The answers to the clues below will have something in common:

1. City slicker's getaway
2. Hang our with
3. Like some sharks
4. He rocked around the clock
5. Children's and bachelors' pantry staple
6. Lip balm
7. He's jolly good
8. French short story master
9. Cowboy Musketeers

Answers:

1. Dude ranch
2. Pal around
3. Man-eaters
4. Buddy Holly
5. Mac 'n' Cheese
6. Chapstick
7. Fellow
8. Guy de Maupassant
9. Three Amigos 

Credit; LA Times Crossword
August 6. 2009
Dan Naddor
PAL AROUND (#1-6)