Upscale Resort Features the Best Trails in Texas, an Award-Winning Steakhouse and Sophisticated Suites Steeped in Texas History

           

GRAHAM, Texas - Looking for a place in Texas to combine the best in Western ranch activities with luxurious suites? There's no better place than Wildcatter Ranch & Resort. For couples wanting a romantic weekend, families looking to have fun or groups seeking a unique Texas experience, Wildcatter Ranch is the ideal place to explore nature, enjoy ranch-style recreation, relive history or just relax. 

 

Wildcatter Ranch & Resort, recognized in 2007 as one of Southern Living's "10 Top Texas Retreats," is located 90 minutes northwest of Fort Worth near Graham, Texas. Situated on 1,500 acres of beautiful, diverse Texas landscape in the North Texas Hill Country, Wildcatter Ranch is abundant with soft grazing bottomlands, rugged hill terrain covered with rocks, cacti, mesquite, oak and juniper trees, and breathtaking views of the historic Brazos River.

 

The ranch is also located where, since its original purchase in 1870, some of the

most colorful pioneer history took place in the state of Texas. In the early 1920s, "wildcatters" drilled wells in the area hoping to find oil - and many did. Tales of frontier forts, Indian massacres, outlaws and cattle drives that took place within 20 miles of Wildcatter Ranch before the oil boom are told in a multitude of books and at least four movies, including "Lonesome Dove," "Black Fox," and two John Wayne movies - "The Searchers," which is based on the Elm Creek Raid, and "The Sons of Katie Elder," which tells the story of the Marlow Brothers incident.

 

Rooms Immerse Guests in Texas History

Staying at Wildcatter Ranch feels like stepping back into Texas history. The area's colorful past is reflected in Wildcatter's 16 upscale suites. Each room has been named to reflect a theme - from "Cattle Raisers" and "Marlow Brothers" to "Elm Creek Raid" and "Warren Wagon Train" - and each features furnishings, as well as photos, with historical commentary that bring this fascinating Texas history to life. (Interested guests can view photos and read about the history of each room on Wildcatter's website, www.wildcatterranch.com.)

 

Although the rooms are historical in nature, they contain the most upscale of modern conveniences, including 300-count sateen sheets for a comfortable night's sleep, granite vanities and curved shower rods for extra space in the bathtub, handmade Texas soaps and locally made custom lights, to name a few. Most of the suites have two queen beds, a bath and a half, and can sleep up to four people comfortably. In addition, each room has a coffee bar area complete with a microwave oven and an under counter refrigerator, as well as TVs with CD/DVD/VHS players and satellite programming.  High-speed wired and wireless Internet access is also available. 

 

Hotel and Conference Center & Guest Houses

Wildcatter opened a hotel and conference center in October 2008, featuring a Victorian-themed, 1800s-era Texas design and richly comfortable classic furnishings. The development includes 16 additional spacious guest rooms, a cocktail lounge, four corporate meeting rooms and a grand hall conference center for hosting events, complete with a dramatic double stairwell surrounding a huge, two-story fireplace.

 

The one-of-a-kind meeting rooms, updated with top-of-the-line audio and visual equipment for corporate events, are named in honor of famous Texans from the area, such as Colonel Graham's Boardroom, Oliver Loving Room, Miss Addie's Classroom and the S.B. Street Study.

 

In addition to the hotel and conference center, guests can reserve one of two private guest houses for a more secluded experience. The Homestead, a two-bedroom, one-bath private cottage, contains an open living and dining space perfect for families with younger children. With a beautiful view overlooking the ranch's stables and barn, the original ranch house, built almost 200 years ago, is a unique addition to Wildcatter. Guests can also reserve O.T.'s Cabin, a new upscale guest house with two king bedrooms and two private bathrooms, beautifully decorated to reflect the ranch's strong Western heritage.

 

Best Trail Riding In Texas

From horseback riding and canoeing to exploring the ranch land with a camera and lounging around in the hot tub, Wildcatter visitors are sure to enjoy the many activities that are available.

 

Horseback riding in Texas doesn't get any better than at Wildcatter, which is why the trail rides are some of the resort's most popular activities. Setting the resort apart from all other ranches are its wranglers, numerous thoroughbred horses and spectacular land.

