Looking to get away to add spark to your romance?
Pursue these worthy retreats near Fort Worth, Texas:
In Mineola, about an hour away, you can bask in the glow of the Fall Farm, A Fine Country Inn where tranquility lives on ten acres. The unique country farmhouse Bed and Breakfast is located in East Texas among the scenic piney woods, reflecting owners Mike and Carol Fall’s welcoming spirit and history. A beautiful patio landscaped by a clear, blue pool and four-poster high beds flanked by cozy colors and décor await your weekend plans in this traditional country breakfast inn. Price for two rooms is $135 and one suite is $185; one cottage is $200; and one guest house is $350.00. For reservations, call 1-877-886-7696.
For the outdoorsy couple, check out Granbury Log Cabins in Granbury built in 1867. Spend quiet time in the country in this relocated dogtrot hand hewn log house. A cascade of flowers and trees characterizes the scenery as you view the front porch from a long gravel driveway. Located at 5801 Matlock Road, Granbury Log Cabins may be reached at 817-326-3639.
Weatherford is known as the perfect getaway 30 minutes away for those who work in Fort Worth. The town grew from the 1850s as the seat of Parker County. You can dazzle your darling by poking through antique shops, touring a beautiful garden, or a historic cemetery, and taking long walking or driving tours of historic neighborhoods filled with Victorian architecture. There is great nightlife, romantic hotels, intimate dining venues, and secluded retreats. For more information, go to weatherford.tx.us.
Or venture to Dallas and stay at the Hotel Lawrence at 302 S. Houston Street (214-761-9090) and enjoy the breakfast buffet. The hotel dates back to 1925 but all 118 rooms have been updated. Eat at The Founders Grill in the hotel for a variety of cuisine or venture out to the popular West End which offers multiple dining options. The hotel also provides transportation within a three-mile radius. Packages start at $79 per night.
For pampering, fishing, and so much more head to Pottsboro, TX and stay at the Tanglewood Resort. Enjoy also tennis, croquet, and badminton. The address is 290 Tanglewood Circle and the phone number is 800-833-6569. They are located about 85 miles north of Dallas.
Despite the cold you can head to Gordonville and forget all about the weather when you see and experience Lake Texhoma. There are many ducks, geese, and birds of prey you can spot. Cruise the lake on an 80-foot party boat for the best views of nesting bald eagles or go striper fishing because this body of water is known as the Striper Capital of the World where you can heed the experts’ advice. The address is 500 Harbour View Drive and various locations. Call Cedar Hills Marina and Resort at 903-523-5982.
To get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, go to Cedar Hill State Park located halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth. The area is 1,826 acres and has 355 camp sites where you can pitch a tent. If you have a boat, launch it on the 7,500-acre Joe Pool Reservoir. Bikers can ride 15 miles of trails. Open daily 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. General admission is $5, children 12 and under get in free. This park is four miles southeast of Grand Prairie and is located at 1570 FM 1382 in Cedar Hills. For details, call 972-291-3900.
Over in Galveston, another popular getaway spot, check out Moody Gardens, a futuristic complex surrounded by botanical gardens including the ten-story glass Rainforest Pyramid containing a lush forest, the pink Discovery Pyramid, and the aquarium. You can even take a romantic whirl around the ice rink which is open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Skating admission is $5.95 for general tickets; children three and under skate free. The Gardens are at 1 Hope Boulevard and may be contacted at 800-582-4673.
