Corporate Events Center Texas Weddings Ranch Vacation

Anne Street Skipper is a great granddaughter of Colonel E. S. Graham, the founder of Graham, Texas. She is also Managing Partner of Wildcatter Ranch Resort and Spa. Anne hopes you enjoy her insight into Wildcatter Ranch Resort and Spa.

Entered: Jul 29, 2010 at 11:27 AM

As July comes to a close, our wonderful student summer workers start to leave us. It is so nice to be able to count on several of our "kids" who come back summers and holidays to work at the ranch. Most started working for us when they were in high school and now that they are grown up college students, we get to enjoy their developing maturity. We couldn't manage without them and we miss them between visits. This summer we have enjoyed having, Kelly, Marjorie, Lance, Bryan and Ryan home. Here's hoping they have a safe successful year off at their schools.

Entered: Jul 24, 2010 at 6:57 AM

We've moved the donkeys to the pen up by the Steakhouse and Hotel. They are so adorable and happy to get "treats" and have their noses petted. We used to have a couple of horses up there but the pen was really too small for such large animals so we had to keep moving them down to the pasture and all our guests missed them. I think having the donkeys there will be the best of both worlds! We've had the donkeys for almost 15 years now. We got them when my children were little and had them out at my father-in-law's house for years and now that he's gone, we moved them to the ranch. They are really pets and will love all the attention.

Entered: Jun 28, 2010 at 7:02 AM

I just got home from several days in Florida at Disneyworld. A Disney vacation is a lot of fun. It is also a marathon of running from ride to ride and waiting in line after line since you can only get one "fast pass" every few hours. It's hot, humid and amazingly crowded considering how many thousands of acres and Parks there are to explore. There is nothing like it and everyone should experience the fun sometime in their life. Walt Disney was a genius. However . . . now that I'm home I want to put a plug in for a nice ranch vacation. I am lucky enough to live on site at Wildcatter. I came home to a lovely summer shower (it is not always this pleasant, but today is actually cool for summer) The fields are green, the sky is full of puffy white clouds, there are quiet trails to walk and bike, families are playing games together and filling their days with trail rides, canoeing, swimming and archery. Major (the old bloodhound who adopted us) is hanging around. Bob is smoking something that smells delicious. Disney is a happy memory, but I am SO VERY glad to be home!

Entered: Jun 21, 2010 at 6:35 AM

I got up early this morning because my dogs just had to go out. Normally I get up early but not quite so early. But this was a wonderful problem. I got to see the most beautiful sunrise I am no writer but the morning sky went from inky blue to baby blue with cotton candy clouds all white, grey and pink. My daughter used to say that God had His watercolor paints out when she saw such a beautiful scene. I think she said it all.

Entered: Jun 20, 2010 at 7:24 AM

This week I get to go on vacation. I'm going to Disneyworld with the whole family. I was thinking how nice it is that I can be away from the ranch and not have to worry. Bob and Jason and crew have some big projects going in addition to their regular duties, but they are calm and ready. I hope that the good working relations behind the scenes translates to our guests' experience.

Entered: Jun 15, 2010 at 2:12 PM

It rained this morning! We got just the right amount. Poor Oklahoma and Arkansas got more than they needed and had so much sadness. But we are thankful for our one inch overnight. Now the sun is shining and everything is fresh and clean. Why is it that I can run sprinklers all the time, but it takes a real rain to truly make the grounds look so fresh?

Entered: Jun 5, 2010 at 7:30 AM

I find it interesting how a cool patio, live music, cold drinks transforms a variety of people into a common group. I went out to Party on the Patio for a little while last night and wandered around the crowd. It was obvious that they were from different backgrounds. We had the Cowboys, real and pretend, the weekenders from the Lake and the townsfolk, all who were linked by the music and the setting. If I were a sociologist, I'd have something to write about. But, I'm not, so I'll just say it's darned interesting.

Entered: May 31, 2010 at 6:55 PM

Today is Memorial Day. I am aware that this is a day to remember fallen veterans. I am remembering those we have lost. But, I am thinking of all the veterans who have visited Wildcatter as part of Project Odyssey. They have served us and fallen too but they are with us still and have stories to tell. Are we willing to listen?

