I am known for not being an outdoors-woman….I’m more well known for how well I can work a city.  So when I told my friends and family I was going to spend a few days on a guest ranch in Texas…the immediate reaction was to get me strait to the hospital. What they did not know is that I had picked a guest ranch that catered to my luxury seeking heart, Wildcatter Ranch…as the owners call it “the resort ranch on the texas range.”

Located about two hours northwest of Dallas…or the metroplex, as the locals say….the Wildcatter Ranch is 1,500 acres of pure Texan bliss. The resort consists of 16 uniquely decorated suites grouped in four cabins. As with all elements of the resort, the rooms are the perfect marriage of luxury and western wilderness. Each suite has it’s own unique theme which reflects a distinct chapter of local history, personified through antique photos and memorabilia.

Wildcatter has taken every effort to make sure that guests remain entertained and pampered throughout their stay.  Each morning starts with a buffet breakfast in which the activities directors take time to chat with each guest to plan out their day.  The resident cowboy Jay also makes the rounds to answer any questions that you might have on how a ranch works.

After breakfast most guests head out to partake in a fun yet messy activity, feeding the Longhorns (lots of slobber…but still fun so don’t chicken out). From there, guest disperse into the wilderness to do the plethora of outdoor activities the ranch offers, which range from horse back riding, canoeing, archery, fishing, skeet shooting and hiking.  For those who come to relax, Wildcatter is equally prepared with a beautiful spa, infinity pool and jacuzzi.

The day ends with breathtaking sunsets, which are best soaked in from the rocking chairs located on your room’s back porch, followed by the complimentary happy hour in the hotel’s lobby bar.  

The resort is home to the Wildcatter Steakhouse, the areas most sought after restaurant.  The steaks are to die for and it is all thanks to the head chef’s attention to detail.  ”Bob the cook,” as the chef prefers to be called, hand cuts all the steaks personally, rubs on his secret blend of spices and cooks the steaks on a mesquite grill.  The menu also features Texan staples like chicken-fried steak and amazing ribs…which is a huge compliment coming from someone who normally despises ribs.  My favorite part of the restaurant was that you get to interact with locals as it is “the” place to be in Young County for dinner and drinks.

By the end of your stay you will find it hard to part with the peaceful tranquility that Wildcatter has to offer. The suite prices range from $149-$369 per night and include breakfast and all activities, minus horse back riding, skeet shooting and spa services.  The ranch also offers a less expensive alternative to the suites with their new 16 room hotel complex that is part of the events hall, these rooms range from $99-$199.  For more info visit wildcatterranch.com