Came here last Friday night for the Christmas show. There were a few issues with the handicap parking and seating at first, but the owner made it right and even offered some of the fudge his wife had made. There were several activities ahead of time- visiting Santa and hayrides before dinner. Dinner was delicious and you could seconds. The show was wholesome and family friendly and was great to sing along with. 2024 #73 read more

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Well organized despite a sold out show starting with the parking. The light show was fun,we skipped the hayride and walked around, past Santa & warm up campfires. We skipped the pre show lines and wandered through the shops. The meal is also incredibly organized, and delicious. We loved the show as well, fun and wonderful musicians! Well worth the money! read more

Flying J Ranch - Light show - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

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Flying J is a Ruidoso tradition dating back 44 years. It is family-run and owned. The musicianship of their performers is simply off the charts. The food is good and the shops are cute. Now that we are locals, we love to entertain out of town guests with them. A wonderful slice of the West! read more

Sorry for the two stars but the show is just a shell of what it used to be. It had always been one of my favorite activities in Ruidoso. They open at 5:30 for you to pick up dinner tickets and visit exhibits, let kids visit Santa at Santa's Workshop. Dinner is at 7:00. It is nothing fancy but good for a chuck wagon dinner. Brisket or chicken breast, baked potato, applesauce, biscuit, and cake served on a metal plate. VERY spicy beans. But where it fell down was the show, the Flying J Ranglers had always been a hit. James and Cindy Hobbs started the show 44 years ago and they were the lead/stars of the show. They have now retired and turned the show over to their daughter and son-in-law. The show was very ho-hum. James and Cindy were the personality/charisma of the show. Daughter, Emily, and SIL spent lot of time talking to each other. SIL did fairly good on the big bass but apparently the daughter has very limited musical ability as she was set off to the side behind a snare drum. She never got up and moved around during the entire performance. The other three musicians, the fiddle player and two guitarist, did very good. They need to find a good lead vocalist who can add personality and charisma back into the performance. I really missed Cindy Hobb's version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. It was always the hit performance of the show. Sorry but as is I cannot recommend the Flying J based on the poor state of the Ranglers. read more

What an absolute gem! I honestly didn't have any expectations, I snagged some tickets for a special event with Andy Hedges since my son and I were staying nearby. I wanted him to have a a Wild West type experience and was simply along for the ride. We were greeted by the owner as we pulled in who told us a little bit about the history of the place which started in 1982. His care and obvious commitment to an all around great experience shone through. It seems to me that most experiences, the food is an afterthought. That is absolutely not the case here... it was delicious. While I typically wouldn't make a shout out to the beans... these were the best beans I've ever had. The music of the Wranglers and Andy Hedges was fantastic and memorable. This is a wonderful experience and I couldn't recommend it more! read more

Absolutely the best $ you will spend! Entertainment and of course the food. This family is just amazing. They are all such gifted performers and entertainers. Was there last night and was a fantastic evening read more

The whole experience is a fun filled evening for families. The band is wonderful. I do wish they would play some newer western music too. They were such talented musicians. read more

LOVE the whole ambiance of the place. My family and I have been going almost yearly for as long as I can remember. Good times and good memories. read more

This is the second time I have been here with my young son. From the time the gate opens at 5:30 PM, there is enough time to see everything on the property without feeling rushed. The food is always delicious and show is pleasing. Each time we come through Ruidoso we will always plan to go back to the Flying J for the good food and atmosphere. read more

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This is a must try while in the area. We went without our kiddos but loved watching all the little ones have fun. The staff is friendly and hospitable. The fiddle show was wonderful. The bbq dinner was good but nothing to write home about. But, let's be clear you are not coming for the dinner. It's all the other fun. We will be back! read more

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We had the best time! The Christmas show was entertaining and helped us get into the Christmas spirit. Service was excellent. Food was delicious! read more

Took my family there for a winter dinner and a show. We had a bbq buffet and then the house band put on a show of country Christmas songs. Really good band and the food was good too. read more

We had a fun evening here one evening in July. My kids enjoyed trying to lasso "cows" and looking around. The food was good, and the musicians were talented. I just wish there were a few more activities (even simple ones) as we spent quite a bit of time waiting around. But everyone who runs the place is really nice and hardworking. I recommend a visit. read more

Flying J Ranch - Musical show - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

