Step back in time

Spring days in the North Bay area may be sunny and warm, overcast and mild or even rainy and cold. When weather can change quickly in a 24-hour period, a backup plan for a day on the water fishing or at the beach may be needed. The choices are many, especially if places within a short drive are considered. One alternative is within a two-hour drive for lunch in a Texas Historical Landmark hotel.

The Blessing Hotel opened in 1907 in the small town of Blessing, Texas. In 1977 it was deeded to the Blessing Historical Society which continues to operate the hotel to this day. The building was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Rooms continue to be available at day, weekly and monthly rates and the dining room serves breakfast and lunch.

To find this “off the main road” historic location, head north east on State Highway 35 N from anywhere in the North Bay area.

This route will lead through low, flat coastal plains which will cross bay inlets of the Gulf of Mexico. Leaving Rockport-Fulton, Hwy 35 crosses the first inlet with Aransas Bay to the east and Copano Bay on the west.

The course passes the turn to Goose Island State Park in Lamar and to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge before reaching Tivoli. The route continues through Port Lavaca and crosses Lavaca Bay to the west and Matagorda Bay on the east side of the bridge.

Follow the highway through Point Comfort and Weedhaven then begin watching for Farm to Market 1862. Turning left, FM1862 heads north through farming and ranching lands until reaching the T intersection with FM 616.

A right turn will lead into Blessing, TX. Continue into the small town until the two-story white frame hotel appears at 128 N. 10^th Street. Parking is located on the side of the hotel.

Entering the Blessing Hotel through the front door, visitors step back in time to the early 1900’s.

The front desk area is to the left with comfortable seating arranged so hotel guests can visit.

A hallway with a period settee leads from there to the dining room with doors to guest rooms along one side. At the rear of the building guests enter the dining room through large wood doors and are greeted as they pay for the buffet meal. Each day two or three different home style entrees, various vegetables and salads are arranged along the back wall.

There are no fine china or silver serving dishes to be seen. Period stoves, no longer used to prepare food, are used to hold the antique serving pans. Breads, deserts and beverages are also self-serve.

A variety of different size tables are arranged to fill the room.

Guests seat themselves and may join other diners at their table when no other tables are vacant. Return trips to the buffet are allowed. After enjoying your meal, take time to look at the various photos and newspaper clippings displayed on the walls. As diners leave the building, a detached covered area with picnic tables is located between the hotel and parking lot. If the weather is cooperating this makes a perfect spot to relax before beginning the trip back to the North Bay area communities.

For other information and details visit Hotel Blessing at m.facebook.com or call 361-588-9579.