by Amie Rodgers

At the risk of possibly oversimplifying the Cowboy Way too much, it is hard not to feel like a cowboy after a good ride through forest, fields and streams that ends with a hearty meal and good old fashioned entertainment. The life of the cowboy may be a hard one, but it is a good one.

Always up for something new, I took Keith Williams up on the invitation to saddle up, hit the trails and enjoy some cowboy hospitality. Keith Wil­liams and his father Victor own and operate Porter Mountain Stables and the Chuckwagon Steakhouse. “We have been in the horseback riding busi­ness here every season for thirty four years. My family has a longstanding tradition of competing in rodeos and working on ranches. Our horses are well trained and responsive,” says Keith, “We also have access to some of the most beautiful country you can ride in just five minutes from the middle of town.”

Well, I ain’t no John Wayne... Whether you know what you are doing or not, a trail ride is a fun way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying the beauty (and cool summer climate) of the White Mountains. Upon returning, enjoy a hearty cowboy dinner and light hearted laughs with a live family variety show.

Known as ‘the Best in the West at Getting You Fed,’ the staff at the Chuckwagon Steakhouse and 1890 Saloon is dedi­cated to taking care of their guests. Whether you ride in on a pony or on four wheels, you will find no shortage of meat slow cooked over Mesquite and Oak and heaping portions of coun­try favorites like steak fries, beans, cornbread and homemade cobblers.

When asked about the food, Keith replies, “We do everything single thing we can do to put the finest food on the table every time. Everything in the restaurant is hand cut and prepared fresh daily. This year, we were voted the Best Steakhouse in the White Mountains for the 11th year in a row. Our ribs won the last Best of the West award in its category. We slow cook them Southern style with a rub. Our barbeque pulled pork is well known. Our hamburgers are made with ground sirloin. We serve shrimp, salmon, halibut and lobster as a feast on Friday and Saturday nights. We feature Early Bird Specials from 3 to 6 pm seven days a week. Our lunch specials start at 11 am and include beef brisket. My lovely wife cooks a special Sunday dinner of chicken fried steak or southern fried chicken with fresh vegetables, mashed potaters and gravy, corn bread and peach cobbler. It has been a really big hit.”

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays starting with the 4th of July weekend until Labor Day, the Chuckwagon hosts a Branson-style variety show with the award-winning Bost Fam­ily Traditions. Guests are invited to enjoy a home cooked cow­boy supper of sliced BBQ or chicken breast with all the fixings and dessert while enjoying Country and Old Time Rock & Roll classics mixed with family humor. Tickets are only $22 for adults, $12 for kids and a 10% discount is offered when you make paid reservations by calling the steakhouse. Local talent Davylynn Dennison will sing and play her violin most week­ends throughout the summer in the 1890 Saloon.

For more information about specials and summer entertain­ment, please call the Chuckwagon Steakhouse and 1890 Sa­loon at 928-368-5800. To reach the stables and schedule a ride, please call 928-368-5306. And cowboy, don’t be afraid to tell them the Maverick sent ya.