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What a fun family event- all ages very welcome. This was our first and not last visit. We've already bought tickets to the winter show to celebrate Momma Tilas 97th b-day! The food was served chuck-wagon style following a slap-stick silly "Gun-Fight" on Main Street. We then all gathered in the grand dining hall. Sitting is family style on long picnic tables that are assigned so you get to meet other families too. Meal size is plenty with seconds available for the larger appetites- only a handful of folks chose to go for seconds. The cowboy coffee isn't great but hey it's a chuckwagon meal so I can't sing them for that. No alcohol is served- and that's a blessing since I would of been singing along with the very entertaining band. No one in their right mind would pay to hear me sing and I don't want to hear other non-talented folks singing either. I must share this blue grass band has it all. From the fiddle and bass, banjo and guitar. A bit of yodeling and more! We're counting the days to the winter show! Ignore the bad reviews and buy your tickets now! ...for those that care the toilet faculties are accessible and clean, the parking safe and plenty. A fat tire wheel chair will get you everywhere, scooters would have limited access, but you can still get to the dining hall. We're not worried that Momma Tila will be missing out on any fun, she will get to enjoy it all. read more

I had a hard time deciding the rating on this place, but it came down to one thing. That one thing was - did I have fun? The simple answer is a resounding yes! We arrived about 5:45 and were able to get a closer parking spot. We walked right up to pay and were greeted by some of the nicest folks. One of them started up a conversation about a friend of his with our last name. It got us wondering if we had relatives in New Mexico. Arriving a little early gave us time to do some exploring. We spent time in the shops and looking around the different buildings. It also gave us time to listen to a pre-show show featuring a couple of wonderful musicians. We headed back to the main area to get good seats for the gunfight. The gunfight is done in a "tongue-in-cheek" way and was funny. Then it was on to the chuck wagon dinner. They offer brisket or chicken, cowboy beans, baked potato, biscuit, apple sauce, and dessert all served on a tin plate. The food was not a "5", but I enjoyed it. It really was what you would expect from a chuck wagon dinner. Then, after dinner, it was time for the show. Let me just say, no matter what kind of music you like, you will enjoy this show. They are some amazing musicians! From the old professor on strings to the young lady on fiddle, they were all amazing. You may find yourself buying a CD after the show:-) I highly recommend this place. read more

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Had great food and an amazing time. Highly recommend this place. People were friendly and amazing. Have some great gift shops. And the fun fight was cheesy but fun. read more

Entertainment venue? Tourist trap? Restaurant? The Flying J Ranch is a mixture of all of the above and isn't quite sure what it wants to be or where it is going. There is a group of very talented musicians here who encapsulate the very feel of the cowboy ranch experience through their very capable playing. The dinner is simple fair, but tasty if you like what's on the menu. And before grubbing the grub, there is a sort of fair like period where young cowpokes can ride a pony (for 4 bucks), or shoot a "real" six shot revolver (for 4 bucks) or try their hand at roping plastic calves with hemp so old and stiff that getting a loop out of them takes an act of God. For my younger childten (7 and 10 respectably), Flying J was incredible. A grassy, stream split play area, the shooting range, a "panning for gold" station where they never found anything, and biscuits, spice cake, and ice cream. My wallet wasn't so thrilled. A hundred and forty for the dinner for six, plus entertainment, along with another fifty in the admittedly decently priced gift shop. And forty more for three kids doing activities and needing snacks. Flying J doesnt gouge visitors either. A bottle of water was a dollar, as were snacks to feed the children while waiting for dinner. Still, As my son walked away with a four dollar plastic cap rifle (which did not survive a full forty minutes) and the first bracelet my daughter bought broke, I wanted to start checking "made in" stickers in the gift shop. India, by the way. There were oddities too. A native American domicile (a teepee) was set up on the green, (ostensibly BEHIND the shooting range, which despite the type of ammunition being fired still didn't sit to right with me), a half finished church, which didnt seem to serve any purpose, an oddly modern foot bridge spanning the creek, and an all too creepy robot cowboy at the obviously fake blacksmithy, shilling for the gift shop. The real problem became the after dinner performance. I enjoyed the music, but my kids couldn't sit for it. We ended up outside, listening, while the kids played tag. Lastly, the gunfight show was... so bad it was almost good. The jokes were lame, the acting stilted, and the sheriff a freaking joke without saying a word. We actually booed him when he "accidentally" gunned down the clerk from the mercantile. All in all, I won't be back. Once was enough. If the cheapest pinto beans money can buy, along with some great ranch style music appeals to you, then this might be a good place for you. But if you are really wanting to get a feel for the old days, for the age of gunfighters and cattle rustlers, for the scent of raw hide, horses, and hot, dusty grazing land, then recognize the Flying J Ranch for what it is. A joke with good music. read more

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I absolutely love this place! The cowboy duel, the shops, pony rides, chuckwagon dinner, the musical performance and the super friendly staff. Top notch! read more

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We had a great time! Well worth the money. Great entertainment and food. read more

Flying J Ranch - Old west gun fight in the middle of town. - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

I can't believe how much fun this place was. The wife, kids and granddad had a blast. Originally I didn't have high expectations, but this place proved me wrong. The activities were great. The food was great. The music was awesome. This is one of the best family experiences we have ever had. read more

Flying J Ranch - a group of people on stage - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

