Hotel Matador Bed & Breakfast
Matador, TX
March 23-26th, 2014
The ride from Lubbock to Hotel Matador in Matador, Texas took the Red Chair off of the Caprock Escarpment into what is sometimes called the “Other Hill Country of Texas.” Traveling through these gently rolling foothills of the plains, Red saw cattle, horses, deer, hogs, and some quail. As the car topped a little rise the Red Chair could see the water tower and then the whole town of Matador, home to 650 residents! Red's hostesses for a few days are three sisters, Marilynn, Linda and Caron, who are retired from the business of education and who have renovated the Hotel Matador as a beautiful Bed and Breakfast. The Hotel is 100 years old and will be having a birthday party this summer. This temporary home was right downtown where people still park in the middle of the street and make U-turns at their convenience, very different from back home!
Red made the trek to Roaring Springs Ranch and was amazed at the natural spring waterfall which is 60 degrees year round. Red wandered up the creek leading to the falls to see where the Comanches camped, had places for grinding corn and where many have found artifacts. Back in town Red saw the singing arrow denoting that Matador is on the Quanah Parker Trail. Quanah was the last Comanche chief and the son of captive Cynthia Ann Parker and Chief Nocona. Red then insisted that they visit the restored Historic Motley County Jail during the daytime since it has been declared haunted by the Texas Spirit Seekers. Here Red learned of crooked sheriffs, gunfights, and families who raised their children in the jail. It also thought it heard some strange noises...
Red then went to the local museum which documents the history of ranching, newspapering, doctoring, and life in Motley County. Next it was on to visiting the Matador Ranch which has its headquarters right outside of town. It was the first enterprise in these parts and was started by H. H. Campbell who still has descendants in town, then sold to a Scottish Syndicate, and then in the 50’s was split up some but primarily is now owned by Koch Industries. On Wednesday afternoon, Hotel Matador held a lovely party for the Red Chair as the guest of honor, complete with cake, punch, and little sandwiches, yum! Here Red was able to meet many residents most of whom wanted to have their picture made with the famous Red Chair. What a whirlwind (literally) three days! Red would love to come back and visit again.
Red made the trek to Roaring Springs Ranch and was amazed at the natural spring waterfall which is 60 degrees year round. Red wandered up the creek leading to the falls to see where the Comanches camped, had places for grinding corn and where many have found artifacts. Back in town Red saw the singing arrow denoting that Matador is on the Quanah Parker Trail. Quanah was the last Comanche chief and the son of captive Cynthia Ann Parker and Chief Nocona. Red then insisted that they visit the restored Historic Motley County Jail during the daytime since it has been declared haunted by the Texas Spirit Seekers. Here Red learned of crooked sheriffs, gunfights, and families who raised their children in the jail. It also thought it heard some strange noises...
Red then went to the local museum which documents the history of ranching, newspapering, doctoring, and life in Motley County. Next it was on to visiting the Matador Ranch which has its headquarters right outside of town. It was the first enterprise in these parts and was started by H. H. Campbell who still has descendants in town, then sold to a Scottish Syndicate, and then in the 50’s was split up some but primarily is now owned by Koch Industries. On Wednesday afternoon, Hotel Matador held a lovely party for the Red Chair as the guest of honor, complete with cake, punch, and little sandwiches, yum! Here Red was able to meet many residents most of whom wanted to have their picture made with the famous Red Chair. What a whirlwind (literally) three days! Red would love to come back and visit again.
Woodrow House Bed and Breakfast
Lubbock, TX
March 21th-23th, 2014
The Red Chair arrived to the Woodrow House Bed and Breakfast via a huge box shipped from Brownwood, Texas. Just out of the box, Red decided to relax the first night, then spent all of the next day touring the highlights of Lubbock with innkeepers Dawn and David!
One of the first stops was the Buddy Holly Center. Lubbock is the hometown of world famous musician Buddy Holly so of course the Red Chair had to check it out. There is also a Walk of Fame with a statue of Buddy Holly right next to the Center which was fun to pose with. Red learned there are lots of talented musicians homegrown right here in Lubbock and the surrounding areas like Waylon Jennings, Mac Davis, Roy Orbison, and Joe Ely, to name just a few. Maybe the Red Chair will be the next new name!
The Buddy Holly Center is right next to the Depot District, which is the entertainment district of Lubbock. Lots of great, live entertainment, and of course many great photo ops for the Red Chair.
