Our day trip today was to Bandera, Texas.
 The Cowboy Capital of the World          

In a rugged county filled with hills, rivers, and a sprawling lake, the small town of Bandera holds a really big place in the hearts of Texans. Located in the beloved Texas Hill Country less than an hour from San Antonio, Bandera reminds us of a different, more authentic, era, when a handshake was all the contract you needed, self-reliance was the norm, and chivalry was a given. There is a spirit of independence and individualism here that speaks of the cowboy tradition of hard work and hard play.

Bandera embodies the cowboy in its strong rodeo tradition. Even today you'll often see horses tied to downtown hitching posts. Bandera County dude ranches offer a taste of the cowboy lifestyle with horseback riding, trail rides, and chuck wagon meals. Secluded cabins tucked away in the hills throughout the county are perfect for watching wildlife, listening to the birds, and gazing at the stars. At local honky-tonks, the music is lively, the dance floor is full, and the beverages are cold.

Along the way, we saw lots of ranches with entrance gates such as this, some much more elaborate and other quite simple.  I guess it denotes the quality of the ranch.

Such a handsome Cowboy

Didn't eat here but it sure looked good.

These are our newest friends/hosts who we met for dinner at Mamacitia's Mexican Restaurant where I had the BEST taco salad EVER.  What a fun day and night, perfect ending to a great day.