What would make the winter vacation experience at Vista Verde better? That is the question we ask ourselves every year at the end of the season as we reflect on the past season and make plans for the following year. Last spring, as our background noise was the drip, drip, drip of the snow melting off the roofs, we sat in the Great room and talked about what could we add to our program that our guests would love. There was quite a list that came out of that meeting, and we were able to implement some of them this winter. Guess what? They’ve been a hit!
The biggest project was the construction on the barn loft, which allowed us to bring a little of our summer fun into our winter season. Nate spent most of the fall busily insulating and upgrading the loft for a beautified look and some nice warmth on winter nights. Now, each Monday evening, we’re stomping and swinging with our guests for an old fashioned, W estern barn dance. In addition to that we’ve noticed that our guests often ask to learn more about couples dancing and line dancing so they can whoop it up during the music show. Bubba offered up his services, and our dance lessons have been in demand almost every week of the winter so far.
In past years, we have danced with the Forest Service to negotiate a way to offer our guests snowmobiling trips that leave right here from the ranch. And this winter they turned on the music and let us go. There have been so many more guests going snowmobiling, now that it’s more handy and leaves right from the Sunday pasture. What fun we’ve had, and the views……they are indeed amazing.
With all the outdoor adventures available for our guests, it’s been clear that many folks just wear themselves out, and sometimes they need a more mellow way to spend their afternoon. Nate’s class in leather working has given our guests an artistic outlet as well as the opportunity to try something they’ve probably never tried before. And since our weekly wine tasting has always been a hit, it was no surprise that adding a beer tasting would be a great addition. This also gives guests who aren’t staying for a full week vacation the chance to spend some time with the chefs one way or another, as we spread out the culinary events throughout the week.
With a month of the season left, and a full house of guests coming for spring break, we still have plenty of time before we sit down again and ask, “What would make a winter vacation at Vista Verde Ranch even better next year?” But, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to leave them here. We’ll toss them into the hat and see what we can do for next winter!