Meetings in Texas are made all the more memorable when you add Western flair. Whether rustic with blue jeans and a game of horseshoes or refined with a Texas tuxedo and passed hors d’oeuvres, Western touches help gatherings embody all things Texas in a way that attendees might well enjoy.
Ranches offer the perfect backdrop for a Western-themed event, and planners will find no shortage of options throughout the state. If you have adventurous attendees, meet outdoors and even encourage camping to get a real taste of the Texas lifestyle. If city access is a necessity, book one of many Western-style hotels that boasts interior design echoing the elements of Texas landscapes and history. Or use decor to turn a neutral-toned convention center into a rodeo-themed weekend attendees are sure to remember.
Becky Navarro, founder of Pearl Events Austin, says the right venues or theme styling can give attendees the Western flair they expect from Texas. Here, we tip our hat to some venues that provide just that.
Saddle up and take a riding or roping lesson at a local ranch for true Western experiences. “Ranches are the great adventure where guests find bursts of freedom and creativity all while being surrounded by the most friendly and entertaining staff,” says Kalli Doubleday,
co-owner of Wildcatter Ranch & Resort in Graham, just west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. “Being able to walk out of the corporate meeting space and immediately see views of the Texas Hill Country or ride through the Brazos River Valley on horseback is the perfect addition to build memories with your team, let the landscape recharge the spirit, and find new creativity.”
Wildcatter Ranch & Resort offers 16 hotel rooms, 16 cabin suites, and two homes, accommodating 70 attendees in double occupancy or 36 in single occupancy. The 14,000-square-foot Ranch House and Estate can house five to 10 more attendees in the four-bedroom man-sion and barn apartment. Multiple meeting rooms offer space for small
groups up to 150. Attendees might enjoy activities including archery, ax throwing, and clay shooting, as well as booking with the property’s outfitter for a day spent fly-fishing or hunting.
Recreational vehicle (RV) life is gaining popularity, and roughing it at a campsite or in a log cabin can immerse attendees in a classic Western environment. The Loft–Rustic Creek Ranch is located south of Fort Worth in Burleson and offers the countryside seclusion within driving distance of an international airport.
“With its blend of rustic charm and modern conveniences, the venue is designed to meet a wide variety of needs, from intimate gatherings to large events,” says Marcie Purviance, the venue’s marketing, events, and operations manager. North Texas Jellystone Park, a favorite for weekend getaways, is adjacent to the ranch. “North Texas Jellystone Park offers numerous unique lodging options to accommodate groups of all sizes, from unique cozy cabins to spacious RV sites,” Purviance says. In the fall, the ranch’s scenic trails allow for breathtaking nature walks, and in winter, heated indoor spaces ensure cozy evenings by the fire.
“At The Loft–Rustic Creek Ranch, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of event planners at every stage,” says Purviance. “Before the event, we offer unlimited site visits so planners can thoroughly fami-liarize themselves with the venue. Our flexible payment options
accommodate various budget needs, and our open vendor policy allows for personalized service choices.”
If Western flair is what you’re after, the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-see. The historic pens and brick streets harken back to a time when millions of cattle were driven through the area on the way to railheads. Several hotels are located within the Stockyards National Historic District, so groups will not only get a firsthand experience watching the daily cattle drive that happens along East Exchange Avenue but also have the opportunity to stay in historic properties that are keeping true Western charm alive.
The Stockyards Hotel, established in 1907, offers multiple meeting spaces for small gatherings of up to 100 attendees. The 52-room boutique hotel creates an eclectic feel with a design inspired by Texas, Western, and Victorian styles. Nearby, Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, was built in 2021 and is best described as “Western glam.” The boutique hotel offers nearly 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space complete with fire pits, a music stage, and outdoor games. Meeting packages can accommo-date gatherings of up to 250 attendees.
hoteldrover.com
theloftrcr.com
stockyardshotel.com
wildcatterranch.com
