Westworld Alberta

12 W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A | S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 tanque verde Best Spring Break ever! Four fantastic family trips to try this year BY TIM JOHNSON Go Dude Ranching in Arizona Learning to rope and ride together can be a memorable experience – whether the memory is that time dad couldn't get on the horse, or the day everyone completed their first trail ride. And while Alberta has some great dude ranches of its own, Arizona's warm climate makes it a desirable destina- tion when the snow is still flying up in the true north, strong and free. Arizona's Sonoran Desert, with its dusty, rust-coloured hills and towering saguaro cacti, provides a perfect setting for western adventures. Tanque Verde is one of the best dude ranches in the country, with 180 horses, lessons for every skill level (and age) and trail rides that take you up into the hills. But it's not just about the horses. The ranch offers a club for kids aged four to 12 that includes desert discovery trips and playground parties. For mom and dad, there's a full-service spa, plus hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and more. Also take time to roam. Head to Tombstone for a re-enactment of the shootout at the O.K. Corral, or over to Bisbee, a former mining town that has rein- vented itself as a gallery destination. And grab a bev- erage at Greasewood Flat in Scottsdale, a true-west saloon where hundreds of dollar bills hang from the ceiling, a tradition that dates back to the days of wagon trains. Kids are welcome during the daytime. Don't Miss: Tanque Verde's breakfast ride to a scenic spot called the Old Homestead, where you'll sate your cowboy hunger with freshly prepared blue- berry pancakes, bacon, eggs and sausage. Insider Tip: Good western wear, from hats to chaps and jackets, can be purchased in Scottsdale's old town, and you can even order up a pair of bespoke cowboy boots. e Best Part: Something called "team penning." A family must work together to get a herd of cattle into a limited number of pens. Even if you're not successful, you'll definitely share some laughs. Save 10% on your ultimate western vacation at the all-inclusive Tanque Verde Ranch between March 1 and April 16, 2015. 1-866-667-4777 Tanque Verde is one of Arizona's best ranches for families, with riding lessons for all skill levels and a full menu of activities for parents and kids. 1

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