Next Red stopped at Lubbock High School, where Buddy Holly graduated from. Then headed to Texas Tech University, saw the Texas Tech University Museum and the Ranching Heritage Museum. Red also got to visit the American Wind Power Museum which has the largest collection of windmills in the world!
As the Red Chair headed to Caprock Winery, they passed an oil pump jack, so of course Red had to stop and take a picture! It wouldn't be a true visit to Texas without a picture with an working oil pump jack!
Back at the Woodrow House, spending a full day of relaxation, Red got to hang out with some new friends, played scrabble by the pool at and also loved checking out the Santa Fe Caboose in the backyard! What a great few days!!
One of the first stops was the Buddy Holly Center. Lubbock is the hometown of world famous musician Buddy Holly so of course the Red Chair had to check it out. There is also a Walk of Fame with a statue of Buddy Holly right next to the Center which was fun to pose with. Red learned there are lots of talented musicians homegrown right here in Lubbock and the surrounding areas like Waylon Jennings, Mac Davis, Roy Orbison, and Joe Ely, to name just a few. Maybe the Red Chair will be the next new name!
The Buddy Holly Center is right next to the Depot District, which is the entertainment district of Lubbock. Lots of great, live entertainment, and of course many great photo ops for the Red Chair.
Next Red stopped at Lubbock High School, where Buddy Holly graduated from. Then headed to Texas Tech University, saw the Texas Tech University Museum and the Ranching Heritage Museum. Red also got to visit the American Wind Power Museum which has the largest collection of windmills in the world!
As the Red Chair headed to Caprock Winery, they passed an oil pump jack, so of course Red had to stop and take a picture! It wouldn't be a true visit to Texas without a picture with an working oil pump jack!
Back at the Woodrow House, spending a full day of relaxation, Red got to hang out with some new friends, played scrabble by the pool at and also loved checking out the Santa Fe Caboose in the backyard! What a great few days!!
Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast
Brownwood, TX
March 16th-20th, 2014
The Red Chair arrived to the Star of Texas Bed and Breakfast on a wintery day with the wind blowing and storm clouds all around. But that did not hold Red back, it was a day of exploration to experience what the guest love the most about visiting these serene 20 acres and wonderful innkeepers. The hiking trail was a fun adventure. The Bowling Balls tumbling down the hillside were fun to see, and ouch, sitting next to a Texas cactus with lots of thorns put the Red Chair in a sticky situation. Now, Yoga… a little stiff for that but worth a try.
Red loved the barbed wire ball surrounded by the native winter grasses blowing in the wind, great photo op of course! The big highlight for Red was the campfire in the woods by the Dancing Buffalo Tipi. After the fun outdoors it was off to the Wildrose Retreat and the large soaking tub…. Although the stay for Red was too short, Red was able to experience lots of fun things at this Texas Hill Country Bed & Breakfast and would love to come back again.
Red loved the barbed wire ball surrounded by the native winter grasses blowing in the wind, great photo op of course! The big highlight for Red was the campfire in the woods by the Dancing Buffalo Tipi. After the fun outdoors it was off to the Wildrose Retreat and the large soaking tub…. Although the stay for Red was too short, Red was able to experience lots of fun things at this Texas Hill Country Bed & Breakfast and would love to come back again.
Inn on Lake Granbury
Granbury, TX
March 13th-15th, 2014
The Red Chair Travels was greeted with enthusiasm from all of the local residents of Granbury, TX as it made its way around town with Innkeeper Jim by Reds side. They took a trip to the Courthouse, Barking Rocks Winery, at the City Beach, and in front of the historic Granbury Opera House. Red even joined the parade that was headed down the street during a Saturday festival, and tried on some cowboy boots and a cowboy hat in one of stores on the historic square. All in all, the Red Chair loved the Inn on lake Granbury, the town of Granbury itself and all of the warm Texas hospitality!
MD Resort
Aurora, TX
March 9th-12th, 2014
What a stay for the Red Chair Travels. Although the Red Chair did not venture off of the MD Resort property, Red had the absolute best time! From hanging out with the mascot, Biscuit the Buffalo, and watching the herd of Christian Donkeys (who come with an interesting story by the way), to touring the grounds in a luxury cart, the Red Chair loved spending some quality time learning the history and inspiration of the property from Innkeepers Susie and Bill Benedick. Maybe someday Red will hold its own family reunion here!
