Around Town ~ Villa Del Mar

 

        Time flies when you are having fun and that can’t be more true when owning a restaurant.  A new Mexican food restaurant opened just last September and we finally made our way over to check out Villa Del Mar.  Located at 326 Industrial Drive E, Sulphur Springs, and open Sunday - Thursday from 11 am - 10 pm, and Friday - Saturday from 11 am - 11 pm.  On special event  nights they are open later.  Of course, you can hop in for happy hour from 2-6 pm during the week and grab a drink.

Diego and I chatted for a bit before the evening rush to find out what the best dishes are and when the musical talent will be arriving next.  If you have not been inside the building in a while, there is a raised platform towards the front that allows for bands to come and perform.  This Saturday is when they will next have a live band, performing from 8 pm - 12 am.  And then a mariachi band will play on Saturday, February 14.  This Saturday, come and see Pilotos Del Triangulo, no cover fee, order some food and drinks and enjoy the music.  

Villa Del Mar is not your typical Tex-Mex, while they do have some crowd favorites on the menu their focus is more seafood, with that great Mexican flavor.  Think Coastal Mexico, with a variety of seafood choices to fill your plate and your tummy.  By far the favorite dish at the restaurant is their seafood tostadas.  Three fried corn tortillas, topped with a variety of items including some seafood favorites.  The other crowd favorite is molcajete, and their seafood option is the most selected one.  A bowl filled with octopus, shrimp, a delicious sauce and so much flavor.  

Of course I should have asked about the favorites before we ordered but what we ordered was just as delicious.  Shrimp nachos, chicken enchiladas, full shrimp dish and a brisket dish that had a great kick.  If spice isn’t your thing, be sure to ask if you can have your dish a little bit milder, even my spice loving group, was looking for their water glass.  

If water is not your beverage of choice, Villa Del Mar offers a full bar with plenty of beers on tap or in the bottle.  Customize your drink with specialty tequila or grab one to sip on during your meal.  Or ask for some classic mixed drinks such as a Paloma or house made Margarita. You will not be disappointed with your choice. 

We hope that you will stop in and visit Villa Del Mar soon and discover Mexican food from the ocean is just as delicious as that from Texas.  No matter if you are there for just a meal or to enjoy the band, you won’t go wrong with a visit. 

Travel Texas ~ Salado, TX

    

     Located in Central Texas, almost equal distance from Austin and Waco, lies the village of Salado, Texas.  In 1859 the Village was founded because the locals wanted to have access to a strong education, creating Salado College, located near a spring fed creek.  Between the creek and the college Salado found itself to be a viable settlement that has stood the test of time. 

The local downtown of the village boasts over 175 shops, dining and historical spots.  Antique shops, boutiques, and so much more entice visitors to spend time visiting the village and exploring the historical significance of this central Texas village.  Take a walking tour of the historic sites, and learn more about how the Village came about and take a step back into the past.

If you are looking for entertainment outside, the Tablerock Amphitheater is going to be the place you want to stop.  Music, plays, and so much more are scheduled to perform on stage under the stars.  But that’s not all, the amphitheater sits on 13 acres filled with trails for hiking and biking. A must do while visiting Salado.

If live music and theater are not what you are looking for Salado has a season of Annual events that happen throughout the year that include art, holidays and even golf.  Nine different annual events are scheduled for guests to enjoy and some cross over to multiple weekends such as their Christmas Stroll.  You might not want to miss the Scottish Games in November, travel back in time to see men in kilts, toss a caber, play drums and generally show off how strong they are for all to see.  

If you are looking for places to stay, look no further than The Yellow House Bed and Breakfast.  Located just outside of the village, Yellow House has a room for everyone.  With a main house, that has four rooms, two cottages and two guest houses to rent for parties of varying sizes.  Sara, your innkeeper, makes a homemade breakfast the morning of your stay that you will not want to miss.  Yellow House also does special events such as a charcuterie class, cookie decorating, and cooking demonstrations.  The chef kitchen is perfect for learning new techniques with friend and family.  

