Lake Fork Golf Course is an 18 hole semi-private course designed by Williams and Gill. It is close to both Tyler Texas Bed and Breakfasts and Quitman TX Bed and Breakfasts. Fairways are relatively short and challenging, greens are a fairly large. Some of what makes the Lake Fork challenging is also what makes it beautiful: thousands of trees including native oak, persimmon, pecan and magnolia; and 15 water hazards. The course sits on the West Banks of the Lake Fork Reservoir, which is called the Bass Capital of Texas; you may want to bring your fishing poles, too. See Lake Fork Golf Course for additional information.

Garden Valley Golf Club is a lovely course designed by John Sanford, located about 20 miles northwest of Tyler Texas Bed and Breakfasts. This course has been named “The Augusta National of Texas”, a moniker that is not given lightly. It is a beautiful place with rolling greens, towering pine trees, and colorful dogwoods and azaleas. The Dogwood Course is as challenging to play as it is lovely to look at – and that’s saying something. In the mood for a blind shot to the green? Try the par-5 fifth hole. Like to hit over the water? The par-4 third hole awaits. Is it thrilling for you to look for your ball in a clump of azaleas? The par-3 fourth hole is for you. You get the picture. See Garden Valley Golf Club for additional information.

No matter what happens on the fairway, you’ll be pampered at your inn of choice. Start each day with a sumptuous breakfast (you’ll burn calories every time you hit the ball). Conclude each day with a glass of something refreshing on the porch.

It's spring! Come see the Texas wildflowers.

Follow the wildflowers.

Travel itineraries at this time of year tend to be built around what is blooming. A good place to start is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, at the University of Texas at Austin. The Gardens are expansive and diverse, showcasing gracious Live Oaks, large Mountain Laurel, and of course meadows full of Central Texas wildflowers. Before you leave, stop by the store to see the current exhibit, Ken Moore Bluebonnets, through May 30. His colorful oil paintings are a nice way to keep bluebonnets forever in bloom on your walls.

After learning a bit about the wildflowers native to Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country, take to the road. Traverse the Texas Hill Country, staying in Bed and Breakfasts from New Braunfels to El Dorado, Marble Falls to Boerne. Then head into Central Texas, over to Brenham and up to Madisonville. Enjoy lodging in a number of Central Texas Bed and Breakfasts and Hill Country Bed and Breakfasts as you go.

Additional information about Texas wildflowers may be found at Wildflowers in the Hill Country.

Bed and Breakfasts are better.

Bed and breakfasts are typically owned and operated by one or two people – often a couple. The innkeepers live and work on site. Sometimes they have help – they may hire a person to clean or help with the cooking or gardening. Often they do everything themselves. These are not lazy people. A successful bed and breakfast depends on the energy and personality of the innkeepers; guests must feel welcome, and their needs must be met.

In spite of all innkeepers need to do on a daily basis, perhaps the most challenging aspect of their work is publicity. Many people just don’t know about bed and breakfasts, and many who do assume B&Bs are only for couples, honeymooners, people traveling for pleasure, people without families, etc. Some travelers assume that B&Bs are inherently more expensive than corporate hotels.

Yet in reality, B&Bs are for everyone. It is true that some inns specialize in romantic getaways, and some require children be over the age of twelve. Yet many B&Bs welcome families and business travelers. A recent survey conducted by BedandBreakfast.com found that over 90% of B&Bs and inns offer complimentary wi-fi. Many offer a selection of movies along with complimentary snacks and beverages. And let’s not forget the breakfast. Most innkeepers strive to create sumptuous morning meals for their guests – something few corporate hotels do. A home cooked meal is a far cry from the tired muffins and re-hydrated eggs found in many corporate hotels. Apples to apples, bed and breakfasts are often more economical than their corporate counterparts.

The bed and breakfast industry is coming together in order to spread the word about bed and breakfasts. A Better Way to Stay is an “industry-wide, industry-supported grassroots campaign to … educate travelers on B&B choices”. Check it out. Tell your friends; bed and breakfasts really are a  better way to stay.

Stockyard and Ft. Worth Skyline, originally uploaded by Erik Pronske.

Fort Worth, Texas is a place of fascinating juxtapositions. On one hand, it is a modern city with excellent museums, a wide selection of restaurants featuring all types of cuisine, and important industry. On the other hand, it is a city where cowboys herd cattle down the streets twice daily. Fascinating.

Guests of Fort Worth bed and breakfasts should reserve some time to visit the Stockyard Historic District. The Stockyards of Forth Worth were at one time home to the second largest cattle market in the world, earning Fort Worth the moniker Cowtown. As a tribute to that past, real cowherds drive a herd of Texas Longhorns down the streets of the Stockyard Historic District at 11:30 and 4pm each day. Witnesses experience history in the flesh.

The Stockyard Historic District has much to offer in addition to live cattle. Walking tours provide an overview of the district’s past. The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame will teach you about the hardworking men and women who shaped cattle industry, excelled in rodeos, and strove to preserve their heritage. Stand on the ground where millions of cattle were bought and sold – the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building.

When you’re hungry, consider a trip to Risky’s BBQ, which serves tender ribs, tasty BBQ sandwiches, and the cowboy staple of calf-fries (ask the innkeepers of your bed and breakfast Fort Worth). Sit on the patio of Trailboss Burgers and enjoy a terrific view of the Cattle Drive as you sink your teeth into a Texas-style burger. Or cool off with some spicy food at Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant.

The entertainment calendar of the Stockyard Historic District is always full; you’ll probably want to visit this happening neighborhood many times during your stay in Fort Worth. Happy trails.

Blue Morning, originally uploaded by kaityv.

Quitman Texas is a charming town in East Texas best known for its annual Dogwood Festival and the fact that actress Sissy Spacek was born here.

The next time you feel the need to escape from the hustle and bustle of Dallas-Fort Worth, head to a Quitman Texas bed and breakfast. You’ll find plenty of peace and tranquility here, and will return to your home refreshed.

Fish big bass on Lake Quitman. Swim in Sabine Basin. Visit the Governor Hogg Shrine Historic Site, where you can stretch your legs on a lovely walking trail. Or just sit on the porch of your Quitman bed and breakfast and relax.

Fort Davis National Historic Site sits at the foot of Sleeping Lion Mountain and Hospital Canyon. It is one of the best-preserved 19th Century frontier forts in the country. In addition to the well-maintained buildings, there are interpretive and historical displays throughout that help bring the history of Fort Davis alive. Anyone who is interested in the early military history of the United States simply must make time to stop at the fort. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the hiking trails that lead from the fort up into the Davis Mountains.

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens is four miles south of Fort Davis. It spread over 500 acres of beautiful West Texas land, with Mt. Livermore visible to the north and Blue Mountain to the southwest. Visitors will appreciate the informative Visitor’s Center, the Leapin’ Lizard Gift Shop, the arboretum, and the large greenhouse that houses over 200 species of Chihuahuan Desert cacti. Hikers may either head down to Modesta Canyon Springs or up to Clayton’s Overlook. If time allows, bring a picnic and do both.

These are just two of the attractions that Fort Davis Texas has to offer. Many more experiences await the traveler, from glider rides to wine tastings. If you are thinking about visiting, look into a Fort Davis bed and breakfast now.