It is hard to believe but today our sweet Dixie turns 9 years old. May we all age this gracefully and beautifully. She is a little grayer around the face but that is just wisdom showing through.

Tags: Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Dogs, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Pampered Pooch, Pet Friendly
Posted in Bed and Breakfast, Jefferson Texas, lodging, pet friendly bed and breakfast, Puppy, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast | Comments Off

Deadline for Jefferson Fall Photography Weekend Fast Approaching

October 10th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Please Join Us! Fall Photography Weekend
Date: November 11-13 2011
For Info: 903-665-9511

Upcoming Events

Jefferson Photography Weekend

Photo Weekend Videos

Carriage House Bed and Breakfast Painting w/ Light Demo

2010 Fall Photography Weekend at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast in Jefferson, Texas

Event Sponsors

Visit Arlington Camera’s Website

Visit LENSBABY’s Website

Quick Links

Carriage House Bed and Breakfast

Jefferson Lodging Information

About Jefferson Texas

You are cordially invited to the 2011 Fall Photography Weekend at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast in charming Jefferson, Texas. Come spend a glorious autumn weekendwhere the focus is on photography, fun and fellowship.

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit historic Jefferson and the Caddo Lake area. Jefferson is renowned for its beautiful antebellum architecture and its New Orleans Southern charm. This historic steamboat riverport town is a target rich photo environment with opportunities for a one of a kind “money shot” around every corner.

For info or reservations, please call us at 903-665-9511

Caddo Lake is the most photographed lake in Texas. With its dripping spanish moss and swamp like environment, you will capture many unique and interesting images. Caddo Lake is a birders paradise and is home to alligators, turtles, beavers, nutria, and many other water loving critters.

Since a trip to a Southern town is not complete without a visit to an antebellum home you will have the opportunity to tour and photograph some of the most beautiful houses and gardens in Jefferson. In fact, several of the homeowners will greet you in traditional Victorian period dress. How’s that for a photo opp?

Fall Photography Weekend

November 11, 2011 – Friday

3pm to 6pm – Event Registration

3pm to 7pm – Dinner on your own

7pm to 9pm – Wine tasting Social Hour
9pm – ? – Painting with Light Demonstration

November 12, 2011 – Saturday

6.30am to 8.30am – Sunrise Photo Walk
9.00am to 10am – Breakfast at your B&B
10.00am to 11am -Presentation by Arlington Camera

11:00am to 1pm – On Your Own
1pm to 3pm – Historic Home Photo Walk

3.00pm to 3.30pm – Drive to Caddo Lake
3.30pm to 5pm – Sunset photo boat tour on Caddo Lake
7.00pm to 8.30 pm – Group Dinner

November 13, 2011 – Sunday

9am to 10am – Breakfast at your B&B
11am – Check out

November 14, 2011 – Monday

Photo Contest begins

To reserve your spot, please call us at 903-665-9511

For the first time ever, this weekend is available as a land package for $99 a person! The price for the weekend includes all planned tour costs, photography demonstrations, wine tasting and Hors D’oeuvres, group dinner, and photo contest. Gratuities are not includedYou will need to make lodging arrangements on your own. For recommendations on local B& B’s or hotels, please call us at 903-665-9511. Rooms are available here at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast as well.For more information or for reservations, please go to our website or call us at 903-665-9511Tom and Stephanie Lester, InnkeepersThe Carriage House Bed & Breakfast

Tags: Caddo Lake, Carriage House B&B, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Photography, Photography Weekend, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Autumn, Bed and Breakfast, Caddo Lake, Jefferson Texas, Photography Weekend, summer vacation, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast | Comments Off

Weekend Entertainment for Jefferson Texas October 6-9, 2011

October 6th, 2011 by carriagehouse

JEFFERSON, TEXAS

WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER 6-9, 2011

* “14TH ANNUAL BOO BENEFIT”
Friday-Sunday, October 7-9
Registration & information: Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club & Restaurant
(903) 407-9117
www.boobenefit.org

* RODEO SPONSORED BY JEFFERSON LIVESTOCK ASSO.
Saturday, October 8, 15, 22 @ 7:30 p.m.
Location: Jefferson Rodeo Arena (2 miles Hwy 49 East)
Mutton Busting, Mini Bulls, Calf Scramble, Team Roping, Bull Riding
(903) 930-8920 or (903) 665-8087

* AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT
Thursday, October 6 : “Donnie Dodson & White Trash Wannabees” (Classic Rock) @
8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight
Friday, October 7: “Lee Gibson” (Classic Rock) @ 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
“Cody Jinks & Tone Deaf Hippies” (Rock N’Roll) @ 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
“Teazur” @ 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 8: “Donnie Dodson & White Trash Wannabees” (Classic Rock N’
Roll) @ 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
“Doctor Doctor” (Classic Rock N’Roll) @ 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
“Teazur” (Classic Rock N’Roll) @ 9:00 p.m-1:00 a.m.
(903) 665-7121

* RODEO SPONSORED BY JEFFERSON LIVESTOCK ASSO.
Saturday, October 1, 8, 15, 22 @ 7:30 p.m.
Location: Jefferson Rodeo Arena (2 miles Hwy 49 East)
Mutton Busting, Mini Bulls, Calf Scramble, Team Roping, Bull Riding
(903) 930-8920 or (903) 665-8087

* AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT
Thursday, October 6: “Donnie Dodson & White Trash Wannabees”
(Classic Rock) @ 9:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight
Friday, October 7: “Lee Gibson” (Classic Rock) @ 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
“Cody Jinks & Tone Deaf Hippies” (Rock N’Roll) @ 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
“Teazur” @ 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 8: “Donnie Dodson & White Trash Wannabees” (Classic Rock
N’ Roll) @ 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
“Doctor Doctor” (Classic Rock N’Roll) @ 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
“Teazur” (Classic Rock N’Roll) @ 9:00 p.m-1:00 a.m.
(903) 665-7121

* KARAOKE
Saturday, October 8 @ 8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight
Location: The Sandwich Shop, 123 W. Austin
(903) 601-2211

* TURNING BASIN RIVERBOAT TOURS
200 Bayou St.
CLOSED until further notice due to low water levels
(903) 665-2222
www.jeffersonbayoutours.com

* LONE STAR CARRIAGE COMPANY OF JEFFERSON
Historical tours of Jefferson by horse & carriage and Mule Drawn Wagon
Specializing in weddings
No tours: Friday-Sunday, October 7-9
Groups and special events available by appointment
Departs from corner of Austin & Market (across from the Jefferson Historical
Museum
(903) 926-8216
www.jeffersontexascarriage.com
Call for reservations

* JEFFERSON PEDAL POWER
122 E. Austin
Bicycles, Trikes, Tandems, Surreys & more
By reservation
(903) 926-5167
www.JeffersonPedalPower.com

* HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY
“Terror on the Bayou” & Runaway Fright Train, October 7-9; 14-16; 21-23; 28-29
Tickets & information: (903) 665-6400 or (866) 398-2038
www.JeffersonRailway.com

* LAFAYETTE STREET VINTAGE VEHICLES CAR MUSEUM
112 W. Lafayette
Friday & Saturday, October 7-8 @ 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
(903) 240-6180
Call for additional tours

* CULBERSON HOUSE HISTORIC HOME TOUR
403 N. Walnut
(903) 665-7888
www.culbersonhousebandb.com
* By reservation. Call for tour times

* HOUSE OF THE SEASONS HISTORIC HOME TOUR
409 S. Alley
Daily @ 11:00 a.m.
(903) 665-8000
Reservations required
www.houseoftheseasons.com

* SINGLETON’S VIRGINIA CROSS HISTORIC HOME TOUR
401 Soda St.
Saturday, October 8 @ 1:00 p.m.
(903) 665-3938 or (214) 725-6232
Call for reservations & additional tour dates and times

* THE GROVE HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR
405 Moseley
Saturday, October 8 @ 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 9 @ 11:00 a.m.
(903) 665-8018
www.thegrove-jefferson.com
Call to confirm tour

* EXCELSIOR HOUSE HOTEL & JAY GOULD RAILCAR TOUR
211 W. Austin
Tours: Monday-Friday @ 2:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday @ 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
(903) 665-2513
Call to confirm tour times
www.theexcelsiorhouse.com

