Road Trip to the Past

Turn back time at 5 historic bed-and-breakfasts a short trip from Houston

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.

Gruene Homestead Inn.

Gruene Homestead Inn Bed & Breakfast/Facebook

Gruene Homestead Inn.

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Exploring Texas

Texas' new, 4,871-acre state park is now open to the public

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1.

Outdoor adventurers are able to hike, fish, camp, and explore Texas' first new state park in 25 years.

Open since March 1, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about five hours from Houston).

According to a release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," says Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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