Outstanding entertainment and great food. Always enjoy visiting the flying j. Highly recommend

If your going to do just one post covid let's get life back to normal I've had my vaccine activity for the summer. PICK THIS ONE. read more

Flying J Ranch - Waiting for the food taking a pony ride! - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

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It's not everyday you see people laying out their hearts and their sincerest selves for an audience. And the folks at Flying J seem to do just that six days a week. A pure joy to witness. Total wholesome fun. Most entertainment loses that spark of people loving what they do. Their love for their music, for performing, and for each other is palpable and is easily why I will be coming back. These are people who deserve your support. So go eat their beans and their delicious spice cake. read more

Loved our evening at the Flying J Ranch White Christmas! Such amazing talent and so family friendly! The food was really good as well. Highly recommend this experience to families amd couples! read more

Fun, Family friendly place to visit. It has a nice Ice cream, candy, soda shop and a nice Souvenir shop. Practice panning for gold, or practice your roping skills. Great food and the musical show is great. I began to get antsy after I ate, but glad We stuck around. For anyone wondering. No adult beverages served. read more

Flying J Ranch - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

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We always enjoy our time here, supper is plentiful, bq or chicken, beans, potato, applesauce, cake. There's always leftovers for the extra hungry folks! Chicken was so tender when we visited. Several activities for young kids and the music show was fun and lighthearted also, nice people here, very family oriented, and yes they pray for the meal- which is nice to see. Thank you again for a great time! read more

I was headed to Ruidoso to see my cousin and a coworker mentioned Flying Js to me saying he takes his girls every year. I really did know what to expect but I bought tickets right away (three weeks in advance) and as the time grew nearer so did my anticipation. Well, they did not disappoint! Every detail is well thought out to ensure children and adults alike enjoy an entertaining evening in the old west complete with a shoot out and dinner on a tin plate. The food was surprisingly very good and the staff ensures you get plenty to eat and drink. There is live entertainment after dinner. Everyone is very talented and it is a great family atmosphere read more

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A time warp, the players are all over from the pre-show, side-show, gun fight, and finally the musical entertainment post dinner. The food was surprisingly good, with very tender brisket, good cowboy beans, and endless everything. My kids all cleaned their plates and even went back for seconds, which is rare. The musicians are talented, keep an eye on Stink he has some magic left in him. read more

If you do one thing in Ruidoso, do this. We've been coming for 30 years and NEVER missed a show. Never gets old. I love them like family. James and Cindy and all the staff are seriously like family. Roy is so nice and I have pics with Sheriff Roy with my daughter at age 5 and now with her son age 9. The food pretty good, especially the beef and applesauce and yum spice cake, but you are there for the camaraderie and the music. The sheer joy of the beauty around you and the music. There is a peaceful presence about the place I can't convey on paper. I can not recommend Flying J chuckwagon and show more. We now own a place and it is 100% my number 1 recommendation to all of my guests who rent our cabin. My son is 20. Listens to rap and music that is so different from the Flying J Wranglers. Yet when he is at a show, and he loves them, he's clapping, yehawing, and singing along. It brings me such joy! James, Cindy and the gang, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You've brought our family and children lifelong memories that are so precious to us. God bless you all. read more

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This is a great place! Couple of small stores to shop, pony rides for the kid, some history. Lots of great music, a goofy gunfight. Usually places the this the food is subpar, not here the brisket, beans baked potato, baked apples and spice cake were delicious. They are doing a great job with social distancing only families sit together at tables the food line is very organized and efficient. Most of the venue is opened air so you wear a mask in stores and entering the dining hall and going through the food line. They proprietors are working hard to keep their business up and running. If you get a chance go. You will enjoy it! read more

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I am sharing the same review here I just left on their Facebook page to help spread the word. If you notice the identical reviews, I am not a robot. :) Last night my family and I went to Flying J for the dinner and show. We had such a wonderful time! When I was told about it, I thought it sounded like fun, and expected something cute and kitschy like when you see the gunfight shows at an amusement park. This was FAR more than that! The grounds are beautiful and exquisitely maintained, making it a lovely place to spend a nice evening. There were fun things for the kids to do. Before dinner is a funny gunfight show, which was great for the kids, and a good laugh for the adults. The REALLY amazing surprise was the dinner and show. The "chuckwagon" food was SUCH high quality! I didn't expect such a delicious dinner. The biscuits were some of the best I've had in a long time. They were even hospitable and accommodating to a New York vegetarian like me, and never once threatened to "get a rope". We were all very full and very happy. And then after dinner was the country/bluegrass show. These musicians were REAL entertainers! Fantastic all around on instruments and voices. I ended up buying some of their music to take home to listen to more. And what impressed me most of all - these wonderful musicians were the same ones who'd directed us in the parking lot, and sold us our tickets at the entrance, and served us our food in the "chuckwagon" line. This is a truly family run establishment, with everyone pitching in and helping one another. No divas here. Just good, kind people who gave us one heck of a fun night! Take your family here. You will be so glad you did! read more

