THE NEW SOUTHERN G E TAWAY
WILSONWOOD RETREAT is a unique Southern getaway located in the Black Belt of Alabama that provides each guest with the chance to get outdoors, learn something new, and have a memorable, adventurous vacation.
history
The Wilson family farm was founded in 1925. Wilsonwood Retreat officially opened in 1990.
Wilsonwood Retreat, located in the Black Belt of Alabama, is one of the most unique getaways in the Southeast. While it was originally known as Wilsonwood Plantation, it served as the home of George and Marcia Wilson and their five children, Matthew, Elizabeth, Lynn, Mitchell and Haley. In 1925, George Wilson purchased the land and built a house with the intention of providing for and raising his family there. He was a farmer and a timber salesman, and he and his family worked to grow and improve Wilsonwood over many years, and it slowly became one of the largest estates in Alabama.
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By the 1960s, the Plantation was self-sufficient and Mr. Wilson had acquired over 10,000 acres of land surrounding the house. After the death of George Wilson in 1970, the surrounding towns were quickly becoming more modernized and growing in population. Around the same time, the remaining family members were ready to move to a more urban area to pursue other employment and educational opportunities; however, they did not want to forego the place in which they all grew up together.
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HISTORY // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
In 1984, Michael Wilson, the son of Matthew Wilson and grandson of George Wilson, suggested that the family convert their farm into a retreat so that they could share their love of the outdoors with others. Michael had recently graduated from the University of Alabama with a Business degree and was looking for a unique opportunity to begin his career. Although he saw great potential in his family’s farm, he wanted to modernize it and the way in which it operated. Michael, with his family’s help, renamed the farm Wilsonwood Retreat and began the process of converting the family residence into a modern, welcoming vacation spot.
From the beginning, Michael’s objective was to create a unique retreat that would provide its guests with a comfortable, active outdoor and hunting experience at a welcoming Southern getaway. Although he and his siblings had grown up hunting and exploring the outdoors, he knew that there was a large group of young adults in the Southeast that would be interested in these activities, but simply had nowhere to learn how to participate in them. Michael hired staff members that were specifically qualified to manage the land and to teach and assist others in the process of learning how to hunt, ride horses, and shoot shotguns and rifles.
Wilsonwood Retreat officially opened in 1990 and has been growing in popularity and size ever since. The retreat differs from most Southern hunting lodges in both its desire to attract new, inexperienced guests and its attempt to modernize the environment in which traditional Southern activities take place. It fills a need in Alabama for a more universal getaway that merges tradition with modern aspects of Southern culture.
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hunting
Guests can participate in 3 types of hunting: DEER, TURKEY, AND QUAIL 4
HUNTING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
QUAIL TURKEY Deer
hunting
Deer HuntinG is the most popular type of hunting offered at the retreat. Alabama has the second largest whitetail deer population in the country; therefore, deer hunting is a very popular activity in the state. Deer hunting season, Wilsonwood Retreat’s busiest time of year, falls between October and January ( call us for specific dates ) . The retreat has over 100 different shooting houses and tree stands from which guests and staff members may hunt. Wilsonwood harvests over 120 whitetail deer each year and the staff members work closely with Auburn University in research concerning the herd development. The greenfields at the retreat are extremely well kept and provide guests with beautiful, enjoyable deer hunting experiences. To get an idea of what it will be like in the woods, guests can practice shooting from the tree stand in the shooting range prior to a hunt. Guests are able to deer hunt any morning or afternoon of their stay at Wilsonwood Retreat, and, unless the guest has a valid hunting license, one staff member will accompany each hunter and guide them to an appropriate location. Over the past twenty years, guests and staff members of Wilsonwood Retreat have killed some of the biggest deer in central Alabama.
Guests can participate in 3 types of hunting: DEER, TURKEY, AND QUAIL 4
HUNTING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
QUAIL TURKEY Deer
hunting T U R K E Y H U N T I N G IS THE MOST ACTIVE, STRATEGIC
TYPE OF HUNTING AVAILABLE AT THE RETREAT
IT IS A THRILLING EXPERIENCE FOR
ALL
TYPES
OF
H U N T E R S.
