Places to Stay

This Luxury Texas Ranch Resort has Now Reopened

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Tony Maples Photography

 

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, located on 13,000 acres near Sonora, Texas, recently reopened the resort and also added a new luxury villa. Archer’s Nest Villa is a gorgeous private home, perfect for weddings and special events, surrounded by 100-year-old oak trees.

Guests at Archer’s Nest Villa have access to all ranch facilities and activities. Features include a private butler, six spacious bedrooms that sleep 12 people, private pool and pool house with kitchen and bar, gourmet kitchen for private chefs, home theater, outdoor BBQ pavilion plus outdoor kitchen, expansive gardens, and indoor and outdoor dining rooms.

Archer’s Nest Villa can also host intimate weddings and special events. Villa guests have complete access to all ranch facilities, activities, and amenities. For a special seasonal rate and minimum 3-night stay, Archer’s Nest is available for $4,495 per night, plus tax and fees.

Stress Free Retreat

This Luxury Texas Ranch Resort has Now Reopened

Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort and Spa

The ranch resort offers 32 accommodations for travelers searching for a stress-free retreat from the everyday world. The resort also features authentic Texas cuisine and such activities as hiking, horseback riding, and skeet shooting. The Ranch is also offering special rates for First Responders if booked by July 8. Additional reopening specials like their Buy Now Visit Later packages are also available for a limited time.

James and Lois Archer are owners of the JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, the luxury ranch resort which also provides a working ranch experience. The Restaurant at JL and Lonesome Creek Lodge features outstanding culinary offerings, and we share several of their legendary recipes here.

Dad’s Smoked Pork Chop

This Luxury Texas Ranch Resort has Now Reopened

Photo: Courtesy of photographer Sydney Beique

Dad’s Smoked Double Pork Chop
Pork Rub:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup smoked paprika
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper

Tabaco Onions:
2 large onions
2 cups AP flour
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper

Directions:
1” pork chop rub generously and smoke at 275 degrees for 45 minutes or until pork chop reaches 145 degrees
Peel and slice onions at .03”; Toss in seasoned flour and fry in canola oil at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes until a golden crisp color

JL Bar Ranch Cowboy Cooking

This Luxury Texas Ranch Resort has Now Reopened

Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

Bourbon Praline Banana Pudding
5 Cups Heavy Cream
5 Cups Half an Half
3 Cups
2 TBLS vanilla paste
3 Eggs
2/3 cup unsalted butter melted
1 loaf brioche bread

Mix all wet ingredients in large mixing bowl. Cut bread into ¾ inch squares. Add wet ingredients to the bread and mix together leaving some big pieces of bread. Put in pan and cook in oven unwrapped at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Ranchers Berry Cobbler
1 Cup Flour
2 Tea Spoon Baking Powder
¼ Tea Spoon Salt
¾ Cup Sugar
1 Tea Spoon Vanilla

Add and mix until smooth
¾ Cup Milk
¼ Cup Butter
Pour batter into a well-greased casserole dish. Add 1 quart of sweetened berries. Cook for 1 hour at 350 degrees.