This huge abundance of natural gas is a blessing for Texas in the power generation sector, as electric providers look for alternatives as increasingly strict EPA air quality regulations make it more and more difficult to generate electricity by burning coal.

FORBES: The Blessing That is the Eagle Ford Shale

Most accommodations are in highly individualized and carefully decorated freestanding cottages, decorated with original museum quality art and featuring king-size feather beds and sitting areas with wood-burning fireplaces and screened porches.

FORBES: Twin Farms, Barnard, VT