Spotlight Family Getaways: Destination Holiday or Just a Little R&R

By Carey Eskridge

Many weekenders from Houston and Dallas think of the hill country as the area anchored by Kerrville and Fredericksburg, I'm here to tell you those are the foothills and just the beginning.

Your family may be looking for a "home away from home" or maybe you need winter getaway for some R&R. Whatever your fancy, head further west into the heart of the hill country to the area bounded by Vanderpool, Leakey, and Utopia. You'll have a hard time remembering you're in Texas when you see what has been called "the Swiss Alps of Texas."

Featuring Lost Maples State Natural Area, Garner State Park, and the Frio and Sabinal Rivers, this area has long been an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Lost Maples is home to a forest of Sycamore trees that literally explode with New England-esque color in the fall, usually in November.

Keep in mind that conditions are generally more wintry in this part of the state, building a fire and opening presents in the middle of such spectacular scenery is a gift itself.

WHERE TO STAY

There are hundreds of places to stay in this part of the state. Tucked between Vanderpool and Leakey along scenic FM 337 are the Lodges at Lost Maples. FM 337 is an amazing drive among the tallest hills in the area. You'll be impressed. If you bring a bicycle, you'll be gasping for air.

The cabins at the Lodges feature cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and accommodations for 4-6 people. Rates are reasonable, the surroundings relaxing, and you're within short driving distance of Bandera - the Cowboy Capital of the World, the parks, and a number of quaint hill country towns.

HEADING HOME

On your way home, if you're heading back east towards Houston and the Gulf coast, make the slight detour to Castroville about 15 miles west of San Antonio on Highway 90. This town was originally settled by French Alsatians more than a century and a half ago.

Be sure to stop by Haby's Alsatian Bakery. And if you're on your way to points north-northeast like Dallas-Ft. Worth and decide to take back roads, don't forget Cooper's Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano - home of the best pork chop you've ever had.

I'll be writing about other bed and breakfast or weekend getaway places. Undoubtedly, the heart of the hill country will be a featured often, so treat this as just a teaser to one of the most beautiful parts of the Lonestar State.

Comments

[Candy]

Awesome post about little "mini vacation" spots around this area. I'm always looking for somewhere to escape! Thank you!