What to Pack for a Stay at The Tanque Verde Ranch

We know that packing the appropriate attire makes for a better trip, so we're helping you pack your bags for "dude-luxe" horseplay at Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Arizona.

Let's start with footwear. While barrel racing and penning dogies, all gringos and horseback enthusiasts should wear traditional western boots with smooth soles. Trot off in a dusty cloud of confidence wearing comfy Lucchese or Lamas to the Sonoran Desert Breakfast ride.

But toss in your tennis togs as well since full courts and lessons are available. And don't forget some good hiking boots for those guided nature walks, exploring the Sonoran Desert's diverse flora and fauna.

If you're into cycling, you might also want to bring your biking shoes (and some sweat wicking clothing) as the ranch offers mountain bikes with which you can ride through over 600 single- track trails framed by the Rincon and Catalina mountain ranges.

To celebrate true cowboy culture, take along a good cowboy hat. Forget that curly, spray- painted thing you wore to Kid Rock's concert at Sturgis; you'll need a sturdy American-made straw to fully enhance your cowpoke 'tude while enjoying the ranch's extensive riding program.

Pick up a souvenir Tanque Verde Ranch bandana to wet for cooling under your hat. Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and light long- sleeved shirt for riding; it gets brutal in the sun.

As for relaxation "equipment", bring a book and swimsuit for poolside R&R and pack a flirty dress (or relaxed jeans) for cocktail time at the Dog House Saloon where pretty Lisa, with her six-shooter strapped to her leg, kicks out refreshing signature Cowboy Cocktails including a Margarita Rita and Prickly Pear Marg.

Young chef Ben Drury serves up Southwest-inspired Ranch Cuisine three times a day but on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you can enjoy the Cowboy Cookout in Cottonwood Grove under the stars. Be sassy in your dancing boots doing the swing, line-dance and two- step taught after dinner by the cowboy wranglers. Yep, the same ones that taught you to lope!

All-inclusive rates for Tanque Verde Ranch start at $225 per person, per night and include accommodations, three daily meals and access to all of the pre-scheuduled activities and children's programming.

[Disclosure: Michelle Winner was hosted by TVR to review the resort's riding program.]

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