Posts Tagged ‘Romantic Getaway’

Weekend Entertainment for Jefferson, Texas July 21 – 24

July 20th, 2011 by carriagehouse

JEFFERSON, TEXAS
WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT
JULY 21-24, 2011

* AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT
Thursday, July 21: “Karaoke” @ 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday, July 22: “Auntie Skinner’s has Talent” Preliminary Round II @ 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 23: “The Voodudes” (Classic Rock N’Roll) 9:00pm-1:00 a.m.
(903) 665-7121

* KARAOKE
Saturday, July 23 @ 8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight
Location: The Sandwich Shop, 123 W. Austin
(903) 601-2211

* BINGO!
Location: Pine Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation, 1307 MLK
Each Monday in July @ 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Prizes & refreshments -Free-
(903) 472-841

* TURNING BASIN RIVERBOAT TOURS
200 Bayou St.
Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon & 2:00 p.m.
Saturdays @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
(Weather permitting)
Closed: Sunday & Monday
(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
Friday-Sunday, July 22-24
(Weather permitting)
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

* HISTORIC JEFFERSON GHOSTWALK
Wednesday-Saturday, July 20-23 @ 8:00 p.m.
Departure location: Corner of Austin &Vale St.
(903) 665-6289
www.jeffersonghostwalk.com

* HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY
Friday, July 22 @ 8:00 p.m. – Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train
(Note: due to heat conditions, the train may not run on Friday evening. Final
determination will be made each Friday @ 5:00 p.m. Please call to confirm.
Saturday, July 23 @ 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (Day Excursions)
8:00 p.m. – Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train
(903) 665-6400 or (866) 398-2038
www.JeffersonRailway.com

* LAFAYETTE STREET VINTAGE VEHICLES CAR MUSEUM
112 W. Lafayette
Friday & Saturday, July 22-23 @ 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, July 23 @ 1:00 p.m.
(903) 665-3938 (903) 665-8518 or (214) 725-6232
Call for reservations & additional tour dates and times

* THE GROVE HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR
405 Moseley
Saturday, July 23 @ 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 24 @ 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

* H & D EXOTIC DEER FARM AND OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS
359 P.R. 5730 & Hwy 729
Open: Sunday-Friday (Closed: Saturday)
(903) 665-2238
Reservations required
www.hddeerfarmtours.homestead.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
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Call for reservations

* 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

Tags: Caddo Lake, Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, Historic Jefferson Railway, History, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Restaurant, Romantic Getaway, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Jefferson Texas | Comments Off on Weekend Entertainment for Jefferson, Texas July 21 – 24

For Better or For Worse, For Richer and For Poorer and Now For an Even Dozen

July 3rd, 2011 by carriagehouse

It was twelve years ago today (around 2pm Central Time) that Tom and I stood in front of God, our family and our friends and said our I Dos. Neither one of us had any idea of the adventure that we were just beginning or the path that we had just begun.

I am sure some of you have heard the story. Tom and I met on July 3rd 1997. He proposed to me July 3rd 1998 and we were married on July 3rd 1999. There is no way that either one of us could forget our anniversary.

By the way, it is twelve years later and I still see fireworks on our anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!!

Tags: Carriage House B&B, History, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Romantic Getaway, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Bed and Breakfast, Jefferson Texas, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, Wedding | Comments Off on For Better or For Worse, For Richer and For Poorer and Now For an Even Dozen

Having Fun Playing with the Photographer’s Camera

July 2nd, 2011 by carriagehouse

So while we were in Natchez, Mississippi, I grabbed Tom’s camera and played photographer for a while. I had been toying with the idea of taking up photography for sometime and wanted to see what it was like being on the other side of the lens.

It is a lot harder then it looks.

My college sweetheart was a photographer whose name was also Tom. Apparently today, he is on the Dallas Morning News photography staff and his work has earned him a Pulitzer Prize amongst manyother awards. I obviously didn’t marry that Tom but later met a different photographer by the name of Tom and married him. It is clear that I have a type that I am attracted. Tom’s who carry cameras. I have spent my entire adult life around photography and can compose a shot as good as any one but I can’t shoot the picture. I don’t know the mechanics of a camera.