Of course there are other places to stay such as the Historic Stagecoach Inn and your standard hotel.  Take a break from the norm and step out to explore a new way to travel and stay with local accommodations.   On our last visit to Salado, we wandered the village and even stopped in for a local trivia night at Chupacabra, which had a great selection of beer and wine for patrons to partake while dining. 

Salado is a wonderful place to visit and you can spend any number of days in the village and still not see it all. Plan your stay and explore this little slice of Texas that is right off the interstate. You will not be disappointed with your visit.  

B2B Travel ~ Ditch the Corporate Grind: The Secret to Productive Business Travel

     

        The 4:30 a.m. alarm is a harsh reality of business travel.  The constant grind, time away from home and lack of focus can severely impact your productivity and bottom line.  But your accommodation choice can be the single biggest factor in turning a grueling trip into a highly successful one. 

Let’s face it, business travel presents unique challenges to focus but staying in just the right location with a little local flair can make your business trip seem like you are still at home.  A smaller boutique inn or a bed and breakfast might be just what you are looking for when traveling.  A smaller number of rooms will mean less distractions, quieter rooms, invaluable local intelligence and guidance and office-like amenities for your visit.  With that in mind many Bed and Breakfast owners are eager to establish relationships with corporate travelers.

Who can get any work done with noise pollution and unnecessary distractions.  Never mind the lines for the wait at the elevator but also the noise and unnecessary distractions others will provide.  Staying at a local bed and breakfast gives you the chance to have a less distracting visit, so that the focus can be on the task at hand.  Not having to call the front desk to inquire about quiet hours.  The majority of guests who travel and stay at Bed and Breakfasts are very respectful of other guests when visiting.  Often you rarely even know if other guests are in residence until you come down for breakfast.  The fewer people, the decrease of distractions for those evenings when you need to work from your accommodations. 

The type of accommodations you receive at a Bed and Breakfast are generally geared towards your comfort.  No cookie cutter rooms and amenities but rather distinct and unique rooms that make you feel like you are at home.  These rooms are typically quieter than hotel rooms, since most Bed and Breakfast’s are located off the main drive and in a more residential location.  Which helps to reduce the amount of noise from the freeway. The accommodations at a bed and breakfast will make you want to return to visit with the innkeeper or stay in contact to make sure you have the best stay when visiting again.

The local innkeeper is your eyes and ears when in a new town or even one you have visited before.  They will always have great advice for where to dine and shop while visiting.  They will typically know of any changes that might have occurred since your last visit and help you find the best place, outside your inn, to dine and enjoy the company of any work colleagues while in for a visit.  After all, work still does come first, but having that base of knowledge is invaluable.

Since work is still the primary reason for your travels.  A Bed and Breakfast can have some office-like amenities for your stay.   An in room work station to be able to set up your laptop and leave it out when not working.  Access to good hot drinks with easy to use machines that do not take an additional degree to figure out.  Along with secure, private Wi-Fi connectivity for confidential business matters than a busy coffee shop or restaurant would typically allow.  The best part, many Bed and Breakfasts will also have a space where you could meet with clients or host a private meeting with local clients.  Most will work with guests to accommodate meetings at a discounted cost based on availability. 

Take the extra time to explore the accommodations off the beaten path.  Many local Bed and Breakfast or Boutique Inn’s will be more than happy to welcome you for your business trip.  Plan to be a regular in their city, be sure to ask for a corporate discount based on anticipated travel volume.  The consistent stays not only are a great way to build loyalty but secure better rates and personalized service tailored to your business needs. After all, we enjoy when we see repeat guests at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast and can assure our guests that unless they ask, no breakfast will be repeated.  We hope that you will look for a local Inn to support on your next travels.

