Pictured below are Matt and Rose, two WWOOFERS from South Africa and New Zealand respectively. Matt’s father owns a competitive archery range in South Africa, and while staying here at our Texas guest ranch, Matt set up a professional archery range for us.

We happily welcome Wwoofers and Workampers here at our Houston ranch. To learn more about these programs, visit WWOOF and Workamper.

A graceful sport.

The Murphy sisters visit our Texas Guest Ranch.

“There are six Murphy girls and we all grew up in Dallas. Three of the sisters now live in Texas and three have homes outside of Texas (Washington State and Wyoming). We are very close sisters and love to get together whenever we can. Our parents, both deceased, were proud of their heritage and when we were growing up, we often heard stories of our grandparents and great-grandparents. About two years ago, we began talking about a reunion where the six of us would travel around Texas and visit places of interest to our family history. We chose to explore the history of our mother’s paternal ancestors, and set about doing some research; our reunion turned into a Pilgrimage in search of our Texas ancestory.

Our main guideline was concluding our trip in the town of Wheelock, Texas, founded by our great,great,great grandfather, Eleazar Louis Ripley Wheelock, who founded the town. (His great grandfather, Eleazar Wheelock, was the founder of Darmouth College in New Hampshire!) As children we had attended Wheelock Reunions with our grandparents. These reunions, always on the first Sunday in May, have been held on the grounds of the Wheelock Cemetery for over 100 years.

Martha took charge of planning the itinerary, and asked each sister for suggestions of where to visit. We took out the map of Texas, circled all the locations, and “connected the dots”, so to say. Starting in Dallas, we had 8 nights on the road which included travel to Tyler, Kilgore, Jacksonville, Palestine, Mexia, Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, Seguin, Cat Spring, Brenham, College Station, and finally to the birthplace of our ancestors, Wheelock, Texas.

When we realized our visit to San Antonio was not far from Cat Spring, we knew we had to make plans for a visit to see our family friend, Skeeter Hagler. What an amazing and unforgettable experience to visit Blisswood Texas bed and breakfast! We had no idea what we were about to experience when we arrived at the entrance to Blisswood. We followed Skeeter to the picturesque gazebo, passing many, many lovingly-cared-for animals along the winding road before arriving at the White Gazebo alongside the peaceful pond with its little bridge, and abundant flowers, vines and lush foliage. We were truly awed by the setting and the beautifully prepared luncheon of luscious cheeses, colorful fruits, croissants, chilled wines and crisp, “fresh from the garden” salad greens!

Our time with Skeeter and Carol at lunch (how does she do it!) was followed by a tour and an “all too brief” good-bye as we had to depart for the next destination on our pilgrimage.”

Thanks to Martha Murphy for writing this. We always love to hear from our guests.

The trickle of the waterfall gently lulled us to sleep...

“I just had to take the time out to share with you all just how wonderful my experience was of The Blisswood Ranch B&B in CatSpring, Texas. I live nearby in Houston, Texas and have a hard time finding something so wonderful and so close to home. It was only 60 miles from my front door, and I walked into an Oasis (literally) at this beautiful Bed & Breakfast Ranch Site. On our visit we were greeted by wonderful Emily, who walked us through to our suite. There were chocolate covered strawberries and champagne waiting our arrival. The King bed was soft and luxurious, the bathroom had a large garden Jacuzzi tub for two, wink, wink. The kitchen had a dish washer, refrigerator and all the kitchenware we needed to make a stay easy. Outside our front porch with the sliding glass doors was a 6 foot tall water fall wall that softly trickled us to sleep. On the Ranch property there are lots of experiences of wild and domestic animal life. A friendly camel, a kangaroo, chickens, horses, silly goats, donkeys, dogs, and 1 big fat sleepy potbelly pig that probably weighs about 400 lbs. OUCH! Apparently the food is good on ranch, just ask the pig. This is my second time to visit the ranch, my first time I stayed in the Enchanted Cabin and it is well worth the wait to get a weekend in that beautiful, secluded and peaceful spot. I look forward to many retreats back to this convenient location. Thanks Carol, you do a swell job at everything on the ranch. It’s a must visit!”

Thanks for the review Lydia. We always enjoy hearing back from our guests.

