Vacations Blog

Originally founded in 1849 as an Army outpost, Fort Worth still embraces its western heritage and traditional design more so than its contemporary sister-city, Dallas.  Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, the local bed & breakfast community has plenty to offer any traveler who wants a more intimate, unique view of this colorful town.The Texas White House is an award-winning, historic home restored to its original 1910 décor.  Located just minutes from downtown, guests still have plenty of privacy in the main house or the carriage house with relaxed private sitting areas in their rooms and claw-footed tubs for showers or bubble baths.  Breakfast is offered in the dining room or in suite, and other amenities include television, laundry service, secretarial services, early morning coffee service and afternoon snack and beverages and on-site massage services.  Rates start at $145 a night and up.

A stately plantation sitting on one acre in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood near downtown is the site of another bed and breakfast in Fort Worth.  Azalea Plantation offers spacious rooms with whirlpools, high ceilings, mahogany beds and balcony views.  A gourmet breakfast is served in the elegant Victorian Dining room every morning.  The Dallas Morning News called this B&B the “Best Kept Secret in Dallas/Fort Worth.”

Heart-shaped whirlpool tubs for two are in every room at Lockheart Gables along with personalized cookies, a special arrival drink, and lots of candles to light, fresh flowers terry robes and breakfast in suite on your own schedule.  Three rooms are available in the mansion as well as two romantic cottages on grounds.  Built around 1893 by an acclaimed English architect, Arthur Albert Messer, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

Photo courtesy of Rhea.

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Whether you are in town for business or pleasure, Dallas has a lot of different activities and attractions, and what better way to immerse yourself into what the city has to offer than by staying in a bed & breakfast. Here are four to choose from in neighborhoods near downtown.

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I personally feel that spring break should be a mandatory holiday for every man, woman and child…not just those lucky enough to still be in school. Alas, this is not the case. So, these days, when I am feeling the siren call of a spring holiday, but just don’t have that kind of time, I plan a spectacular spring fling weekend.

There are a surprising number of appealing options in and around Austin. Plus, spring in Austin is more like summer for most states. By April, the skies are sunny, the hills are green and the temperature is climbing into the mid-eighties. So, water is an essential part of any getaway weekend here. One of the best bodies of water near Austin is Lake Travis. This large and beautiful lake is about a 45 minute drive away, and is a haven for water lovers. Surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs and green bluffs, the lake is nearly 64 miles long. It has a multitude of swimming coves and open spaces for skiing and boating. No matter your preference, you can find something to do here. There are ski boat and ski rentals, as well as jet-ski, canoe and sailboat rentals. Or you can be easier on your checkbook and just drive to one of the many beaches or coves around the lake, where you can lay out, picnic and swim.

For overnight accommodation, there is a plethora of options. Several companies rent house boats. This is a fun option, especially if you are traveling with a large group of friends or family. You can spend the entire weekend away from dry land, exploring the nooks and crannies of this spectacular lake. A few campgrounds are located on the water’s edge, including spots at Pace Bend Park. Many bed and breakfasts are located on or near the water and there are several spas nearby as well. I would recommend Barton Springs Resort and Spa or Casa Del Sol Bed and Breakfast.

Spending all day on the water will work up quite an appetite. Luckily, there are some fantastic restaurants to choose from if you don’t feel like cooking. Hudson’s on the Bend is a wonderful fine dining experience. For a good, old-fashioned hamburger, check out Sandy’s. Also, no trip to Lake Travis would be complete without visiting the Oasis. This landmark restaurant is nestled on a cliff, 400 feet above the lake and has an extensive network of multi-tiered decks from which to enjoy the view. They have a broad menu and typically offer live music. The sunsets are amazing and so are the margaritas!

If you live in Austin or are just visiting, I highly recommend making the short trip out to Lake Travis for the weekend. With beautiful views, clear water and a wealth of activities, it is sure to cure your spring holiday fever. It might even become a springtime tradition!

Where do you like to go when spring rolls around?

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