Roaming the Ranch & Rodeo
Where we traveled to Central Florida for a weekend escape
As a lifetime Floridian, driving through the state has always been a tedious endeavor. This time, instead of passing by the farmland and swampland, we booked a weekend getaway at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo for the ultimate dude ranch experience.
Pulling into the property, we were greeted by a herd of bison — a wildlife encounter you don’t expect in the Sunshine State. After checking in for two nights of luxury glamping, we were escorted to a fancy Conestoga Wagon. A blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, the wagon transported us to the Old West — but with amenities. From the kitchenette and hotel-like bathroom to our king-size bed and golf cart, we weren’t going to experience anything remotely near traditional camping. Why sacrifice good living?
Your home on the range at the Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo are the conestoga wagons, barbecue included.
After settling in, we hopped on our golf cart to get the lay of the land. The property hosts a variety of family-friendly activities, including a Cowboy Adventure Park, a petting zoo, and an 18-hole minigolf course. We signed up for the more immersive activities, starting with the Swamp Buggy tour. We rode the open-air monster truck-like contraption into the ranch’s surrounding greenery.
During the wet season, you can expect splashes of water as you cruise the swamp, but we were weeks shy of the summer rains, so we jolted through dried-up terrain. Our guide pointed out wildlife, from buff broncs to timid tortoises. After this exhilarating, bumpy ride in the sun, we cooled off with a visit to the Escape Room. Forty-five minutes later, halfway through the clues and hoping to save our marriage, we called it a day and headed to dinner.
We kicked back our metaphorical cowboy boots at the River Ranch Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar and went straight for the main course: Black Angus Beef. The eight-ounce “palomilla-style” skirt steak was marinated in citrus chipotle and topped with chimichurri and caramelized onion, and the 10-ounce center-cut sirloin showcased the rich flavors of Aberdeen Angus cattle. For dessert, we opted for s’mores under the night sky.
At Westgate, you must get up at dawn to take full advantage of all the activities. Fortunately, morning breakfast was brought to the wagon, fueling us up on coffee, egg sandwiches, and cinnamon buns. We then drove our cart to the stables for horseback riding. In a group of 10 people, we were led on a leisurely 45-minute ride along untouched trails. Having rarely ridden in my life, taking in the breathtaking scenery gave me a newfound appreciation for the equestrian experience. Throughout the ride, I brushed the back of my horse, Finn, full of personality yet docile, and took the occasional selfie.
Our itinerary continued with trap shooting, the shotgun sport of firing at clay targets launched in the air. My experience with rifles was even less than horseback riding, so I was surprised to hit the mark on my first try. Was I a natural or just a lucky beginner? Either way, I was rewarded with a rush of adrenaline as the gun kicked back into my shoulder, nailing another half-dozen shots.
After devouring a Southern BBQ pizza (pulled pork, red onion, and pickled jalapeño) at Rodeo Ray’s Pizza, we went to the marina for a classic airboat ride and soon were speeding along the Kissimmee River. (For a more educational and laid-back trip on the river, their Queen River Cruise provides shaded scenic views of natural Florida.)
Saturday night at Westgate is rodeo time, where brave cowboys and cowgirls show off their skills in bull and horseback riding. I was impressed, wincing anytime someone got thrown off the back of a bull and clapping in amazement when the cowgirls hung off the side of their horses. After the rodeo, there’s a street party outside the saloon where you can brush up on your line dancing. We skipped the festivities in favor of grilling steaks on our wagon’s patio (hand-delivered, with sides and grilling tools).
On Sunday, after checking out from the wagon, we decided to stay on the property for a few more hours of wildlife encounters and scenic views. As a kid, I thought I had to fly to Texas to live out my cowgirl dreams, but it turns out the Wild West is closer than I thought. As we looked back in our rearview mirrors, I already missed the tranquility of Westgate River Ranch.
Looking to explore other destination? Check out our summer traveling section.