B2B Travel ~ Your Secret Weapon for Client Meetings

     Picture this, you are traveling for business to a new town and it’s a smaller market than you are used to and you still want to impress your clients with your local knowledge.  How can you best achieve this with a minimal amount of effort?  This is where a Bed and Breakfast is a great option. The innkeeper will have all the local knowledge and send you to the best locations to help impress your clients.

As a hospitality business owner, I believe the best travel experiences offer the same personalized service and local expertise I provide my own guests.  That’s why, at the Oaks Bed and Breakfast in Sulphur Springs, Texas, we treat every business traveler as a VIP with dedicated concierge service. Your stay is more than just a place to sleep; it’s your point of entry to a successful, memorable trip.  

We serve as a personal concierge to each guest, especially our business travelers.  The personal touch each guest receives is what marks every visit as unique. A lot of that personal touch is directing our guests to the best places to eat and find entertainment.  By choosing to stay at a local inn where you are a name instead of a number, your business travel experience is instantly elevated.

Imagine, it’s your first visit to Sulphur Springs, Texas and your clients asks you to select the dinner spot. Do you rely on generic online reviews or do you ask your local innkeeper for the best spot to take your client?  The smart choice is the latter. 

Your innkeeper knows the ins and outs of town and can guide you to the perfect choice for the entire group. Every time you travel to a new environment, you have an opportunity to make a powerful impression.  Do you need a unique venue for a client lunch, or a refined atmosphere to wine and dine a prospective customer?   

Choosing a local bed and breakfast or boutique inn offers a unique and authentically local stay that a chain hotel simply can’t match.  The local insight of a small business owner levels up your business because they are personally invested in your comfort and success. 

Demonstrate your willingness to learn and impress by leaning on local knowledge.  Your innkeeper will know the perfect spot to create an unforgettable experience for your client. We can direct you to a local caterer or, hint, we might even be able to prepare delicious, locally-sourced meal right here at the Oaks.   

Why take the predictable road?  Even if you have visited the same city multiple times, the next best restaurant is the latest food truck or just downstairs from your room.  Why not take the adventurous road and stay somewhere new and exciting to experience the town from a different point of view.  Discover the difference when your accommodation is more than just a place to lay your head it’s the launchpad for your business triumph.  

Would you Stay in a Yurt?

    

    When we travel we always like to find a bed and breakfast to stay at, but this last time we were in Maine, we went a little outside and tried a yurt!  What could be more fun than some glamping in a yurt.  Let’s step back to part of the reason we wanted to explore a yurt style of stay.  We have thought about adding some “cabins” to the bed and breakfast line up.  With a little twist.  We want to allow people to “try before they buy” for example, a yurt, container, or tiny home are just three of the alternative living ideas we have come up with.  There are so many people who are trying to be more cost effective with their home purchases that we figured, why not allow people to get a little taste before they make the big purchase.

First up for us to try is a yurt.  This yurt is located in Maine, about 35 minutes from where our children go to college.  Not to far, but you still needed to plan drive time to where ever you happened to be going.  The location of the yurt is a working Maine farm, where you can visit the animals, pick apples and go on hikes around the area.  Super cute and fun, if that is what you are looking for.  The owner even has a little farm stand where you can purchase bread and farm fresh eggs if you happen to be cooking your meals at the yurt. 

This yurt was simple and a great place to sleep and relax after your day of travel.  One of my favorite parts of the yurt, was the wood burning stove.  Let’s be honest that probably won’t happen here in Texas, since we do not usually get that cold except for a few times per year.  Since we happened to be in Maine in October where the high was around 55 degrees, the property owner started the stove for us the day of our arrival. So nice, and we stoked the fire when we returned for the night.  That being said, wood burning stoves give off a lot of heat and we probably would have been fine, without stoking the stove upon our return.  It was a little warm.

