Citygirl becomes a cowgirl

Posted by Staff in Luxury Monday, Texas

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.

Natural landscaping

Posted by Staff in Eco Saturdays, Texas

If there was an “eco-landscaping award,” the winner would be the Wildcatter Ranch.  Their gardner used wild plants found on the 1,500 acre ranch to landscape all resort buildings.  Even the flowers and rocks lining the fountains at the restaurant, were found on the property.

Now that is eco-landscaping!

Silly Longhorn

Posted by Staff in Foto Fridays, Texas

A longhorn with aspirations to be a stand-up comedian.  Taken at the Wildcatter Ranch in Texas.

Deal hunting on the town square

Posted by Staff in Budget Thursdays, Texas

When you think of a shopping trip…cities like Paris and Rome automatically come to mind…but during my trip to Texas I found the joy of bargain shopping in a small country town.  

Seven miles from the Wildcatter Ranch sits the picturesque town of Graham, Texas.  The town is home to America’s largest town square and looks like Hill Valley in the 1950′s (the fictional town in “Back to the Future”).  Lining this square is a treasure trove of antique shops, boutiques and an adorable 1940′s art deco movie theater. 

The best place to start your bargain shopping is at Frances’ Fabric Store. Although you might not be in the market for fabric, Frances sells her handmade handiwork at phenomenal prices…pillowcases for $6 and zippered pouches made of recycled jeans for $1…she also sells handmade women’s undergarments.

Next, cruise on over to Our Neck of The Woods to find a finely edited mix of antiques and home decor.  The building is a historical landmark and served as the Young County Jail from 1878-1921…the store still has one of the original cell doors open for visitors to walk through.

For new fashion at great prices, head over to Sat ‘N Spur and Jailhouse Boutique.  Both stores carry indie designer names like Tina Turk and Ed Hardy at prices not found in big cities.

To end off your shopping trip stop at Mark’s Gallery, an antique shop that has a tearoom set in the middle of the store.  The scrumptious lunches are served on mismatched antique china, and the menu is a mix of salads and sandwiches (all on homemade breads)…but make sure to leave room for the homemade desserts.  While there, I found a fabulous 1960′s gold lame purse for only $6, along with a 1950′s tea serving set for $10.

Who would have ever thought that small town American shopping could be as enjoyable as Paris!