Relaxing Getaway
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in east Texas, consider booking a room at the Black Swan B&B. So many of Jefferson’s restaurants, museums, parks, and stores are within easy walking distance of this charming inn that you could simply park your car when you arrive and leave it in the same spot until you’re ready to drive home!
Perfectly located in the heart of Jefferson, TX
My husband, Larry, and I recently stayed at the Black Swan B&B in historic Jefferson, Texas. What a treat! We were in town so I could give my Historic Cemetery Symbols talk at the History, Haunts & Legends paranormal conference. We spent the rest of our time exploring Jefferson.
This little East Texas town is chock full of fun things to see and do, and the Black Swan B&B is right in the middle of it all!
With the historic Jay Gould Railroad car on one side, carriage rides on the other, and both the Jefferson Historical Museum and the historic Excelsior House Hotel immediately across the street, the Black Swan bed and breakfast is literally surrounded with fun things to see and do in the town of Jefferson, Texas. In addition, several restaurants, antique stores, and a variety of family-owned boutiques and shops are all within walking distance.
Black Swan B&B Suites: Spacious and cozy
Despite its perfect location, the Black Swan B&B accommodations were so sumptuous that my husband and I were tempted to simply hang out at the house all day!
For starters, our suite (one of two at the house) was 500 square feet and had 13 windows. Innkeepers, Christi and Darrell Gaither, have done an amazing remodeling and interior decorating job which allows their historic Greek Revival home to retain its character, while adding modern luxuries such as HDTV, complimentary WIFI and numerous thoughtful touches throughout (such as an in-room Keurig coffee maker.)
So many amenities
Other amenities at the Black Swan B&B include guest robes, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, a mini-frig (perfect for leftovers), and a very pampering selection of Lord & Mayfair toiletries. (If we had stayed longer, I would have definitely enjoyed a soak in the claw foot tub.)
If there’s nothing on TV you like, or you’re simply in the mood to kick back and watch a film, there’s a DVD player with an assortment of movies to choose from, as well as a selection of board games for you to enjoy. I think a game of Scrabble out on the porch is mandatory for my next stay at the Black Swan B&B!
Climate control
It can be hard to heat and cool a historic home, but the Gaither’s remodel includes a much-needed update to the insulation and a/c. During our stay the weather shifted from rainy, hot and humid to chilly. Even so, the climate control inside the Black Swan B&B kept us comfy and cozy the entire time – not an easy feat in Texas!
Nightly Happy Hour for Guests
One of the unique features to a stay at the Black Swan B&B is the nightly happy hour for guests in the Gaither’s private wine bar. Each evening from 5 to 6:00 p.m., Christi and Darrell set out snacks and beverages on the bar and guests are invited to help themselves. It’s a low-key and relaxed chance to mix and mingle with other guests and have a chance to unwind before deciding how to spend the rest of the evening. In addition to red and white wine, iced tea, and water were also available. Nightly nibbles can vary, but ours included a tasty selection of cheese, salami, fruit and nuts.
Since the Gaithers do not reside on-site and the other guests were staying at the Carriage House (a separate property that Gaithers also manage), my husband and I had the house to ourselves after happy hour wound down.
It was a beautiful evening and we took full advantage of the “leftover” wine and snacks that Darrell “twisted our arms” into taking with us onto the upstairs balcony. As the sun set on the red brick streets and shadows grew long through the cast iron railings of the hotel across the street, it was easy to pretend we were sitting out on our porch 100 years ago. Even the sound of passing trains added to this magical evening, and while munching on one of the delicious brownies that Christi had left out for dessert I had one of those “this is the life” moments that is the goal of any good road trip getaway. To say that I felt utterly spoiled during our stay at the Black Swan B&B is an understatement!
Black Swan B&B breakfast!
Although the Gaithers live off-site, the couple returns in the morning to serve a tasty breakfast to their guests at 9:00 a.m. The menu varies, but on the morning of our stay we were treated to a sausage frittata, baked apples, and biscuits. The portions were ample and carried us straight through to dinner.
The biscuits were especially good – so fluffy and light. The Gaithers served them with butter and blueberry jam, which may sound simple, but it tasted absolutely decadent. My husband and I happily enjoyed two biscuits each. (I would have eaten three if I’d had any more room in my belly!)
Jefferson, TX – What to see and do?
As I mentioned earlier, the little town of Jefferson is chock full of fun things to see and do, and the Black Swan B&B is right in the middle of it all! Not only is this little town full of antique shops, museums, and restaurants, but consider taking a guided trip down the bayou, or enjoying a mug of 5 cent coffee at the Jefferson General Store.
Jefferson, TX Festivals – When to visit?
Jefferson, Texas makes a great getaway any time of the year, but you may want to plan your trip around one of the many festivals that take place here throughout the year, including:
Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes – This annual event offers candlit tours of historic homes led by docents in period clothing (think top hats and hoopskirts!)
History, Haunts & Legends – This twice annual East Texas paranormal conference takes place each April and each November. It was the main reason for our stay, actually. I was invited to give my Historic Cemetery Symbolism talk there, and decided to turn my stay in Jefferson, Texas into a much-needed writing research trip.
Jefferson Pilgrimage – This is a weekend long historical celebration in which Civil War buffs use the entire town as a backdrop for elaborate reenactments, including the Naval Battle of Port Jefferson, and the Diamond Bessie Murder Trial Play.
Burn Run – Motorcycle Rally This annual fall biker rally raises money for burn victims.
Mardi Gras Upriver – Jefferson, Texas has been celebrating Mardi Gras
Marion County Fair – A good old-fashioned East Texas county fair.
Taste of Jefferson, Texas – Lively annual celebration of regional restaurants.
Plan your stay at the Black Swan B&B
For more information about the Black Swan B&B, including room rates, available dates, and how to book a room, click here: Black Swan B&B (If you do book a room at the Black Swan B&B, be sure to tell them that Tui sent you!)
Address: Black Swan B&B, 210 West Austin Street, Jefferson, Texas 75657
Phone number: (903) 665-7023
Website: Black Swan B&B
NOTE: While accommodations were provided free of charge, the opinions expressed in this review are wholly my own. Click here to read the full TuiSnider.com Privacy Policy.
Want to read more like this?
To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best-selling travel guide:
UNEXPECTED TEXAS: Your Guide to Offbeat & Overlooked History, Day Trips & Fun Things to do near Dallas & Fort Worth
.
For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best-selling travel guide to haunted places:
PARANORMAL TEXAS: Your Travel Guide to Haunted Places near Dallas & Fort Worth
.
For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out this bizarre piece of West Texas history:
The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber
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Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
[…] For a luxurious stay in the heart of town, check out: My Relaxing Getaway at the Black Swan B&B […]
This place looks and sounds amazing. I feel relaxed just looking at your photos of this bnb. Will have to keep this in mind for a weekend getaway with the wife!
Thank you, Paul! And you are right: if you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your wife, the Black Swan B&B is ideal! :)