With that lesson learned we did not light the fire our second night and it was much cooler sleeping that way.  Now you might be wondering where the toilet goes in a yurt.  Well our yurt was a little more rustic, remember glamping, and came with a compostable toilet.  Which is not for everyone but I love the idea of this method of waste removal.  Essentially, an outhouse is built with a five gallon bucket that you use to do your business and then place a cup or two of sawdust on top.  Believe it or not, there was little to no smell and no bugs.  Part of that could have been because of the time of year, but you know how flies are, they are around no matter what.  Each use of a compostable toilet saves one gallon of water.  Plus you have just helped to make compost. 

Inside our yurt we had a hand washing station that is similar to the pump ones that are supplied for porta potties but this water all drained out and was not recycled.  There was a dresser with a mirror, a 5 gallon water jug for fresh water or to make coffee and tea.  As well as a couch with an ottoman and a book shelf with a few essentials such as pans for cooking, coffee and tea.  Also of course, a bed for sleeping.  The host also provided a picnic table and grill outside, for use, if that was part of your stay.  

We really only slept at the yurt and then went off to explore or visit with our kids.  I think it would have been fun to explore their area a little more and enjoy the little extras they had on the farm.  For sure a little hike, if nothing else.  Be adventurous and try something new, a unique stay that puts you out of your comfort zone might just be what you need on your next trip. 

Travel ~ Montreal, Canada with The Oaks Bed and Breakfast

        

         In the quiet province of Quebec sits the beautiful and historic city of Montreal. Founded in 1642 as a missionary settlement, Montreal soon found it’s way as a trading point due to its location along the St Lawrence River and access to the Great Lakes. Over the years Montreal has evolved and welcomes visitors and immigrants from all over the world. Both English and French are spoken by the majority of the residents which makes communicating easier for travelers. I definitely felt that the French speaking people were more open to Americans than those in Paris, in particular. I’m sure that has more to do with their close proximity to English speakers.  The flexibility in communication made travel easier and fun, even though I did try to use the few French phrases that I know.  

 Overall, Montreal was a delight. A very walkable city that is easy to navigate and explore. Our first stop was China Town. The gateway happened to be just down the street from our hotel and so we headed in that direction to explore. If we had not had dinner reservations we would have eaten in China Town, as well. There were quite a few shops and a myriad of restaurants to select from. The early night life here was lively. People from all over the world could be heard speaking and seen exploring. The archway entrance we found was a side entrance, with a larger arch signaling China Town on a later street. 

Much of our time spent was marveling at the architecture of the city. The modern mixed with the old. The preservation of the old to keep the roots of the city grounded made for fantastic memories and photos. The dock area, or the Old Port, had life sized signs you could stand in while having the skyline of the city at your back.  In multiple locations there are signs in French and English explaining what a visitor is looking at, which made the visit even better.

One of my favorite stops was the Basilica of Notre Dame.  Even while under restoration, this beautiful building is a must see stop.  The outside is beautiful and depicts architecture of the era in which it was built and added on over the years.  I’ve been to some beautiful churches over the years and this one by far is one of the most impressive.  The color and details inside are just breathtaking.  A visitor can enter the church during the day for about $12 American dollars, and spend as much time as one would want exploring, praying, and photographing (without flash) as much as they would choose. The knaves of the church were just as resplendent as the main sanctuary.  The stained glass windows depict historical events from Montreal’s history as it pertained to the Church.  I honestly felt that you could spend hours in the building and not see every detail.  A visitor could return multiple times and find something new to marvel at each visit. They offer concerts at the Basilica and I can only imagine what that experience would be like! 

As with most older cities, there are multiple churches and buildings of historic significance all over.  The original Customs House, homes of merchants and buildings that have found new life after years of completeness to change from their original intention to something new for the public. Old Montreal is filled with buildings that have been repurposed for use in today's world, and some that maintain their original purpose.  The Marche Bonsecours a historic market, house boutiques that all specialize in products made in Quebec.  What a great way to feature the province and sell goods to the public.  

