Just ten miles from downtown Georgetown, the Central Texas Olive Ranch is as versatile a destination as you could want for an evening out or an all-day event.
Olive expert Josh Swafford is the sixth generation of his family to farm the land that now boasts more than 23,000 olive trees, a very successful olive oil business… and so much more.
Josh says the growth of the agritourism business inspired him to evolve his flourishing farm into an event center. The Ranch is now a popular choice for families, clubs, businesses, and folks of all ages to enjoy the peace of the Walburg countryside with the perks of good food, games and plenty of space to entertain in all seasons.
WHAT TO DO AT THE RANCH
The Ranch is open Thursday through Sunday for activities and retail sales of their popular olive oils, which are pressed right on the property and come in flavored varieties like chipotle, garlic and more.
During happy hour, guests are encouraged to sidle up to the bar for wine tastings, as well as fresh French bread dipping in any of the flavored oils and Tuscany spices on the side.
Plus, knowing that it has been used in beauty products since the days of ancient Egypt, the Ranch has olive oil-based soap, serum and lip balm available too.
RELAX & CELEBRATE
Guests on Friday nights get a steak-to-order dinner cooked on an open fire right outside the dining room; dinner begins at 6pm until the chef runs out. Josh recommends arriving early!
After dinner on Friday and Saturday nights there is live music and even a chance the kids might get to see a demonstration from the oil press in the dining room.
Outside, there is a 4,000 sq/ft patio with nine fire pits and plenty of seating. Just a step further you’ll find Texas-sized Ladder Ball and other lawn games, plus plenty of space to walk and see the olives up close.
Kids can leave the screens behind—wander and run through the orchard.
Once a month, there is an outdoor projection Movie Night, as well as special events for Sun City residents and additional senior discounts on planned events. Check their web calendar for updates.
Tours of the ranch are available on Saturdays from noon to 9pm. Josh says they frequently entertain field trips, car clubs and corporate events and retreats. “We have a lot of great space, and we are happy to close to the public for private events. We invite people to have whatever kind of event makes them happy; fundraisers, dinners, weddings, graduations and more.”
Fall is a busy time at the Ranch and with the holiday season approaching, Josh says the calendar will be filling up quickly with special events and parties. He recommends reserving your date by October 1 to get your first choice. Tables and chairs are provided and guests can invite a caterer of their choice.
Mark your calendar for the 2019 Olive Fest, October 19th
FREE ADMISSION: Live Music, Hayride Tours of The Orchard, Food Trucks,
local Beer and Wine, Punkin Chunkin’, Raffle Price Items, fresh Olive Oil
Tastings, Cooking Demonstrations, Bounce Houses, Crafts and more
The Expert Says…
Josh says, “Olive oil is a ‘healthy’ fat. The predominant fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which helps reduce inflammation. It also contains lots of antioxidants and protects your blood cholesterol.”
With 23,000 trees, the Ranch expects to glean about 6,000 gallons of oil per year and often gets much more; sometimes as many as 15,000. In 2019, Josh says, the crop wasn’t as high as expected because the orchard got plenty of rain. “So much rain is really good for the trees, but it is hard for the fruit.”
Our olive scientist explains that the trees grow olives as a defense against dry periods. The trees produce more fruit to hold water in reserve when rain or moisture is more scarce.
Visit the ranch at 5251 FM972 in Georgetown… TXOLIVE.com