East Texas meets the Old West at the Sacred Spur Ranch. At the corner of 1844 and Turkey Road in East Mountain, you'll feel like you were taken back 100 years to the days of cowboys and cattle drives. That's the feeling owner Bob Miller was shooting for eight years ago when he opened the ranch's gates to the public.
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Charli Miller sings great tunes as the Ranch Hand Band plays for the crowd.
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Bob Miller cooks up mouth-watering steaks on this hand-crafted grill.
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Today, the ranch's restaurant, The Cowhide Cafe, serves food on Friday and Saturday nights, and Bob couldn't be more thrilled about what his place offers for everyone.
"It's a great place for families. I encourage parents to bring their kids," he said. "This is a place for folks to bring someone they care about to eat food and listen to music we care about."
The music he's referring to is that of Charli Miller and the Ranch Hand Band. The band's been together for three years, and their passion for playing is evident with each country song sung by Charli Miller.
"As a little girl I used to sing along with Reba and Loretta, and I knew I wanted to grow up and sing for people," Charli said. "I love what I do in this laid back, come-as-you-are atmosphere. I was born for this."
The menu at The Cowhide Cafe is limited but amazing, offering mouth-watering T-bones and top sirloins, chicken or pork, all served with a baked potato and hearty salad. But Bob notes that anyone who makes the trip out to the Sacred Spur Ranch for phenomenal food and Nashville-quality music should plan on putting their boots up and staying awhile.
"If you're in a hurry, you should have stopped at the fast food joint up the road. This isn't just a dinner, it's an experience," Bob said.
What he's referring to are the many other facets of his ranch. Aside from the restaurant, there are two other buildings: Tivios Ballroom serves as a banquet hall for parties and live entertainment and The Green Frog Dance Hall is another room filled with western memorabilia.
"Everywhere you look there's a piece of the Old West on the Sacred Spur Ranch," Bob said. "Like the song says, my heroes have always been cowboys. I love that way of life, and we want to share it with the people of East Texas."
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Where: 117 Michel, East Mountain, TX
When: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Directions: From Longview, travel Hwy. 300 north toward Gilmer and turn left on FM 1844. Continue 1.2 miles to Turkey Road (look for the Historical Marker sign). Turn left on Turkey Road and you've reach Sacred Spur Ranch.
Need-to-know info: The Cowhide Cafe is BYOB, and reservations are recommended. Charli Miller and The Ranch Hand Band begin playing at 7 pm.
Contact: Call 903-295-4364
Cost: The average plate costs between $20-$25
