Tropical Getaways in Texas at the Oasis

January 31st, 2013

It’s that time of year when we’d all love to pack up and go somewhere warm.  But you don’t have to travel all the way to the Caribbean for a relaxing tropical escape. The Oasis at BlissWood offers a variety of unique Hawaiian-themed vacation rentals, and you don’t even have to cross an ocean to get here!  The Oasis is our very own taste of the tropics right here in Texas Hill Country.  With its lush greenery and rushing waterfalls, you’ll discover that tropical getaways in Texas do exist.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a fun vacation with friends, the Oasis has accommodations that will suit your needs.  Each unit is unique.  We have one-bedrooms suites and bungalows for couples, and a spacious three-bedroom house for larger parties.

You certainly won’t feel like you’re in Texas as you take in the sights and sounds of this tropical paradise. The Conservatory is the focal point of the Oasis – it’s a beautiful Victorian-style wrought iron greenhouse. The Conservatory is home, not only to a wide variety of tropical flora, but a small unheated pool as well.  You’ll love basking in this charming lagoon, surrounded by nature.

When you visit the Oasis, you’ll feel like you’re worlds away from home.  Relax to the soothing sounds of waterfalls. Enjoy the serenity of your surroundings and take pause by the natural koi pond. And be sure to pay a visit to the Orchid House, where you can admire the exotic and elegant flowers that bloom periodically throughout the year.

The Oasis is everything you never thought you’d find on a Texas ranch.  If you’re interested in booking a truly one of a kind vacation in our little paradise, you can check availability online or give us a call at 713-301-3235. We’d love to tell you more about the Oasis at BlissWood.

A Rustic Elopement in Texas

January 22nd, 2013

Every couple deserves the wedding of their dreams.  But not every couple wants to deal with planning a big, formal production. That’s why we’re happy to offer packages for a rustic elopement in Texas, here at BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch.

We recently hosted an elopement for a very special couple with a very special meeting story that proves that love often finds you when you’re least expecting it.  Unbeknownst to the groom, his mother was playing Cupid. She created a profile for her son on Match.com and found a handful of eligible mom-approved bachelorettes.  When she told her son there were five women who wanted to meet him, she had to own up to her secret matchmaking.  But as it turns out, one of those lovely ladies ended up being the one for him.  Which goes to show, sometimes mother knows best!

rustic elopement in Texas

It was love at first sight and when the groom saw the scenic grounds of BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch, he knew it was the perfect place to have an intimate wedding ceremony.

But, in love and in weddings, you don’t always get what you plan for. Thanks to some cold and rainy weather, the ceremony was moved from the Gazebo at Enchanted Lake to Carol’s at Cat Spring Restaurant.  And afterward, the happy (and dry) couple enjoyed a romantic dinner at the restaurant.

Fortunately, the sun appeared the following day and these newlyweds were able to get some gorgeous outdoor shots with our Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Skeeter Hagler.  In the end, this couple got the wedding they had dreamed of, and the lovely photos to remember it.  We’re so glad we could make their day special, and they can’t wait to plan a return visit to BlissWood.

rustic elopement in Texas

If you (or your mom) would like to plan a small wedding or elopement, give us a call us at 713-301-3235.  We’d love to be a part of your special day!

A Romantic Horseback Proposal

January 13th, 2013

If you’re getting ready to pop the question, you know that it involves a lot of planning. Fortunately, the hard part is over – you’ve already found the right person! Now you just need the right place to do it.  It’s a big step that you’re about to take and, naturally, you want everything to be perfect. You have the perfect person and the perfect ring, and we have the perfect spot. Plan a trip to BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch for a romantic horseback proposal at our Texas ranch.

Our ranch offers a beautiful, private setting for this very special occasion. The proposal package at BlissWood is a recipe for success.  It all begins at the Red Barn – that’s where you and your special someone will saddle up for a romantic guided horseback ride to the scenic Enchanted Lake.

When you arrive at the gazebo by the lake, everything will be ready and waiting just for you.  We provide the chilled champagne, fresh flowers, and chocolate-covered strawberries.  The scene will be set.  The rest is up to you!

Once you work up the nerve to pop that question, and get the answer you’ve been waiting for, it’s time to have a toast and enjoy the moment in this lovely, secluded hideaway.

This happy couple recently got engaged at our Texas ranch and they couldn’t be happier.  It was the perfect spot to create some beautiful memories and to take some beautiful pictures!

Once you’re steady on your feet and ready to leave, you can hop in the golf cart that’s been left for you, for your triumphant return to the Red Barn.

Visit our website to plan a romantic getaway or give us a call at 713-301-3235. We would love to help you plan your proposal so that you can start this new and exciting chapter in your lives.