Entered: May 23, 2010 at 7:29 AM

It's a sunny Sunday! After a busy weekend of weddings dinners, girlfriend getaways we will take a big breath and get ready for this next week. Party on the Patio starts on Friday and we have another wedding on Saturday. Schools are dismissing for the summer so families will start coming to see us. I say a big "thank you" to all our guests and I hope you have a wonderful experience at Wildcatter..

Entered: May 21, 2010 at 7:40 AM

We have had a very cool Spring and just now are feeling our usual warm season so the snakes are just moving. This week we had a group of school kids who got to see two rattlesnakes and one copperhead! We have warning signs saying to watch out for rocks and snakes, but most people don't pay any mind. I was talking to one teacher this week who was actually pleased they had seen the big dangerous snakes. It helped her point out the value in our warnings.

Entered: May 15, 2010 at 8:43 AM

It has rained on and off for two days and more is expected today and tomorrow. On top of that we have two weddings back to back and they're supposed to be outside. This spring has been cool and wet so the scenery is amazing and maybe we'll get lucky and have a break in the weather just in time for the ceremonies, but just in case, Julie has been juggling all the arrangements so both brides and their families will have perfect days. That's just what Wildcatter is all about. Thanks, Julie, for paying so much attention to our guests!

Entered: May 12, 2010 at 8:06 AM

We've been learning lately. Various staff members have been traveling all around and attending classes. It is so good to be able to keep learning. We have three employees who completed the DFWATC Certified Tourism Ambassador class. Two of us went to Corpus Christi to attend the TTIA and TxDot workshop on Cultural and Heritage Tourism and this week two are off to Tampa to learn the new update for our reservation system. If we are going to continue to be able to offer our guests excellent service and experiences, we need to keep learning.

Entered: Apr 26, 2010 at 8:02 AM

There could not be a more beautiful morning to be at the ranch. There are lovely white birds flying above the Brazos River. They are more white because the river is the color of milk chocolate. I wish you could all see it.

Entered: Apr 24, 2010 at 6:43 PM

I have been in the company of travel writers for a couple of days and I am feeling a bit unsure of myself as I write tonight. They are truely wordsmiths and make Wildcatter sound better than I could ever do. We spent this morning doing interviews for Kevin McCarthy's Travel Planners Radio Show, followed by a lovely day wandering around the Graham, Texas courthouse square. Our guests spend the afternoon on a horseback ride and taking pictures around the ranch. I am headed over to the Steakhouse now for another great meal prepared by Bob and the Steakhouse crew. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to be sure I'm awake. What a life I live!

Entered: Apr 20, 2010 at 7:28 PM

On Sunday night Bob and his two best right hand men won the People's Choice Award at the Big Taste of Fort Worth. I was there and it was so much fun to watch Bob, Dave and Toby in action. They served Baby Back Ribs and Beef Tenderloin. Both meats were delicious, but I think the food tasted better because Bob and the guys made the experience so much fun. Good job!

Entered: Apr 12, 2010 at 11:19 AM

Spring Greetings, everyone! I apologize for being away so long. Truthfully, I didn't know that you were really reading my blogs. Since you are, I'll continue. If you look on the website under photos, you'll see how beautiful the Texas bluebonnets are this month. Our miserable winter has brought forth a bounty of wildflowers and we are thrilled. This week we will host one of our famous Wine Dinners. Thursday, April 15 in the steakhouse, Bob will be paying tribute to some of the best Texas wines on the market. John Otis,winemaker and owner of Crossroads Vineyard, will facilitate a memorable evening with great wine and an excellent meal prepared by Bob and his team in the steakhouse.

Entered: Nov 24, 2009 at 2:16 PM

Happy Thanksgiving! It is impossible to prepare for Thanksgiving Day without thinking about all the things we have to be thankful for. Here at the Ranch we have to count our blessings every day. We are situated on 1500 acres of the most beautiful North Texas Hill Country with scenic views out over the Brazos River valley. The weather this Fall has been fantastic and we were blessed with a season of beautiful Fall color. Our staff has been healthy and our livestock is hearty. We have enough food stored away for the winter and much of it we grew ourselves. You, our guests, have continued to visit us and eat with us. We are thankful for you. We hear from and continue to be thankful for our veterans who have stayed with us through the Wounded Warrior Project. We are in awe of their service and are thankful to sleep peacefully because of those who serve and protect us. Blessings to you all and best wishes for a wonderful holiday filled with friends and family.