Montreal has modern elements that draw the eye as well.  Including a metal circle that gives a great straight view to McGill University up on the hill.  The circle is unique enough that it draws in visitors and locals alike.  Below it’s location is a food court and shopping of sorts as well.  Lots of souvenir shops, boutiques and restaurants line the streets of Montreal.  I even made my way up to their farmers market, Jean-Talon, located in Little Italy.  The fun part of traveling up there was using the metro.  I love to use public transportation when I can while visiting larger cities, when it’s available.  Of course, here I had to remember where I got on since all the stops were in French, with no English counterparts.  Either way, it was a fun adventure and worth the trip to see the beautiful market full of fresh produce, cheese, meat and flowers.  Since it was a week day, there were few visitors, but I can imagine that in the height of the season this market is bustling. 

Many of the streets have become pedestrian only, which makes for easier movability while walking around. You do not have to worry about cars and can aimlessly explore the area, to find the best shopping or restaurants.  Our favorite restaurant we dined at while visiting was Jellyfish Montreal. We enjoyed this restaurant with my husband's work colleagues and ate from their tasting menu.  What an amazing experience.  I could probably do a single post about that dining experience, except I do not have any photos. Let’s just say, we enjoyed every dish that was presented, and for one day, I was not a vegetarian, since I snuck into dinner.  

All in all Montreal was a fantastic city to visit.  Take time to spend a little bit of time exploring our neighbors to the North and experience the history and culture a little closer to home.  There is something for everyone in your household to experience, from the history, culture and food. Montreal should be on your travel list. 

Travel ~ Road Trip!

 

               The Great America Road trip, where you pile your family into one car and hit the road.  Have you made that trip? If so where have you ventured to?  We tend to make a road trip at least once per year, but sometimes those trips are little more than going from point A to point B.  The best road trips are when we can take a little bit of time and explore the road ahead. 

 

               We did this, for the most part, when dropping off number two at college.  We picked him up in Nashville, since it was “on the way,” and he was coming from another state other than Texas.  While there, we explored Nashville a little bit, but definitely could do with more exploration. Our highlights from our short visit, were the farmers market, where we picked up some micro greens and vegetarian jerky.  Surprisingly the jerky was pretty tasty.  We also stopped by and walked around Aphrodite’s Temple, which is a replica of the one in Greece. The temple was pretty amazing.  Once we retrieved the kid from the airport, we hit the road for real.

 

               Our end goal was Maine, and there are a few different routes you can take, and we figured since we were taking the Northern route, we would stop by and check out Niagara Falls.  That did not disappoint!  What an amazing experience to see and experience this natural wonder.  Imagine being an explorer and paddling along the river, to suddenly hear the roar of the water gaining ground towards the falls.  Turn back and bail out.  Hopefully no explorers went over the falls before realizing what lay ahead.

 

               From there we made our way to Maine to drop him off and hug the girl, before departing on a few days together.  We did not make our destination as soon as we had hoped, but we had great food and fellowship with the girl and her boyfriend’s family before hitting the road again.  We finally made it to Vermont.  A new State to explore and experience and it was worth the trip. 

 

               We found a fantastic Bed and Breakfast, The Feather Bed Inn, to spend the night and explore the Mad River Valley of Vermont.  Our inn keepers were wonderful and sent us in the right direction for dinner and fun.  All of her food recommendations that we tried were delicious and a would go back experience. Plus, the Inn itself was situated on a beautiful piece of property, with a pond that backed up to a hiking trail that connects all over the valley.  Most definitely worth a multi-day stay to explore those trails. 

 

               We also happened to be in the area when a local flatbread restaurant was having a flatbread festival to celebrate their origins and bring food to the people.  The flatbread was free, the line was long and the music was hopping.  This restaurant incorporated an art show along with messages about how food has changed over the years and how that has affected farmers.  A beautiful functional garden with pigs and chickens is also situated on the property and guests could walk around and see a little bit of how this family has managed their food and grows what they use on the flatbread.  The whole experience resonated with us and what we try to share with our guests. 

