Home     Flights     Hotels     Cars/Rail   My Stuff

Concierge Services  |  Dream Maps  Traveler Advice

Saddle-Up to Experience Cowboy Culture at Destinations across North America By Jennifer Gaines, Editor July 2006 Responsible for cultivating the cowboy culture, the western genre and a few notorious outlaws, the American Old West makes for an excellent vacation experience for today’s travelers. Travelocity editors recommend these cowboy culture experiences and give tips and advice on where to go and what to expect while visiting western influenced destinations in the United States: Dude Ranches Known for its spirit of romance and adventure, the American West cultivated a way of life that is celebrated and practiced even today. Travelers can experience life as a rancher at dude ranches across the country, including Paws Up in Montana and White Stallion in Arizona. Bull Riding Adventure Experience “rodeo’s version of fantasy baseball with horns” at Sankey Rodeo’s Vision Quest Bull Riding and Bullfighting Adventure at locations throughout the country. Choose between a three or four day class and learn the art of bull riding and bullfighting alongside professional cowboys. World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo The self-proclaimed "Daddy of 'em All,” Cheyenne Frontier Days is the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. Each July, thousands of visitors from around the world go to Cheyenne, Wyo. for rodeo action, western art and cultural entertainment. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women of the American West. Located in Ft. Worth, Texas, it preserves western heritage through collections and exhibits such as Ride: A Global Adventure, on display through Oct. 1. National Cowboy Poetry Gathering The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nev. is a week-long celebration of life in the rural West. This annual ritual, held in late January, honors the western culture through arts such as poetry, music, stories, film, photography and food. About the American Old West The term most often refers to the time between the American Civil War and 1890. Includes the area from the “Frontier Strip” (six states from North Dakota down to Texas) west to the Pacific Ocean. How can travelers experience the American West? Visit museums and cultural events dedicated to this historic time. Vacation at a working dude ranch for a first hand experience. Explore one of the many historic trails by horseback. Attend a rodeo or even learn how to ride a bull. What can travelers expect while visiting the American West? Entertainment for couples of all ages and families alike. A cultural and educational experience Rugged scenery and outdoor activities. More American West Destinations Jackson Hole, Wyo. Deadwood, S.D. Aspen, Colo. Steamboat Springs, Colo. Telluride, Colo. Bigfork, Mont. Whitefish, Mont. Sun Valley, Idaho For more travel tips and advice, check out Amy Ziff's monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, at www.travelocity.com/atoz. To suggest a topic for a future column or to tell about a travel experience of your own, please email Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com.

Planning By Interest Tips & Advice Traveling Smarter Saves in 2008 By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Earth Day, The Environment, and You By Amy Ziff, Editor at Large Travelocity Editors Pick a Few of Their Favorite Beaches Become A Change Ambassador By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Honeymoon Heaven By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Saddle-Up to Experience Cowboy Culture at Destinations across North America By Jennifer Gaines, Editor Top Spots to Celebrate Gay Pride this Summer By Rachel Berg, Editor Must-See Summer Sights For Davinci Fans By Natasha Carvell, Editor Top Spots to Roll the Dice By Jennifer Gaines, Editor Earth Day, Every Day By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Pet Friendly Destinations, Tips & Deals By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Animals, Animals, Anywhere! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Take A Cue From Mardi Gras: Celebrate Culture in the Caribbean By Natasha Carvell, Editor Top "Licks" for Summer Travelers By Jennifer Gaines, Editor History Travels By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Down and Dirty with Ecotourism By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Eco-Travel Destinations Looking for the Icing This Season? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Las Vegas Happenings That You Can Talk About By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Have Craving, Will Travel By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Visiting Hollywood Hotels By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large In Honor of America, Salute America's Favorite Pastime By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Festive By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large The Truth About Traveling with a Disability By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Are You Stuck in Honeymoon-Planning Hell? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Need Some Post New Year's Inspiration? Set a travel goal for yourself. By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Supersonic in 100, What's Next? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Fido Ready To Go, Go, Go! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Finding Hotels That Accept Pets Women's Health and Comfort Planning a Destination Wedding Supporting Gay-Friendly Businesses How to Plan the Perfect Family Reunion Rome in a Wheelchair Flying With Pets Finding Gay Culture Outside of Urban Areas