Your Wildcatter Family

Entered: Nov 2, 2009 at 1:09 PM

It's been a long time since I've written. Fall is a very busy time at the ranch. Honestly, if you haven't been to Texas in the Fall, you must try to come. We did have more rain than usual in October, but most of the days were cool and sunny. We had our first Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre in the Hotel. It was a huge success. We provided the place and our local regional theatre group provided the entertainment. We will certainly have a repeat performance next year.

Entered: Sep 7, 2009 at 11:58 AM

There are times when I just don't know what to do. No matter how hard we try, we just can't please every guest. We can have 20 rooms check out and 19 will be thrilled with their stay and food and service and 1 will have had the worst time they ever had. How can we improve? How can we make 100% of our guests happy? We spend time examining what the dissatisfied guest is complaining about. Can we use what he has to say to improve? Are we as clear as we can be with directions and information? Just so you all know out there in the virtual world, we are trying to make all our guests happy and hope they will come back again. If we haven't made you happy, talk to us, we want you to enjoy your time with us.

Entered: Aug 27, 2009 at 4:42 PM

I am going to go out of town next week. Sometimes I wonder why I travel. I live and work in the most amazing place with beautiful views. Some mornings I watch the day break over the palo pinto hills and think I will never want to move away from that spot. But, travel beckons and I go. We travel to rest and be exposed to new experiences. Every time I go someplace, I come back full of ideas to try at the ranch. Travel makes me better and I hope, makes the ranch better.

Entered: Aug 17, 2009 at 11:54 AM

I am compelled to talk about my staff this morning. We were very busy over the weekend and even though some were not scheduled to work, they came in anyway and stayed well into the evening to help out. And, Sunday lunch was especially good. I don't always eat at the Steakhouse. If I did, I'd be as big as a barn. Yesterday, I did get to enjoy our family style lunch and the vegetables were wonderful! Dave came out and said hello and I must say, Dave's become quite the assistant manager! We've been together almost 6 years now and I feel like a proud Mama. Everyone goes the second mile to be sure our guests have the best experience possible.

Entered: Aug 10, 2009 at 11:12 AM

By Pico Iyer

"We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again-to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love one more.

Yet for me the first great joy of traveling is simply the luxury of leaving all my beliefs and certainties at home, and seeing everything I thought I knew in a different light, and from a crooked angle.

The freedom of traveling comes from the fact that it whirls you around and turns you upside down, and stands everything you took for granted on its head."

I've been thinking lately about why people travel and if Wildcatter responds to the needs of the traveling public. In many ways, I believe we do allow our guests to see the world in a different light. I hope that a stay with us changes something in our guest. That they leave feeling as if they learned something new, experienced a new activity and found relief from their daily life. Miss Anne

Entered: Aug 3, 2009 at 12:39 PM

The past two weekends have been busy and exciting at the ranch. We have hosted two large weddings. Both were beautiful and very different from the other. It never ceases to amaze me how the ranch can transform into the dream destination for each bride. We have had orchids cascading from the chandeliers to wildflowers in buckets on the front porch and both are equally beautiful. Choosing a place for the biggest party of your life isn't an easy task. We try to make choosing Wildcatter as painless as possible and do our very best to make your celebration everything you've ever dreamed of.

Entered: Jul 28, 2009 at 1:17 PM

I was reading an article this morning about how the enconomy has affected the typical dude ranch in a negative way. I am so thankful that is not the case here at Wildcatter. We have weathered the downturn in the economy pretty well. I think the reason for this is that we do not require a week long stay and that we attract the corporate client as well as the family in search of a real western experience. In addition to these guests we are a spectacular setting for a destination wedding. We are a special destination for all types of visitors. Thank you for visiting our web site and I hope we see you at the ranch one of these days.

