Posts Tagged ‘West Texas’

Horseback Riding in West Texas

Monday, May 14th, 2012
West Texas horseback riding

This could be you. A sunset trail ride in West Texas.

If you’re visiting West Texas, there’s a good chance you’ll feel the urge to ride a horse. It’s something about the wide open spaces, the dry, rugged land, and the lack of roads. It brings out the cowboy in the best of us.

Luckily, you can go horseback riding in West Texas.

Fort Davis Stables offers Trail Rides to suit even the most inexperienced riders. You’ll ride a gentle giant, and enter a wild and peaceful land that will soothe your soul. Trail rides can last an hour or they can last all day. You can take a Sunset Ride into the mountains, or stay out in the Davis Mountains for one, two, or three nights. If the spirit moves you, you can even participate in a Cattle Drive. Extraordinary experiences, every one.

You’ll want to be treated gently when you get out of the saddle, and Fort Davis Bed and Breakfasts won’t let you down.

The Veranda Inn, as its name suggests, has a large veranda; it’s a perfect place to enjoy a drink at the end of a day in the saddle. It also has two, secluded, walled courtyards and a great deal of outdoor seating. If you can sit at all, you’ll want to sit here.

The Old Schoolhouse Bed and Breakfast sits at the foot of Sleeping Lion Mountain. Rest in the shade of a pecan grove, breathe in the clean mountain air, and admire the views. It’s the perfect place to transition back to society after time on the trail.

Discover the Bed and Breakfasts of Fort Davis, Texas. Then discover West Texas.

For additional information about horseback riding, please see Fort Davis Stables.

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Scenic West Texas Drive

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012
McDonald Observatory, West Texas

The McDonald Observatory on Mount Locke.

Picture yourself on a long stretch of quiet road that meanders its way through West Texas and the Davis Mountains. That’s what you’ll find on the Scenic Loop Drive that begins and ends in Fort Davis. It’s a great way for guests of Fort Davis Bed and Breakfasts to experience the vast, mountainous landscape of West Texas.

Head through Limpia Canyon, which is guarded by Mount Locke and Mount Fowlkes. 6,791-ft Mount Locke is is home to the McDonald Observatory, which is well worth a visit if you’ve never been. The view of the surrounding landscape is spectacular.

The drive then leads into Madera Canyon, where there are shaded picnic areas and one good hike, the Madera Canyon Trail. It is a 2.4 mile loop. Hikers can head to a spot overlooking the canyon or descend to the bottom of the canyon, where there is a large pond.

Back on the road, travel past Mt. Livermore and Sawtooth Mountain. Enjoy expansive views of the Sierra Viejo Mountains, which hug the Rio Grande. Also visible are the Puertacita Mountains and Miter Peak.

This is one of the most beautiful loops in Texas, and one of the least well-known. The Scenic Loop Drive is 75 miles long and can be driven in about 1.5 hours.

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Fascinating Fort Davis

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

The next time you happen to be in West Texas, consider spending a few days at Fort Davis Texas bed and breakfasts. There are several good reasons to visit Fort Davis, such as its incredible Desert Nature Center Botanical Gardens and Fort Davis National Historic Site.

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.

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Loving Lubbock

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

If you are looking for things to do in Lubbock Texas, you won’t have to look hard. Travel to Lubbock occurs for many reasons, not least of which is the fact that Lubbock is a sort of oasis in the Texas Panhandle. Home to Texas Tech University and several other colleges, this vibrant town draws thousands of students. There is always great music playing somewhere in the city, whether your taste is alternative or classic – the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra has a solid reputation and an interesting season each year.

Of course, Lubbock is perhaps best known among certain folks at being home to legendary singer Buddy Holly. No trip to Lubbock would be complete without a stop at the Buddy Holly Center, in a refurbished historic railway depot. Celebrating not only the man himself, but also West Texas music and musicians in general, the Center is one of those essential places that you really must visit while in Lubbock. It is also houses the Texas Musicians Hall of Fame and a Fine Arts Gallery.

The National Ranching Heritage Center does an excellent job relating what life was and is like for hard working ranchers and their families. 36 historic structures sit upon 14 acres,

If you enjoy outdoor recreation, you will not be disappointed in Lubbock. Buffalo Springs Lake is a spring-fed lake with seven miles of shoreline. It is part of a larger recreation area in breathtaking Yellow House Canyon, along the Brazos River, and offers boating, hiking, swimming and more. The city also boasts a 90-acre Arboretum that showcases native plants along with rare species, and provides a peaceful place to walk. Golfers have their choice from four courses in and around Lubbock, offering challenges and enjoyment for all skill levels.

These are only a few examples of things to do in Lubbock TX. You will find great hospitality in a Lubbock bed and breakfast while you explore this interesting city.

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McDonald Observatory

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Ah…West Texas. Open sky, clear nights.

mcdonald-observatoryWhile in West Texas, take advantage of your proximity to the world-famous McDonald Observatory and visit it. Located just 16 miles north west of Fort Davis, Texas, the astronomical facilities at McDonald Observatory are perched atop Mt. Locke, 6,791 feet above sea level. Tour the research facilities during daylight hours, and partake in the solar viewing parties. Dine on healthful, delicious food in the beautifully situated StarDate Cafe, which overlooks the mountains

more-mcdonaldPlan to stay the in a Fort Davis Bed and Breakfast, and join one of the Star Parties that the Observatory puts on every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, after dark. Make sure to arrive early enough to catch the Twilight Program, which starts some time between 6pm and 8pm, depending on the season. Periodic Special Viewing nights allow visitors the chance to look through either a 36″ telescope, 82″ telescope, or 107″ telescope. According to the McDonald Observatory website, visitors will “explore the spiral arms of our galaxy to find nebulae and star clusters. Nebulae are the birthplace of new stars, but are also formed in the violent throes of stellar death and are quite beautiful. Young clusters of stars shine with the brilliant light of young, hot stars, while the oldest denizens of the Milky Way, the globular star clusters, contain hundreds of thousands of stars as old as the galaxy itself. We’ll take a look at galaxies beyond the Milky Way to put our stellar city in perspective.” The website goes on to warn that participants may never again be satisfied with their personal telescopes.

Travel to West Texas, and visit the McDonald Observatory. It will rock your world.

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