Wild West Weekend

Although it’s only a short drive away, Westgate River Ranch feels like stepping through a portal into Florida’s frontier. Set amid hundreds of acres of whispering oaks and open pastures, this storied property delivers Western charm with an upscale, family-friendly polish. It’s the sort of place where kids can learn to lasso at sunup and parents can savor a perfectly grilled steak by sunset.

Accommodations are part of the fun, ranging from rustic-chic to full-on frontier fantasy. For those craving comfort with a hint of adventure, the glamping Conestoga wagons are standouts: spacious, climate-controlled, and outfitted with plush beds, lantern lighting, and private en-suite bathrooms. Nearby, the teepee village (which looks like it’s straight out of a storybook) offers towering canvas dwellings with hardwood floors and Western-themed furnishings. Both options present a curated brush with pioneer life, minus the rough edges.

Photos COURTESY OF WESTGATE RIVER RANCH

Days at Westgate River Ranch are designed to be spent outdoors. Start with the on-site water park, where little wranglers can splash, slide, and cool off under cabanas available for rent. When it’s time to giddy up, opt for a guided horseback trail ride that winds through pine forest and open range as you pass grazing cattle, the ranch’s own bison herd, and sandhill cranes lifting lazily into the sky. Archery lessons introduce families to another classic frontier skill, complete with satisfying thwacks as your arrows sink into targets made from hay bales. And for a dose of authentic Florida wilderness, airboat tours glide guests across the region’s watery prairies—an exhilarating whoosh of wind, wildlife sightings, and endless horizon.

No visit is complete without experiencing the ranch’s renowned Saturday-night rodeo, a tradition that has become legendary statewide. Families pack into the open-air arena to watch real cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and trick roping. The atmosphere crackles with excitement—boots stomping, crowds cheering, and little ones waving glow sticks as the announcer calls out the next heart-pounding event. It’s wholesome, high-energy entertainment that captures the spirit of the Old West while celebrating the skill and grit of modern rodeo athletes.

Photos COURTESY OF WESTGATE RIVER RANCH

As the sun dips low and the sky turns to streaks of pink and orange, Westgate River Ranch’s culinary scene steps into the spotlight. The River Ranch Cattle Company and Smokehouse on the River channel cowboy-country heartiness with expert execution. Think smoky brisket with tangy house sauce, ribs that fall off the bone, and thick-cut steaks seared to perfection. When you’ve had your fill, amble back to your wagon or teepee and gather around the campfire for s’mores and songs. A stay here offers something rare: an escape that blends luxury, adventure, and unmistakable Western magic that will linger long after the dust on your boots has settled. (westgateresorts.com)