We had the good fortune of connecting with Allison Mathers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Allison, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We moved to Farmersville, Tx knowing that this “diamond in the rough” city had the potential to be quite the destination and it was something we wanted to be a part of. When we first saw the historic downtown, Main Street, and the original buildings from the late 1800’s, we saw past some of the dilapidated facades and vacant shops and knew this was a special place. The Victorian home we purchased was just steps away from the square and just screamed to be a Bed and Breakfast. To be honest, we never sought out to open or own a Bed and Breakfast, we think it sought us out!! It was just one of those investment decisions that made too much sense to NOT dive into and make successful and the history and location of Farmersville made it a perfect match.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are still feeling our way through owning a Bed and Breakfast and with the pandemic we have had to really regroup in 2020. We actually have enjoyed the slower pace and shutdown, (1) because it gave us time for some much needed rest from 2 years of so much remodeling, designing and construction on not only the Victorian home but the two story downtown building we bought and (2) when the calendar cleared from cancellation of reservations in March, it has given me time to go over some of the smaller details I was putting on the back burner just simply because of lack of time. To revisit some of the little things that truly matter in a Bed and Breakfast has been refreshing. We are excited to start hosting guests again as soon as restrictions are lifted and can’t wait to implement some of these smaller details to make each stay special and relaxing. We truly are trying to create a place that combines the past with the present, is refreshing and a place to come and connect or reconnect with friends and family!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Oh my goodness this list is long!! Well, the weekend would start out with a champagne welcome at The Murchison Honaker House as you check in! From there you would walk to the downtown square and have many choices to shop, dine and drink at, depending on what sounded good! You could start your evening with a glass of wine or beer at the coffee shop 12 Stories Coffee Parlor (yes, they serve beer and wine, also) and enjoy the decadent art deco designs and friendly atmosphere. Dinner options would range from good southern cooking at The Stable Restaurant, (their chicken fried chicken is a fav) or if Mexican was on your mind visit, Jalepenos ( their cheese enchiladas are the best), Wood and Time BBQ is Farmersville’s newest restaurant on the square and their Brisket Frito Pie is a must. To wrap up the evening you would want to head over to Bottles and Boards 442, the wine bar where the food is an ever changing menu depending on what the chef’s have brilliantly created and the full service bar is always a delight. The craft cocktails being served are not only gorgeous and delicious but really fun to watch being created. You would end your evening back on the wrap around porch in a rocking chair at the BNB and enjoy a nightcap or sitting in the ladies or men’s parlor listening to an old vinyl of Frank Sinatra or Glen Miller playing in the background. The weekend would be full of shopping at antique stores, wonderful boutiques, specialty shops and eating at wonderful cafes. You will find everything from yarn to homemade pies, flowers to furniture, clocks to clothing, locally made jewelry and even homemade dog treats! Strolling around the downtown to admire the late 19th century architecture, the rich history of Farmersville and its citizens of the past at the Heritage Museum is a must  and visiting many of our city parks would be a treat. I have to mention that Farmersville is the trail head for the North East Texas Trail, that when complete, will be 130 miles long and the longest trail in Texas!! We are so excited about all of the opportunities that this amazing trail is bringing to our city and community when it comes to bike rides, marathons and outdoor adventures! Check out the NETT for more information! When in town, look for the famous Onion Shed (yes Farmersville was the capitol of sweet onions in the 1920’s) and run, walk, or bike the trail from there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I first give credit to the Lord. Without Him and His saving power and presence, I could do nothing. My faith in Him is what carries me through this life and I am forever grateful for His love and truth and forgiveness to make life here on earth here possible and complete. The second shout out would be to my husband, Dwain. His love, support and willingness to always listen to my desires for adventures and business undertakings is a blessing. He is the most approachable person I think I have ever met and the constant listening ear, devout devotion and caring heart he always gives me is a gift from above. Without him, none of our personal or business decisions would be able to have momentum and take flight. I am grateful!

Website: www.themurchisonhonakerhouse.com
Instagram: @honakerhouse
Facebook: The Murchison Honaker House

Image Credits
@darlingphotographytx

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