Turkey Hunting is the most active, involved type of hunting at the retreat. While turkey hunting requires great patience and strategy, our staff members are very skilled and passionate about this particular type of hunting. Our highly trained guides roost the birds on a nightly basis to ensure that our guests have thrilling hunts each day. Turkey season is generally between the months of March and April (call us for specific dates). Guests are able to turkey hunt any morning and/or afternoon of their stay and are encouraged to practice using a shotgun prior to embarking on a turkey hunt. Wilsonwood Retreat has several 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns available for use; however, guests may also bring their own shotguns and store them in the safe at the Big House if they so desire. Because turkey hunting often involves a large amount of walking and turkeys have outstanding eyesight, guests are required to dress in full camouflage and pay attention to their hunting guides’ directions in order to ensure a safe and successful hunt. If guests are unable or uncomfortable with walking, Wilsonwood Retreat has several pop up blinds that are strategically placed in different areas of the woods.
Guests can participate in 3 types of hunting: DEER, TURKEY, AND QUAIL 4
HUNTING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
QUAIL
TURKEY
WITH OUR HIGHLY TRAINED, PASSIONATE STAFF hunting AND OUR WORLD CLASS EQUIPMENT,
GUESTS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS
A R E G U A R A N T E E D T O H AV E A S A F E , F U N H U N T I N G E X P E R I E N C E.
quail hunting is a very unique experience at the retreat, because guests are able to participate in both walking and mounted hunts. In other words, guests are given the choice between walking, riding on the wagon, and horseback riding during a quail hunt. Quail Hunting seasons opens in November and lasts through February (call us for specific dates). The land at Wilsonwood Retreat has been manicured to promote world class quail hunting featuring both Bobwhite and Tennessee Red Quail. The land is managed by professional foresters, thus providing guests with well manicured land and numerous hunting courses that each have a unique aesthetic and overall purpose. In addition, we have over 25 highly trained English pointers and 3 world class Labradores that are a major asset to the quail hunts at the retreat. Along with being able to hunt with the horses and the dogs, guests are able to share their quail hunting experience with several other people. Unlike deer and turkey hunting, quail hunting requires somewhat of a group effort; therefore, guests can enjoy the social aspect of this type of hunting as well.
Guests can participate in 3 types of hunting: DEER, TURKEY, AND QUAIL 4
HUNTING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
QUAIL
RIDING
Riding lessons and trail rides with our trained guides are available every day.
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RIDING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
Riding is one of the most exciting activities offered at the retreat. We have over 12 Tennessee walking horses that are available for guests to ride nearly any time during their stay. Every horse has a smooth gate that ensures an enjoyable pace for even the most unexperienced riders. In addition, our trooper saddles provide a comfortable seat for riders of all ages and sizes. Guests are able to participate in trail rides led by designated staff members each afternoon. Horseback riding is a challenging, exciting activity that can be enjoyed by riders of any experience level — the staff members at the retreat are trained Horseback Riding Instructors that are guaranteed to make all guests feel comfortable and capable on any of our horses.
RIDING
Riding lessons and trail rides with our trained guides are available every day.
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RIDING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
shooting
SHOOTING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
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Skeet Shooting at the retreat is a learning experience and an exciting arena for friendly competition. The skeet shooting range accommodates and appeals to guests with all levels of shooting experience. Our range offers a safe learning experience for beginners, but it is challenging enough to be enjoyable for the most seasoned outdoorsmen. While it is primarily intended for practice purposes, the more experienced guests are encouraged to visit the range to sharpen their skills and to add a little bit of friendly competition to their experience at the retreat.
Wilsonwood can provide 4 gauges of shotguns ranging from a 4-10, 28, 20, and 12 and the appropriate shells for each. While participating in this activity, guests are required to wear eye and ear protection. The range has 6 individual shooting stalls; however, guests that merely wish to spectate may sit on the benches behind the shooters and observe from a safe distance. By visiting the skeet shooting range before a turkey or quail hunt, guests can familiarize themselves with using a shotgun and learn the particular shooting technique they will need in order to ensure a safe and successful hunting experience.
