goggles

Help, I need advice - Fodor's guide suggest visiting San Antonio in April or October. We would like to avoid the rainy months and also School Holidays. We would like to avoid June to September to avoid the extreme heat but would like it to be nice and warm during the day and evening. Can anyone advise me please. My husband and I plan to stay at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera next year. Has anyone been there recently?

ChristieP

April in Texas is GORGEOUS! The wildflowers are in full bloom! October has some fall color and also has nice weather. In both months, the temperatures are high 70's in the day and 60's at night. School vacations here (aside from Easter weekend) are in March, and there is no holiday in October, so there will be few crowds. We honestly get most of our rain in the winter months, so that shouldn't be a problem.

goggles

Thanks, that sorts out when to go. Now please can someone help with how to choose a Ranch. We had thought of staying at the Mayan Ranch in Bandera until we discovered that the Ranch is large, about 150 guests, and that they have quite a lot of coach parties visiting as well. Some Ranches don't sell alcohol, why is that? My husband and I are beginner riders and would really like a Ranch in Texas. Can anyone recommend a Ranch with plenty of activities, good food and near San Antonio. Also, are there any pitfalls to think of when choosing a Ranch? Would really appreciate some help!

ChristieP

As a horse owner myself, I've never paid to go to a dude ranch since I usually ride my own horse for free. That being said, I have heard wonderful things about the Dixie Dude and the Prude Ranch. Check out their websites: www.prude-ranch.com and www.dixieduderanch.com. It is good that you're doing your homework and you're trying to find a ranch that matches your interests. No matter where you choose, Texas is a beautiful place!

Oh, the reason that some ranches don't sell alcohol is because some counties in Texas are dry (no alcohol sales allowed) or they follow a Christian philosophy that doesn't allow drinking. Either way, if your idea of heaven isa cold beer after a long day, choose a ranch that allows it.

I highly recommend taking at least a couple of western riding lessons before your trip. Horseback trail riding can be a lot of fun, but it's even more fun if you're comfortable in the saddle and you know what you're doing. Think of the riding lessons like getting your SCUBA certification before your trip. ;-)

goggles

Thank you very much for your information, will come back if we need further help.

jlcranford

I spent a week at the Mayan Dude ranch last June. I was there for work (they actually host a lot of government and corporate retreats, etc.), but it looks nothing like that. You drive up a long, dirt road to the main building where peacocks and roosters wander freely. The place apparently is large, but we stayed in individual cabins near the main building, with paths winding through trees leading from cabin to cabin. Very rustic. There is a large dining room where they serve breakfast. Lunch and dinner were served outside, lunch was poolside and dinner was in vairous places -- often after having taken a hay ride to the destination. Some of it seemed hokey, but in scenery so beautiful I still found it wonderful and peaceful, and it's something I'll fondly remember for a long time. If you want more details feel free to email me.

laurieb_nyny

Google the Twin Elm Guest Ranch in Bandera. We really liked it there. Your initial ride is semi-instructional if you never ridden before. My daughter was 6 at the time. It is a small capacity place.