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    Texas Travel

    Luxurious wilderness escape and laid-back Texas experience are just a gas tank away

    Jayme Lamm
    Jayme lamm
    Jul 5, 2017 | 12:44 pm

    I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve made the drive from Houston to Austin. It’s one of those trips I make so frequently I'm always trying to beat my previous time, so I just skip right past one of the most majestic spots off State Highway 71 on the way in to the Live Music Capital of the World. But this time I decided to stop at a few hidden jewels along the way.

    Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

    I’ve always been tempted by the small sign pointed just off the highway towards Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. From the highway it doesn’t look like much, but that’s probably why this AAA Four Diamond resort — and the region as a whole — has been one of Texas’ best-kept secrets since it opened back in 2006. Whether you’re just adding a night on your way to or from Austin or you’re looking for an entirely new Texas destination all its own that feels worlds away, Lost Pines is worth every second of it.

    The 405-acre picturesque resort, located just 13 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, has a lot to offer. From golf, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, an onsite waterpark (complete with a two-story water slide), adult pool, spa, movies under the stars, s’mores at the fire pit, and much more, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied at the luxurious resort. If sitting in a rocking chair at sunset away from it all is more you thing, you’ve got that option too.

    Pet-Friendly Accommodations

    Don’t let your four-legged furry bestie be your excuse for missing out on this weekend road trip. At Lost Pines, they are welcomed with open arms, complete with dog bowls, doggy bags and other dog-friendly amenities awaiting your arrival, plus ample walking and hiking trails to get your workout on together.

    Explore and Eat

    While you could easily stay at the resort your entire weekend without a need to leave, there are definitely some fun and noteworthy things to check out just a little ways down the road in Bastrop, just 35 miles east of Austin.

    It may not be rodeo season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be on the hunt for another set of cowboy boots. Shopping or not, The Texas Boot Company has every bit of Western wear you could imagine, hat steaming services and even serves margaritas and beers while shopping, if you time it right. Talk about some good ole Texas hospitality.

    If all the shopping makes you hungry, try some Central Texas BBQ at Southside Market Barbeque, which has been serving some of the best since 1882, making it the oldest BBQ joint in Texas, and has even been featured on the Travel Channel. It’s no wonder since owner/CEO Bryan Bracewell went to school and studied to be a “meat scientist” at Texas A&M.

    Downtown Bastrop

    Probably the most unexpected part of this getaway is downtown Bastrop, which has been revitalized with a thriving art scene, plenty of locally sourced food options and even a brand new distillery that serves apple pie moonshine (you can ask for a sample before committing). Downtown Bastrop almost gives off that old Austin vibe, before Austin got entirely too overcrowded. No traffic (unless you get stuck at the lone light at Main Street), no valet, no dress code, no one overly worried what others think — just everyone enjoying a night out on the town. If you're lucky, you may find yourself sitting on a patio with some of the local old-timers just strumming away on their guitars, and yes, they do take requests.

    In the heart of historic Bastrop, be sure to check out Lost Pines Art Bazaar, which has an eclectic collection of Persian rugs (home of the nation's largest collection of hand-knotted Persian rugs, to be exact), home goods, décor and fun little knickknacks that you don’t need but will purchase anyway, because that’s called supporting the local economy.

    If you’re looking for a laid-back Texas weekend with or without the kids, check out the Lost Pines Region and Bastrop County. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how the region easily and authentically exudes Texas roots from A to Z.

    Among the many activities at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is kayaking.

    kayaking at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines resort
      
    Courtesy photo
    Among the many activities at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is kayaking.
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    Disappear Into Nature

    Secluded Hill Country park opens 2 luxurious glamping houses

    Natalie Grigson
    Jun 19, 2025 | 10:15 am
    Bloom House exterior
    Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks
    Glamping can still include s'mores with a private outdoor fire pit.

    Just in time for unbearable temperatures across Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has introduced a cooler glamping solution. Opened mid-May, the Ööd Mirror Houses are LCRA Parks' newest accommodations at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park, about 40 minutes outside of Austin.

    Hideaway House exteriorBoth glamping options have floor-to-ceiling windows that look like mirrors from the outside.Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    Operated by Cameron Ranch Glamping, these two luxury houses are tucked away in the park's Lost Pines region, surrounded by trees and miles of tranquility.

    Both these pet-friendly homes include floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls, so guests can look out into nature with complete privacy, from both passersby and mosquitos.

    Both The Hideaway and The Bloom are 221 square feet and are equipped with a queen memory foam bed, full bathroom with walk-in shower, dining area, Wi-Fi, kitchenette, record player, and perhaps most importantly for this time of year, air conditioning. In the winter, the structures will be heated.

    Hideaway House InteriorBoth mirror houses include memory foam queen-sized beds, WiFi, A/C, and more. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    No matter how glam it gets, guests can still enjoy classic camping fun like roasting marshmallows in their personal outdoor fire pit, or firing up the grill for some burgers. Plus, Lake Bastrop offers paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, areas for fishing, trails for hiking and biking, mini-golf, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and a charming camp store.

    Interior kitchen areaKitchenettes come equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and cooking equipment. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    Guests can also leave the park and make the 10-minute drive to downtown Bastrop to grab a bite, a drink, some groceries, or catch some music or a movie. (Who can really say what the rules of glamping entail?)

    Bloom House The two mirror houses are within walking distance to the swimming areas along the lake. Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

    The Ööd Mirror Houses are now available to book online. Rates vary by day, starting just above $200 per night before fees, and increasing to more than $300 before fees during certain times. Find the campground at 375 S. Shore Rd., Bastrop.

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