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hiking
Hiking gives guests the freedom that they do not have in most other activities. It gives them the chance to get outdoors with the simple goal of exploring the thousands of acres on which the retreat is located. Hiking is one of the only activities available at Wilsonwood Retreat that does not require a guide or an accompanying staff member; however, guests are required to take at least one other person with them on their hikes. Guests can request guides to take them on particular hiking trails around the retreat as well. Hiking is a simple, yet thrilling activity that can provide guests with the chance to explore the beautiful, historic land at Wilsonwood Retreat.
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HIKING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
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lodging
The main lodge, known as the Big House, can sleep up to 23 guests. 12
LODGING // WILSONWOOD RETREAT
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While there is only one Master Suite, with a King bed and a large bathroom attached, there are four different rooms, as Hotel accommodations Rooms, that contain two Theknown lodging Queen at beds and a bathroom in are each. The Master Wilsonwood Retreat luxurious, yet Suite homey is perfect for a romantic getaway with a spouse or sigand comfortable. The house that George Wilson nificant other, and the Hotel Rooms are great for a trip built in 1925 still stands; however, it has been with your close friends or siblings. In addition to the expanded and redone. The main lodge, known Master Suite and the Hotel Rooms, there are fourteen as the Big House, in can aroundThere 23 guests total twin beds available thesleep Big House. are comfortably. several two rooms with fourThere bunks,are two roomsdifferent with twotypes bunks, sleeping arrangements in the Big House. and all of have an accompanying bathroom. There is only one room with two bunks and no bathroom. Call us for specific details on room arrangements and pricing. WILSONWOOD RETREAT // LODGING
Hotel Room (1 of 4) 2 queen beds, 1 full bath
Bunk Room (1 of 5) 4 twin beds, 1 full bath
Main Common Room 2 fireplaces, 1 dining table, various seating areas
The most unique aspects of the lodging accommodations are the dining and common areas. All meals are cooked and served in the Big House, but guests may request special meals to be prepared in a separate building known as the Diner. There are 3 tables at which guests can share meals in the Big House. There are no assigned seating arrangements; however, larger groups may reserve a specific table for any given meal. There is a small living room complete with a fully stocked bar, a pool table, a small dining table, and a sitting area around a fireplace and a television for guests to enjoy. The main dining table is placed right outside the kitchen and can seat about 12 guests. Finally, the main common room provides numerous seating options and another table at which guests can share meals. This larger living room has a fireplace at each end and several luxurious couches and chairs for guests to relax and socialize. Overall, the Big House is extremely comfortable and homey; however, it gives guests a taste of the authentic Southern traditions that the retreat was founded upon.
Main Dining Room Adjacent to kitchen in the Big House, 1 dining table
Wilsonwood Retreat is open year-round; however, our busiest season is between the months of October and January. Please call us or visit our website to register at least 3 weeks prior to your desired time of stay. There is no nightly minimum, but we recommend you stay at least a 2-3 days to be able to take full advantage of all we have to offer. We welcome anyone that wants to experience a new, exciting vacation. Get away from your old, boring
3 3 2 5 W I L S O N W O O D R OA D FRANKLIN, ALABAMA 36444
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getaway, and get to Wilsonwood Retreat.
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wilsonwoodretreat.com
W I L S O N WO O D AC T I V I T I E S : Deer Hunting Bow season begins in October, and Gun Season begins in November. Deer Season is open until the end of January. turkey Hunting At Wilsonwood Retreat, we have a Spring Turkey Season that falls between March and April. quail Hunting Quail Season begins in November and stays open through February. riding Horseback Riding is available year-round. Guests may take riding lessons or go on trail rides any day of their stay. shooting Skeet Shooting is available year-round. Guests may participate in shooting lessons or friendly competitions any day of their stay. hiking Guests may go on hikes at any time during their stay at the retreat. They may either hike with a guide or with another guest.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our General Manager, M i c h a e l W i l s o n at m w @ w i l s o n w o o d r e t r e a t. co m
“WITHOUT NEW EXPERIENCES, SOMETHING INSIDE OF US
s l e e p s ............ THE SLEEPER MUST AWAKEN.” — Frank Herbert