Dragonfly on a blade of grass

Our Central Texas vacation ranch offers a blissful respite from busy lives. Guests may explore our 600 acres at their leisure, stretching out for a nap in the shade of a live oak, or in a sunny field.

Immerse yourself in the simple beauty of the world at Blisswood Texas bed and breakfast.

Photo taken at BlissWood by Pulitzer Prize Winner Skeeter Hagler.

If you are patient and enjoy the quest, you can find treasures in the antique shops of Central Texas. Browse Mustang Alley in Cat Spring; try to find something ordinary in Bellville’s Nothing Ordinary Antiques, and find out what is being auctioned at Hradil Auction Co. in Sealy.

Antique hunting can be a great addition to any getaway at our Houston area guest ranch.  Newlyweds can look for unique furnishings for their new home, while couples celebrating their anniversary may find each other the perfect gifts. Friends will have fun exploring the shops at the end of country lanes. No matter who you are with or what you are looking for, you are sure to have fun.

Antique shops near our Cat Spring guest ranch

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Head to Stephen F. Austin Golf Club

The Stephen F. Austin Golf Club is a beautiful spot just 30 minutes from our Houston area guest ranch. It is nestled in a bend of the Brazos River, and has several small streams meandering through it. These, along with the thousands of pecan trees that line the course, help keep the course cool in the heat of summer. They also present a fun challenge for golfers.

Or head to the River Ridge Golf Club

Just a little farther down the road is the River Ridge Golf Club, in Sealy. Golf Digest has called it “One of The Best 18 Holes of the New Generation”. Also on the banks of the Brazos River, River Ridge has spectacular views and golf for all levels.

Enjoy comfortable lodging in our Hill Country guest ranch. Sleep late. Golf a while. Then enjoy a drink on your deck and dinner at our Cat Spring restaurant. When you return to the city, you will be a new person.

Just such a place exists close to our Houston area guest ranch.

Mustang Alley Antiques is close to our guest ranch

Mustang Alley Antiques is located in an old general store between Sealy and Bellville. If you happen to be looking for cowhide this is THE place to go, but it also has other interesting items. Check out the fine collection of antique oak and walnut furniture, or look for something downright silly. This is a shopping experience that will put you in a good mood.

Instead of returning to whence you came right after shopping, why not spend a night or two at our Houston area guest ranch? Take time to treat yourself to an afternoon of horseback riding. Bring your knitting and finish that project while relaxing on the porch of your cabin. Forget about cooking for a change and enjoy a delicious meal at our Cat Spring restaurant – grilled bison and sweet potato fries anyone?

After all, you deserve a holiday, too.

We have ten cabins/cottages available, scattered throughout the guest ranch, several of which can comfortably house eight people. No need to try to cram all of your scrapbooking materials into one small room – take over the whole house! Heck, book all the cabins and take over the whole ranch. It could be a scrapbooker’s paradise!

When your eyes tire or you need to stretch out a bit, we have miles of trails for you. You can even mix things up with horseback rides if you like, or take the feed tour and visit the animals. Refreshed and invigorated, you will return to your work with renewed creativity.

Such a lovely place to scrapbook

There will be a live Broadcast by Ralph & Tamara of Ralph’s Back Porch. The line-up of performers, both poetic and musical, will knock your socks off. So plan to spend the night at one of the comfortable cabins at our Cat Spring TX guest ranch. Allow time for trail rides before the Cowboy Poets Gathering – a little time in the saddle will put you in the right frame of mind for cowboy poetry!

Come listen to Cade Schalla at our Cat Springs guest ranch

Performers:

Scott Bumgardner – Houston native cowboy poet, story teller and Longhorn cattle breeder

Cade Schalla – Local cowboy poet, columnist and former PRCA bull rider

Linda Kirkpatrick – Texas cowboy poet, writer and Texas historian

Joe Wells – Working cowboy and reciter and performer of classic cowboy poetry

Frank Roberts – Cowboy singer and songwriter

Prairie Moon Band – Cowboy band featuring cowboy music and western swing

Bring the whole family to our guest ranch.

Our Houston Area Guest Ranch is an ideal setting for family reunions. With many individual cabins, extended families can gather together easily while still enjoying their own private lodging. Children love the ranch, where the numerous open spaces invite them to play, and the animals inspire their wonder.