Photo Credit: Inn on the River
Inn on the River in Glen Rose is about an hour and a half southwest of Dallas or an hour southwest of Fort Worth. It’s just far enough away to let you shake off the rat race and enjoy some downtime but close enough to make it easy to get to for a weekend getaway. If you need to totally unwind, eat amazing food, and be lavishly treated with true Texas hospitality then this is the spot to do it. Here’s why…
Photo Credit: Inn on the River
Quiet
Other than the faint murmuring of the Paluxy River flowing by you’ll experience something that you don’t often hear in Dallas — quiet. Inn on the River is conveniently located but is far enough away from highways that you won’t hear a thing. Out the back door is a shaded yard that slopes right down the the river’s edge. You’ll find some adirondack chairs waiting for you under a huge old tree. We found that the combination of the rivers sounds, the birds, and the clouds ambling by created an almost hypnotic state — we could have stayed there forever. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, too.
We were there during all of the rain this past spring. It was fascinating to watch the river turn from a sleepy, softly flowing current to a wild, force that tossed huge tree trunks back and forth in its waves. The Paluxy River is beautiful in all of it’s moods.
Photo Credit: Inn on the River
Food
Rich Colombian coffee served hot, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a plate of the ripest seasonal fruit arrive at your breakfast table about the same time you do. Once you’ve settled in you’ll be satiated with warm muffins and breakfast breads along with the main course which changes often. We enjoyed a perfectly prepared Eggs Benedict and would have happily licked the beautiful blue transferware plates if certain members of our party hadn’t stopped us.
Dinner is also available on Friday and Saturday nights but you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time. Be sure to do that when you are reserving your room. The dinner menu also changes seasonally. For July and August the menu includes herb crusted pork tenderloin with apricot chutney and a lemon infused tomato, avocado, and fresh Mozzarella chutney served with crostini. You may bring your own wine if you like. There’s no corkage fee.
If you happen to miss dinner at the Inn, or haven’t a reservation, there is a restaurant located in an old house just catty-corner across the street. The Riverhouse Grill offers plates that could be served at any prime restaurant in Dallas. It is a fun, busy atmosphere – and casual, too.
Photo Credit: Inn on the River
Rooms
Each room with its own bath is decorated a little differently. The beds are soft and comfortable — just right for cuddling. They are swathed with European linens and goose down comforters. Next to the bed in our room were several journals where past guests had written their thoughts over the years. Being the nosy type we enjoyed reading the entries. Couples on their honeymoon, older couples on anniversary trips, and even businesspeople who preferred a quiet, unique spot to stay rather than a boring hotel had all written a few words for the entertainment of future guests.
By the way, there are no televisions in the rooms here. You’ll need to find something else to do.
Photo Credit: Inn on the River
History
Inn on the River has a long, interesting history. It has been designated a Texas Historical Landmark because it was, during the early 1900s, a Sanatarium. The unique complex was known as Dr. Snyder’s Drugless Health Sanitarium, basically a health spa. Dr. Snyder claimed to be a magnetic healer. We can’t confirm how much healing he did but we do know that the complex he created is certainly the perfect spot to reclaim your inner calm.
