RELAXING ROAD TRIPS TO EAST TEXAS

The desire to travel and have unique experiences will be as strong as ever, but it will be a while before people are comfortable hopping on a plane to Rome. Local travel is going to boom as stay-in-place measures are lifted. There are many incredible destinations in our own backyards, and staying relatively close to home will offer a comfortable way to ease back into travel. For those who want to go a little farther beyond their own city but stay in Texas, there are many options in the new book Spectacular Weekend Getaways of Texas (Amazon). Until you get your hands on the book, we have the perfect road trip ideas for a relaxing East Texas adventure.

HIGH HILL FARM — A boutique retreat tucked along the rolling hills of East Texas. Truly a one-of-a-kind retreat experience, High Hill Farm is a scenic 90-minute drive from Dallas through the rolling foothills of East Texas and just minutes from the historic town of Tyler. Combining laid-back luxury with the natural beauty of the region, High Hill Farm is the perfect getaway for guests looking to experience the good life, along with a variety of outdoor activities. Explore the retreat’s 70 acres along winding paths through a forest of ancient oak trees, or relax by the sparkling reflection pool with stunning views of the vineyard. Enjoy casual dining with a farm-fresh twist at Côte, serving a seasonal menu of simple yet flavorful dishes. Then retreat to your private bungalow nestled along the picturesque hillside. Featuring seven bungalows and a barn suite that sleeps up to six guests, High Hill Farm was featured by Texas Monthly in Where to Stay Now. The magazine also named High Hill’s pool as one of the state’s top 10 hotel pools. With simple yet elegant furnishings, luxurious linens, and oversize bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers, the accommodations are designed to impress even the most seasoned travelers. Each bungalow has its own private garden patio, making it the perfect place to relax, unwind, or enjoy al fresco dining. Escape to the country and discover why life is better at High Hill Farm. Photography courtesy of High Hill Farm.

THE FREDONIA HOTEL - Located in historic downtown Nacogdoches less than a mile from Stephen F. Austin State University, The Fredonia Hotel was established and built by the town citizens in 1954. The people sold stock in order to raise funds to build the now legendary hotel. After chang - ing hands several times, The Fredonia was purchased by Richard and Barbara DeWitt in 2014 in an e f ort to rejuvenate and rebuild a piece of the town’s history. After more than $15 million in investments and two years of restoration, the hotel came back to life, with all of its architectural beauty, history, and memories intact. All rooms and public spaces have been renovated, as well as the pools. The Fredonia has a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an eclectic menu that appeals to all kinds of tastes and personalities, plus a steakhouse with world- class cuisine. There is also a bar called 9 flags, a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike. Other amenities include a high-end, boutique-style gift shop, a 24-hour gym, and an inviting terrace space for lounging by the pool and watching the large-screen TV. Photography courtesy of The Fredonia Hotel.

THE PERFECT ROMANTIC GETAWAY IN TEXAS

Fredericksburg is gaining more and more popularity each year for it’s blooming wine scene but there is so much more to do than sip wine. You’ll find shops filled with local jams, crafts, art and more. You might even be surprised to find chef’s taking Texas cuisine to new heights and find amazing places to stay. Put away your passports - these charming romantic getaways are right in your own backyard.

Cotton Gin Village and Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg with rustically romantic cabin lodging for foodies

For a Texas getaway unlike any other, head to Cotton Gin Village in Fredericksburg and see why people love this bed & breakfast. Not quite your ordinary lodgings, the accommodations are made up of seven rustic cabins that take you back to a simpler time. Guests get to experience the authenticity of Texas Hill Country-style housing with tin roofs, wood-burning fireplaces, and timber walls. You’d never know the inn is located less than three miles from Fredericksburg’s Main Street: The lush greenery, koi pond, and soothing waterfalls allow you to immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere. Thinking about dinner? You don’t have to go far for an amazing meal. Cabernet Grill delivers exactly what a Texas Wine Country restaurant should: a service-oriented, chef-driven restaurant with fresh, seasonal offerings, and an impressive all-local wine list—the largest in the state, in fact. Thanks to author, owner and executive chef, Ross Burtwell, the menu offers unique Hill Country cuisine that brings guests back year after year. Think green chile and crab-stuffed shrimp, oak-smoked pork tenderloin, and grilled Texas quail. For dessert? How about Fredericksburg peach crisp with lavender ice cream or chicken fried pecan pie? Ultra-fresh seafood, Angus beef, and wild game plus a memorable dessert menu- keep guests happy. Photos below by Steve Rawles.

Hoffman Haus, luxury boutique hotel meets bed & breakfast in the heart of Texas wine country

If you’re looking for a Hill Country getaway that has it all, Hoffman Haus located in Fredericksburg is your ideal destination. Tucked just one block away from the hustle and bustle of historic Main Street, Hoffman Haus is situated in a calm residential neighborhood and strikes the perfect balance between a boutique hotel and a traditional bed & breakfast. With upscale service and serious attention to detail, the Hoffman team creates a memorable Hill Country experience for every visitor. Modern amenities meld gracefully with local traditions. For example, guests can expect a warm gourmet breakfast delivered directly to their rooms in a timeless picnic basket. Vegetarian? Gluten free? Low carb? No problem. The culinary team happily prepares meals to fit any special diet. Hoffman Haus sits on three beautiful acres and has 23 accommodating spaces rooms, suites, and cottages—in a variety of styles, all distinct and individually designed by owner Leslie Washburne. While fine linens, soothing colors, and modern bathrooms welcome guests to every room, each space has its own story to tell. The property is a mix of old and new, from the Basse House, constructed in 1871, to the modern details of Ada’s Cottage. Hoffman Haus even has an ideal space for events, in its elegant Great Hall—a beautifully restored Kentucky tobacco barn from the 1800s. Photos below by Claire McCormick.

Spectacular Weekend Getaways of Texas is available on Amazon.