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.