* JEFFERSON HISTORICAL MUSEUM
223 W. Austin
Open daily: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(903) 665-2775
www.jeffersonmuseum.com

* THE GRACEFUL GHOST PADDLEWHEEL STEAMBOAT ON CADDO LAKE
Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Saturday @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Pontoon Boat tours at any time with prior reservation
Location: Shady Glade Marina, 510 Cypress Drive, Uncertain, TX
(903) 789-2238
www.gracefulghost.com
Call for reservations & additional tours

* BILLY CARTER’S GO-DEVIL TOURS ON CADDO LAKE
Location: Johnson’s Ranch in Uncertain, TX
(903) 789-3213
Call for reservations
www.caddoguideservice.com

* CADDO OUTBACK BACKWATER TOURS
Personalized Tours of Caddo Lake
Uncertain, TX
(903) 789-3384 or (903) 679-9138
Call for reservations
www.caddooutback.com

* CADDO LAKE PADDLEWHEEL TOURS “THE SWAMP THING”
Uncertain, TX
(888) 325-5459 or (903) 789-2101
Open: Tuesday-Saturday @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Additional tours by appointment
Call for reservations
www.caddolakepaddlewheeltours.com

* CAPTAIN RON’S GATOR PARK, PETTING ZOO & GARDEN
FM Rd #2198
Uncertain, TX
(903) 789-2100
Open: Tuesday-Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

* JEFFERSON CARNEGIE LIBRARY
301 W. Lafayette
Monday-Thursday @ 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Friday @ 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday @ 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Closed: Sunday
(903) 665-8911
www.jeffersoncarnegielibrary.com
Free internet access

Additional visitor information & tours:
Marion County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center
101 N. Polk
Jefferson, TX 75657
(903) 665-2672
www.jefferson-texas.com

Tags: Caddo Lake, Carriage House B&B, Historic Jefferson Railway, History, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Auntie Skinners, Bed and Breakfast, Boo Benefit, Harley Riders, Jefferson Texas, lake o the pines, lodging, Runaway Fright Train, Specials and Promotions, Terror on the Bayou, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, The Ghost Train | Comments Off

Christmas Rail of Light Tickets Now on Sale

September 17th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Celebrate Christmas Traditions Around the Globe

Rail of Lights Christmas & New Year’s Train – Jefferson, Texas

Tickets are now on sale for Rail of Lights Christmas and New Year’s Train. Make this a Christmas to remember aboard the Rail of Lights Christmas Train in Jefferson, Texas. The unforgettable ride aboard an old-fashioned steam train departs each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Thanksgiving through December 24. Passengers will enjoy lighted scenes along the Cypress Bayou River as they hear about “Christmas Traditions Around the Globe”.

Also, ring in the New Year with the Rail of Lights New Year’s Train running on December 30 and 31st. This ride will feature the dropping of the ball in Times Square, complete with beverages, noisemakers and a fantastic fire works show on every train ride.

The excursions will take you by a life-size nativity scene, the German Markets, Jerusalem and the Angel Tree. Glimpse Christmas trees simply decorated reminiscent of the bare-limbed sourwood of the Appalachian Christmas Tree to the opulence of a re-created 1885 Christmas tree in the Smith-McDowell House in Asheville, North Carolina. View scenes representing Alaska, San Francisco, Australia and the Arizona Hopi Indian nation.

Enjoy an authentic life-sized 90-year old Christmas card as well as the post card sent by soldiers during World War II and other favorites: the aluminum tree, reminiscent of the 1960’s; a whimsical Teddy Bear tree; and Charlie Brown’s forlorn little Christmas tree.

The decorated historic railroad depot, complete with Santa Claus, captures the holiday spirit. The wonderful narrated tour, accompanied by a local vocalist, will also give patrons an opportunity to sing some of their favorite Christmas Carols as they create unique Christmas memories riding along the river.

Ticket Prices: First Class $21; Coach Class: $14.75 – $16.50. Lap children unde

r 4 are free. First Class is offered in a beautiful historic, heated, enclosed coach. If you are riding Coach Class, be sure to dress warmly and bring a blanket, as you will be riding in open cars. Seating is limited so purchase your tickets early. The easiest way to get tickets is to order online at www.RailofLights.com.

Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. It seems frozen in time and is an elegant reminder of a bygone era. The downtown area will be aglow with lights and greenery during the holiday season. You will want to make Jefferson and the Christmas Train a tradition for your whole family.

Tags: Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Christmas, Historic Jefferson Railway, Jefferson Texas, Rail of Lights, Romantic Getaway
Posted in Bed and Breakfast, Candlelight Tour of Homes, Christmas in Jefferson, Historic Jefferson Railway, Holiday Trail of Lights, New Years Eve Train, Rail of Lights, Runaway Fright Train, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, The Ghost Train | Comments Off

The Red Door at the Carriage House B&B

August 31st, 2011 by carriagehouse

When Tom and I were in Natchez Mississippi earlier this summer, we learned the legend around the red front door. Many fine southern homes have them and I always loved them as a statement. In fact, I always secretly wanted one.

On a tour of one of Natchez’s grand antebellum homes, we learned that back when these historic homes were built, the red door signified that a major milestone had been hit. The homeowners would paint their front doors red when they paid off their mortgages. I guess it was a way to show off to everyone in the neighborhood.

So when we decided to repaint this old house, I absolutely had to have a red door. Certainly we have not paid off our mortgage but, I love the history behind the red door. I think it adds a little flair to the house that it did not have before.

Tags: Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, History, Hotels, Jefferson Texas
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New Kitchen Cabinets are Being Installed at the Carriage House B & B

August 26th, 2011 by carriagehouse

We hit another big milestone this week. The new kitchen cabinets are being installed. Finally this is beginning to look like a real kitchen and not just a big empty room.

We decided to go with a light maple color since the old cabinets were very dark. The old kitchen had a feeling of being in a cave and I was constantly complaining about having to cook int he dark. Our plan is to make the new kitchen very light and bright. We want to it be a cheerful and pleasant place to work.

Tags: Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, Hotels, Jefferson Texas
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New Porch at the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast

August 25th, 2011 by carriagehouse

New Porch

It has been a little while since I have posted pics of the renovation. The new porch is nearly complete and will be so awesome to sit on when we finally get some cooler weather. When things get really crazy and stressful with the contractors, I sit back, close my eyes and imagine sitting in a rocking chair on the new porch with a cool breeze gently fluttering the air. Oh wait, I just went to my happy place.

One of the things I am most excited about is the new french doors leading in to the dining room. These doors are really special. They came out of a turn of the century house in Marshall that is being renovated. They are beautiful beveled glass. I think they will become a signature of the Carriage House B&B once they are in installed. A company up in Texarkana picked them up earlier this week to build casements around them. When they come back, I will post some before and after pics of them including a picture of the storage shed where they have been for no telling how many decades.

The kitchen cabinets are being installed this week. I will try and get some pictures and post them tomorrow.

Tags: Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Bed and Breakfast, Jefferson Texas, lodging, Specials and Promotions, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast | Comments Off

A Sweet Surprising Generous Gift

August 24th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep. The Meals and Memories of a Lifetime.

Today has been a wonderful day full of surprises and gifts. Mother Nature finally gave us some respite from this drought and this heat. It has been raining all afternoon and my little thermometer is reporting a temperature of 72 degrees. It has been so unbearably hot that 72 degrees feels cold. I am going to have to put on long pants before my Chamber of Commerce meeting in an hour.

The rain was not my only surprise today!!

The greatest gift I received today came in the mail from my sweet Aunt Gloria up in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan. Much to my surprise, the mailman had a package for me today…a book. In fact, a wonderful inspirational book about a woman who has journeyed from being a nun to being an innkeeper. The book is full of wonderful prayers and inspirational thoughts. The book is also full of yummy recipes. I can’t wait to get my new kitchen in so I can try some of these out.

Thank You Aunt Gloria! Your sweetness brought a smile to my heart today!

Tags: Carriage House B&B, Family Recipes, Hotels, Jefferson Texas
Posted in Bed and Breakfast, Book Club, Dining, Jefferson Texas, lodging, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast | Comments Off

Archive for the ‘Bed and Breakfast’ Category

Weekend Entertainment

Weekend Entertainment for Jefferson Texas

Happy Birthday to the Dixie girl!!