Archive for the ‘In the News’ Category

Seekers Find our Texas Guest Ranch

Monday, March 8th, 2010

A fascinating couple arrived at our Texas guest ranch during the fall of 2009, vintage airstream in tow.

Welcome to John and Kate.

John Byfield and Kate Heber spent many months traveling across and around the country in a journey of “discovery, hope and serendipity”. Their website documents their  “eco-discovery tour“.

It was a joy to have them here and to learn about their journey; and we were thrilled when they returned in January of this year for a visit.

Kate and John have now become Texans, and have been hired on to manage our guest ranch near Houston. They both have extensive management skills and are very customer oriented. In addition, they bring with them a great deal of knowledge about making environments more eco-friendly (as they did their 1962 Airstream). We are excited that they will be able to help further develop green lodging at Blisswood.

We wish John and Kate a warm welcome to Texas and the ranch, and we know you’ll all enjoy meeting them the next time you visit.

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Snow in Texas? Sometimes.

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Snow in Texas? Yes, and frost, too!

nature as artist

nature as artist

A couple of weeks ago, guests at our Texas Bed and Breakfast woke up to a frosty morning. It was a little early for a White Christmas, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t appreciated. One of the benefits to living in a warm climate is that you can greet the arrival of snow with a sincere smile.

It’s always a treat to be able to use our fireplaces, and this was one of those times. Smoke wafted out of many chimneys that weekend, giving a pleasant, woody fragrance to the air.

Our Houston area lodging was hosting a corporate retreat when the snows started to fall. The group proved they could be flexible, opting out of scheduled paddle boat races and enjoying indoor team building activities instead.

Balmy weather is back, but we are keeping firewood on hand, just in case.

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The Perfect Proposal

Monday, December 7th, 2009

There are as many ways to propose a marriage as there are future brides and grooms. Sometimes proposals are spontaneous, born out of the sudden realization that you must spend your life with the person before you. Often, however, at least one person plans a proposal, selecting the location and time with great care. I believe there is a certain amount of superstition around marriage proposals – the belief that if everything goes just right, she’ll say yes and the marriage will be blessed.

Joe and Amy, minutes after she said "yes".

Joe and Amy, minutes after she said "yes".

We were happy that recently Joe selected our Texas Guest Ranch as the place to pop the question to Amy. Amy obviously knew about their weekend together, but Joe kept the proposal a secret until the moment he asked for her hand. Joe made some arrangements to help set the proper mood: wrangler Carol guided the couple on a horseback ride to Enchanted Lake, where a bottle of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries were waiting for them in the Gazebo.

Our Texas Guest Ranch offers several special packages for folks with marriage on the mind. There is a package for guests of the ranch, and another for couples who want a special location for the proposal, but plan to return home at the end of the day.

We understand how important this moment is, and we strive to create a unique and private experience for everyone.

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Texas Monthly Praises Cat Spring Restaurant

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Texas Monthly Praises Carol's

Texas Monthly Praises Carol's

Texas Monthly magazine was created in 1972 by Michael R. Levy, a young man from Dallas who was “convinced that my state was ready for a really first class magazine that will appeal directly to the sophisticated, cosmopolitan folks that Texans have become.” (Texas Monthly, Feb. 1973). Since then, the magazine has grown and developed with the times, and can today be found online at www.texasmonthly.com. According to Texas Archival Resources Online, “the magazine began to define how Texas was emerging as a contemporary urban state while still clinging to its rural mythic past.”

It is no surprise that  Texas Monthly discovered fine dining in Cat Spring Texas. According to the magazine, if “hunger strikes while you’re traveling between Austin and Houston, detour a short distance and check out Carol Davis’ little oasis in a building that looks like a lodge. Here chef Doug Atkinson, who once cooked for Ruggles’ restaurants in Houston, is turning out dishes that far exceed the road-food norm. Lunch runs to sandwiches, burgers, and salads like grilled salmon with balsamic vinaigrette. Dinners include excellent bison fillet with port wine sauce and a fine, juicy pork chop with homemade apple butter.”

Proof enough that Carol’s is worth a detour while out and about in the Texas countryside. Consider extending your meal with a stay at Carol’s romantic guest ranch.

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More Accolades for Carol’s at Cat Spring

Monday, December 1st, 2008

We are happy to share that the good word about Carol’s at Cat Spring is getting around!

We were featured in the November issue of Texas Highways and Everyday with Rachael Ray, and are excited A picture of our Chorizo Cornbread stuffing from Everyday with Rachael Rayto be featured in The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide to Houston. The selection was made by My Table Magazine editors.

The guidebook features restaurants, wine bars, ethnic markets, bakeries and coffee houses – representing the dynamic food scene. The ultimate food lovers guide is available in major booksellers as well as Central Market and amazon.com.

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Rachael Ray for Thanksgiving and More!

Friday, October 10th, 2008

I know its been a while – ok, a REALLY long while – since I updated folks on this blog, but I am back on it and excited to share about our newest claim to fame.

The Every Day With Rachael Ray Magazine featured BlissWood Bed and Breakfast in a full page story in their most recent November publication! We were very excited and flattered to be featured by the up-and-coming celebrity chef.

Rachael featured both our amazing accommodations and the restaurant, Carol’s at Cat Spring, my restaurant. She highlighted that we try and let our guests escape form all the modernity that runs their lives and resume tranquil living, at least for a while!

The story also talked about all our great activities: horseback riding, fishing, hiking and even hot air balloon rides – yep, we have all that and more at the ranch!

The story also highlighted our Thanksgiving menu and activities. We are going to be serving some real special southern dishes, including sweet potato bisque, a roasted turkey of course, roasted suckling wild boar, chorizo and cornbread stuffing, hot and spicy cranberry sauce and more.

The story included the recipe for our chorizo and cornbread stuffing, so you better grab the next copy you see so you can make it for your family. Or find the recipe online at the Everyday with Rachael Ray web site. Unless, of course, you’d rather come and let us do the cooking and cleaning – eat with us! We will be serving the Thanksgiving menu all day.

We’re going to be having some great holiday activities at the ranch this year for Thanksgiving! We’re gonna hold a turkey shoot on the 22nd of November! No real turkeys, only targets, but if you win, you do get a bird for roastin’!

If you can’t wait till Thanksgiving for a little gourmet (and who can?) we will be having a wine pairing evening with Truchard Winery selections at Carol’s restaurant on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Come on in for some fine California wine paired to perfection with our delectable cuisine!

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BlissWood Bed and Breakfast
At Lehmann Ranch, 1 hour west of Houston

13300 Lehmann Legacy Lane
Cat Spring, Texas 78933

Email: Carol@BlissWood.net
Phone: 713-301-3235

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