So this week while in Natchez, I picked up Tom’s camera and took my first photo. I would love your honest feedback. How did I do? Let me know on our Facebook page

Crepe Myrtle Water Tower

Tags: Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, History, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Photography, Photography Weekend, Romantic Getaway, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Bed and Breakfast, Jefferson Texas, Photography Weekend, summer vacation, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast | Comments Off on Having Fun Playing with the Photographer’s Camera

A Beautiful Plantation for a Better Way to Stay on our Wedding Anniversary

July 2nd, 2011 by carriagehouse

At the insistence of our BFFs, Joe and Vickie, we booked a room at the beautiful Monmouth Plantation in Natchez, Mississippi for our wedding anniversary trip. We knew we were in for something special when we drove up and saw the impressive Greek Revival Mansion sitting on the hill overlooking the town surrounded by huge old trees draped in Spanish Moss.

We checked in and were immediately greeted by Hal who went to great lengths to make sure we knew how to use the TV remotes and where the best places to eat in town were. To be honest, Hal was one of the reason this place is great. Every time I saw him, he was smiling. Hal always went out of his way to say Hi and greet us. At one point we were loading up the car for the day and he offered to get us a bag of ice for our cooler. Score one for the BnB. That is not something you ever see at a hotel.

The Inn’s property is just amazing with incredible gardens that go on forever. That is one of my musts for a B&B …beautiful gardens. I think when people come to stay at a Bed & Breakfast or in this case an Inn, they expect to be surrounded by beauty. It doesn’t matter whether the BnB is a an old historic house or a trendy bungalow, people want amazing gardens. Monmouth Plantation did not disappoint. Both Tom and I wandered for hours through rose gardens with angels keeping watch, and over walking bridges that provided safe passage from fountained duck ponds. The walking paths seemed to lead to every part of the property… even an old cemetery. If people need property related information, they can check out eXp Realty and get their valuable help.

Hotels often talk about service with a smile but let’s be honest, that is just marketing speak to try and get you to book a room with them. A BnB or an Inn lives customer service. It is what we do every day for every one. We don’t just talk customer service, we live and breath it every moment just like our friend Hal does in Natchez.

Hotels are sometimes beautiful stately properties but just as often dingy buildings along the side of the highway. B&Bs are almost never anything but amazing properties with the owners taking great pride in every detail of your stay all the way down to the flowers out your window.

These are the things that distinguish us from them or a Bed & Breakfast from a hotel.

That is why we say that we are a Better Way to Stay. The hospitality industry should be about providing gracious, courteous service to every guest that walks through the door. At a B&B or an Inn every person is treated special and with personalized attention. When was the last time you can say that about the big chain hotel on the highway?

So next time you are looking for someplace to stay, chose a Better Way to Stay. Choose a B&B or an Inn.

Water Fountain

Walking Bridge

Tags: A Better Way to Stay, Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, Gardens, History, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Romantic Getaway, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Bed and Breakfast, summer vacation | Comments Off on A Beautiful Plantation for a Better Way to Stay on our Wedding Anniversary

July 4th Weekend Entertainment for Jefferson Texas

June 30th, 2011 by carriagehouse

JEFFERSON, TEXAS
WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT
JUNE 30-JULY 4, 2011

* “JEFFERSON SALUTES AMERICA” 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Monday, July 4 @ 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Location: Otstott Gazebo & Bandstand (Lafayette & Vale St.)
Decorated Bicycle/Tricycle contest, homemade ice cream contest, cake & pie auction,
Live music, Fireworks Extravaganza and much more.
(903) 665-2672
www.jefferson-texas.com

* AUNTIE SKINNER’S RIVERBOAT CLUB & RESTAURANT
Thursday, June 30: “Leon Vines” (Classic Acoustic Guitar) @ 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday, July 1: “Donnie Dodson & the White Trash Wannabees” (Classic Rock) @ 8:30
p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Saturday, July 2: “Richard Stuart & One Night Stand” (Classic Rock N’Roll) @ 9:00
p.m.-1:00 a.m.
(903) 665-7121

* KARAOKE
Saturday, July 2 @ 8:00 p.m.-12:00 midnight
Location: The Sandwich Shop, 123 W. Austin
(903) 601-2211

