Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Ridin' and Rock & Rollin'


Beautiful fall days in New England are about as good as life gets and this weekend, we found ourselves with a beauty of a day and no plans.  Not too often that happens!  So hopped on the bike and drove to Indian Ranch in Webster, Mass, to see one of our fave musicians in concert. 




The Ranch is located on Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg ...Translation  "You fish on your side of the lake, I fish on my side of the lake, nobody fishes in the middle". We'll call it the 'Lake' from here on in.


Indian Ranch is a unique music venue that also serves as a seasonal campground, wedding venue, and banquet facility.  Each year from summer to early fall, the Ranch lines up popular county and southern rock acts to perform concerts along the lakeshore.


Bike parking

Bikes and bikers are welcome at this venue. There is a dedicated area in front of the entrance, along a stone wall that is for bikers only. Parking is free and the area for bikes, as well as entrance road, is paved. Few high speed bumps along the way to watch out for...the bottom of the bike scraped, but that might have more to do with us than with the speed bump. ;-)




Concerts tickets are very reasonable priced, we've paid as low as $15 and as high as $50, depending upon the act.  General admission seats seem to always be available, and honestly, there isn't a bad seat in the house, We paid $40 to see Phil Vassar on this visit and bought our tickets at the door. Still had plenty available on the day of the show. 


One thing that separates this venue from other concert locations is that it allows guests to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. It's a big money saver and fun to bbq amidst the pine trees and listen to music.  The Ranch also provides grilled items, burgers, chicken, dogs and ice cream at very reasonable prices. There is a full-bar and a few beer stands around the property. Beer costs $5 per bottle which is inexpensive compared to most music venues in the area...$10 for a beer at Great Woods/Comcast...highway robbery, I tell ya.


The 'Lake' Beach

Above is the beach that is behind the stage. Guests can fish, sun, swim or rent paddle-boats while at the show. Several boats float by the shore listening to the music...nice way to see a show.


Good views from all locations in the venue; seats closest to stage are plastic chairs, and there are covered bleacher seats behind. General admission is off to the side and is uncovered.

Just another day in paradise...
 Phil Vassar gear...sittin' behind the stage

On the road again...

And if you are really lucky, you might even be able to get an autograph or picture. The performers leave behind the stage, with security of course, and through  a roped off area. Phil was very gracious and signed shirts, hats, took pictures, and was an overall nice guy.  Called me baby-doll.

My photographer...ahem... missed the shot...I was RIGHT THERE! ;-)


It was a great day and even better so that it was spontaneous and not planned. If you happen to have a free Sunday between July and September, like we did, head on out to Indian Ranch.. Or if nothing else, head to the onsite giftshop for a souvenir....I went to Lake 
Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg and all I got was this lousy shirt!

Contact Info
Indian Ranch

200 Gore Street
Webster, MA
508-943-3871
http://www.indianranch.com/

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