Entered: Jul 20, 2009 at 10:13 AM

We like for our guests to learn as much as they want about the history of Young County when they visit Wildcatter. We were at the hub of both the pioneer activities in the middle and late 1800's and of the oil boom of the 1920's and 1930's. In fact, four films and a multitude of books are based on these happenings. We have collected many of the books for our Library here at the ranch and invite our guests to spend some time in the Library during their stay. We also have a wonderful Young County Driving Tour that includes a map of the County and a CD with stories and directions that can be played in your car as you drive. The staff is also knowledgable about the history and is eager to share the stories with anyone who will listen.

Entered: Jul 12, 2009 at 6:09 PM

I came into the office today and found a stack of guest comment cards on my desk. I can't help but be pleased with the comments. Our activity staff is made up of all-stars. Each one of these men is mentioned over and over. I have to thank my lucky stars that Jeremy, Brian, Ryan, Don and Al are part of the Wildcatter team.

Entered: Jul 9, 2009 at 11:04 AM

This past weekend was a grand celebration of our Country's freedom. Wildcatter hosted its 5th annual Back 40 Texas Music and Independence Day Festival. The bands were Josh Abbott and Wade Bowen. About 2000 people gathered for food, fun and fireworks on June 5th. We had a nice rain earlier in the day and we had a break in the hot weather just in time for the bands to start playing and the fireworks to light up the sky. A portion of the proceeds went to help the Wounded Warrior Project and we had one of the Veterans stay with us and attend the event. The highlight for me was when the 4 year old son of our Veteran asked to sing God Bless America for the crowd. It was such an innocent request and a perfect expression of what we were all there to celebrate. I'm already looking forward to next year.

Entered: Jun 29, 2009 at 3:29 PM

I talked about a group of girlfriends who were on an adventure at Wildcatter the other day. Today, I want to tell you about a different group of girlfriends who had a completely other experience. These girls had been friends long ago when their husbands were going through graduate school. They had all moved to different cities and lived their lives. They had made a pledge to travel to someplace once a year to spend time together and here they were 25 years later at Wildcatter for that annual trip. This group wanted to visit. They enjoyed the back porch of their lodge suite, the lounge chairs beside the pool and the round table at breakfast. There is something for everyone at the Wildcatter. What are you looking for?

Entered: Jun 22, 2009 at 9:34 AM

A group of girlfriends visited the ranch the other day. They had so much fun. Being a girl myself I know how it is. We defer to our husbands and children all the time. We don’t go first. We don’t try the “guy thing.” We certainly don’t shoot guns! But these girls did. They went on trail rides, fed the longhorns and shot the rifles at those orange sporting clay “birds.” When they would return from one of these activities, they would be laughing and bragging about who did the best. No one cared that their hair was windblown or that they hadn’t put on any makeup. Fun was the reason for coming to the ranch and they were celebrating fun.

Entered: Jun 18, 2009 at 1:55 PM

Tickets have gone on sale for Wildcatter’s annual Back 40 Music and Fireworks Independence Celebration. This year it will be held on Sunday night, July 5. Each year this event has grown and this year we expect 2000 to 3000 guests to come. Josh Abbott and Wade Bowen will be the featured bands and the Fireworks will again be amazing. The cost before the event is $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12 years. It will cost you $5 more at the gate. We will have ATM’s available, so this year’s event will be “cash only.” No coolers allowed.

Entered: Jun 6, 2009 at 6:54 PM

When was the last time you just sat out on the back porch? I’m sitting on the back porch as I write here at Wildcatter. I lived in the city for a very long time and now that I’m back in the country I marvel at so many things. How many shades of green are there? As I look out over the Brazos River Valley I lose count if I’m honest and try to count every variety of green I can see. And then there is the noise. What was that, a frog, a bird, a cricket? It’s a little symphony and no one is out of tune.

Entered: May 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM

Our Wrangler reminded me the other day that Will Rogers once said that “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” We see that truth played out day in and day out at Wildcatter Ranch. Guests come to us from their busy lives and we have the opportunity to watch them slow down and relax as their visits progress. Not everyone wants to ride a horse. Many guests haven’t ridden since childhood. But those who visit the barn, spend time with our wranglers and go on a trail ride get a completely different view of the ranch. They have the time to experience the partnership of man and horse and to relax into the Cowboy way of life. A trail ride at Wildcatter is a treat that should not be missed.