 

               Sadly, we had to leave the next day but would plan to return during any other part of the year to experience the valley.  Winter would be amazing, since the Featherbed is located minutes away from two ski resorts, and Spring and Summer allows for great hiking, biking and water exploration.  Since the valley is surrounded by low mountains the color change in the fall must be a sight to see.  Before we left, we did take a hike up to catch the view from one of the mountain tops.  What an experience!

 

               Of course, when we travel we love to find restaurants off the beaten path to dine at while out.  We hit the jackpot in Niagara with a delicious Korean family-owned restaurant and with an amazing  Asian Fusion in the Valley and Italian restaurant in Keene.  I don’t think any of our food choices were a disappointment, since we always walked away full and ready to explore. 

 

               Take the road trip with the family, explore parts of the country that you might not have seen yet.  There are so many great and diverse experiences here in Texas and in the United States as whole that could make your road trip the best ever.

Travel ~ Mineral Wells, Texas and The Magpie Inn

     

   Mineral Wells, Texas boasts the home of Crazy Water.  The story goes that a woman who was suffering from her mind failing, came to Mineral Wells and drank the healing waters and recovered.  Thus, Crazy Water was born.  There are four levels of Crazy water to choose from, based on the mineral content.  One being the lowest amount to four being the highest amount.  No matter where you go in town you are bound to experience Crazy Water.  While I was there, I tried number two and felt that by itself, it had too much mineral flavor but with food, it evened out to have a "regular" water flavor.  When you plan your stay, be sure to check out the Crazy Water to discover your favorite and see if it helps you to feel better mentally.

 

    Of course, during my visit, I had to check out the downtown area of Mineral Wells.  It was a short walk from the Magpie Inn, where I stayed the night.  While making my way downtown I saw quite a few murals on the exterior of the buildings and just loved the different images they portrayed.  Murals are such an easy way to incorporate art into your downtown area that can also be a draw for people to visit.  Hint, hint City of Sulphur Springs. 

 

    I decided to step into one of the shops which ended up leading me to four different shops.  It was pretty cool how they were all connected and just flowed from one to the other.  There was a little eatery in one of spots.  Here you could order sandwiches or salads, along with some fresh meat, pasta and sauces as well.  It was cute little spot to enjoy lunch, grab something you might be missing for dinner, to a souvenir to take home and enjoy later. 

 

    One of the staple shops of Downtown Mineral Wells sports a two-story building that literally has something for everyone.  From olive oil to balsamic vinegars, housewares, kids clothes, and even something for the men in your life.  The Market has a little bit of everything, including a cocktail and coffee bar for guests to enjoy while they shop or just to sit awhile and enjoy. 

 

    I even managed to make my way to the brewery, Rickhouse Brewing, that is located downtown in the same building as the Crazy Water Hotel.  I tried a flight of beers and did not find one that I didn't like.  Each one was unique and with a story that resonated with the brewery, creating a history for why they brew the beer and the name given.  Their brew space is right where guests can see it all and I was really impressed with the quality and quantity of beers that they create in the space allotted to them.  You can regularly find musical groups playing at the brewery and a good conversation if that is what you are looking for.  Be sure to ask about the beer stories while you are there and of course find your favorite.

 

    My favorite part of my visit was staying at The Magpie Inn.  This Chef owned and operated inn is a short walk from the center of downtown and is a lovely getaway for couples.  Select from five rooms and enjoy a group breakfast or an in-room breakfast during your stay.  Be sure to look for Waldo, the tortoise, during your stay.  He is definitely part of the Inn experience.  Each room is designed with your comfort in mind and is welcomed retreat during a visit to Mineral Wells. 

 

    If you are visiting family or just looking for a getaway you can't go wrong with a stop in Mineral Wells.  There is plenty to do and see during your visit, and of course wonderful places to stay, eat and drink.  Explore Clark Gardens or hop on over to the lake or take a tour of local wineries or a history tour.  Don't forget to grab a bottle of Crazy Water and find out which level you like the best.