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to be pampered in a luxurious, spa-type environment are advised to saddle up and move on out; the women at the Double E are there to participate in daily ranch activities, including cutting cattle, rounding up strays—there’s even a mini-rodeo with barrel-racing and other events. Women with no horseback experience are welcome, and with a guest capacity of just 18, you’ll have more one-on-one attention than at some other guest ranches. There’s also a Level II camp for ladies with a bit more riding experience. The price for the camp is reasonable, running about $1,500 a week in 2009.

It’s not all hard work, however. In addition to plush comforters, air-conditioning, coffee service, and thick towels in guest quarters, meals feature hearty ranch fare and fresh-baked desserts. And there are plenty of chances for hiking, nature rides, bird-watching, exploring the ancient Native American culture of the region, or just curling up with a good book.

Cowgirl Camp is just one of the activities scheduled at the Double E. At various times throughout the year, the ranch also hosts mounted shooting clinics, horsemanship clinics, rides to Native American ruins—even college-credit courses.

The Double E ranch is adjacent to the Gila Wilderness and Gila National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/gila)—some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in North America. Other area attractions include the historic silver-rush town of Silver City (www.silvercity.org), the hot springs of Truth or Consequences (www.truthorconsequencesnm.net), the surreal geology of City of Rocks State Park (www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityrocks.htm), and the ghost town of Chloride, N.M. —ML

Double E Ranch ( 866/242-3500;www.doubleeranch.com).

When to Go: Cowgirl Camps are offered throughout the year; check website for schedule.

Silver City, N.M. (28 miles/45km).

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Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School

Start Your Engines!

Cities throughout the U.S.A.

The green flag waves, and you’re off! Smoke from squealing tires fills your nostrils as your big-block Chevy engine roars, and within seconds you’ve reached blue-lipped speeds of over 130 mph (209kmph). This experience was once limited to experienced racers like Mario Andretti and Doug Foley, but the thrill of drag racing can now be enjoyed by anyone—even teenagers—at Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School.

The schools, which started in 1997 in Atco, New Jersey, are now located throughout the U.S. There are a range of courses available to speedsters, including half-day Dragster Experience, 2-day Super Comp, and—for those who’d rather leave the driving to others—a Dragster Ride-Along in a specially built two-seat dragster. No granny-mobile, the two-seater still packs 800 horsepower and a couple of g-forces. And if your need for speed is unquenchable, the schools also offer a competition license for students who have completed the three-run Dragster Experience. After time trials, racers compete in three rounds of elimination racing to determine who will win the championship and the winner’s commemorative plaque (champagne not included). Prices vary per course, ranging from about $150 for a ride-along to a couple thousand dollars for multi-day courses.

There are advanced driver training programs available, but most courses assume that all attendees are drag racing novices. With safe driving in mind, courses begin with a complete safety and procedural orientation taught by Doug Foley himself, and each driver is issued state-of-the-art safety equipment. The Junior Dragster Racing School is a 2-day course that involves both students and their parents; racers go through exhaustive training and prep work before taking a dragster out onto the track.

For corporate and personal gifts, client entertaining, employee incentives, and private parties, Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School can provide an unforgettable event (did someone say bachelor party?). Perks can include full catered food and beverage set-ups, track-side photography, custom-made video, T-shirts, and custom company branding campaigns that include banner placement, promotional literature—and