“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Psalms 119:103
Happy first day of August! I can’t believe this year is whirling by at break neck speed. My daughter-in-love is already back teaching and I will be keeping both granddaughters on Mondays -Wednesdays. I know that I will be busy, but it will be fun and I am making the best memories!
Fasten your seat belt for I am taking you on a road trip today. Butch and I traveled to Texas last week to some places that we have been before with a couple of new stops along the way!
You never know what you might see on the road. We had to laugh over this vehicle that was carrying everything but the kitchen sink…or maybe they do have the kitchen sink ! It does make you a bit nervous if you think about what could fall off in front of you running 75 MPH. And just so we don’t get a post-trip speeding ticket, the speed limit is 75 in a lot of places in Texas!!
The purpose of our trip to Texas was business in Austin and of course when possible, we enjoy adding a little pleasure. The conference Butch was attending was held in the beautiful Fairmont Austin Hotel within the vibrant Central Business District of downtown. Newly opened in the spring of 2018, this 37-story hotel features luxurious suites and guest rooms with beautiful vistas of Lady Bird Lake. You can see more on Sunday’s post.
The hotel is very modern. I grabbed the above photo and this one from their website. Our room was just like this with a stunning view of the lake. My favorite amenity was a Nespresso machine just like the one I have. You may not know that I am a coffee snob, and I rarely find a good cup of coffee when traveling. I much prefer my strong coffee that I brew at home…life is too short to drink bad coffee! The temperature hovered around 100, so I did not get out much during the daytime, but I enjoyed the public spaces for people watching, reading, and drinking lattes which might have included a cookie or two!
Settlers Crossing is such a drastic contrast from the Fairmont. After concluding business in Austin, we drove to Fredericksburg in the heart of The Texas Hill Country for a little relaxation. This circa 1865 log and rock cottage would be our home for the next couple of days!
The bed and breakfast is furnished with 19th century country antiques and textiles which I found to be so charming!
While staying here, I couldn’t help but think of the early 80’s Country Home and Country Living magazines. I subscribed and collected those issues for years. This is the master bedroom which has a working fireplace. Just look at those marvelous walls, so rich with history. Don’t we wish they could talk!
This chair made me smile…country at its very best!
The Pioneer cabin has three bedrooms, perfect for a family. It was just the two of us and we chose this bedroom for obvious reasons; it was nearest the bathroom. It also had a fireplace…
…and this lovely stenciled border on the ceiling. I always say I am not a very crafty person, but I did a lot of stenciling jobs in the late 70’s and early 80’s!
Each bedroom is unique and has its own endearing beauty.
I failed to photograph the kitchen which has a full-size stove and refrigerator for those who might want to prepare their meals. The continental breakfast was a perfect start to the day with coffee, juices, muffins, and pound cake. We enjoyed beginning and ending our day sitting in the rocking chairs on the front porch! An unusual July front brought unseasonal cool and dry air with one morning temp dipping to 57!
There are seven private historic guest houses…
…spread over 35 park-like acres…
…each with different architecture…
…and this one was built as a wedding present for a descendant of the original settlers. Note that it is wood and not log and stone.
This is the lovely home of the owners. Each guest home is enclosed by split rail fencing to keep out the animals.
Old structures like this one are scattered about the property and add to the rustic ambiance!
Animals, both domestic and wild, stayed in our front yard enjoying the grass made greener by a lot of sprinkling from a nearby well!
These two followed me everywhere and seemed to enjoy posing for pics!
Thank you for your visits and gracious comments. Which would you prefer, the ultra modern and luxurious hotel or the charm of one of these historic guest houses? We made an unexpected stop that I think you will be interested in and also visited a place made famous by a country song. Part two of our summer road trip will be next Thursday. Have a lovely weekend sweet friends!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, A Stroll Thru Life, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home, Celebrate & Decorate, Me and My Captain, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
It is great when you can combine business with a bit of fun.
Definitely, thanks Carole!
Pam, this looks like a lovely and relaxing place to be for a few days. I am sure well needed after being on the highway for an extended time. I would imagine the antiquing would be fun in this area.
You will certainly be busy with those sweet girls this year. Enjoy the remaining days of summer, my friend.
Thank you Sandra. The antiquing was amazing, but I resisted the urge to buy anything😊
i’d choose a cottage for a getaway. some day when you travel to Texas you’ll have to come to Houston so long as it’s not when i’m in Maine!
Thank you Linda. I have been to Houston several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed. But your photos of Maine are so inviting!
What a most fabulous place to stay! Love the Texas Hill Country!! Love traveling with my hubby too. Glad you had a wonderful trip!!!
Shirley, the 19th century homes were just amazing.
Pam… I like staying in both types of places… they both offer so much!
You had a wonderful vacation and am glad you enjoyed… as we enjoyed right along with you! Beautiful places to stay! And loved seeing you with the ranch animals.
That truck reminded me of what we saw on a highway last week in Phoenix. If you saw my insta stories… you might remember. A regular white truck with about 8-10 couches on it! These crazy people frighten me… as it’s on a busy highway!
Looking forward to Part 2 of your stay in Texas!
Happy Thursday!
Thank you dear Nancy. Happy August to you. I agree, we like both kind of places, hate to compare apples and oranges!
