In State Weekend Escape
It may not be a dreamy, white sand beach located somewhere far, far away, but a staycation in Central Texas will certainly satisfy your itch to be anywhere but home for the weekend. With different food from around the world, fine wineries scattered across the Hill Country and plenty of trails, rivers and nature to explore with your family, a two-hour drive is not short of adventure.
These seven “glamping” rentals will make any weekend memorable as you marvel in the beauty of Texas in a new and whimsical way.
Tiny Modern Cabin — Getaway House, Wimberley
Getaway House, by Michelle Watt @wattphoto
Immerse yourself in Hill Country and stay in a tiny, modern cabin in the heart of Texas. In this cozy outpost, take a break from technology by placing your phones in the lockbox provided and embrace the chirping crickets, tall trees that rustle and dance in the wind and a sky awake with shimmering stars around you. All of this, with the comforts of a queen size bed, hot shower and toilet, AC, and other amenities will make your stay relaxing and rejuvenating.
During the day, venture out to the many sights near your cabin. Climb the 220 stairs to behold rolling hills, rock formations and a gorgeous view of the Frio River embedded in the Wimberley Valley at Old Baldy. Get some fresh air and sunshine on a hike at one of the many walking trails nearby. You can even make your stay classy with a visit to a local winery. Stop by for a tasting and pick some up to enjoy around the campfire.
Yurt — Green Acres, Elgin | Rent on Airbnb
Choose from one of the five yurts at Green Acres, a privately owned space promised to offer true rest and great hospitality. In less than an hour from Austin, you can unwind and unplug in the pleasing combination of nature and serenity of your stay.
Enjoy a nap or good book in the hammocks provided on site or add to the aesthetic sound of nature with the laughs of you and your companions during a game of cornhole, ping pong and other fun games. Don’t forget to pay a visit to your neighbors—some furry farm animals including alpacas and donkeys.
Sioux-Style Tipi — Mystic Quarry, Canyon Lake
Photo by Jim Flynn.
The tipi pods at Mystic Quarry were made and inspired by the styles of Native American culture. Designed to accommodate up to two people max (and one child), these tipis have been modernized to ensure a noteworthy lodging experience without having to ditch modern amenities. Mystic Quarry gives you the opportunity to do what makes you the most relaxed, whether that’s watching a movie in bed with the AC or stargazing around the campfire outside.
During the day, take advantage of the amenities all around you. Take a dip in the pool, play a game of sand volleyball or take a peek at the beehives and bat boxes located on the camping grounds. If you venture off-site, see some of the magnificent views of Texas Hill Country the true Texas way. Hop on horseback and explore Canyon Lake, Texas or bring your fishing gear and spend some time in the Guadalupe River with the Texas state fish, the Guadalupe bass. If fishing isn’t for you, rent a tube and cool down on a float down the river.
Backyard Land Yacht — Cherrywood, Austin | Rent on Airbnb
This renovated backyard school bus is a great option for those who want to fully indulge in the “Keep Austin Weird” mantra. Loaded with a full kitchen, bathroom, shower and bed for two, this renovated school bus will hardly remind you of your grade school days. Complete with hanging plants and a backyard space shared with a coop of chickens, the Backyard Land Yacht will fit the exact Austin vibe you’re looking for with a stay in the city.
Located in the Cherrywood neighborhood, stroll by houses to hang at a local coffee shop or to dine at one of Austin’s many famous eateries. With a short drive downtown, get some sun at Zilker Park or kayak at Lady Bird Lake.
Treehouse — Cypress Valley, Spicewood
Photo by Shannon Vandivier.
Embrace your inner child who always wanted to stay overnight in a treehouse. Reserve up to a two-night stay for an adventure the whole family will remember and enjoy. Nestled high in the branches of large Cypress trees, these facilities were created as a way to enjoy the beauty of nature without ruining its ecosystem. Slumber to the sounds of the creeks below in a furnished treehouse accommodated with all the essential glamping necessities.
During your stay, embark on an epic zipline adventure, flying through the trees as they dance around you (COVID-19 may alter this). If you feel like getting on the ground, head out of the trees down below and have a picnic or enjoy a swim in the lake located nearby. Venture out into Spicewood for even more adventure. Take a swim in Krause Springs, mountain bike at Pace Bend or unwind with a glass of wine at a variety of wineries located nearby.
Airstreams — Wimberley | Rent on Glampinghub.com
Photo from Unsplash.
Airstreams are a popular pick for people who are looking for an affordable, yet cozy getaway. If you have ever wanted to experience traveling with a camper or RV, a weekend getaway in an Airstream is a great opportunity to do so. There are plenty of Airbnb Airstreams parked in Wimberley that offers guests a place to kick back and relax privately. A campfire to roast s’mores, a picnic table to bring your meals outside and one even has a jacuzzi that will give guests a peaceful time to appreciate the soothing calm of the country around them.
Wimberley is known for having some of the best natural swimming holes in Texas. Before your stay, make reservations to visit Jacob’s Well, the second largest fully submerged cave in Texas. For thrill-seekers, take a zip at Wimberley’s Zipline Adventures to get a bird’s eye view of the area. For something more cost efficient, drive around the twists, turns and hills and appreciate a painted sky at sunset and maybe spot a glimpse of the deer roaming about.
Covered Wagon — Cat Spring | Rent on Hipcamp
Photo by Skeeter Hagler.
The past and present collide during a stay in this old fashioned covered wagon. Tucked away on a ranch near Lake Somerville State Park, appreciate the bliss of the peaceful countryside with modern amenities, including wifi, for a pleasant stay. Prepare nice meals over the campfire or get to know the host and let her cook for you.
Take advantage of the secluded ranch and acres of land. In the open pastures, look up at the night sky to see the twinkling stars. Walk a little ways into the more forested areas and cross paths with many exotic wildlife from a variety of birds to bison, antelope and deer. The ranch also offers many recreational activities to pass the time. Test your skills at archery or meander the ranch on horseback. With bikes, canoes and fishing gear available for rent, the ranch is never short of things to do and see. Additionally, nearby is Lake Somerville State Park where you can take in yet another serene atmosphere filled with wildlife and over 40 miles of trails.