 

Wildcatter's well-trained wranglers are friendly, courteous, and make their riders feel comfortable. The ranch's pre-ride orientation teaches its riders the skills they need for a safe, fun ride. All of Wildcatter's wranglers are accomplished riding instructors, trail guides and horse trainers.

 

In addition to horseback riding, there's canoeing along the banks of historic Connor Creek, located on the ranch. Its rock cliffs and rugged terrain provide incredible views.  For real enthusiasts, canoeing adventures on the nearby Brazos River can also be arranged.

 

For those who want to fish, Wildcatter has tanks that are stocked with catfish, black bass, hybrid stripers and bream. Bass are catch-and-release only. The Brazos River is the perfect place to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, black bass, stripers and catfish. River fishing requires a state fishing license and can be arranged as well.

 

Another popular activity at Wildcatter is archery. It's a great activity for all ages, and the ranch has a variety of bows - both compound and recurve - to fit young children up to adults. Wildcatter also features a new six-point sporting clay range.

 

Ranch "Siesta" Activities

In the Old West, it was believed that cowboys and ranch hands should start their day early and work hard, but in the afternoon, they should relax and unwind once all the work was done. Wildcatter guests are encouraged to follow that same rule and save their afternoons for carefree, unscripted fun by partaking in the resorts many "siesta" activities, all of which are included in the room rates.

 

After relaxing in Wildcatter's "infinity edge" pool, which has incredible views of the Brazos River Valley, guests can go on a scavenger hunt, play cow pasture golf, enjoy the many hiking and biking trails, try bird watching and fossil hunting, visit the resort's library, play a board game, get a firsthand look at the Wildcatter's herd of longhorns, or watch a Western movie before turning in for the night. There are also additional activities from which to choose.

 

If relaxation is a priority, guests can visit SAGE, the spa at Wildcatter Ranch.  From the Western Cleansing Facial to the Texas Stone Massage, the team of professionals at SAGE has just the right treatments to make any stay at the Wildcatter Ranch soothing and unforgettable. SAGE features a full menu of spa treatments, including facials and massages.

 

Activities Near Wildcatter

For guests who are staying the week, there's plenty to do in and around Graham

as well, and Wildcatter employees are available to assist in scheduling these activities. For starters, guests can take a historical walking tour of Graham and visit the town's museum and historic downtown square. They can also visit Fort Belknap, a frontier fort established in 1851 to protect early settlers from the Indians. Fort Belknap was a weekly stop on the famous Butterfield Overland Stage Route that lasted from 1857 to 1861.

 

Guests who want to walk the walk can get fitted for cowboy boots and a hat at Welsh's Western Wear in Graham. Many guests also enjoy spending the day at nearby Possum Kingdom Lake and enjoying the sandy beach at the enclosed swim area, fly fishing below the dam, scuba diving at Scuba Point, or the many hiking and biking trails in the area. There is also exquisite golfing at The Cliffs or Graham Country Club.

 

When the day is over, guests need walk no further than the award-winning Wildcatter Steakhouse to put the perfect ending on their day. Winner of the "Judge's Choice" award at the "Big Taste of Fort Worth" and the "Award of  Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine, Wildcatter Steakhouse features spectacular views of the North Texas Hill Country and a genuine Texan menu to match - "hand-cut" mesquite grilled steaks, barbeque, fresh fish and old standbys like chicken-fried steak.

 

Situated inside the Wildcatter Steakhouse is The Blowout Saloon, the resort's private club bar, which also received the Wine Spectator Award for 2007. The two newest drinks added to the menu include the Frozen Tiramisu and the Catter Cooler - a sugar-free fruity beverage.

 

Customized Ranch Experiences

Because there is so much to do at the ranch, Wildcatter offers "customized ranch experiences" to help visitors experience it all. These packages can include rooms, activities (such as horseback riding, hay rides, historic tours), meals and more for individuals, couples and families. Among the packages available is the "Western Romance Package," which includes a one-hour massage, horse-drawn surrey ride, overnight luxury accommodations and dinner at Wildcatter Steakhouse.

 

Each year, Wildcatter Ranch also offers a variety of Signature Series Workshops that provide the perfect escape from daily routines for Texans and non-Texans alike. Special room rates are also available for these workshops, and some meals are included.

 

 Additional information or photography is available by contacting Brian Briscoe of Tucker & Associates at (214) 252-0900 or brian@tuckerpr.com. Information is also available on Wildcatter Ranch website, www.wildcatterranch.com.