A look for birds from Hotel Limpia

“The Fall nights are growing cooler here in the Davis Mountains. Come enjoy our cozy fireplace with your morning coffee or a cocktail from the Blue Mountain Bistro bar!”

That was the seductive e-mail message I recently received from the Hotel Limpia, an iconic hotel built in 1912 of locally-quarried stone, in Fort Bend.

Except for the 400-mile drive required to get there, I would gladly accept and settle in to a lobby chair in front of that big fireplace. I would also look for the plump, friendly cat that was stretched out on the checkin desk.

And I would definitely check out the birds. This area hosts 17 of the 18 species of hummingbirds found in Texas. You’ll find such sought-after species as Anna’s, amethyst-throated, blue-throated and cinnamon , all usually hanging around this area into early December before heading further south. You’ll also find avian rarities such as band-tailed pigeons, white-throated swifts and mountain chickadees.

There is also a winery in the area, Chateau Wright, at the Blue Mountain Trail Vineyard, which offers some excellent vintages.

All in all, it is a trip well worth taking. If you go, give that cat a scratch behind her ears for me.

For information, call the Hotel Limpia at 800 662-5517.