* BINGO!
Location: Pine Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation, 1307 MLK
Each Monday in July @ 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Prizes & refreshments
(903) 472-841

* TURNING BASIN RIVERBOAT TOURS
200 Bayou St.
Tuesday-Friday @ 12:00 noon & 2:00 p.m.
Saturdays, @ 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Sunday & Monday, July 3-4: 12:00 noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
(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
Friday-Saturday, July 1-2
(Weather permitting)
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

* HISTORIC JEFFERSON GHOSTWALK
Thursday-Sunday, June 30-July 3 @ 8:00 p.m.
Departure location: Corner of Austin &Vale St.
(903) 665-6289
www.jeffersonghostwalk.com

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

* HISTORIC JEFFERSON RAILWAY
Friday, July 1 @ 8:00 p.m. – Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train
Saturday, July 2 @ 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (Day Excursions)
8:00 p.m. – Free Ghost Stories & 9:00 p.m. – Ghost Train
(903) 665-6400 or (866) 398-2038
www.JeffersonRailway.com

* LAFAYETTE STREET VINTAGE VEHICLES CAR MUSEUM
112 W. Lafayette
Friday & Saturday, July 1-2 @ 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
Closed: June 27-July 5
Daily @ 11:00 a.m.
(903) 665-8000
Reservations required
www.houseoftheseasons.com

* SINGLETON’S VIRGINIA CROSS HISTORIC HOME TOUR
401 Soda St.
Saturday, July 2 @ 1:00 p.m.
(903) 665-3938 (903) 665-8518 or (214) 725-6232
Call for reservations & additional tour dates and times

* THE GROVE HAUNTED HISTORIC HOME TOUR
405 Moseley
Saturday, July 2 @ 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 3 @ 11:00 a.m.
(903) 665-8018
www.thegrove-jefferson.com
Call to confirm tour

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

* H & D EXOTIC DEER FARM AND OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS
359 P.R. 5730 & Hwy 729
Open: Sunday-Friday (Closed: Saturday)
(903) 665-2238
Reservations required

* 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
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Call for reservations

Tags: Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Historic Jefferson Railway, History, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Romantic Getaway, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
Posted in Jefferson Texas | Comments Off on July 4th Weekend Entertainment for Jefferson Texas

July 4th Activities in Jefferson Texas

June 29th, 2011 by carriagehouse

It was Jefferson’s July 4th celebration where Tom and I fell in love with this wonderful small town. We were sitting and watching all of the festivities in Ostott Park in downtown Jefferson and marveled at this Mayberry on the Bayou celebration. It was unlike anything that we ever experienced in the big city of Dallas. The locals were all sitting under the trees with fans fanning themselves, drinking lemonade and sampling home made ice cream. Unlike the big over the top events in the big city, this small intimate event bred community and civic pride. There were bicycle parades, duck races, and a firework display so close that it made your ears ring.

It was Jefferson’s July 4th celebration that charmed us, but to be more exact, it was the pie and cake auction that really got our hearts pounding. You have no idea how competitive this auction is in Jefferson. That first July 4th, Tom and I sat in awe as pies and cakes went for thousands of dollars. We kept muttering under our breath, “you have got to be kidding me…how much?”

The good news is that every penny that is raised goes to support the Carnegie Library in Jefferson. We have the only fully operational Carnegie Library in the state of Texas and one of the few left in the nation. When you are in town, you must stop by and see the place. It is gorgeous.

So last year, our first as locals, I proudly entered my cake into the Pie and Cake auction. I wanted to do something really creative so I made a gator cake. I thought my cake was appropriate for my new life in the swamps.

The cake took three tries. The first one was my practice run and it ended up as a birthday cake for a friend. Everyone oohed and aahed so I knew I had a hit.

The second was eaten by Dixie, the Golden Retriever. Tom came into the kitchen. Looked at the counter where the missing red velvet cake and cupcakes used to be and without ever saying a single word he put Dixie in the car for a trip to the emergency vet. The Dr gave Dixie some medicine to make her throw up. He put a trash can under the table, leaned Dixie over the edge while Tom held her ears back. The Dr was relieved to know it was Red Velvet cake since everything coming out of her was bright red.