Visit BlissWood for Pet Friendly Lodging in Texas

January 3rd, 2013

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation with your canine companion, BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch is the place to go for pet friendly lodging in Texas. We love animals here – we have plenty of our own, with everything from chickens to bison!  But there’s always room for more, and we’d love the chance to meet you and your pets.

Our ranch is the perfect getaway for people and animals alike.  With lots of activities and ample space, you and your pets will have plenty of exploring to do.  Enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of everything BlissWood has to offer.  Whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, biking, or even horseback riding, BlissWood has it all.  And best of all, you can enjoy it with your pet.

pet friendly lodging in Texas

This family had a wonderful stay at our ranch with their two border collies.  They especially enjoyed taking walks to the lake.

If you’re thinking about a BlissWood visit with your pets, it’s  important to consider how they get along with other animals. Remember that we do have some of our own animal residents, so if you think that might be a problem for your pet, you may want to reconsider bringing them along.

To ensure that everyone has a pleasant stay at BlissWood, we have a few important rules for traveling with a pet.  For safety, we ask that you never leave your pet unattended.  We also hope that out of consideration for other guests, you try to keep noise (barking) to a minimum.  And finally, we ask that you clean up after your pet!  Of course, we know that accidents happen.  So if an accident should happen in your room, just let us know so that we can clean it up immediately.

If you’re interested in a special trip for you and your animal companion, we’d love to have you.  We just ask that you call ahead, because we do charge an additional fee for your furry guests.  If you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to make a reservation, please give us a call at 713-301-3235.

Texas Hill Country Destination Wedding

December 27th, 2012

Times have changed. There was a time, not so long ago, when couples rarely eloped and “destination weddings’’ were even more rare. Today,  “vacation weddings’’ are more and more common at BlissWood Bed and Breakfast, the perfect place for a Texas Hill Country destination wedding.

“> Photo by Skeeter Hagler

The couple pictured here got married at our guest ranch and event destination in the Texas Hill Country. But first – lucky them! — they got married in Jamaica.

BlissWood owner and hostess Carol Davis, who is also an ordained minister, shares this story: “They got married in Jamaica and decided that they wanted the real marriage to be in Texas.  So in keeping with the tropical scene, they chose BlissWood’s Oasis as the place to exchange their real vows with their real rings.  They had fake rings in Jamaica, and at the ceremony there, they actually forgot the fake rings!’’

BlissWood is a relaxing oasis on a 650-acre working ranch an hour west of Houston. Our accommodations include your choice of 10 houses and cabins on the ranch and six accommodations nearby at the Oasis.

The Oasis at BlissWood is lush and tropical – like Jamaica. The property is dotted with waterfalls and a pond, and the fragrance of orchids in bloom fills the air, depending on the time of year. The focal point of The Oasis is the Conservatory, which has a small, unheated pool.

The couple pictured stayed at The Oasis and said their vows at The Oasis. They have two sons roughly the same age who played a big part in the ceremony – and were given “promise rings’’ by their parents, to symbolize they would always be there for them.

The couple took advantage of BlissWood’s Intimate Wedding Package, for couples and up to six guests, and left all the planning and detail management to us. They also scheduled a photo shoot with Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Skeeter Hagler, BlissWood’s official photographer.

Carol Davis loves getting to know the couples who get married at BlissWood and sending them off to begin their new lives together.

Of this couple, she said: “They met when the bride was a patient of the groom, who is a chiropractor.  I said it must have been the shortest-lived doctor/patient relationship!  Both said yes — one visit!’’

Weddings big or small – and honeymoons – are our specialty at BlissWood. Visit our website or give us a call today at 713-301-3235 to start planning your special day.


Elopement Packages at BlissWood

December 17th, 2012

If you’re looking for great elopement packages in Texas, look no further than BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch. Weddings come in all shapes and sizes. You don’t need a large audience or an extravagant (and expensive) affair to say “I do.”  At BlissWood, we’re happy to assist you in planning the perfect elopement ceremony that fits all of your needs.

This couple recently eloped at our Texas ranch and they couldn’t be happier.

elopement packages in Texas

Photo by Skeeta Hagler

BlissWood is the ideal location for an intimate and romantic wedding ceremony.  The charming gazebo on Enchanted Lake is the perfect spot to stand up with the love of your life and say your vows. But it’s your day, so it’s up to you. Your ceremony can take place anywhere on our scenic 650-acre property.

Our elopement package has everything you need to make your special day special.  We’ll provide you with a minister who will perform a ceremony of your choice.  And, off course, it’s not a wedding without a few flowers.  We’ll create a bouquet for the bride as well as a boutonniere for the groom, and save you the time of finding a florist!

