B

etween the Blackland Prairies of North Central Texas and the Piney Woods of deep East Texas lies the Post Oak Savannah, characterized by hardwood forests, prairie, savanna, and wetlands. The boundary with the Piney Woods just to the east of us is not distinct.

The land of Oak Creek is wild. It overflows with white-tailed deer, which you will likely see daily. But if you look, there are signs everywhere of the other abundant wildlife inhabitants; birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and insects that all live together at Oak Creek.

The birdlife is striking! This is truly a birder's paradise; for throughout the year we see a rainbow of Scarlet Tanagers, Goldfinches, Cardinals, Eastern Bluebirds and Painted Buntings. There are Pileated Woodpeckers, Grey Herons, Egrets, Mallards, Canadian Geese and Ring-Necked Ducks. There are Hummingbirds, Nuthatches, Titmice, Wrens. I could go on, but you get the idea. We have a lot of birds! Rest assured that you will be accompanied by birdsong on any nature hikes you choose to take.

Fishing Anyone? The pond life is just as impressive. Any summer day (and especially at night) you will be serenaded by a chorus of frogs large and small. You might find an old log covered with turtles sunning themselves or hear the splash of a fish as he dines on a careless grasshopper. Dragonflies dart about between the reeds and the cattails over the pond that is also home to numerous fish: bass, bluegill and catfish.

Dogwood in bloom

The best time to see Oak Creek is in the spring and fall. During the spring, especially at Easter time, the dogwoods are in full bloom. During the fall the leaves of the oaks and hickory put on a dazzling display of reds and yellows. The leaves, at last, fall from the trees and the forest opens to reveal its many secrets. As winter quietly approaches, almost unnoticed, flocks of passing migratory birds signal its arrival. They stop to rest and to feed before continuing their arduous journey South.

In the winter, the air is crisp and still. And during the short trek from your cottage to the cabin for breakfast, you will want to stop and experience the quietness of the morning. As you draw near, the sight and smell of the smoke emanating from the chimney signals that there is warmth and comfort awaiting inside. On entering you will be greeted by a warm fire and the wonderful smells of the kitchen. This is comfort food for the soul.

The Oak Creek Experience – Dinner by the Fire

Around the fire at Oak Creek Bed and Breakfast Athens, Texas Because we are a Bed and Breakfast, we only serve one meal a day. But, you really need to experience the evening hours here. They're magical. That's why we encourage our guests to cook their dinner over an open fire. We provide the fire, grill and cooking implements. Food cooked over an open flame can't be beat. For dessert, it's compulsory that you have S'mores.

Your appetite satisfied, allow yourself sit back and to become hypnotized by the dancing flames and glowing coals of the fire. As the sun sets, the sky becomes a beautiful gradient of oranges, reds, blues and purples that deepen until one by one all the stars appear.

Fishing the Pond

######### You might think our fish have a death wish, the way they throw themselves on a hook. This is pond fishing the way it's supposed to be.

Many years ago, the pond was created by building an earthen dam across a deep intermittent creek. Runoff from spring rain fills the pond and, depending on the level, the best fishing spots are revealed by ancient stumps poking their head above the water to reveal the fishes' hiding places. So, bring your fishing gear and expect to land a big one. Leave your fish-cleaning gear at home. This is a catch-and-release pond.

With our newly installed wireless network, enjoy a wireless internet connection in you room or in any of the other guests areas. Go ahead and check for those important emails so you can put your mind at ease and relax.