On Wednesday, Jenny and I went on a quick getaway to Waco for her birthday. Her parents bravely stayed with the boys at our house, the first time we’d left Jonathan overnight. On the way we stopped at the Czech Stop in West, Texas, for some tasty kolaches before checking in at our bed and breakfast. Although I lived in Waco nearly four years, I never knew about it until I planned this trip.

Hidden off I-35, a mile or two west of the Cracker Barrel where I used to work, sits the Bed and Breakfast on White Rock Creek. We’ve now stayed at several bed and breakfasts (is that the plural?) over the years, and this was one of our favorites. The innkeepers, Dana and Rethe, are very nice and personable without being intrusive. We settled the bill upon checkin, picked up a couple of DVDs from their collection, and went to the room. To check out, all we had to do was leave the key in the room and leave. In contrast to some other bed and breakfasts we’ve visited, Dana and Rethe didn’t ask for a tip. To me, it has always seemed odd and greedy when other innkeepers asked for tips on a hotel stay. I generally oblige since they’re standing right there watching me, but I always resent it. Dana and Rethe presented a refreshing change. I got some dinner recommendations from them and then never saw them again, giving us the privacy we sought.

For dinner we tried Texas Roadhouse at I-35 and Valley Mills. The peanut shells on the floor were a bit odd, but the steaks, sides, and service were excellent. Since our main goal was relaxation, we retired after dinner. Our room was the Savannah room, which included a large Jacuzzi tub, a small kitchenette, and an extremely comfy bed. A line of thunderstorms rolled through soon after we arrived that evening, so we turned out the lights and watched with glee. Well, I watched with glee while Jenny tolerated it and hoped a tornado wouldn’t blow our room apart. After a wonderful night’s sleep, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the room instead of in the main house. I’ve never enjoyed the communal dining aspect of traditional bed and breakfasts, so it was nice to dine alone with my wife.

After breakfast we hit two of Waco’s main attractions, the Dr Pepper Museum and Cameron Park Zoo. Dr Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885, and the museum sits in one of the original bottling plants from the early 1900s. We enjoyed getting to learn about (and sample) one of our favorite drinks. The zoo is surprisingly good for a town of 113,000 people, with giraffles, big cats, elephants, a komodo dragon, and an anaconda, among many others. The tiny crowd, bright sunshine, and cool temperature made for a great visit.

We returned home to find that Jenny’s parents had indeed survived, although they were exhausted, and that the boys were doing great. Our next planned trip comes in May when we hope to take Brenden to Sea World San Antonio for the Southwest Airlines Duck Derby.