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Weekend getaway options
So since I have vacationitis, I am trying to think of something cheap Ben and I can do later in the year (probably October). We are considering Vegas but it's still looking to be around $2K when it's all said and done, so just in case, I thought I would start looking into cheaper weekend vacations in Texas or surrounding areas. What are your suggestions? Here are the ones I have thought of (thanks to the discussion earlier this week)--let me know if you have any experience with these or can think of some others. I'm thinking 2-3 nights of just relaxation and privacy, but still with some sightseeing that we could do. Anything with a hot tub is a plus.
Fredricksburg
Glen Rose
Hot Springs
Turner Falls
We've done Austin and San Antonio before so am looking for something other than those. He has been to New Orleans already and didn't like it.
Re: Weekend getaway options
IDK if this helps, but I have this link saved on my favorites: http://texaslesstraveled.com/getaways.htm
I told E when he gets home, I want to start doing weekend trips to towns in Texas, usually the weekend they have some sort of festival going on. I'm a sucker for small town festivals.
I'm not so good with the advice... Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?
Fredricksburg is great as is Kerrville.
Little Rock is very nice too.
I know we've joked about Houston not being a vacation destination but, if there's a show that's in town and that you're interested, you could always do that.
You could always just go to Fort Worth and Granbury is pretty nice too.
When I get vacationitis, I get it pretty bad too so I know what you're going through.
We love, love, loved our trip to Fredericksburg!
We stayed at a B&B that had a private hot tub which was the main reason we stayed there. You get a coupon for free breakfast at a number of restaurants "in town."
http://www.absolutecharm.com/CherryStrtMain.html
The year I graduated college, my sister and I did a super-cheap sisters trip. We started with Southwest, and looked at where all their cheapest flights go. Then, we discussed several of those options and priced hotels and things to do in the area... we wanted some options, but not tons and tons of touristy stuff. We settled on Birmingham, and had the most fun ever. We are apparently the only people to ever vacation voluntarily there, so we got some special treatment at a couple places. One of the best things we did was tour an old antebellum mansion... apparently they rarely get visitors, because we got a 2-hour tour and history lesson from an old black gentleman, and we were the only ones there, so we had his full attention - it was great. Anyway, I guess my suggestion is to go somewhere a little unexpected and off the typical vacation path!
What else did ya'll do while you were there?
Thanks for the suggestions so far!
With All the Trimmings
Just do it!
Is your vacation more about doing something close to home, or staying around 2k? DH and I went to the Dominican Republic in January. Airfare, all inclusive, transportation, trip insurance, totaled $2,300 for 6 nights. 5 nights was $1900. I loved our resort, and I know there was a lot of variety. I think Jamaica was about the same prices too.
Someone else mentioned looking at what southwest has to offer as far as airfare. That is not a bad idea. I know AA has sales for $39 flights right now through November.
Michelle & Michael
Married - August '10
TTC - Since September 2011
When we went to Hot Springs last summer, it wasn't out of this world but the Bath houses (and wineries) were fantastic and I am dying to go back just because of those. We stayed on the Main street and there were a few things we wanted to do but didn't, like breakfast at sunrise on one of those river boats or Garvan Gardens to see their chapel.
This is the spa we went to: www.quapawbaths.com
I would also LOVE to go here http://www.escondidaresort.com/rooms.shtml
I have heard good things about http://www.selahranch.com/ and Chelsea and Mack McG went to Blair House Inn in Wimberly (I was considering this place for this weekend until I found out it was a.) far away and b.) not available). It seems really cool- they have cooking classes!
I would suggest a cruise!! You could drive to Galveston (5 hr drive) and go on a 4 or 5 night cruise for under $1,000.00! Which includes all the food! Plus its a great way to visit Cozumel, etc with no passport (if you don't already have one) since it isnt required when cruising on closed loop cruises (starts and ends in the same US port)
http://www.carnival.com/BookingEngine/SailingSearch/search2?dat=102011&embkCode=GAL
Ben will not go to DR because of the drug lords.
LOL, I must have missed that post. Well, if it means anything to him, you never know they are there when traveling.
Michelle & Michael
Married - August '10
TTC - Since September 2011
Haha! This was my first thought when I read that!
Hee, yeah, the DR is out. And a cruise is out too I think since he just had a very bad experience (although we had been thinking about it before his spring break cruise.) And it's more about doing something cheap than anything. Vegas is cheap--until you add a couple's massage, seeing Cirque de Soleil and eating at Bobby Flay's restaurant. We still might do it anyway, it will just depend on the money situation so I wanted to research trips more around $1K or less. I'm going to check all of these out so thanks!
With All the Trimmings
Just do it!
I loved Fredricksberg when we went. It's so pretty out in Hill country.
I know you said you have done Austin and San Antonio but have you done New Braunfels? I love visiting there. Lots of little things to do, the square usually has some time of festival and the antique shops are neat. They have very cute B&Bs.
Gruene is close also that has an awesome restaurant Grist Mill and Gruene Hall has live music on the weekends. They also have lots of B&Bs.
(Edited for spelling)
New Braunfels was actually our family summer vacation last year. We stayed in Gruene at a B&B and ate at the Grist Mill. We had alot of fun except that it rained so we didn't get to go to Schlitterbahn. Ben and I went tubing for the first time and nearly killed ourselves--we were the worst tubers ever!
With All the Trimmings
Just do it!
Wait... what??? I went there and thought it was a horrible place.
I was thinking the same thing.
Yes, me too.
I'm heading down to see my mom, bro and sis for the weekend. We plan to go to Galveston to walk the beach (dirty yes, but still), eat some seafood, and tour some historic mansions. Then we're heading to Kemah Boardwalk for the evening! I can't wait! Also if you consider going, Moody Gardens in Galveston is amazing.
ETA: Also, my dad and his wife go down every summer just the 2 of them. They stay at the San Luis or the Galvez (not sure which) and relax for a few days. They love escaping to the coast!
http://www.sanluisresort.com/photo-gallery/index.cfm
http://www.galveston.com/galvez/index.html
We stayed at the Galvez before our cruise. Very nice hotel. Bed were soft, bathroom was a good size but the rooms were much smaller than I expected. The San Luis is another nice hotel. I liked it much better than the Galvez. It's more families I noticed though where the Galvez had a lot of weddings (2 the weekend before the cruise and 1 when we got back).