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

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!

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

In honor or being in Texas, this week’s recipe comes from the lone star state….Texas Style Chili.

Ingredients

20 Small Dried Hot chili peppers or 2 Tablespoons crushed Red Pepper

2 Dried Ancho peppers or 2 Tablespoons chili Powder

3/4 Pound beef Round steak, Cut Into 1/2-Inch Cubes

2 Tablespoons Cooking oil

3/4 Pound Boneless pork, Cut Into 1/2-Inch Cubes

1 Cup Chopped onion

3 cloves Garlic, Minced

1 Tablespoon Ground cumin

1/2 Teaspoon paprika

1/4 Teaspoon Ground black Pepper

1 14-1/2-Ounce Can beef Broth

1 12-Ounce Can beer

3 Cups Hot Cooked pinto Beans And/Or Hot Cooked rice

Sliced Jalapeno peppers (optional)


Directions

Crush Hot chili peppers, if Using. Remove Stems And Seeds From Ancho peppers, if Using; Cut Into 1-Inch Pieces. Put hot Peppers And Ancho peppers Into a Blender Container or Food Processor Bowl. Cover And Blend or Process Until Ground. Let pepper Dust Settle Before Opening Blender or Food Processor. (if Using crushed Red Pepper And chili Powder, Stir Them Together.) Set Aside.


In a Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven Cook Half of The Meat in Hot oil Until Brown. Remove Meat And Set Aside. Add Remaining Meat, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, Ground black Pepper, And Ground chili Pepper Mixture (or The crushed Red Pepper And chili Powder Mixture, if Using). Cook Until Meat is Brown. Return All Meat to Saucepan. Stir in beef Broth And beer. Bring to Boiling. Reduce Heat And Simmer, Covered, For 45 Minutes. Uncover And Simmer About 30 Minutes More or Until Meat is Tender And Sauce is Desired Consistency, Stirring Occasionally. Serve With Hot Cooked pinto Beans or rice. Garnish With Sliced Jalapeno peppers, if Desired. Makes 6 Servings.


Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare chili; Cool Slightly. Transfer to 1- to 4-Serving Size Freezer Containers. Seal, Label, And Freeze up to 1 Month. to Reheat, Transfer Frozen chili to Saucepan. Cook Over Medium Heat Until Heated Through, Stirring Occasionally to Break Apart.

Makes 6 servings

Prep: 20 Minutes

Cook: 1 Hour 15 Minutes