Dreams of living a life other than the one you currently have are what goals and ambition are really made of. The city girl in me longs for a taste of Western culture. I'm not talking about global Western culture. I'm talking about "Yee-Haw Kenny Chesney Rodeo" Western culture.

Just the thought of cowboys in tight jeans and boots with hats to tip my way and a manly "Ma'ams" rolling from their tobacco chewing mouths sets my heart to thumping. If these cowboys are the type to risk life and limb in pursuit of glory by dominating a fierce animal, all the better. Fantasy can be so fun.

In this Western dream I too climb on the back of a snorting, foot-stomping mad creature with eyes blazing and horns set to maim, clamp my thighs and ride it out ‘till the bull sits down and says it's had enough of me. Then I hit the dance floor for a quick two-step and dosey-doe and a Coors Light.

I'm not crazy enough to actually do this in real life. I stick to the mechanical beast, the one with a remote control option and a heavily padded floor on which I will eventually get lightly tossed before standing up to the applause and cheers of my friends and adoring fans.

Various places in the South Puget Sound can accommodate the tamer version of this Western culture seeking fantasy.

Jezebels in Olympia (414 Fourth Ave. E.) doesn't get that crowded, making it an easy choice for those really wanting to get a lot of time on the bull, but a great place to meet other riding enthusiasts.

Buck Wild Saloon (11401 South Steele Street, Tacoma) plays heavily on the country theme with mechanical bull, game trophy heads on the walls and a truck inside the bar. Country and classic rock rule the live music scene.

Big Whisky Saloon in downtown Tacoma (100 South Ninth St.) may not have a bull for you to ride, but maybe you can pick up a cowboy or cowgirl. Check out the dancing, DJs, parking-lot parties, and wide variety of whiskey. A sister location in Olympia (425 Franklin St. SE) with the same name also lacks a mechanical bull, but plays new-school country and offers a large dance floor and second floor loft good prime for people watching the crowd below.

DJs playing a mix of pop country and Top 40s makes Lady Luck Cowgirl Up near Parkland in Tacoma (14114 Pacific Ave. South) a good place to dance, but it also lacks a bull.

Cowgirls Inc in Pioneer Square in Seattle (421 First Ave. S) is not a country bar. Do not be fooled by the name. Hip-hop and rock and metal from the ‘80s to current hits blast from speakers. But the mechanical bull makes it worth the drive.