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Texas Getaways

Texas Getaways
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Y’all know I love me some Texas. We traveled all over Texas this summer, and today I want to share some of my personal favorite Texas getaways. It helps that these are all within easy driving distance of Dallas, too, making them perfect for a long weekend. Some of these are perpetual Texas favorites…others might be new to you! Be sure to let me know in the comments about your favorite Texas getaways…I’ll be adding to this post as I find new ones.

Texas Getaways

Texas Getaways

Austin – We all love Austin, right? I mean, even if you live in Austin, you can still spend a weekend exploring and adventuring and eating and drinking and feel like you’ve had a little getaway! 

Things to do in Austin, TX

What I love best about Austin:

It’s outdoorsy. Probably the most outdoorsy part of Texas that I have experienced. With swimming holes, hiking trails, caves, lakes, rivers, and big parks, it has a general healthy and active vibe that I love. I also love that it’s a creative city, with lots of art and quirkiness throughout. The city’s slogan is Keep Austin Weird but I think AWESOME is a better word for it.

You also have lots of great places to eat or grab a cocktail (or a beer, or wine!). You won’t need to eat at any big chain restaurants here. Instead you’ll find a plethora of unique dining, farm-to-table experiences, and craft cocktails. 

Who should visit:

Families, romantic getaways, trips with friends

If you’ve never been to Austin, or if you’re planning a return visit, here are 5 really fun things to do in Austin. I would also add these to the list: visit the State Capital and find a swimming hole!

Airbnb San Antonio

San Antonio – Just a hop, skip and a jump from Austin is San Antonio. If you want to call yourself a Texan, you need to make the pilgrimage to the Alamo – and it really helps that the Alamo is in a cool city!

With the River Walk, the Alamo, and tons of shopping and food within walking distance, it’s a great town to explore on foot (don’t forget we’re talking about Texas, though, with its hundred degree summers!). 

What I love best about San Antonio:

Obviously the correct answer here is THE ALAMO, but aside from that, my favorite thing about San Antonio is all the Hispanic culture, food, and colors that weave themselves through this city. I’m also a big fan of leisurely strolls down the River Walk and I highly recommend the River Walk “cruise,” which is a boat ride down the river (it’s short and you can drink on the boat!). 

Who should visit:

Families, romantic getaways, trips with friends

Here are some more things to like about San Antonio.

Schlitterbahn Vacation

New Braunfels: Between Austin and San Antonio you’ll find New Braunfels, which is great as a destination on its own or a fun day trip from either Austin or San Antonio. Another outdoorsy location, there are rivers to tube and waterparks to be explored. But it’s also home of the famous Gruene Hall, fun shopping (lots of antique shops downtown!), great food, and wineries.

What I love best about New Braunfels:

My favorite thing to do in New Braunfels is go tubing! With a few different rivers to choose from and lots of places to rent tubes (and get a ride back to where you parked!), tubing is a fun way to spend half the day. 

If you’ve got kids, you’ve also got world famous Schlitterbahn in town. If you leave the kids behind, get ready for hours of shopping, wine drinking, and eating!

Who should visit:

Families, romantic getaways, trips with friends

Here’s more info on planning a family trip to Schlitterbahn.

North Catering Lubbock

Lubbock: Have you ever been to Lubbock? I visited for the first time a few years ago and I’ve got to say, it surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much, but instead I found a growing town bursting with art, Farmer’s Markets, new restaurants, and wineries. In fact, Lubbock is where most of Texas’ grapes are grown – even Texas wine country sources their grapes from Lubbock!

What I love best about Lubbock:

Despite all the grapes and fancy food, and its location all the way over there in West Texas, Lubbock feels very Texan to me. I don’t know what it is about this town, but it just catches the essence of Texas, and I love it.

Who should visit:

Romantic getaways, trips with friends (Lubbock could also be a great place for a family visit, but since my visit was centered around wine and food I can’t say what there is to for kids in the area)

Here are some fun things to do in Lubbock.

Dofflemyer Hotel San Saba TX

San Saba: Ever heard of San Saba? The Pecan Capitol of the World (that’s right, world) is located on the northern tip of Texas Hill Country. A small town with a lot of charm, San Saba is the perfect place for an overnight getaway. It’s a tiny little town and closes up early (and not everything is open during the week), but it has a few great restaurants, some fun wineries, and the cutest boutique hotel called The Dofflemeyer. It’s just perfect for a romantic escape.

What I love best about San Saba:

You get the wine and food and scenery you’d find in Fredericksburg, but none of the crowds. Also? The people here are the nicest

Who should visit:

Romantic getaways (I also feel like this would be a fun thing to do with my mom or best friend)

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to San Saba.

Enchanted Rock

Fredericksburg: We all know and love Fredericksburg, right? If you haven’t been, plan your trip and plan it now! Texas wine country ranks right up there on the top of my Very Favorite Places in Texas list! Located in Texas Hill Country, it’s gorgeous (we don’t have hills in North Texas), there are lots of outdoor activities (like hiking Enchanted Rock), and there is all the wine you could ever want.

What I love best about Fredericksburg:

All. the. wine. Also? I love Enchanted Rock, which is a short drive outside of town and is Texas’ only energy vortex (that I know of!). You can hike to the very top of Enchanted Rock. Get there early if it’s hot or a holiday weekend because it can get crowded. Be sure to visit Grape Creek Winery for some gorgeous views, good food, and great wine. I also love Signor Vineyards!

Who should visit:

Romantic getaways, girls’ trips

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your girls’ trip to Fredericksburg.

The Hideout Brownwood TX

Brownwood: Brownwhere, you ask? I know – I hadn’t heard of it either! But Lake Brownwood is the first large body of water east of Midland/Odessa, and this makes it a destination for folks from that area. The lake is great, but if you’re ever in the area you need to drive the extra ten minutes to get to town.

What I love best about Brownwood:

I ate better in Brownwood than I do in my north Dallas suburb – the food here was outstanding! Also, this family-friendly town is home to The Hideout, an outsoorsy resort with cabins, golf, live music, another great restaurant, and even RV hookups.

Who should visit:

Families (also would be a fun romantic or couples getaway to stay at The Hideout)

You can read more about our stay in Brownwood here.

Plan Your Visit to Magnolia Market

Waco: If you haven’t been to Waco in a few years, you’re in for a real treat! The entire town has had a makeover thanks to the success of Chip & Jo’s Fixer Upper on HGTV.  I visit Waco every few months – it’s a great in-between spot to meet my friend Sarah, who lives in Austin. 

What I love best about Waco:

Shopping! You can spend hours at Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market (with shopping, places to hang out, and food trucks), and you’ve got to get yourself a cupcake from their bakery. But don’t miss out on Spice Village (walkable from Magnolia Market), the Findery (also walkable), and the new shops popping up all over own. You can also grab breakfast or lunch at Magnolia Table, which is just a short drive from downtown.

Waco also has a zoo, a children’s museum, and a state park famous for its mammoth bones – these are all fun to do with kids.

Who should visit:

Friends! This is the perfect girls’ trip destination. It’s also very family-friendly.

You can read all about planning your trip to Waco here.

What are your favorite Texas getaways? Let us know in the comments below! I am dying to spend more time in Galveston and also to visit Amarillo – once I do I’ll be sure to share!

Texas Getaways

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