Holiday in Town
By Virginia B. Wood, Fri., May 26, 2000
Out-of-Town Bed & Breakfasts
Tourism is booming in Central Texas, which means that every quaint cottage, old railroad hotel, and former stagecoach stop is likely to see a 21st-century rebirth as a charming bed & breakfast or boutique hotel. For expanded reviews of many of these destinations, check out our Hill Country Guide (auschron.com/guides/hillcountry). For more information about Texas' finest B&B's, country inns, historic hotels, and guest houses, contact Historic & Hospitality Accommodations of Texas (HAT) at www.hat.org or 800/HAT-0368.Burnet
The Verandas Guest House108 E. League Street, Burnet 78611, 512/715-0190
This former stagecoach stop, hotel, and brothel has been lovingly restored to create a Hill Country hideaway. With three suites decorated with period antiques, it has already become a favorite for bridesmaids luncheons, showers, weddings, and receptions.
Kingsland
The Antlers Lodgeoff Hwy. 1431 at the railroad crossing in Kingsland
915/388-4411
Built as a turn-of-the-century railroad resort by the Austin & Northwestern Railroad in 1901, the Antlers has been restored to life as a hotel within the past few years. The main building has six guest suites with wide front and back porches. Rooms in the former train crew bunk house and suites in the refurbished cabooses are very popular.
Llano
Badu House Bed & Breakfast601 Bessemer, Llano 78643, 915/247-1207
This imposing stone building has seen history as both bank and private mansion and now houses six guest rooms and one suite decorated with Victorian antiques. The comfortable downstairs restaurant is known for its homestyle cooking.
The Dabbs Hotel
112 E. Burnet St., Llano 78643, 915/247-7905
The Dabbs is one of three former railroad hotels along the old Austin & Northwestern line. Rumor has it Bonnie & Clyde once found lodgings here. Famous for owner Gary Smith's chuckwagon chow and great biscuits, the Dabbs is funky but has a large, loyal following.
Fredericksburg
The Austin Street Retreats408 W. Austin Street, Fredericksburg 78624
830/997-5612
Each of the five luxury suites in this classy property in the downtown historic district has a definite personality and charm. All boast whirlpool baths, wood-burning fireplaces, and secluded private terraces.
The Herb Haus B & B at Fredericksburg Herb Farm
407 Whitney, Fredericksburg 78624
830/997-8615, 800/259-4372
www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com
Comfortable and totally private, this restored 1940s frame home is surrounded by its own soothing herb garden. Guests at the day spa are known to add overnight stays to their visit. It's also the perfect vacation spot for gardeners or gardener-wannabes.
Stonewall
Homestead Bed & Breakfast at Becker VineyardsJenschke Lane, off Hwy. 290 W. near Stonewall (for reservations) 231 W. Main, Fredericksberg 78624, 830/997-5612 www.fbglodging.com
Guests who stay in this charming little cottage across the yard from the Becker winery can stroll the vineyards or lavender fields, picnic under the trees, or enjoy tastings of Becker's award-winning wines as part of their stay. Two bedrooms make this a good small family getaway.
Rose Hill Manor
2614 Upper Albert Road, Stonewall
830/644-5541, 877-ROSEHIL
This elegant Charleston-style plantation house sits on a gentle rise overlooking the Pedernales River Valley. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking views from the private verandas in one of the four lovely guest suites, relax downstairs in the Snug Harbor bookstore, or sample fine dining menu on Saturday nights or one of the frequent Sunday afternoon wine tastings.
Wimberley
Blair House, A Fine Country Inn100 Spoke Hill Road, Wimberley 78676
512/847-1111, 877/549-5450
Named to the "Top 25 in the USA" by Condé Nast Traveler and to the "Texas Top 10" by Southern Living for its congenial accommodations and gracious hospitality as well as for chef/innkeeper Jonnie Stansbury's outstanding cuisine, this retreat boasts eight tastefully decorated guest rooms, spa facilities, and 85 Hill Country acres to roam.
The Lodge at Creekside
310 Mill Race Lane, Wimberley 78676
512-847-8922, 800/267-3925
Mother and daughters team Sally, Merry, and Ashley Gibson are the innkeepers of this lovely guest house containing two suites and six individual guest cabins nestled beside Cypress Creek. Accommodations include private entrances and porches, fireplaces, and private baths with tiled showers and some with whirlpool tubs. Each room is decorated in a different fabric motif with antiques and unique beds.
Kyle
The Inn Above Onion Creek4444 Hwy 150 West, Kyle 78640
512/268-1617, 800/579-7686
Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin but an entire world away, this comfortable, contemporary inn sits on a bluff overlooking the creek for which it's named. Each of the nine guest suites features a unique view of the surrounding 500 Hill Country acres, with each room decorated to tell the story of its local historical namesake. Guests can swim, walk nature trails, or relax in rocking chairs on the deep front porch.
New Braunfels
Gruene Mansion Inn1275 Gruene Road, New Braunfels 78130
830/629-2641
The 28-room Gruene Mansion surrounds guests with authentic Texas history in luxurious accommodations. The Inn's restaurant offers a view of the Guadalupe plus fine wines and continental cuisine. What better place to stay after a day of rafting or tubing on the river and an evening spent dancing at nearby Gruene Hall?
Prince Solms Inn
295 E. San Antonio Street, New Braunfels 78130
830/625-9169, 800/625-9169
Located just one block from the Comal River and the town square, the Prince Solms is the oldest continually operated inn in Texas. The eight guest rooms, two suites, and one cottage all have antique decor and private baths. Amenities include horse and carriage rides and bicycles to ride around town.
San Marcos
Crystal River Inn326 West Hopkins, San Marcos 78666
512/396-3739, 888/396-3739
Well-known for its entertaining "mystery weekends," Crystal River offers 14 designer-decorated guest rooms and a charming garden. They'll gladly pack you a picnic to enjoy on the banks of the nearby crystal-clear San Marcos River or fortify you with a gourmet breakfast before a day of shopping at the local outlet malls.
Bryan
The Villa at Messina Hof4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan 77808
409/778-9463 #34
Each of the 10 romantic guest rooms at the Villa has a private bath and patio that overlooks the Messina Hof winery estate. The rooms are named for different historical and literary figures (Napoleon & Josephine, Romeo & Juliet, Lancelot & Guinevere) and decorated accordingly. The restaurant on the estate is open Thursday-Sunday, and winery tours and tastings are available.
