Luck, TX

Willie Nelson is back at the ranch with a smokin' hot lineup for 2023 Luck Reunion

Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion is back for its 11th year.

Photo by Limelight Imaging

Willie Nelson says he's never been accused of being normal, and that's certainly true of his alternative music festival Luck Reunion. Taking place on the same week as SXSW, the smaller, more intimate festival has become a bit of a holy pilgrimage for Willie fans of all ages to gather at the legend's Spicewood ranch, "Luck, TX."

Returning for its 11th year, Luck Reunion is expanding from one day to three, featuring one-of-a-kind culinary and music experiences, March 15-19.

Kicking off festivities on March 15, Luck Presents: Potluck 2023 - Three Sisters will feature an intimate "Three Sisters" themed evening paying homage to the main agricultural crops of indigenous cuisine: maize, squash and climbing Beans. The family-style seated dinner will be prepared by a diverse slate of esteemed chefs, followed by a live performance from Nelson under the Hill Country stars.

The host chef for this unique evening will be Brian Light of Ronin Farm and Restaurant near College Station, joined by Crystal Wahpepah (Wahpepah's Kitchen, Kickapoo Nation); Brit Reed (I-Collective, Choctaw tribe); Sewa Yuli (I-Collective, Yoeme tribe). Austin chefs Edgar Rico (Nixta Taqueria) and Mariela Camacho (Comadre Panadería) will participate in the welcome bites and cocktail hour, presented by the Texas Wine and Food Alliance, and celebrity chefs Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill) and Michel Nischan (Wholeome Wave) will also lend their support.

The dinner will start at 5 pm, and tickets will go on sale Monday, February 13 at 12 pm. As always, proceeds from Potluck benefit the Luck Family Foundation who will make direct grants to some of Nelson's longtime charity partners, including Farm Aid, Wholesome Wave, and The Texas Food & Wine Alliance.

The main music event will take place on March 16, with a full lineup yet to be announced.

Then, at noon on March 18, the Big Easy will invade Luck, TX for Luck Origins: New Orleans Takeover, a multi-performer show drawn from the spirit and deep influence of the Birthplace of Jazz. The event will feature a chef-curated food experience presented by the Texas Food and Wine Alliance as well as food vendors from across Texas and Louisiana. So far, the lineup includes Cha Wa; Ivan Neville & Friends; The Soul Rebels; and more. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 13, at 12 pm.

Capping off events, a thoughtful and artist-packed tribute to the legendary Sister Rosetta Tharpe will take place at 11 am on March 19. Luck, Antone’s and Gibson Presents: Strange Things Happening: A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe, 1917-1973 will feature a Gospel Brunch like no other, celebrating the original "Soul Sister" who made an indelible impact on gospel and soul music. The lineup features the Binky Griptite Orchestra, as well as special guests Abraham Alexander, Ruthie Foster, Valerie June, and many more. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 13, at 12 pm.

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lets go camping

Llama ranch near Dallas roams onto America's 50 favorite camping spots

Courtesy of Hipcamp

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A family-owned, llama roaming ranch just an hour outside Dallas was just declared one of America's 50 favorite camping spots in 2026.

The field guide was compiled by online marketplace Hipcamp following a review of campsite ratings from users, regional trends, cultural relevance, and a "spirited debate" of Hipcamp experts. Campgrounds were chosen from 35 different states and organized into seven regions: the Pacific Northwest; California and Hawaii; the Southwest; the Mountain West; the Great Plains and Midwest; the Northeast; and the Southeast.

Llama Land Ranch in Tool, Texas was one of nine total campgrounds featured in the Southwest region. The ranch is the perfect place for families to go on core memory-making excursions like meeting the free roaming llamas or watching out for other wildlife like wild boars. The ranch spans 101 acres, and a 50-foot deep creek also flows along the property lines for fishing and swimming.

"The llamas will come to greet you and so will many more things in this wonderful place," the ranch's listing says. "We are conveniently located in a secluded area, but just a short drive from many local conveniences."

The listing also specifies that the pastures are only mowed three times a year and some of the property is on rough terrain, so campers are welcome to bring their own machetes if they want to explore the area thoroughly.

There are 14 sites available for guests to set up camp, with a mix of tent-only, RV/tent, and RV-only sites. The ranch is also very affordable; sites can be booked for as little as $15 per night.

Many reviewers enjoy getting out into the country to reconnect with nature, and many also praise the ranch's owner, Judy, who says the ranch has been in her family since 1987.

"I went with a group of women for an overnight camp at the pond," one reviewer wrote. "It was so beautiful and a much needed break from city life. The host was wonderful and kind. She was also very accommodating to our group."

A second Dallas-Fort Worth-area campground tucked away in Texas' newest state park was also highlighted in the report. Warbler Ridge Campground, located in Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, was the only other Texas representative on the list.

The pet-friendly campground's listing doesn't offer many details, but it says there are 22 RV and tent campsites for visitors, as well as showers, toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. There are activities galore for visitors, including a 68-acre lake for swimming, fishing, and boating, and over 16 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says campsites at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park start at $13 per night (plus a daily entrance fee) for hike-in primitive sites. Walk-in campsites with water are $15 per night and campsites with electricity are $30 per night.

camping travel vacations ranches campgrounds

Luck, TX

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lets go camping

Llama ranch near Dallas roams onto America's 50 favorite camping spots