And once it’s official, it’s time to celebrate.  The two of you will enjoy a petite wedding cake, as well as a champagne wedding toast with two souvenir glasses. Finally, your elopement at BlissWood includes a gourmet dinner for two at Carol’s at Cat Spring Restaurant.

This is a day you’ll want to remember with pictures.  For an additional charge, we can also book a 2-hour photoshoot with our official wedding photographer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Skeeter Hagler.  With so many lovely settings to choose from, your wedding photos from BlissWood are sure to impress.

elopement packages in Texas

Photo by Skeeta Hagler

When you elope at our beautiful Texas guest ranch, you’ll get the simple wedding of your dreams in a beautiful picture-perfect setting. Call us at 713-301-3235 to start planning your elopement ceremony today.

Buffy the Baby Bison Born at BlissWood

December 9th, 2012

We love animals here at BlissWood Bed and Breakfast! So this holiday season, we’re thankful for the arrival of a brand new baby bison to our Texas guest ranch.
animals at Texas guest ranch
The American bison was once a common inhabitant of this country’s prairies and grasslands, but after a surge in hunting in the 19th century, herds dwindled and the bison faced extinction.  Fortunately, these beautiful creatures have made a resurgence and they still roam the grounds of our ranch! We were so pleased to welcome this new bison calf to BlissWood.  Born just a few weeks ago, baby Buffy is the newest member of the menagerie at BlissWood.

We have a lot of experience with cattle – we’ve raised bison for over 12 years now.  At our peak, we had a herd of 40, but now it’s just these proud parents and their newborn calf.

The vast array of wildlife is just one of the many things that sets BlissWood Bed and Breakfast apart from other inns.  And bison are just the beginning.

When you stay at our Texas guest ranch, you have the chance to see a wide variety of animals on a morning feeding tour, an activity that we offer to all our guests.  This unique opportunity is a must-do for any animal lover. Our 650-acre ranch is home to all kinds of wonderful creatures. Of course, we have our share of the more common barnyard animals, like chickens and goats.  But you’ll also get to meet some of the more unusual and exotic residents – we also have black buck antelope, fallow deer, potbellied pigs, alpaca, and miniature donkeys.  You’ll most likely even encounter a peacock or two, strutting around the ranch.

So if you’re looking to relax in nature or you’re interested in getting to meet some four-legged friends, start planning your trip today! You can visit our website to check availability online or give us a call at 713-301-3235.

 

Experience a One of a Kind Bachelorette Party in Texas

November 30th, 2012

Are you looking for a unique setting for a bachelorette party in Texas that your girlfriends will never forget?  Plan a trip to our beautiful Texas bed and breakfast ranch.  BlissWood Bed and Breakfast is the perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway with friends. Just looking for a fun way to bond with your bridal party?  Look no further than BlissWood.
Texas Bachelorette Party at Blisswood Bed and Breakfast Ranch

This Houston bachelorette party visited our ranch for an action-packed day trip.  They arrived in style with a limo ride around BlissWood.  The ladies had a blast as they took advantage of the many activities available at the ranch.  They had a full day that included everything from scrapbooking to trapshooting.

Texas Dude Ranch Activities

And what girls’ getaway is complete without a little archery practice? It was really a bachelorette party you have to see to believe.  Fortunately, they took time to capture some memories  - they made sure to book a photo shoot with our resident Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, Skeeter Hagler.

That’s not all BlissWood Bed and Breakfast has to offer.  Depending on your interests, you can choose from a wide variety of other activities that will make your bachelorette party the adventure of a lifetime.  We also offer cycling, horseback riding, and catch and release bass fishing on the ranch.

Of course your trip to BlissWood can include as much or as little as you please. If you just want to relax and take in the scenery with your bridal party, you can stroll around the Enchanted Lake or enjoy a picnic on the grounds.  And if your idea of a good time is just some good old-fashioned pampering, you can book a massage with our licensed massage therapist.  It’s a great way to thank your bridal party for all their help.

So get started planning your customized day trip and call us today at 713-301-3225.

An Ideal Cowboy Wedding at our Texas Hill Country Bed and Breakfast!

November 28th, 2012
cowboy wedding

Photo by Skeeter Hagler

You’ve no doubt attended a wedding and watched the bride, all done up in her finery, go through multiple changes of footwear: One for the church, another for the outdoor photo shoot, and yet another for dancing at the reception.

At Blisswood Bed and Breakfast at Lehmann Legacy Ranch in Texas Hill Country couples are invited to dream as big as Texas and create weddings, small and large, where they kick up their heels in cowboy boots–and the more broken in the boots are, the better!

