Some of my most fond holiday memories are from when I was a child. After all, it is most often said that if you want to experience the magic of the season just look at it through the lens of children’s eyes. But as we grow older, the responsibilities and to-do lists of the holidays just seem to mount and the time between mid-December to early January often turns from one of magic to mayhem. What if we told you, this year, we’re offering you the space and time to enjoy the wonder and magic of the season again through your inner child. We’ll take care of all the hustle and bustle so you can rela ..read more

Staff changes follow the seasonal changes Living in a place with four distinct seasons, we get to experience the feeling of change in a very tangible way. As we transition from fall to winter, we’re also feeling the emotional change of staff departures and arrivals. Office Updates After 9 years of leaving her mark on VVR in so many different ways, Devyn is heading in a new direction. Whether she was the reason you booked your vacation at Vista Verde, you enjoyed her angelic singing voice, or mastered your down dog under the rustling aspens with her as your teacher, you can appreciate the many ..read more

Give the gift of a stay It’s that time of the year. The Halloween candy was swiftly put on clearance as the holiday decorations were stocked on the shelves. Why so soon, many of us ask? Well, we’re going to jump on the overzealous holiday bandwagon by reminding you that a stay at Vista Verde is the best gift to give. Why? Here are just a few reasons: Be environmentally conscious – don’t give more stuff, give an experience! It’s a gift that can have a long lead time, so the enjoyment of the anticipation gives a bonus gift. You can enjoy the gift too, if you are part of the trip! A little bit o ..read more

Exciting news for families with little adventurers! Get ready for a week of romping, stomping and smiles for your young ones as we expand our summer program to include 3-5-year-olds. Each morning these tots will set out on activities with our kids’ supervisors, while parents get some “me time.” We understand that young explorers need their rest, so afternoons are set aside for naps and quality time with their caregivers. Don’t worry about missing out on meals! The little ones will join dine-n-dash during formal dinners so you can relax and enjoy adult conversation while savoring our chef’s cul ..read more

Looking for the perfect wine pairing for your Thanksgiving dinner? We sat down with our executive chef to get the dish on what sips best with turkey. Bubbles are often overlooked for anything but a “special occasion”…We say poppycock! Bubbles for breakfast is what I always say. Try these: Angels & Cowboys Brut $25-$30 J Vineyards Sparkling $15-$25 Sea Smoke Wines “Sea Spray”  $85-125 Riesling sounds odd, but works with just about everything from turkey to candied yams. Try: Dr. Loosen “Blue Slate” Off Dry $18-25 Belle Pente, Organic/biodynamic $20-25 Boundary Breaks, Finger Lakes N ..read more

We typically share recipes that are fairly accessible for all types of home cooks. This month Chef Jonathon is turning up the heat to give you all a culinary challenge. If you make this custard recipe, we’d love to see how it turns out! Send us a photo or post it on Instagram or Facebook and tag @vistaverderanch.  Parmesan Custard with Glazed Spring Vegetables Serves 6 as an appetizer. Ingredients for flan: 2/3c. Cream 2/3c. Whole Milk 3 ½ ounce Parmesan, cut into ½” pieces 2ea Eggs 1ea Egg yolk 1/2t Kosher salt 1/8t White pepper   Method: Bring cream, milk, and cheese to simmer in ..read more

Holidays at the ranch Escape to a Winter Wonderland at Vista Verde Ranch this Holiday Season The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by embarking on a magical journey to Vista Verde? During the holiday season, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience for families and couples alike. Whether you’re seeking a cozy Christmas retreat, a festive New Year’s getaway, or just an extended winter vacation, we have the perfect options for you. Join us for an unforgettable holiday season. Holiday Cheer (December 17th to 22nd) Picture this: you wake up in a cozy cabin ..read more

Did You Know? Vista Verde Ranch has a Sister Property: Steamboat Lake Outpost! Roughly two years ago Vista Verde Ranch acquired a sister property just up the road. While some of you may already be in the know, we wanted to make sure everyone is acquainted with our extended family and the unique experiences each property offers. In 2021 the Jones family took advantage of the opportunity to invest in our community with the purchase of the Hahn’s Peak Roadhouse. A popular local watering hole and destination for hunters and outdoors people, the Joneses wanted to be a part of shaping the future vis ..read more

Jonathon and Damon have done it again! We have gratefully received Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for our Cellar Wine List. There is a lot that goes into maintaining this prestigious award. To make the cut Jonathon had to make sure we had over 90 selections, wines from multiple regions, multiple producers, and multiple wines from multiple producers. And, I am oversimplifying this! Jonathon and Damon recommend picking up a bottle of chardonnay or pinot noir by Paul Lato, Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir 2022, and any bottle from Andremily. As Jonathan recommended last year, the Adremi ..read more

If you’ve been to VVR, you have had a glimpse into how many different roles and people it takes to operate this place. A role that is close to my heart is the housekeeper because that’s where my ranch career began. For me working at VVR was not about the job I would be doing. I had dreams of being an outdoorswoman and had no idea how to do that as a girl from the suburbs. It was about being on a ranch, in the mountains, and part of a community.  It was a wonderful entry into the ranch. Yes, I cleaned toilets, ironed sheets, and mopped floors. But what is so fun about being a housekeeper i ..read more