We had a wonderful time when we went to visit near Ruidoso NM. We ordered our tickets online for ease, we entered early so that we could enjoy the grounds and the old west town. We visited the sweet shop and we try to wrangle some steers and we visited the small church. Then we watch the old west gun gunslinging scenario. The seating inside is assigned so go early to get close to the front. You have to sit at picnic tables so I suggest trying to face the stage. They served the food On a metal plate as if you were eating around a campfire. They very systematically got everyone in the chow line to be served. After you ate it was seconds for anyone that wanted it. So there was as much food as you wanted to eat. I had the smoked sliced brisket and it was very tasty and flavorful. The other choice was a piece of chicken. They served you tea lemonade or water out of a metal cup, which surprisingly made it taste so refreshing. After everyone ate they begin the country singers act. They had a violinist , A man on a cello one on a banjo and the main singers had guitars. Very good music very entertaining I recommend it. read more

Took the family out to the flying J and I have to say it was pretty cool. The reservation was for 530 and there were events that led up to dinner which started at seven. Had I known that I probably would've shown up a little bit later because it seems like there was a lot of waste of time before the gun fight and serving dinner. However the dinner was absolutely spectacular. Best chuckwagon meal I've had. There were over 400 people in the restaurant and every single person got served within 35 minutes. I don't know how they do it but they sure do a great job. Additionally the after dinner show of western music was fantastic. Each of them a master of their craft an instrument it was a great show for the family. Highly recommend everyone bring their families to the flying J read more

The show and food were great! The twinkly lights outside are my favorite part at Christmastime. The area feels like an old western town at each scene change throughout the year. Whether it's Christmas or summertime, they do a great job with their property. Go and enjoy it! The service and attention to detail were special as well. read more

Wow!! What else can I say? We LOVED everything... The staff/wranglers were so nice, and I loved how they all pitched in and did different jobs. The pre-shows were great, the scenery and other things to look at was neat, and the food.. ah.. it was sooo good!! And then the show was wonderful!!! We loved that they said the blessing before we ate and acknowledged the Lord several times, and honored our veterans. And as an FYI on the food.. the chunky apple sauce is great on the biscuit. Anyway, I would HIGHLY recommend this place for your family. Everything is family friendly and very reasonably priced for a while evening of entertainment and all the food you want!! read more

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Oh my goodness!!! The show is entertaining - my pre teen and young teen grandsons weren't sure what to expect, but they loved the show!! All the musicians were good, but the boys especially liked Tim McCasland - Tim is new to the show, but really was wonderful, such talent!!! Cindy Hobbs, the show lead singer and yodeler was also very good. Her Rv comedy routine was hilarious!! The food was okay, and there was plenty of it! Seconds were offered several times. All in all, the show after dinner easily earned a five star rating - I strongly recommend this family friendly show to anyone visiting the area!! read more

Flying J Ranch - Performer Tim McCasland and my grandsons!! - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

Great family entertainment! Well organized and executed event. Starts at 6pm with visiting little shops on the Main Street. Then a Welcome from the Sheriff and a western shootout. Simple, but tasty food: Chuck Wagon style meal. Plenty to eat. Even seconds if you like. We had the beef brisket. Chicken was also an option. After dinner, we really enjoyed the western music and entertainment. The music professor was incredibly versatile in his talents for multiple instruments. The fiddler was very special too. We were surprised at the quality of food and entertainment! Definitely worth the ticket price! Only suggested improvements would be additional outdoor lighting for exits after dark. Very hard to see coming down stairs. Watch out for the rail road ties, they tripped me up and I fell hard onto the gravel walkway. Nice little bump on the back of my head. lol And ADD an update by Yelp on Directions to the Ranch. it's actually outside of town, near mile marker 10. Yelp sent us to the middle of the town, Alto, about six miles short of our goal. We were late arriving. However, it was a really fun night! We recommend it heartily. read more

Flying J Ranch - American Near Me - Alto, New Mexico

Great job by a solid core of hard working, talented group! Highly recommend this as a great night of entertainment and dinner! read more

Wonderful evening. Great western atmosphere. The staff is kind and friendly. Cute stores, prices are good. The food was delicious, we were so full! The Cowboy band was super good. Cindy was a dear.. So cute and such a sweet countenance, and so gifted, as are all those in the band. Beautiful harmony. We loved our evening there. This is the third one we've been to, have also done Red River and Durango. All so good! read more

We had a great night! Come early and enjoy all there is. Food was good! excellent stage show every night they are open. They are celebrating 40 years of clean wholesome. Family fun! A great way to Spend the evening! read more