Entered: May 18, 2009 at 11:28 AM

Meetings are often the reason people first visit the Wildcatter. Our secluded environment is perfect to get away from the office and plan for the future. We are not a large place, with 32 guest rooms and a small cabin we cannot accommodate large numbers of people. We are not too small either. We have a variety of meeting rooms equipped with all the current audio video equipment. I'd say we are adaptable. Tell us what you are looking for and we'll try to make it happen. Wildcatter is the "Just Right" place for your next meeting.

Entered: May 11, 2009 at 3:04 PM

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. Bob and the Wildcatter Steakhouse crew laid out such a bountiful buffet. Ham, prime rib, rosemary potatoes, vegetables, boiled shrimp, salmon and salad were the supporting characters. But the stars had to be the cream of jalapeno soup and that fun chocolate fountain! Families gathered around their mothers and grandmothers. What a wonderful place to spend time together as a family!

Entered: Feb 14, 2009 at 12:18 PM

Happy Valentine's Day from Wildcatter! We've had a lovely winter with only one icy day so far. Our Western Romance Package and Valentine's Day Package have both been well received and we expect to send lots of couples out in the surrey this afternoon. Spring Break is filling up, so call soon if you want to come see us.

Entered: Jan 17, 2009 at 2:26 PM

Happy New Year! It's been a while since I've written to you. November and December were very busy here at Wildcatter Ranch. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day Buffet and a full house in the cabins and hotel over the holidays. Santa's arrival was very exciting as he and Mrs. Claus arrived in the surry to cheers from the group gathered on the front porch of the Hotel. We all decorated Christmas cookies and listened as the First United Methodist Church's Bell Choir played their Christmas Concert. New Year's Eve featured the band, Random Axis, from the DFW Metroplex and the guests danced the night away!

The New Year is starting off strong with lots of dinners and parties in January. We have a wonderful package for February that includes two nights in a romantic Wildcatter suite with rosepetals on the bed, a "sweetheart" surrey ride with champagne, a 50-minute couples massage, and dinner for two at the award winning steakhouse. The rate for this "Romance Under the Texas Stars" Package is only $529 for two!

Come see us in 2009! We are having fun and we want you to join us!

Entered: Oct 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM

It's October in Texas! I personally believe this is the best time to visit the Lone Star State! The weather is cooling off and the leaves are turning yellow and red. We don't have the brilliant colors of the North East, but it is still quite lovely.

On October 1st we moved into our new Hotel and Conference Center. We now have 32 guest rooms and the Homestead. We added 4 meeting rooms and a Grand Hall so now we are ready to accommodate even more destination weddings and meetings and parties.

Check back for new pictures in the "gallery."

Miss Anne

Entered: Sep 1, 2008 at 5:20 PM

Happy first day of September! Around here that means Dove Hunting Season has begun. It is Texas, after all and the climate and land around here really attracts the birds and the hunters follow. The resort was fully occupied over the weekend and the weather was wonderful. Just hot enough, but the sky sported enough puffy white clouds to provide occasional shade.

I was outside this morning taking a look at the progress on the new Hotel and Bob was cooking something wonderful out behind the steakhouse in the smoker and I just thought to myself that life just couldn't get much better.

If you've been here, you know what I mean. If not, come and find out.

Entered: Aug 15, 2008 at 1:44 PM

Greetings from the Ranch! We had a nice rain today and it's a bit cooler. Thank goodness! We have had a wonderful summer thanks to all of you, our guests. We hope you have enjoyed your stays and will make plans to come back again. Our new web site is "live." Please keep checking back to see what is coming up. Fall in Texas is the very best time to visit, so make your plans and be sure to say "hi" when you are here.

Entered: Jul 2, 2008 at 4:07 PM

Hello everyone! This is my first Blog. I am the General Manager of Wildcatter Ranch & Resort. My name is Anne Skipper. I was raised in a little town in North Central Texas called Graham. We are about 90 miles northwest of Fort Worth, 60 miles south of Wichita Falls, and 90 miles northeast of Abilene. I am married and have two children and for the past 33 years, have lived in Fort Worth. Last year we moved back to Graham and I am able to spend my time working here at the ranch. I'll be writing occasionally about what's going on at the ranch and in Graham. I hope you'll check back often.

Anne is a recipient of the Fort Worth Business Press "Great Women in Texas" for 2009.