This fall was a whirlwind to say the least. Two island destinations, three mainland cities, and a red carpet premiere were on my itinerary. By the time November rolled around, I was exhausted and in need of recharging. An overnight getaway with like-minded friends, who happen to be bloggers, was just what I needed.
We stole away from our families for 24 hours at Honey Hollow Ranch in Runaway Bay, Texas. That amount of time may not seem like a lot to you, and truth be told I could have used another 24 hours, but it was just enough time to have some laughs in the kitchen, enjoy a ranch that is stunning, and even plan some business for 2019.
(Complimentary accommodations, vehicle, and some food were provided by various sponsors. Affiliate link in post, where I may earn a small commission at no cost to you if any purchases are made.)
Honey Hollow Ranch Getaway in Runaway Bay, Texas
Where is Runaway Bay, Texas?
That’s a very good question, one you especially want to know if you live in Dallas/Fort Worth.
Runaway Bay, Texas is about an hour northwest from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Wise County, at one end of Lake Bridgeport.
It’s far enough away from the big city and suburbs that you will feel like you have left Dallas, but close enough that you can run home if your family needs you, which actually happened to one of my friends.
You find yourself out in the country where you can enjoy all things that country living entails. That’s one reason Runaway Bay, Texas has become one of the hottest places in North Texas to get married. Yes, Runaway Bay has claim to a wedding venue that brides from all over the state and beyond adore – Honey Hollow Ranch.
Honey Hollow Ranch
If an outdoor rustic wedding is what you are dreaming of, look no further.
But let me be clear, Honey Hollow Ranch isn’t just for brides – it’s for anyone in need of a special events venue, getaway with a handful of friends, corporate retreat, reunion destination for extended family, get-togethers and more.
Follow along on our getaway…
I was heading out into the country and had the entire car (and choice of music) to myself for a sold hour. SCORE!
I was traveling in style with the new Ford EcoSport, an entry level SUV which starts around $19,995. This was an incredibly fun ride, one where I might have been singing at the top of my lungs, after all, noone (or should I say tween) was there to tell me to stop. Ha!
The Ford EcoSport was the perfect sized ride for this getaway, and I loved learning about all the upgrades that have happened since I last went shopping for a vehicle.
The whole Auto Start-Stop Technology was completely new to me. So new in fact, that when I headed out on this short road trip and wanted to grab a drink to go in my local drive-thru, I kind of freaked out when the engine stopped while I was in line. Then started. Then stopped. You know how it works, right? Or maybe you are like me and haven’t had an automobile like this one yet. I literally pulled over in the parking lot to google this problem, thinking that maybe I shouldn’t be driving this new vehicle on the road trip. Something was surely wrong, right?
Lesson learned. The Auto Start-Stop Technology helps save on energy and gas.
Pulling into the ranch nestled off Highway 380 was a treat.
The trees towered over the grounds. There were no neighbors. It was beautiful.
I proceeded to unload the Ford EcoSport, which was interesting in and of itself. Why? This SUV trunk does not open from top to bottom, but from side to side as you can see in the photograph above. That took some time for me to figure out.
The trunk storage area was just the right size for an overnight getaway. I really fell in love with this vehicle and think it would be a great first car for a high school, college student, or young adult wanting a crossover or SUV. I can see my daughter in this. Safe, reliable, and built Ford tough! Learn more about the Ford EcoSport here.
Luggage, camera bag, tote full of some goodies and food (we were out in the middle of the country where there are not too many restaurants, so we planned on cooking), and poster board for some work were removed.
I had arrived!
With grand double doors awaiting me, I entered the main house at Honey Hollow Ranch and was immediately impressed.
The main house is situated on 53 acres of land, and featured two stories of rooms that are said to sleep up to 14 guests.
Caveat: The main house only sleeps 14 if you are doubled up in rooms. So if this was for a corporate retreat, know that there are maybe 6 or 7 bedrooms total and not all bedrooms have their own bathroom.
The house was decorated for fall throughout and I can only imagine what they do for Christmas. A stay at this house for the holidays with extended family would be perfect. Can you imagine?
We all gathered first in the living room and warmed up by the fire on one of the biggest couches I’ve seen. It was cozy as we shared stories and talked business too.
There was a formal dining area and a fully-stocked kitchen, where we proceeded to cook tacos, spanish rice, and more. There was also the most amazing ice-machine in the bar area off the family room (aka game room).
The house is so incredibly large that yes, you can get lost in it.
Off the kitchen there was a rather huge family or game room complete with billiards, shuffleboard, poker table, massage chairs, and more. It overlooked the pool area, had a second staircase that led upstairs, and featured rustic chandeliers that reminded me of ones at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Upstairs were two of the bedrooms (one large master, and one smaller with two double beds – perfect set up for a family with kids). These two bedrooms shared the biggest bathroom I’ve ever enjoyed. Also upstairs was a business office and large wrap-around outside deck which overlooked the grounds. I can imagine having coffee out there one morning, though admittedly it was a bit cold for that this trip.
The downstairs contained the rest of the bedrooms, bathrooms, and a large sitting area.
If you were impressed by the indoors, the outdoors would take your breath away.
The Grounds
The large outdoor entertaining area was complete with pool, fountain, seating, and covered bar area.
I quickly regretted that we were visiting in cold weather and dreamed of what it would be like to stay during the hot summer months.
We took a tour of the outdoor areas, which were complete with a 4,000 square foot indoor air conditioned facility for indoor weddings/receptions or any type of gathering you can imagine.
But the pièce de ré·sis·tance was the gazebo and outdoor fountain area. The perfect backdrop for a rustic wedding.
We spent the night chatting about our lives and our hopes for 2019, even creating vision boards.
Honey Hollow Ranch was the perfect inspiration for my 2019 dreams! And whether you are planning a wedding, retreat, or family reunion, I bet it inspires you too!
The next morning we were sad to pack up, but we had one more Runaway Bay, Texas stop on our agenda – the RB Golf Club and Resort!
RB Golf Club and Resort
While most who know me would say that miniature golf might be more my speed, I have been known to swing a golf club a time or two in my lifetime.
This day the temperatures were so cold that the course was not open for golfing, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy the views or the nice lunch in front of the fireplace at the club.
Those of you who love to golf are already thinking ahead.
I can sense it.
A rustic stay at Honey Hollow Ranch followed by a day of golf overlooking Lake Bridgeport. Yes, one could do worse in life.
Make plans this Spring to visit Runaway Bay, Texas, as RB Golf Club and Resort is in the middle of major renovations.
We got an exclusive tour of not only the grounds, but the new bar/restaurant and it will be gorgeous. I’m imagining how lovely it would be to sit overlooking the course with drink in hand in 2019. Maybe an Arnold Palmer?
As for the restaurant, be sure to stop in for a sweet tea (or unsweet like me, very un-Texan like, I know) and order the fried pickles. It was my first time trying any and oh my goodness – delicious!
Learn more about golfing at RB Golf Club and Resort here, which is open to the public.
A trip to Runaway Bay, Texas might just be the quick getaway you need!
Are yall still doing Weddings?
To be clear Brianna, I’m not Honey Hollow Ranch, just a blogger who was able to visit and spend the night. Please contact the ranch directly.
looks like an amazing place
We always rent a large venue like this for our time with my husband’s family. I think this is a MUST for our next reunion!!
That’s a great idea Sara. We used to have a large venue for our extended reunions out of state. This would work if everyone would like to visit Texas!!!