Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo Like plenty of people reaching for a cliché, "this ain't my first rodeo" is something I've said from time to time. But two years ago, it was — and I've been hooked ever since. I grew up in the 1980s in the midwest (thinkStranger Thingswithout the monsters), where the annual Fourth of July parade was a favorite neighborhood tradition. I have memories of decorating my Schwinn with red, white and blue streamers and waving to cheering families along the route. Those parades held a carefree joy that came not only with childhood, but with the feeling of community and patriotic pride. In my adult years, the parades faded and July 4 became less about pageantry and more about a day off of work. (One thing that didn't go away in the intervening decades and geographic changes: My abiding love of an iceboxflag cake. You can take the girl out of Ohio, but you can't take Ohio out of the girl.) Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo Then, two years ago, I made my first trip toWestgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeoin Central Florida. An hour south of Orlando, the sprawling dude ranch sits on some of the same land where Florida's original cowboys herded cattle as early as the 1700s. (Yes, Florida has cowboys, and they predate those in the American West.) I am neither a city slicker nor a country gal, but rather very much a suburban minivan mom. I love to roast marshmallows around a campfire, but only if I can sleep in air conditioning. I'll happily hop on a horse for a trail ride, but I'd cheerfully accept a craft cocktail after. And sure, I want to "unplug," but I'm not at home on the range unless there's WiFi. That's why Westgate River Ranch is my cup of cowboy coffee (or more accurately, my brown sugar oatmilk latte — yes, they have Starbucks on property). They also have everything a Florida dude ranch should have: alligators (airboat tours are the perfect way to see them safely!), awater park(brand new and beautiful!) and the platinum standard of any Sunshine State resort: world-class AC. Also included?Glamping tents, glamping teepees and glamping covered wagons. Because yes, I'm a sucker for anything that evokes nostalgic childhood "camp" memories with the comforts of adulthood. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. But the main event at Westgate River Ranch is the rodeo, which is held year-round every Saturday night under the Florida stars. For my first rodeo, I entered with apprehension: Is this political? Am I allowed to be here if I don't own a cowboy hat? Will there be food? (The answers: No. Yes. Yes.) In fact, the rodeo reminded me for the first time in decades of my experience in those Fourth of July parades. There is a lot of flag-waving, Americana and anthem-singing. There is also the thrill of watching jaw-dropping horsemanship, bull-riding bravery and bucking broncos. The crowd is diverse, the same way Florida is, and the vibe is inclusive. For a few hours, at least, it feels like we're all cheering for the same team. It's unbridled, all-American joy Read the original article onPeople
