Romance at a dude ranch

By Steph You may not think of dude ranch and romance in the same thought.  But, besides the fact that I could go on and on about how a dude ranch vacation can be a really romantic vacation option, this post is not about guests enjoying a romantic getaway.  It’s about the staff.  Yes, those…

Fall is coming to the ranch

By Steph One of the many joys of being at Vista Verde year-round is watching the seasons change each year.  Every year the timing is a bit different due to the weather we have had and are having at that time.  I find myself remembering differences in the various years based on how it ties…

Did you know?

By Steph Recently it struck me that we aren’t very good at letting our guests know about the healthy and/or local products that we mix into our offerings at the ranch.  We do make an effort to support local businesses as much as possible, and we do continuously look at what we are serving our…

The wonderful world of housekeeping

By Steph Ahhh, the housekeepers.  The unsung heroes at a dude ranch.  They clean, they deliver special goodies, they launder, they iron, they take out trash…..and they do it all with a smile on their face and laughter in their voices.  How many times do they joke among each other about how their parents might…

Moving on

By Steph I don’t think it’s bragging too much to say we have amazing people come through the gates of Vista Verde to work at the ranch.  It’s just true.  Each season brings fresh new faces alongside the veterans of Vista Verde.  It’s always so much fun to watch our staff grow and develop in…

The fun of the Front Office

By Steph Being a part of the front office team at a dude ranch makes for some great stories.  We love to help people, and we get regular opportunities to serve our guests face to face, on the phone and via email.  But, while most of these interactions are not news worthy, I have started…

Filthy, Sobbing Kids

By Steph This summer is a unique one for me.  For the first time, my children are joining the kid’s program at Vista Verde.  In the past, they may have tagged along with a babysitter overseeing them.  But this year, they are jumping in with their little cowgirl boots and jeans.  The past two weeks…

Dude Ranch Award Season

By Steph It must be award season in the dude ranch world.  In the past few days we have received notice of 2 awards we have won, and I just got a notice about voting opening for another award.  Get out the high heels, the bling and the ballgowns.  Well, or at least maybe I…

Summer has arrived

By Steph The ranch is now open for business!  Opening day was Sunday, June 2, and we were all excited to welcome our first group of guests as they came up the drive and into the Lodge.  We have a full house, lots of kids, and everyone has jumped into their dude ranch adventure with…