Your trip sounds wonderful Pam! We love combining both city & country type visits when vacationing. We’ve never stayed in either city so both look so appealing from your beautiful pictures. That truck in front of you was a modern day Beverly Hillbillies moving machine! That’s scary! The expressway always offers some interesting views but not always the safest. So glad you got to enjoy some cooler weather as it was such a blessing & relief from the hot weather. Thanks for taking us along. We know you will enjoy both princesses (& share precious pics). Have a great day! Clara💕
Thank you dear Clara! You never know what you will on the highway. Have a wonderful day and stay cool!
Pam, I think I would love staying in those charming cottages over the modern hotel. Everything looks so beautiful! I can’t wait to read more about your trip. The Hill Country is so pretty! I know you must be so excited to get to spend time with those sweet grandbabies. You will make so many precious memories. Enjoy your weekend, sweet friend!
Thank you sweet friend. The 19th century homes have so much charm. Happy weekend, Shannon!
Oh you were so close! Next time you come to Texas you have to stop by for an iced tea!!
Glad you had a good time and the places you’ve shared are amazing.
Now as to that truck that’s all loaded up —- not that uncommon, unfortunately.
Stacey, I didn’t realize that you were that close. You might see anything on the interstates 😂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, I LOVE the primitive decor! It just calls to me. Simplicity is the absolute best! I love how our ancestors lived and only had what they needed, used, and loved in their homes. Thanks for sharing about this beautiful place! God bless you, sweet friend. 🙂
Isn’t it amazing how the simplicity is so appealing? Blessings always!
Nice place! I would love to stay there! I had to laugh at the over-packed vehicle picture. It reminded me of the old Beverly Hillbillies show!!
It is such an eye-opening joy to travel vicariously with you.. thank you for having us tag along.
Staying in one of those cottages would not be an “always available” opportunity, so go for it…
although if you have to be in the city, streamlined comfort is the ticket. What sweet times you
will have with the Princesses…and win your designation as the Spoiler.. Grandmas are entitled.
Have a wonderful August, dear one.
Thank you Mary. I am so glad you came along with us. I am definitely the PJ spoiler. Have a wonderful weekend my friend!
I prefer the rustic !! Love, love history and old homes. What a great trip you had. You are sure that wasn’t you driving that truck with possibly a few purchases?!!!
Jeannie, I did make a few purchases, but they were very small!😊 Have a wonderful weekend!
Love this post, I always like to see unique parts of our country. Will definitely put it on our bucket list.
You are so lucky to be able to spend time together with your grandchildren.
Pam, I only drink nespresso when possible, it’s the best coffee, I am spoiled.
Jeanne
Jeanne, thank you so much. Yes, Nespresso is the best. Have a great weekend!
Wonderful trip,dear friends!Thank you for sharing.Hugs and blessings!
Thank you sweet friend!
Pam, I fell in love with those cabins! What a delightful place to stay! Great post! ♥
Bless you,
Jennifer
It was really a good getaway! Thank you Jennifer❤️
That sounds like a fun trip! That hotel is pretty amazing and I love the country charm of those little cottages.
It was a good trip and thank you for coming along. Have a great weekend!
Love the ultra modern hotel as well as the relaxed bed and breakfast. Thanks for taking us along. I look forward to part two. I want to explore Fredericksburg on our next trip to Texas if time permits.
Glad you had a good trip. A change of scenery always is good.
Thank you Bonnie, two totally contrasting experiences. They were both most enjoyable! Happy Sunday!
Pam you are a gem…just what I wanted to see dear friend. I love taking trips with you as you make me feel I am right there beside you. What fun for you and Butch to mix business with pleasure. Smart of you to take the room nearest the bathroom…that tis always my choice.LOL
Thank you sweet friend. Wishing you joy on this Sunday! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
What perfect weather to be able to enjoy Fredericksburg! That last bedroom photograph reminds me of the Andrew Wyeth Master Bedroom painting. 🙂
Best wished for your dil’s new school year and to you to sustain the energy in watching two!
Thank you Rita. Yes, I will need lots of energy!😂
What a wonderful place to stay in Fredericksburg!
Thank you so much Penny!
I have always wanted to go to Austin, but not when it’s 100! How nice to laze around a luxury hotel and then a few days of quiet in a country atmosphere. It must have been like going back in time staying at Settlers Crossing… What a charming cabin! You are going to be busy busy with your grand girls, and I know Ella Mae will be a be help with the baby, take your vitamins!
Jenna
Austin is definitely a happening place. It was a lovely trip with two totally different experiences. Thank you Jenna!
Pam, what a lovely trip. I would definitely choose the cottage. The cottage is so beautifully done and has so much history. A trip like this is good for the soul. I always feel refreshed when Bob and I have a few days away. Thanks for sharing.
Dianne, we still love travel even though the last few years have only been in the states.
Pam, I would definitely choose the cottage. So lovely with so much history. A little trip is good for the soul. I always feel refreshed when Bob and I can get away a few days. I am so glad you are caring for Emma and Ella. This is not easy but it is so worth it. What a blessing for all involved. I have been doing this for a long time and I am so thankful for this blessing. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your trip.
Thank you Dianne. I want to spend as much time as possible with my granddaughters❤️
What a great trip! I think I could have stayed forever in that wonderful cottage — it’s so charming and I just love places that are filled with history. It sounds like a truly terrific trip!
It was a wonderful trip, Jeanie. Thanks for riding along with us!