Day trip: Ranch offers taste of ‘old west'

Place: Flying J Ranch

Location: 6 Flying J Road in Alto. Take U.S. 70 towards Roswell, then through Ruidoso. The ranch is about 187 miles from base, and takes three-and-a-half hours to get there.

What is it? The ranch has pony rides for kids, an “old west town” with gift shops, a pistol range, gold panning, a great cowboy dinner featuring the Flying J's beef and chicken, potato, cowboy beans, biscuits, spice cake, chunky applesauce, coffee, tea and lemonade. Performance by the Flying J Wranglers during supper.

What ages is this best suited for? All ages.

How much does it cost? $24 for adult ticket, $14 for children ages four to 12. Kids under 3 are free.

Hours of operation?

• Nightly through Sept. 6

• Saturdays in September

• The first two Saturdays of October

Information:

• By phone at 336-4330 or toll free (888) 458-3595

• Online at

www.flyingjranch.com

— Compiled by Jared Tucker