MATAGORDA COUNTY , TEXAS, USA -- From vacation rental cottages to hotels and motels to quaint family operated bed and breakfast i

nns, Matagorda County has it all. Here are some of our favorite options in this part of the world:

While in Matagorda, we stayed at The Seabreeze, one of Angela and Virgil Fox's Vacation Rental Cabins (they also own The Sunrise pictured at right). Just a block from the beach, these family friendly homes have everything you need to make a home away from home in Palacios. Call Heritage Realty at 800-455-3339 or click to www.palaciosvacations.com.

Find more vacation rental homes by clicking to Beachcomber Rentals at www.matagordabeachrentals.com or by calling 979-863-2493.

For large families or groups consider the Matagorda Harbor House, a completely refurbished historic vacation rental house (built in 1910) that sleeps 12. The house sports a wraparound screen porch, perfect for enjoying the evening breeze. Call 979-863-7110.

Another great option for large families and groups (even church groups, scouting events or large family reunions) is the Ashwood Palms Resort. While there is only a single house on the property it sleeps 12 and it is surrounded by plenty of land suitable for tent camping. There are also five lakes on the scenic estate, which offer catch and release fishing. Other activities include basketball, ping pong, horseshoes, volleyball and a driving range. A full commercial kitchen and catering services are available. Call 979-245-5665 or visit www.ashwoodplamsretreat.com for more information or reservations.

The Stanley Fisher House Bed & Breakfast Inn - Housed in one of the first houses ever built in Texas, this charming bed and breakfast hotel offers visitors to Matagorda County modern comfort amid Texas history (the building sports an official Texas Historical Marker). Guests have the option of enjoying a home-cooked breakfast served in the dining room or a more private breakfast basket delivered to their room. For those who are interested, they even have a resident ghost. The Stanley Fisher House Bed & Breakfast is located at 107 St. Mary's St. in Matagorda, Texas. Call 979-863-2920 or click to www.stanley-fisher.com.

The Best Western Matagorda Hotel and Conference Center is a good choice for those looking for functional hotel rooms with business amenities like high speed internet (be sure to request this, as it currently is not available in ALL rooms). The Matagorda Hotel and Conference Center is located at 407 Seventh St. in Bay City, Texas. For reservations, call toll free in the US 800-245-5404 or for more information call 979-244-5400.

Practicalities

For general information about planning a visit to Matagorda County, Texas, click on www.visitmatagorda.com or contact the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation at 979-245-8913.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day and The Low Carb Restaurant Guide, and the co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies. To learn more about Cheri, click here.