Texas-size buffet breakfast and dinner. The biscuits at the ranch are the best biscuits in the West, and the fare at the ranch’s weekend creekside BBQs is not to be missed.
The Flying L Guest Ranch hosts family vacations, family reunions, corporate groups, golf groups and tournaments, youth groups, church groups, day groups, and more. Visit www.flyingl.com for details and packages.
Flying L Guest Ranch, PO Box 1959, Bandera, TX 78003. 800.292.5134.
