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A Texas GetawayBy Susen Foster This sojourn took us unsuspectingly through northern Texas, just south of the Red River, where we were mesmerized by the many lakes with memorable names such as Davy Crockett and Coffee Mill. The town of Bonham, in Fannin County, where once lived such notables as Sam Rayburn and jazz great Charlie Christian, and where the notorious outlaw James Wesley Hardin married his bride in 1853 was our destination. We meandered through Bonham State Park, 300 acres of lush rolling hills and woods that offer camping, miniature golf, fishing, swimming and paddle boats. We passed a log blockhouse, stockade and cabins that were built in 1837 and were the center of what became Bonham. We toured "Mister Sam's" house, built in 1916 and restored in 1961, and saw how the longest serving Speaker of the House of Representatives lived. The elegant Sam Rayburn Library, made of white Georgia marble, contains an exact duplicate of Rayburn's office at the U.S. Capitol, down to a century old chandelier that once hung in the White House. We removed our hats in respect as we viewed the tribute to fighting men of WWII who trained at Jones Field in Bonham. As we were enjoying the verdant countryside and many water spots, our guide began to tell us excitedly about our destination. He declared we were about to experience a rare treat--one upon which the foundation of America was laid--a cattle ranch. Oh no!! We just came from our farms and ranches to getaway from it all and you are taking us to another one? But we had been on a long cruise and decided maybe the idea wasn't such a bad one. After all, we were the GUESTS. No chores!!! 
We arrived at The Ranch House Bed & Breakfast, the "big house" on this small working cattle ranch owned by cattleman and auctioneer Craig Buford and soon relaxed as we took our sweet teas out to the back deck and oohed and aahed at the beautiful Texas sunset and gazed at silhouettes of grazing cattle lining the horizon. It felt good--it felt like home without the work. We had visited so many exotic destinations over the last few months and this visit "home" was a nice reminder of what awaited us. We could simply watch the cowboys do their thing. The three bedroom ranch-style house is furnished with comfortable queen beds. The master suite has its own private bath with shower and the main bath, with tub, shower and double vanity, is shared by the other two bedrooms. The sunken brick floor and large wood burning fireplace in the den makes it a wonderful place to curl up with a cup of coffee and a good book. Our dinner was served by the property manager Bettye Manning, a consummate hostess as well as a marvelous cook. The house also has a formal dining room and a fully equipped kitchen for those who are tempted to show off their cooking prowess. The Ranch House is an excellent location for corporate retreats, family reunions, weddings, couples or families on a weekend get-a-way to the country and the two bedroom, two bath Bunk House with its own cozy den, fully equipped kitchen and friendly screened porch, is next door, separated by a large yard for horseshoes, volleyball, picnics or other activities. We won't soon forget sitting in the sun porch and on the deck enjoying the wonders of nature on a Texas ranch. This beautiful property with its abundance of trees, creeks and wildlife truly was a rare treat and one we will visit again with friends, family and co-workers. Did I mention it's only an hour from Dallas? See it for yourself at www.theranchhousebedandbreakfast.com or call 903-227-2430 for more information. C 5 3/19/07 Date: 3/13/07
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