Recipe- Marinade time! Do you feel it? The sun is going down a bit later each evening, and the deck is calling you. It’s grill season! With that in mind, Chef Jonathon shares a couple of marinades that are perfect for summertime grilling. Grab yourself a good steak and fire up the grill! Flank steak…
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Bookings for summer While technically summer does not begin until the solstice on June 21, the dude ranch season kicks off here this weekend. We have noticed a few cases of “vacationitis” going around as summer draws near. Here’s a quick symptom checklist. If you find you are suffering from any of the below symptoms,…
DetailsIn the early days of dude ranching, the staffing model often looked like owners working 7 days a week all summer long, with a handful of college students coming in to spend their summer fixing fences, taking out trail rides, and cleaning cabins. As the industry has shifted to more complex operations staying open for…
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Looking for a way to get some healthy greens into your kids to power them up for school, or just need an easy weeknight recipe? Try the VVR Power Greens Salad, pair it with grilled chicken or fish and a loaf of crusty bread, and you’re all set! Power Greens Salad (Serves 4) Ingredients: 2…
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There is a well-known quote in the horse world that horses offer a mirror to your soul. Whether you like it or not, your horse is sending messages to you, reflecting to you what they sense and opening the opportunity for you to face your deepest fears, insecurities, and the emotions you tend to bury.…
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We had a guest visit us earlier this summer who came to Vista Verde in 1985 and was coming back to share the experience with her grandson. She brought a folder of brochures and a newsletter (back when newsletters didn’t have an “e” in front of them!) that we got to pour over. There were…
DetailsIt’s BBQ season, and with that comes BBQ sauce. The other day, standing next to Chef Jonathon at the grill, I got a short course in BBQ sauces that was eye-opening for this non-foodie gal. I had never paid attention to what sauces should be used with what meats, and the how and why behind…
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It is an honor to receive the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for our Cellar Wine list once again. With over 300 wines on the VVR wine list, we have more wine choices than horses! Just like the love that Steph K and her team gives each of our horses under her care, Chef Jonathon…
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If you haven’t experienced a summer storm here in Colorado, it goes something like this: It’s clear and sunny, and you’re out enjoying a nice time on the trail. Slowly some clouds move in, and next thing you know, you feel the breeze picking up. Fast forward only about 10 minutes and the clouds are…
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One of our more popular activities is the wine tasting with Chef Jonathon each week. Whether it’s the yummy wines, the great stories, or the recommendations guests take home, folks always linger as the tasting winds down for one more sip or one more story. For those who don’t get a chance to attend a…
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