Trey’s Chow Down TRAVEL heard about this incredibly cozy Palm Springs-style resort that’s a throwback to the retro classics. Located in the Hill Country, it’s an overnight retro dream close to Fredericksburg, Texas that we absolutely LOVED!
The Blue Skies Retro Resortis located approximately 3 hours from DFW and 1.5 hours from San Antonio and Austin. They’re nestled between the Texas Wine Trail and Enchanted Rock on TX Hwy 16, where the possibilities for fun, relaxation and adventure are endless.
The fully refurbished retro trailers are cozy, colorful, fun and clean. Each trailer offers WI-Fi, a small refrigerator, retro record player, a couch, kitchenette, and small bathroom. They also have an outdoor entertainment area with a fireplace (wood is included!) and a pool. It’s all you need for a quick, affordable get away.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Offering five Shasta trailers with private yards along with additional private bathrooms with vanities and outdoor showers, a pool and a covered pavilion for you to enjoy!
Each trailer offers:
Keyless entry
Full bed featuring a Casper® mattress
Luxury linens and pillows
Keurig single cup coffee
Fridge
Microwave
Sink
AC/Heat
TV
Bluetooth radios and record player with records
Private yards
*19ft trailers have an additional twin bed in the back that also offers extra seating
The sunsets and sunrises are impeccable and the skies are a bright blue, so no need to even wander off the property as it provides a unique resort experience all on its own.
If you’re looking for an affordable and fun getaway, I would HIGHLY recommend a trip to BLUE SKIES RETRO RESORT. You will thank me later for the fun and relaxing time you will enjoy.
Disclaimer: I can’t be held responsible if you have TOO MUCH FUN!
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Have you ever seen pictures of a place so dreamy, beautiful, peaceful and picturesque you think to yourself, that can’t be real. It’s just not possible – there’s no way a place like that can exist in today’s world. Well, we discovered a place just like that in Lake Martin, Louisiana; a place so unbelievable we just wanted to pinch ourselves. It is simply known as Maison La Madeleine.
I’m going to tell you the rest of this fantastic story and how it all began so you can enjoy this incredibly unique travel destination that is rich in history, cozy vibes, southern hospitality, and food so delicious you will want to lick your plates clean after every meal.
This story starts back in 1860, when Jean Pierre Cenac walked to Bordeaux from the foothills of the Pyrenees and arrived in Algiers, Louisiana on Christmas Eve. He set up shop, got to work, and started making family history. Fast forward about 160 years and today Proprietress Madeleine Cenac and her husband Walt Adams own and operate one of the most incredible bed and breakfast travel destinations in the world: Maison La Madeleine. It’s located in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, adjacent to the Nature Conservancy’s 9,300-acre Cypress Island Preserve in Lake Martin, Louisiana.
Established as a Bed & Breakfast in 2005 by its owner Madeleine Cenac, it’s been a successful operation for going on 17 years. Madeleine and her family oversaw every little detail and put in years of blood, sweat and tears restoring a beautiful rustic 1840’s southern cottage. She’s extremely detail-oriented and every single item about the restoration, right down to the floor nails, was kept authentic and true to the times. As I walked around studying the details, the beauty, and soaking up the history, I was in a trance. It was so convincing that one would think they were actually back in the 1840’s, except for the modern conveniences.
They have also won accolades from the travel and tourism industry, magazines, programs and of course the tourists who are lucky enough to visit. They offer incredible service, history, fantastic stories, delicious meals, live music with a supper club series, incredible French Creole surroundings and accommodations fit for kings and queens.
I can’t begin to describe the feeling you get as you drive down the beautiful tree-lined roads on the way to the cottage. Your heart will smile because it’s absolutely breathtaking! The sights, smells, sounds, colors, and animals create a vision like you’re driving into a movie scene. When you finally arrive and step out into the beautiful world that is Masion La Madeleine, you will be in awe of the surrounding landscape and happenings.
The main house, or historic structure – a circa 1840 French Creole cottage – was moved to its location on Lake Martin in St. Martin Parish from property on the Vermillion River near Perry, Louisiana in 1997. Painstakingly restored and authentically furnished to its original grandeur, it serves as the centerpiece of the Bed & Breakfast. This is one of less than 50 such surviving 19th Century structures in the Acadiana Parishes.
