It’s always a good time for a vacation, but hopping a flight or even driving down to the Texas coast for the weekend can be draining. Whether you’re already looking forward to your next holiday weekend or just saving up your PTO, consider booking a room at one of these historic haunts just a relatively short drive from Houston. We promise you’ll come away with a story or two.
Birdie House — 35 minutes from Austin
Birdie House, a historic home and boutique hotel, is located 30 miles southeast of Austin in Lockhart, and is an idyllic place to lay your head and dive deep into some serious self-care. Built at the turn of the century by Albion Rheiner Chew, a hardware merchant from Iowa and lovingly named for his wife, Birdie, it's since housed five generations of Chews. 604 W San Antonio St. Lockhart
Hot tip: Renovated in 2002, it now features a fine art collection, clawfoot tubs, and a salt-water pool — a must for visitors.
Gruene Homestead Inn — 45 minutes from Austin
The Gruene Homestead Inn in New Braunfels will transport you back to a time when days were slow and life was less hectic. Owned by San Antonians Ed and Billie Miles, the inn is a collection of 10 historic homes built between the mid-1800s and the 1940s, and moved onto the Miles' eight-acre homestead two decades ago. Today, guests can stay in any of the 22 rooms to get a sense for what life used to be like in early New Braunfels and Gruene. 832 Gruene Rd. New Braunfels
Tip: Consider booking the recently renovated two-level Root Cellar, the largest suite on the property.
The Legendary Texas Polo Club at Phillip Manor Square — 1 hour and 45 minutes from Austin
Looking for a secluded getaway? Head to Boerne and book a stay at the site of the historic Texas Polo Club. Rumor has it that the first game of polo played on American soil happened just outside of town (fancy that!), and what is now used as the modern-day hotel originally served as the meeting place for the polo club. Spend a few days roaming the lush grounds and indulging in some R&R in the even lusher rooms. 706 S. Main St. Boerne
Tip: The Saloon is housed in a 19th century building, complete with rich wood floors, limestone walls, and classic Texana decor, and is a must-hit for visitors.
Hoffman Haus — 1 hour and 30 minutes from Austin
The Texas Hill Country views at this 12-room bed and breakfast entice guests to come, but the luxe yet historic accommodations convince them to stay awhile. Choose from one of the rooms in the main house, like the Texas Bunkhouse, a queen suite decorated in traditional design and antique touches, or book one of the homes on the property like Basse House, an 1,300-square-foot home built in 1871 with two en-suite bedrooms, a shared full kitchen, jacuzzi tub, and fireplace. 608 East Creek St. Fredericksburg
Tip: Hoffman Haus offers in-room dining, private cooking demos, and a cozy cottage day spa.
Olivia Mansion — 1 hour from Austin
Built in 1896 by lawyer Emil Mosheim, this Victorian home has been restored to its original grandeur and features six spacious guest rooms. Marvel at the 19th century details, cozy up to one of the home’s eight fireplaces, take a dip in your room's whirlpool tub, or just lounge in bed dreaming about how’d it be if you lived in a different era. 408 N Austin St. Seguin
Tip: Located in Seguin's historic district, there is plenty of do outside of the hotel. Book a wine tasting at the nearby Blue Lotus Winery or take a walking tour through town.
Hoffman Haus
This Alamo artifact gives an idea of what the cannon will look like once restoration is complete.Photo courtesy of the Alamo.