Michael Richter
Alexandria
There are dude ranches where you sit around and pretend you're not a city slicker. And there are others where you actually work and learn the cowboy way.
At the Blue Mountain Cattle Drive (866-435-3132, www.bluecattledrive.com) in southern Utah (3 1/2 hours from Las Vegas), you'll learn how to gather small herds and drive and rope cattle. But it's not all work. You'll venture into the wilderness to view wildlife, take in live entertainment fireside and eat from the chuck wagon. Rates are $1,195 per person for the five-day trip and include lodging, meals, cattle drives and all the chores you wish to do.
Cattle drives start at 8 a.m. and last all day at the Hideout at Flitner Ranch (800-354-8637, www.thehideout.com) in the Shell Valley of north-central Wyoming. Even with its luxury accommodations, this is still a real working ranch, with 1,200 head of cattle. Other activities include rodeos, fly-fishing, hiking and day trips to Yellowstone National Park. Four-night rates are from $1,400 per person double and include lodging, meals, horseback riding and cattle work.
For the more rugged adventurer, guide a herd of four-legged beasts through the Big Belt Mountains in southwestern Montana with the Montana High Country Cattle Drive (800-345-9243, www.montanacattledrive.com). Drive by day, and in the evening join campfire sing-alongs, listen to cowboy poetry and partake in a country dance. Six-night stays are $1,675 per person and include tent accommodations and family-style meals (with port-a-potties as bathrooms and creeks for bathing). Weekend-only options are available, too.
For more listings of working ranches, consult the Dude Ranchers' Association, 307-587-2339, www.duderanch.org.
Postscript
Cathy Quinn of Falls Church has another suggestion for the couple going to
Amsterdam with children (Travel Q&A, Nov. 21): a visit to the "city" of Madurodam. It's a version of the Netherlands in miniature, complete with tiny canal houses that light up, working bridges and boats, a little airport and mini gardens. "It's a delightful place for young children," Quinn says. Madurodam is southwest of Amsterdam near The Hague. Info:
www.madurodam.nl. Meanwhile,
children visiting Oakland, Calif., (Travel Q&A, Nov. 28) might want to steer Mom and Dad to the Jelly Belly jelly bean factory in nearby Fairfield, Calif., says Jill Maroney of Vienna. "This is one of the best tours around, for both adults and kids," she says. The factory includes a 40-minute walking tour and a tasting room. Go during the week, when the candy is in production. Info: 800-953-5592,
www.jellybelly.com.
Send queries by e-mail (travelqa@washpost.com), fax (202-912-3609) or U.S. mail (Travel Q&A, Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington D.C. 20071).
