Who said summer is the best time to plan a getaway? Taking time out for some R&R during the cooler months can prove to be just the right anecdote to fight off the winter doldrums, especially in Texas— where you’ll find mild temperatures and plenty of beautiful scenery.
Riven Rock Ranch
390 Hermann Sons Road
Comfort, TX 78013
(830) 995-4045
rivenrockranch.com
Price: $205 to $395
Treat yourself to a getaway at this hilltop Hill Country gem—with luxury accommodations, fantastic cuisine and captivating views. Riven Rock has been featured in Southern Living, as one of the coziest inns in the south and Texas Monthly, as one of the top ten hotels in Texas. The ranch offers 9 suites and guest cottages equipped with gourmet kitchens, fireplaces, antiques and walls of windows. Only 15-miles from Fredericksburg and less than an hour’s drive from San Antonio makes this spot a perfect base for exploring the area if you want to get out and about. If you want to relax and enjoy nature, there are plenty of activities to take advantage of on or nearby the ranch, including: mountain biking trails, hiking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, canoeing and hunting. There are also several wineries in the area that are well worth a visit. Lodging includes a superb gourmet breakfast. If you prefer to stay put, you can enjoy lunch and dinner in the Terrace Grill that serves excellent, locally sourced food ranging from brick oven pizzas to venison burgers, quail, lamb and antelope.
7F Lodge
16611 Royder Road
College Station, TX 77845
(979) 690-0073
7flodge.com
Price: $139 to $369
If you’re looking for a great romantic getaway, then the 7F Lodge is for you. It may be listed as a Bed and Breakfast, but it’s really a beautiful country oasis featuring eight secluded cabins complete with Jacuzzis, luxury bedding, microwaves, coffee bars and refrigerators. All of the cabins are designed with individual themes ranging from a French château and a Spanish hacienda to the Sugar Shack complete with a sound system and guitar for making your own romantic music. The Barn features turn of the century style western decor and Sully’s Place offers an 80-sq.ft. dance floor and a 1959 jukebox for dancing the night away. There are a variety of extras you can add to your experience, including in-cabin massages, wine, champagne, roses and chocolate covered strawberries. Located 10-minutes away from Texas A&M University, the lodge makes a convenient base for visiting the fun town of College Station and touring the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Rancho Cortez
872 Hay Hollar Road
Bandera, TX 78003
(830) 796-9339
ranchocortez.com
Price: $99 per person with a 2 night minimum (Mention $99 special when booking)
If you like the great outdoors, but with all the modern luxuries—then staying on a dude ranch will give you the best of both worlds. At the Rancho Cortez you can enjoy plenty of horseback riding and hiking through the gorgeous countryside, then relax in a hot tub or take a swim in a heated pool. The ranch has a host of other activities to keep everyone busy, including caring for the animals, working out in the gym, game rooms, obstacle courses and tree houses for the kids to play in. Three hearty meals are provided daily, plus all activities, including several daily trail rides and evening entertainment. If you want to get out and about for a while, San Antonio is less than an hour away and the town of Bandera is full of bars, restaurants and great little shops. A good reason to plan a getaway to this ranch is that during these special dates (1- 6 to 3-7 and 4-8 to 5-26), the rates are only $99 per person instead of the regular adult rate of $225 a night.
Messina Hof
4545 Old Reliance Road
Bryan, TX 77808
(979) 778-9463
messinahof.com
Price: $189 to $249
With locations in Fredericksburg and College Station, you have a choice of two great areas to hang out in and sip the fruits of the Messina Hof vines. The Fredericksburg location offers 4 individually themed suite style rooms with private living areas, wet bars, microwaves, refrigerators and patios. The Bryan location, near to Texas A&M University, has 11romantic rooms, most with patios and Jacuzzi tubs, so you can sit back and enjoy the sweeping views of the forest and vineyards. A stay at the Bryan location includes a winery tour with tastings, a wine and cheese reception and a champagne breakfast. The Bryan location also has a fine dining restaurant and offers culinary classes, chef’s table dinners and a host of special events. For a truly romantic experience, book the Villa package that comes with chocolate dipped strawberries, rose petals for the bath, in-room massages and a 5-course dinner.
The Sanford House Inn & Spa
506 N Center St
Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 861-2129
thesanfordhouse.com
Price: $149 to $299
If you want to stay close to home, this Southern style mansion in historic downtown Arlington may be the perfect escape. Take a quick break from your daily routine by staying in one of the 12 luxurious rooms or cottages that are decorated with antiques, sitting areas, fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Relax in beautiful surroundings, enjoy a drink in the cozy bar, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner in the restaurant, have a massage in the spa and indulge in a full breakfast the next morning.
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