Couples who are film or art buffs might enjoy a romantic weekend in Marfa, near Big Bend. You may recognize Marfa from the James Dean movie "Giant." The town also is home to the Chinati Foundation, one of the largest permanent installations of contemporary art in the United States. The Chinati was founded when Donald Judd, a minimalist sculptor from New York City, purchased the decommissioned Fort D.A. Russell and began installing his own work and that of others.
The Thunderbird Hotel, which has a film library, loans Polaroid cameras, vintage typewriters and record players to its guests, so you and your significant other can record your stay or create a classic atmosphere. Another option for your romantic weekend is the Hotel Paisano, which was the headquarters for the cast and crew of "Giant."
Thunderbird Hotel
601 West San Antonio St.
Marfa, TX 79843
432 729-4326
thunderbirdmarfa.com
The Hotel Paisano
207 N Highland Ave.
Marfa, TX 79843
432- 729-3669
hotelpaisano.com
You and your nature-loving companion might enjoy a weekend at Canyon of the Eagles, located in Texas Hill Country. The eco-friendly resort, which was established by the Lower Colorado River Authority, is located on the shores of Lake Buchanan. The 940-acre resort includes a restaurant, hiking trails, kayaking, rock climbing, golfing opportunities, an observatory for stargazing and cowboy poets. In the winter, bald eagles can be spotted heading south. There also are plenty of docks for fishing, and onsite spa services are available by request. If nature gets to be a little much, Canyon of the Eagles is about 90 minutes from Austin, often considered the live music capital of the world, so you and your partner can get out and dance.
Canyon of the Eagles
16942 Ranch Road 2341
Burnet, TX 78611
800-977-0081
canyonoftheeagles.com
Jefferson, Texas is a great place to experience history. Known as the most haunted town in the state, the 19th-century river port is full of southern charm and unsettled spirits. Ghoul-loving couples flock to the town to tour its Greek revival homes and gardens as well take ghost walks and tours. Located in eastern Texas, Jefferson touts itself as the bed and breakfast capital of the state as well as offering romantic outings like carriage rides and riverboat cruises. One of the oldest buildings in town, the Jefferson Hotel, is said to be one of the most romantic and most haunted. The hotel has 24 rooms and two suites, including a honeymoon suite complete with Jacuzzi. All are furnished in period décor.
Jefferson Hotel
124 W. Austin St.
Jefferson, TX 75657
903-665-2631
866-334-6835
historicjeffersonhotel.com
For the couple interested in pure romance, there's San Antonio. This city of about 1,150,000 offers the opportunity to learn a little Texas history, and then continue the lesson by shopping and grabbing a bite at La Villita Historic Arts Village or Market Square. A romantic dinner is available either during a cruise down the San Antonio River or at one of the restaurants that lines the city's historic River Walk. Afterward, settle in for a romantic weekend at one of the River Walk's historic hotels, such as Ogé House. The antebellum bed and breakfast was built in 1857 and sits on 1.5 acres overlooking the river. Each of its 10 rooms and suites is decorated with European or American antiques.
Ogé House
209 Washington St.
San Antonio, TX 78204
210-223-2353
nobleinns.com/oge.html
