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Alpine, Texas  Ahh! It was a treat seeing this sign on our 6th day of our Texas road trip. We knew this would be a step up in the luxury department. You have to love the name Maverick Inn. And you have to love the sign itself, even if it's not the original.  Grandview Courts This refurbished motor court once had a different name. I love the old sign that stretched between 2 stone posts. Saved!  Historic hotels can be found in many Texas towns, but it's hard to find refurbished motels and motor courts. This one on Highway 90, way out west in Alpine, TX was built in the 1930's. The original office is on the left and the mountain to the right goes back a little further. Alpine is a good name for a Texas town with an elevation of about 4,500. It's known for having the best climate in Texas, but I talked to a few residents who told me not to talk it up. Alpine remains small-townish, with no stop lights. I think they hope to keep it that way. Friendly  Georgie let us check in early and we shared some stories. I told her how excited we were to be staying there, after a couple of odd nights on our road trip. (previous posts) She told me that she remembered driving by this motor court back in the 1960's when the little buildings were getting overgrown and run down. She told me about meeting the original owner once, who shared old photos of the Grandview Courts.  Music Encouraged I loved looking around the lobby at the Maverick movie poster, antique saddle and interesting books. What I really liked was the guitar with the note "...for guest enjoyment." Quite a nice switch from the hotel piano in New Braunfels reminding guests, NOT to play.  Buildings There were a number of adobe buildings, all "Masculine Texas Chic" as I read in a travel review. This one had a little courtyard.  The night before The Maverick was booked due to Alpine's Cowboy Poetry Weekend. But at 2:00 pm, I caught a glimpse without any cars. The fog (that finally left us) made the place look like an eerie western ghost town.  Wandering As a kid I loved exploring a new motel and I still do. This one had lots of discoveries. There was a great yard through this entry, with a fire pit and a horse shoe pit and lots of comfy chairs.  The Trailer Georgie said they were still prepping the blue trailer to become a guest room option. She said I was welcome to peek inside. I loved the doors with porthole windows and the Adirondack chairs. So Cozy!  The interior held onto its 1950's décor! There were fruits and flowers painted on the kitchen cabinets. And a mini sized gas stove where I could picture Lucy cooking for Ricky in the The Long, Long Trailer movie! Pool and Animals  The chili bean shaped pool, I recognized from an old photo in maybe the 1960's. But it looked cute with lots of lounging options as well as grills and dining areas. And I did get to meet a kitty. Don and I like to get our animal fixes on our travels, since we have no pets waiting at home.  Our Room The moisture in the air brought out some recent repairs on our adobe building. But besides that, I loved the appearance with a wheel and a barrel thrown in. But the best part of a motel stay for me is the luxury of pulling your car right up to your door! No valet parking or stairs to climb. Love it! A Nice Change  After a few nights of roughing it road travel, this was a treat to see. I love the fun of an old motel, but I'll admit, I was pleased to see that our room was 2014 modern and luxurious. The wood beamed ceilings and Satillo tile floors fit the style beautifully. The bed and linens were heavenly! Special Touches  I loved the jar glasses resting on the woven mat. And the earplugs were a nice touch since the traintracks were nearby. No complaints about our coffee maker, microwave, fridge and flat screen. And an extra bonus point for the Mexican pottery. Coffee tastes much better in a cute blue and white cup!  The Walls I stayed in motel once that actually had the same framed print over both beds. That was somewhat amusing to me. But if I am not going to be amused by my décor, then I appreciate a little good taste. I did like the woven Indian rug and baskets on the wall. There were a couple of nicely framed western prints as well. Big bonus points for pleasant décor at The Maverick!  Hmmmm? The bathroom was lovely and boy did I make use of the tub after the ranch the night before. But here's the thing. I've been married almost 35 years, but I still would like a little privacy in the bathroom. I've dealt with glass door like this in Europe. They look cool, but they bug me. In the middle of the night I woke with a headache, so intense I thought I would be sick. I think my Advil would have worked faster had I not been fretting about the fact that it was impossible to hide my sickly image if I needed to make a dash for the toilet. Luckily I was fine by morning. A Nice Breakfast Treat  In the morning I forgot my griping when we wandered to the cozy kitchen area for breakfast. Georgie had reminded me the day before to help myself to anything in the fridge. At breakfast there were some decadent bakery treats from a local shop. Don and I sat under the buffalo and stuffed ourselves on gigantic scones and cinnamon rolls. If the weather had been warmer we could have sat outside next to Jake in the cowboy shrine. He must have been a treat for all those cowboy poets.  What's Notable? Probably the fact that it is a luxury motel. I love idea of an old motel, but you usually have to put up with some discomfort to enjoy the nostalgia. At the Maverick they give you the best of both worlds. We had the quirky retro feel and the luxurious bed and bath. Yeah, the bathroom doors were glass, but I won't plan on getting sick next time!
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Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
February 2020
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