Austin Winter Getaways: In Town and Nearby
We believe that time spent in the office is only as productive as the time you dedicate to relaxing in your personal space. To this end, we’ve been thinking a lot about how to relax and decompress when we do press pause on deep work.
For many of us, perhaps especially those of us who are forgoing winter travel and time with extended family during the pandemic, it is time to get out of the house for a night or two. But leaving home doesn’t mean traveling far.
Here are a few ideas for Austonians who are looking for a change of pace this winter without getting on a plane or driving out of state.
Relaxing Stays in Austin
Perhaps especially if you live within Austin or its suburbs, now is a great time to experience Austin’s boutique hotel scene for yourself. If this genre of staycation is within your comfort zone, here are a few we can happily recommend for your consideration:
If you’re looking for a staycation without sharing a roof with strangers, this winter is a prime time for Austin’s Airbnb offerings. If you’re looking for properties farther off the beaten path, we recommend heading to VRBO for more options.
Immerse Yourself in Local Nature for a Winter Weekend
There are few pandemic-friendly trips as safe as driving out to a nearby town with a trunk full of groceries for the weekend. However labor-intensive the cooking may sound, a change of scenery can make all the difference, and Austonians are surrounded by nature – in and out of the city limits.
The Longhorn Caverns are unlike any other feature in the area and are worth the drive.
Avoid the crowds of summer swimmers and marvel at the beauty of Hamilton Pool .
Play tourist and climb Mount Bonnell to appreciate your city from a new vantage point.
Embrace the Calm in Small Town Texas
There are a variety of small-town destinations at a short distance from Austin. Travis County and beyond are rich with history, and many nearby stays revolve around historic inns, where you can rent a cottage away from the main house for additional privacy and security.
If this sounds like it might be up your alley, here are three towns we’d love to spend a weekend exploring:
The city of New Braunfels celebrates the German heritage of its early settlers, but the main appeal of this small town is in the opportunities to visit local parks and the nearby Dry Comal Creek Vineyards.
Lockhart is the BBQ Capital of Texas – and their local businesses offer plenty of outdoor dining opportunities in the COVID era.
Fredericksburg is the heart of hill country, just 75 miles from Austin. We love this weekend trip for the pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, local vineyard tours, and the Rose Hill Inn.
Photo by Cosmic Timetraveler on Unsplash