3 Reasons To Ditch Traditional Hotels and Choose a Bed and Breakfast In Texas

If you are planning on taking a trip down south to the great state of Texas, then let us talk about accommodations for a minute. In a state this big, there is no shortage of hotels, motels, and, of course, the ever-popular B&B’s. Hotels will do in a pinch, certainly, but these larger chains lack the charm and character that allow a bed and breakfast in Texas to serve as a bridge to the colorful history of the Lone Star state. Take a look at the following three reasons to opt instead for this quaint form of Southern hospitality.

1. Southern hospitality says it all!

Everyone knows everything is bigger and better in Texas, and the hospitality factor is no exception to the famous rule. In fact, the very definition of Texas, or Tejas, is “friendly.” And as the most western, Southern state, you will experience the quaint charm that is often associated with the region. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the slower-paced, friendly culture than staying in lodging run by local residents who know the area. Most owners of a bed and breakfast in Texas stay in the same home and prepare the food. There are also extra perks you generally won’t find in a larger hotel, like sweet tea, homemade quilts, free wi-fi and parking and older homes with beautiful architecture and a whole host of other amenities. The key is to find a smaller town, like Brenham, Cat Spring, or Nacogdoches. Or even larger cities like Austin, Houston and San Antonio will have B&Bs that feel like a small, welcoming town.

2. Connection to the past.

Many owners in Texas have a strong and proud connection to the history of the area in which they have settled. Many of these homes that serve as rentable lodgings act as the bridge between the past and the present. With homes in Texas dating back to the 1800s, many B&B’s maintain the original carpentry and furnishings. Staying in one of these gems can offer you a fantastic glimpse into how life was in Texas. Washington County, especially, is known as the birthplace of Texas and towns like Brenham, LaGrange and Washington-on-the-Brazos feature lodgings that really focus on giving the visitor a window into the past.

3. Stay in the know for local events and festivals.

Almost every small (and big) town in Texas boasts at least one unique festival and a dozen interesting attractions and stellar restaurants. The key is to be aware of these attractions.This can be hard to do for someone who is not from the area. Since most bed and breakfasts in Texas are run by locals who are embedded in their communities, these lodgings are great spots from which to glean information. Also, bonus points to the traveler who books a home that is located conveniently near a town’s attractions. This can save you some time if you find yourself in walking distance. Some B&B’s in Texas will also offer discounts to local attractions in the area. Some people are surprised to learn that Texas has parts that are famous for its wine, like the wine trail in Washington County. Wine towns are especially good about offering perks related to wineries and wine trails. For more information, check with the local chamber of commerce or visitors bureau for recommendations. Some great festivals to keep in mind include the Burton, TX cotton gin festival, the annual Round Top Antiques fair, and, of course, the famous Washington-on-the-Brazos Independence Day Festival.