Saddle up for taste of Wild West

You may not see many cowboys these days, but there are still plenty of places to find a bit of the Wild West. Make sure you check before going; hours at some attractions are seasonal.

Tombstone, Ariz.

In the 1880s, Tombstone was a mining town by day and a hot spot for theater, dancing, drinking and other entertainment by night. Visit the O.K. Corral for daily reenactments of the infamous 30second gunfight between lawmen and cowboys, Boothill Graveyard to see the burial spots of outlaws, and, if you’re a fan of the paranormal, the Bird Cage Theater, which some think is haunted. Info: tombstonechamber.com

Elko, Nev.

While you’re in Elko, a convenient rest stop between Reno and Salt Lake City, visit the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum and the Western Folklife Center, home of the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, to see western art, memorabilia and special exhibits. It’s easy to make like a modern-day cowboy and explore the town’s surroundings by car. Head 20 miles southeast to Lamoille Canyon for a scenic walk, drive or horseback ride. Info: exploreelko.com

Deadwood, S.D.

Deadwood’s gold deposits attracted the likes of gunwielding James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok and Martha “Calamity Jane” Canary in the 1870s. Law and order have been restored, but on summer days you can catch reenactments of the shooting of Wild Bill and the trial of Jack McCall, his killer. Deadwood began as a gambling-loving city and still is today. The Bullock Hotel, opened by Seth Bullock, the town’s first sheriff who is credited with taming its lawless nature, is the spot for a drink and a go at the slot machines. Info: deadwood.com

Bandera, Texas

If “stay at a dude ranch” is on your bucket list, Bandera, in Texas Hill Country, is a good place to check off that item. The self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World has many places to stay, and it will keep you entertained with horseback riding, country dancing and barbecue feasts. Go hunting, fishing or tubing on the Medina River, and bar hop at the saloons such as Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, one of the oldest honky-tonks in Texas. Get your cowboy fix by watching the Bandera Cattle Co. Gunfighters’ reenactments every weekend. Info: banderatex.com