The third cake made it to the auction. I had some VERY tough competition but I am proud to say that my cake brought in $400. YAY.

I have big plans for this year’s cake auction already. I will get my favorite photographer to get some pictures of it for me and I will post them next week.

Tags: Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, July 4th, Romantic Getaway, Vacation
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The Moy Grande Hibiscus Blooming at the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast

June 27th, 2011 by carriagehouse

This is one of my favorite flowers and it is putting on it’s annual summer show right now in the gardens of the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast. This showy flower is a great perennial for our hot and steamy summers in East Texas and has caught the attention of many guests the last few weeks. Heck any plant that can hold up to this summer is worthy of my garden!

This huge bloomer has been deemed a Texas Super Star by the Texas A&M’s AgriLIFE Research & Entension Program. This is one of the many plants that we have planted in the newly restored gardens here at the Carriage House B&B. We have spent a ton of time ripping out the all of the weeds and invasive non-native plants that the previous owners had planted and have replaced them with native or hybridized plants that want to live here in this soil and climate.

The thing that makes the Moy Grande Hibiscus such an interesting and fantastic plant is it’s blooms which are the size of dinner plates and are a very vibrant hot pink color. Trust me, you will notice these flowers when you are in the gardens. The plants at maturity are huge at seven foot tall and wide so you have to give them a lot space for them to be happy. They usually start blooming around July 4th but got an early start this year because of the early and hot summer. These big bloomers will keep up their show until early fall.

My favorite photographer, Tom, took this picture early morning recently. He was as happy as a school boy to see the Moy Grande Hibiscus had started it’s summer show and had put on it’s first bloom. He ran back into the house and grabbed all of his camera gear to get set up for just the perfect picture. I hope you enjoy this picture and it brings you as much joy to look at as the plants in my garden do me.

Tags: Gardens, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Romantic Getaway, Summer, Vacation, Weekend Getaway
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Fabulous Dinner Special at the Stillwater Inn

June 16th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Are you looking for something yummy this weekend while you are in Jefferson? Then why don’t you give the Stillwater Inn a try. It is our MOST elegant restaurant and it is located in a beautifully restored house. This weekend they have a super special… fresh gulf Red Snapper-served with Vera Cruz sauce. If you would like a salad then try their special salad, arugula with Maytag blue cheese, fresh pears, walnuts and sherry vinaigrette. My mouth is watering already!!

Tags: Carriage House B&B, Restaurant, Romantic Getaway, Stillwater Inn, Weekend Getaway
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Breakfast and a Show at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast in Jefferson Texas

February 14th, 2011 by carriagehouse

So the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast’s crazy Italian chef has been at it once again. It is Valentine’s Day and the big guy is making some very romantic Strawberry Mascarpone Crepes for our guests. Watch while he shows us his amazing technique for flipping crepes. Only a true pro could show such mastery!

Tags: A Better Way to Stay, Breakfast, Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Romantic Getaway, Valentines Day
Posted in Breakfast, Jefferson Texas, The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast, Valentines | Comments Off on Breakfast and a Show at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast in Jefferson Texas

It is finally Valentine’s Day Weekend at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast

February 12th, 2011 by carriagehouse

Valentines Day is super important here in B&B land. I know a lot of people say that it is a contrived holiday made up to support the greeting card companies. Maybe. Frankly, we don’t worry too much about it here. We have a house full of people who are in love and ready to celebrate each other this weekend. That is what is what we care about!

This weekend we have all types of couples staying here from a young couple who are getting married this weekend to couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries. Of course, we also have couples that are just looking to escape the ice and snow and enjoy a weekend away from the kids. If you’re looking to spice things up in the bedroom and want that added thrill of secret stimulation, check out this high-rated remote vibrator.

One of our Valentine’s couple took us up on the Naughty and Nice Package. Our wonderful photographer, Tom got some great shots of all of the amazing stuff that comes in this sexy and romantic package. Trust me, next time you are needing a couple of days away with your sweetie, you will definitely want to get this package. It is just amazing and will be a vacation that you won’t forget.

So to all of the romantic hearts out there, Happy Valentines Day!!

Tags: Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, Hotels, Jefferson Texas, Romantic Getaway, Valentines Day
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