Ree Drummond’s Secret City Escape Plan — “Turns Out, The Pioneer Woman’s Dream Isn’t Always Dirt and Dust”

It’s almost impossible to picture Ree Drummond anywhere but her sprawling Oklahoma ranch, where mornings start with fresh air and homemade cinnamon rolls, and days are filled with cowboy boots and rolling fields.

The Food Network star and author has long been synonymous with country living—her life a comforting blend of rustic charm and Southern hospitality.

Yet, beneath this pastoral image lies a surprising truth: Ree Drummond once dreamed of city life.

Before Ree became the Pioneer Woman, before the cameras, cookbooks, and internet fame, she was a small-town Oklahoma girl with big-city aspirations.

Fresh out of high school, she made a bold move that few might have predicted—she packed her bags and headed to Los Angeles for college.

The city’s fast pace, culture, and endless possibilities were a stark contrast to her rural upbringing, and for a time, it seemed like Ree’s path would lead far from the ranch.

Her next planned stop was Chicago, a bustling metropolis known for its architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant arts scene.

But fate had other plans.

Ree returned to Oklahoma, initially thinking it was just a brief visit.

Then, in a twist worthy of a romance novel, she locked eyes with a tall cowboy named Lad Drummond at a local bar.

That meeting changed everything.

Lad, whom Ree affectionately calls “Marbor Man,” became her husband, partner, and the anchor that rooted her back to the ranch.

Their love story blossomed into a lifelong romance filled with marriage, five children, and eventually, grandchildren.

Ree’s life transformed into one of ranching, cooking, and storytelling—a far cry from the city skyscrapers she once imagined.

Despite this deep connection to rural life, Ree admits that if she ever left the ranch, her personal dream destination would be New York City.

The very thought of trading quiet country mornings for the city’s relentless energy is surprisingly appealing.

Ree has said, “I’d love to dig in and see what it would be like to walk to any restaurant, any museum, at any time.”

The city’s vibrancy calls to her in a way that few would expect from the queen of comfort food and country living.

Her visits to New York are typically short and work-related, but they leave a lasting impression.

The allure of museums, theaters, and endless culinary adventures is something Ree finds irresistible.

It’s a side of her life that few fans see—a yearning for urban exploration and cultural immersion.

But Ree’s city dreams don’t stop there.

When it comes to the whole Drummond family relocating, Denver, Colorado, tops the list.

Known for its cooler climate, stunning outdoor scenery, and proximity to ski resorts like Vail, Denver holds a special place in Ree’s heart.

Family ski trips and the beauty of the Rockies make it an ideal compromise between country and city life.

Of course, Ree jokes about skipping the tougher hikes, like the Berry Picker Trail, but the idea of moving to Denver still excites her.

It’s a middle ground that offers fresh air and outdoor beauty without sacrificing access to cultural amenities and family connections.

Speaking of family, Ree’s grandmotherly role has brought new considerations into the mix.

Since the arrival of her granddaughter Sophia—daughter of Alex Drummond and Mauricio Scott—Dallas, Texas, has become increasingly important.

Alex, Mauricio, and Sophia live in Dallas, as do Ree’s daughter Paige and her husband David Anderson.

Ree visits Dallas often, perhaps a little too often, she admits with a laugh.

After every visit, she finds herself scrolling through Zillow listings, secretly dreaming of a house next door.

“I don’t share this with Mauricio or David,” she jokes, “I don’t want to frighten them.”

This playful secret reveals a softer side of Ree—a grandmother eager to be close to her expanding family.

For now, Ree and Lad remain firmly planted on the ranch, continuing their life surrounded by cattle, cooking, and country charm.

But the possibility of a future chapter set in Dallas, New York, or Denver lingers—a testament to Ree’s openness to change and new adventures.

Her story reminds us that even the most iconic figures rooted in tradition can harbor unexpected dreams.

Ree Drummond’s love for the ranch is undeniable, but so too is her curiosity about the world beyond its fences.

Life, after all, often rewrites the best-laid plans.

The Pioneer Woman’s journey from small-town Oklahoma to international fame was itself full of surprises.

And who’s to say her next chapter won’t include city skylines, bustling streets, and new horizons?

One thing is clear: whether surrounded by cattle or skyscrapers, Ree Drummond’s heart will always be full of love, family, and the spirit of discovery.