THE BARTON HOUSE, SALADO, TEXAS

Clustered along the clear blue waters of Salado Creek, Salado boasts a wealth of landmark structures and homes lining the graceful byway of its Main Street, vividly recalling the earlier times of frontier and small town Texas while bustling with the vitality of life at the end of the 20th Century.  Inside the Texas limestone walls of Barton House, built in 1866, owners Dave and Katie Hermann, have created a world-class dining facility in comfortable ambiance.   " We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel a sense of ease," says Katie Hermann, "Salado welcomed us with open arms and open hearts.  Our invitation is the same."

A popular destination with day-tripping Texans and visitors from throughout America and the rest of the world, Salado boasts a wealth of antique stores, art galleries, boutiques and specialty shops, bed & breakfasts, and historic homes. As in the days of yore, horse-drawn carriages still ply their way down Main Street, and ages-old live oaks continue to provide refreshing shade from the bright Texas sunshine. As one wanders or drives through the town, it takes but a small leap of the imagination to travel back to the past.

Salado has lured residents and sojourners since time immemorial, when Tonkawa Indians camped by the springs that feed Salado Creek, which, according to legend, flow with waters that bear special curative powers.  Soon after Main Street was laid out in 1859, Salado grew into a bustling community boasting stores, mills, and a plethora of surrounding farms, as well as a busy stagecoach stop for travelers, and a wayside along a feeder route of the legendary Chisholm Trail.

The limestone home where The Range now serves some of the finest cuisine in Texas was originally built by Dr. Wellborn Barton. Legend has it that Dr. Barton brought to Salado the first crop of watercress, which still flourishes along the banks of Salado Creek. As one dines at The Range, Barton House's family atmosphere can still be sensed within its walls, and tantalizing tastes of Texas history can be savored alongside the delightful and appetizing fare.