When you enter the home, you get a warm cozy feeling that I can’t describe, except to say it’s pure bliss. From floor to ceiling and wall to wall its full of furnishings, artwork, and historical artifacts that would make any historian green with envy. My eyes and senses were on overload as I enjoyed it all – especially once I completely understood how much detail, hard work and dedication went into every aspect of this home and its surroundings.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you get a key and start upstairs to your living quarters. The stairs creak and the wood pops as you make your way up the narrow staircase. As you slowly push the door open you see the beautiful hallway and rooms decorated so perfectly. It’s like you’ve entered a fairy tale. There are two bedrooms, complete with sitting areas and even a hidden sleeping nook for children to enjoy. Accompanying this is a little kitchen area and a wonderful cozy bathroom. The entire living quarters is inviting and warm, with history about the family and Maison La Madeleine.
You can stroll around and enjoy the unique, colorful, and beautiful landscape surroundings. When you’re done you can relax on the big front southern still pouch, or in the back by the river. My favorite place was the old Jesus Bar, which is behind the cottage main house. They have an incredible outdoor kitchen and seating area, but the Jesus Bar is where all the good stuff happens! You can also choose to enjoy a private cooking class from professional Cajun-Creole chefs who live close by and are some of the bests you will find. I would highly recommend a cooking class because it’s educational, fun, and packed with delicious eats.
” I’ve traveled a lot in my life and enjoy traveling to wonderful and beautiful destinations. Maison Madeleine is TRULY UNIQUE and should be enjoyed by anyone who loves to travel, learn about history, eat, drink, and enjoy Louisiana. If you have some extra time, take a boat ride on Lake Martin to look at gators, or stroll around the nearby Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I fell in love with everything about this wonderful bed and breakfast and of course the amazing Madeleine and Walt.”
Special Thanks to Chef Herbert and Chef Vicki two incredibly talented authentic Cajun Chefs that are simply wonderful!
Please follow us on social media. Hope to meet you at a table soon!
Trey & Jana ( Chow & Travel Hounds )
Walt, Madeleine & Trey at Jesus Bar + Herbert, Vicki, Jana & Trey Private Cajun Cooking Class + Trey Cooking + Jesus Bar From Door + Jana & Trey in Bliss.
Trey’s Chow Down Fresh Crawfish Étouffée and Trey’s Louisiana Bread Pudding ( Thank YOU Chef Walt and Chef Vicki )
Wine Castle “The Chateau De Chase” on 290 On HILL.
If you follow our travel, food, chef and cocktail adventures then you’re aware that I’m like an OLD HOUND DOG always on the HUNT. Searching for Creative chefs, delicious eats, savory sweet treats and UNIQUETravel destinations. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DISCOVERIES. Get ready for an AWESOME Experience! Let’s GO!
There we were, cruising down highway 290, headed to Fredericksburg when Jana blurts out, “Trey did you see that castle?” On the phone I replied by asking her if she had already started drinking wine, even though it was only 8am. Turns out it WAS a castle – a big, beautiful castle, with a new hotel right beside it. I thought, if that’s not intriguing, I don’t know what is. A castle on a hill, in Texas, with a NEW HOTEL right beside it. That just screams UNIQUE!
The next week we made reservations for the NEW Bentley Hotel on 290, adjacent to the Wine Castle. Making the reservations was a good call, because the Bentley Hotelis absolutely an incredible – a true destination that’s not only unique, but inviting, relaxing, charming and comfortable. You truly don’t need to leave once you check in for the weekend.
They’re a twelve room and two suite boutique hotel featuring a resort-style pool and an outdoor wine cabana bar, complete with all of your wine cocktails and culinary delights! Enjoy a wine cocktail after check-in on Friday night, then take a dip in the lounge pool and hot tub and order a pizza for dinner on Saturday. You can visit the Wine Castle just up the hill and enjoy some tasty wines and snacks, then learn about wines in a cozy and inviting castle atmosphere.
They have twelve king-size rooms with private balconies, two two-story Suites with living rooms and double private balconies. Each room tells a story through its name, and no matter which one you choose they’re all warm, cozy, colorful, classy and extremely comfortable. We stayed in the CLINT EASTWOOD ROOM and LOVED IT! ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!
They have a BIG resort-style pool with private lounge cabanas and beautiful pool furniture. A Texas-centric wine cabana bar that’s shaded, and a kitchen that’s open 5pm to 9pm, offering Incredible customer service. The lounge pool is open 10am to 9 pm.
If you’re looking for a Truly UNIQUE Texas Hill Country Travel destination offering a one of kind experience, including a castle, then The Bentley Hotelon 290 is the place to be. Make your reservations and when you get there, walk through the little black gates and leave your troubles behind. That’s what we did and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do the same.
Until next time my friends! Enjoy a unique travel experience, enjoy something deliciousness, be happy, and always love your neighbor. We need more love in this world and of course unique travel experiences like the The Bentley Hotel on 290!