Etta's Place Bed & Breakfast
Fort Worth, TX
February 28th-March 3rd, 2014
The Red Chair had a BIG time in Fort Worth, Texas, the city of Cowboys and Culture. Red visited Etta’s Place Bed and Breakfast in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square around the first of March. First Innkeeper Leslie took Red to explore Sundance Square’s new Plaza. Set-up for the Van Cliburn Memorial Concert was underway and Red enjoyed a private performance by one of the concert pianists. Relaxing under the giant umbrellas Red noticed the mural of the long horn herd on the back of the Jett building and decided to get a closer look! Next a leisurely stroll around the square revealed the Ranch Radio Station, Coyote Urban Boutique, the Dallas Cowboy’s Store, a stop at Cabo Grande for a quick refreshment and Leddy’s Ranch Western Wear where Red insisted on trying on a pair of custom hand made boots! Red must have two left feet! After a long day in the Square, Red made its way back to the inn and lounged among a few friends in Etta’s dining room to hear all about the history of Etta Place, one of the infamous characters of the Wild Bunch with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
The next day, Red was off to the famous Stockyards in Fort Worth. Each day the Fort Worth Herd is driven down Exchange Avenue by Real Cowboys (men in starched Wranglers). After watching the Herd stroll down the street Red took a carriage ride to the Cowtown Coliseum, then stopped by Chef Tim Love’s LOVE SHACK for a tasty burger. After exploring the Stockyards, Red found the new 7th Street Bridge and played among the cars with the skyline of downtown behind it. All in all the Red Chair had a fabulous time visiting this wonderful city!
The next day, Red was off to the famous Stockyards in Fort Worth. Each day the Fort Worth Herd is driven down Exchange Avenue by Real Cowboys (men in starched Wranglers). After watching the Herd stroll down the street Red took a carriage ride to the Cowtown Coliseum, then stopped by Chef Tim Love’s LOVE SHACK for a tasty burger. After exploring the Stockyards, Red found the new 7th Street Bridge and played among the cars with the skyline of downtown behind it. All in all the Red Chair had a fabulous time visiting this wonderful city!
McKinney Bed & Breakfast
McKinney, TX
February 24-27th, 2014
More pictures and details are coming soon!
Delta Street Inn
Jefferson, TX
February 20-23rd, 2014
This was Red Chair’s first trip to Texas and Red couldn't wait to see what this big state had to offer. Red met the Red Rocker couple on the front porch and instantly felt right at home.
Delta Street Inn is located in historic Jefferson, Texas in north east Texas. Jefferson is the bed and breakfast capital of Texas, so Red was quite excited to be visiting this particular area. Red learned during the mid 1860’s Jefferson was the second largest port in Texas. During the Civil War, Jefferson was protected because of their port and today many of the historic homes still stand. Some of these have been converted to bed and breakfast inns. It is truly a beautiful area!
Red was impressed with all of the events that Jefferson, Texas had to offer. Below there is a photo of Red reading about the Candlelight tour that the Historic Jefferson Foundation sponsors each year, too bad Red will not be able to attend this year! Red’s trip to Jefferson ended too quickly but Red was sent off in grand Texas style. It is Mardi Gras season and the Red Chair found it is one of the most festive events in Jefferson, Texas. Innkeeper Pam explained the tradition started many years ago, when steamships came up Big Cypress Bayou from New Orleans, bringing with them Mardi Gras traditions and celebrations. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Delta Street Inn is located in historic Jefferson, Texas in north east Texas. Jefferson is the bed and breakfast capital of Texas, so Red was quite excited to be visiting this particular area. Red learned during the mid 1860’s Jefferson was the second largest port in Texas. During the Civil War, Jefferson was protected because of their port and today many of the historic homes still stand. Some of these have been converted to bed and breakfast inns. It is truly a beautiful area!
Red was impressed with all of the events that Jefferson, Texas had to offer. Below there is a photo of Red reading about the Candlelight tour that the Historic Jefferson Foundation sponsors each year, too bad Red will not be able to attend this year! Red’s trip to Jefferson ended too quickly but Red was sent off in grand Texas style. It is Mardi Gras season and the Red Chair found it is one of the most festive events in Jefferson, Texas. Innkeeper Pam explained the tradition started many years ago, when steamships came up Big Cypress Bayou from New Orleans, bringing with them Mardi Gras traditions and celebrations. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