This bride featured in a cowboy wedding at BlissWood met on Match.com and discovered they have much in common, including a mutual appreciation for cowboy and cowgirl lore and lifestyle. Before they met, each had dreamed of someday owning a ranch. So a cowboy wedding at our Texas Hill Country bed and breakfast ranch was a perfect idea!

Blisswood is located just an hour west of Houston, in Cat Spring, Texas. Our bed and breakfast inn and event destination is on a 650-acre working ranch. Cottages, cabins, and other guest accommodations are scattered throughout the property.

Weddings are one of our specialties, and our elopement package (for just the two of you; starting at $699, plus the cost of accommodations) lets you take the stress out of planning a wedding.

Our owner, Carol Davis, wears many hats, including ordained minister. Carol is a native Texan who grew up on a farm and ranch not far from Blisswood, owned by her family since 1875. She raises South American Paso Fino horses and Angus cattle at her Lehmann Legacy Ranch in Cat Spring.

cowboy wedding

Photo by Skeeter Hagler

Carol married this sweet cowgirl and cowboy, and she and her staff helped with all the little details – including these adorable cowboy hat ring holders.

She also arranged for a photo shoot with Blisswood’s resident photographer, Pulitzer Prize-winner Skeeter Hagler (for an extra $450). 

Our Texas Hill Country Wedding Venue offers both elopement and wedding packages, all of which can be tailored to meet your individual needs.

Now that they are husband and wife, the couple married here, who once dreamed — individually — of ranch life are looking for a ranch together!

A cowboy is a man with guts and a horse.?- William James

Boots, class and a lot of sass – that’s what cowgirls are made of. – Unknown

Let us help you make your intimate elopement or more elaborate wedding an affair to remember. Visit the wedding packages section of our website or give us a call today at 713-301-3235.

Unplug at Our Texas Hill Country Bed and Breakfast

November 17th, 2012

“Unplug’’ used to mean switching off the radio and turning off the TV. These days, many of us feel inundated by the constant barrage of information from our smartphones and other devices. That’s why it’s important to unplug from time to time – to go low-tech or no-tech for a weekend.

Blisswood – a Texas Hill Country bed and breakfast on a working ranch an hour west of Houston, Texas, is a great place to rest, relax, renew the spirit, and be present. Connect with our natural surroundings instead of your Facebook friends and Twitter followers!

Texas Hill Country Bed and Breakfast

Photo by Skeeter Hagler

These pictured friends and guests came from the city to our Texas Hill Country to “unplug” for a weekend. They stayed at the Lanai House at Blisswood’s Oasis, our sister property. The Lanai House features one bedroom, a large living area overlooking waterfall and pond, a bathroom with jacuzzi tub and a fully equipped kitchen. The one thing it doesn’t have is a TV!

Among the things guests can do to “unplug” at Blisswood:

Ride a horse. Saddle up and enjoy a horseback ride. Spread over 650 acres, there is plenty of scenery to take in. All rides are guided, and the cost is $69 per guest for a one-hour ride. Visit the Activities at the Ranch section of our website for age restrictions and other information.

Take a walk or hike. You might catch a glimpse of grazing deer or a herd of American bison. Animals abound on the ranch. Besides horses (naturally!), you might also see miniature donkeys and peacocks.

Enjoy catch-and-release bass fishing.  Fishing enthusiasts can catch-and-release bass in the ranch’s stocked lakes. If you bring your own gear, the cost is $29 per person for 3 hours. If you need to rent gear, the cost is $49 per person for 3 hours.

Have a picnic. Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to make arrangements and pack a picnic for you to enjoy at the Gazebo at Enchanted Lake, or elsewhere on our property.

Dine at Carol’s at Cat Spring Restaurant. The dress is casual, the mood is country, and the menu and food are classy. If you like Texas beef, you’ve come to the right place. Carol’s also offers chops, seafood and pasta – something for every taste and craving.

Explore Cat Spring. Cat Spring, in Austin County, is one of the first German/American settlements in Texas. History abounds here, and opportunities for “retail therapy’’ include several antiques shops. Learn more at the official Cat Spring website.

Treat yourself to a massage. In-room massages are available – all we ask is that you make arrangements in advance. Please visit the Weekend Getaways in Texas – Specials & Packages section of our website or call for more detailed information.

Essayist, novelist, and travel writer Pico Iyer has said of our busy lives: “The more ways we have to connect, the more many of us seem desperate to unplug.’’

Are you ready to unplug for a weekend? Visit our website to Check Availability Online or give us a call today at 713-301-3235. We’re happy to answer questions you have about Blisswood and help with arrangements.

 


At Lehmann Ranch, 1 hour west of Houston

13251 Newberg Rd.
Cat Spring, TX 78933

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

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