summer trip plans

Deluxe new RV resort brings retro '60s vibes to Hill Country city

A brand new boutique RV resort opening in downtown New Braunfels is going to be the destination of the summer. The highly anticipated Camp Landa is finally opening to the public Friday, May 24, just in time for the city's popular summer vacation season.

Camp Landa is a 1960s "Great American Getaway" paradise, harking back to the nostalgia of family road trips. It was founded by Stuart and Tasha Blythin and was inspired by Tasha's grandparents, who owned the original New Braunfels' park that eventually turned into the iconic Schlitterbahn that opened in 1979.

The 30-acre resort is situated on the former site that manufactured water attractions for Schliterbahn back in the 1980s. Now the property boasts an upscale family-friendly getaway experience for visitors and locals alike, led by a local family with half a century of experience sharing their genuine Texas hospitality.

"Our family is ecstatic to welcome the community and roadtrippers to our destination RV resort in picturesque New Braunfels," said founder Stuart Blythin in a press release. "I promise you, Camp Landa is luxury camping made simple. We’ve thought of it all so that guests and families can just show up and enjoy an elevated camping experience curated by our team of experts."

Camp Landa New Braunfels, Blythin family Camp Landa was founded by the Blythin family, who have a rich history in New Braunfels.Photo by Alison Eden

Camp Landa contains 110 level RV sites and five cabins across in three main areas – The Poolside Paradise, The Meadows, and The Bluffs – all showcasing a mid-century retro theme with modern details. The Cozy Cabins can accommodate up to eight people and feature a fully stocked kitchen, an outdoor dining area, and personal grill.

Pull-thru RV sites at The Meadows have full hookups, tables and chairs on-site, and several are located close to the pool and activity center. Larger RV sites can be reserved at The Bluffs, which include full hookups, picnic benches, a concrete patio, and a private grill.

The Blythin family worked closely with the San Antonio-based Open Studio Architecture, plus New Braunfels locals CoPilot Creative, True Design, and Classen-Winters Design Build to bring their vision to life. According to the release, Open Studio Architecture associate Caleb Goins said the firm centered Camp Landa's overarching theme and design around a pre-existing building that had been on the property since the 1980s.

"To achieve the desired mid-century aesthetic, the building was transformed into the central activity hub of the camp through the use of retro construction materials with a modern twist," Goins said. "These decorative motifs were then carried over to the sprawling pool complex and the cabins that line the creek bluff."

Guests are invited to enjoy deluxe amenities like the spacious heated pool with a swim-up bar, a café, an on-site laundromat, a dog park, resort-wide wifi, pickleball courts, basketball and cornhole boards, and much more.

Camp Landa New Braunfels The swim-up bar will serve refreshing beverages on those hot summer days. Photo by CoPilot Creative

The swim-up bar will offer refreshing beverages like the signature Camp Landa agua fresca and a blackberry jalapeño margarita. The Yum Yum Café will serve German-fusion fare like Rueben egg rolls, and "The Hurta Loaded Bavarian Pretzel" featuring sauerkraut and Rust Meat Market's locally processed old world bratwurst.

The camp store provides necessities like toiletries, beverages, snacks (including ingredients for s'mores), as well as Camp Landa branded t-shirts, tote bags, camping mugs, and other merch.

For any grilling needs, ingredients can be ordered through Camp Landa's text-based concierge service. The text concierge will also provide local insider tips for exploring New Braunfels.

Photo by CoPilot Creative

Relax poolside as you enjoy a Camp Landa agua fresca.

Families will be attracted to the plethora of kid-friendly activities, from the jump pad to the playground. There's an on-site crafting station, and the camp will have a rotating schedule of programming and activities to keep the kids busy while parents relax poolside.

The Blythins have truly thought of everything: The resort also provides a dedicated shuttle that goes to and from Landa Falls, which is less than a mile from the resort.

Camp Landa is located at 723 N. Walnut Ave. in New Braunfels. Following its grand opening on May 24, the hours of operation for staffed amenities and the cafe will be 8 am to 6 pm daily, and from 8 am to 9 pm in the summer. More information about the resort and reservations can be made via camplanda.com.

new braunfels resorts rv resort openings vacations summer vacation summer activities

Fashion on display

Rare Halston fashion exhibition now on display in West Texas city

Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen Noël Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

A rare exhibition honoring fashion pioneer Halston has popped up in an unexpected place: West Texas. Houston fashionistas who are fans of the designer can hop a flight (or drive eight hours) to Odessa’s newly revamped Ellen Noël Art Museum to view "Halston: Inventing American Fashion."

Halston’s minimalistic fashions are rarely the subjects of retrospectives, although the designer’s dramatic life story recently had a pop-cultural resurgence through a 2021 Ryan Murphy miniseries. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" assesses the talent that made him a household name.

Known now for outfitting 1970s icons like Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston changed the international reputation of American sportswear as part of the famous 1973 “Battle of Versailles” fashion show, holding his own against Paris’ most lauded couturiers. His uniquely louche style still influences contemporary brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tom Ford, who was briefly the creative director for a revised Halston label.

The mannequins in the Odessa display are outfitted with 75 ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to more dramatic draped gowns. The pieces “illustrate how Halston revolutionized fashion by prioritizing comfort, confidence, and modern femininity,” according to a release.

Although Odessa may seem an odd choice for the show, Halston had deep Texas connections. After he moved on from hat making, Amarillo millionaire Estelle Marsh was his sole backer willing to fund his first Madison Avenue boutique.

$Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum, Odessa, new facade.$ The new facade at Ellen Noël Art MuseumPhoto courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

And the recently completed renovation of Odessa's Ellen Noël Art Museum has some of the designer’s signature sleek. Designed by architect R.J. Lopez, the renovation includes new galleries and improved circulation, but the centerpiece is a striking transparent façade, replacing the original brick of the 1985 building.

“The renovation project has been over 10 years in the making and in the construction phase for the past two years,” says the museum’s buildings manager, Steve Patton, via a release. “The completion of the project has resulted in an incredible facility that is a shining star in West Texas, offering programs and exhibits that will be a destination point for people all over the world!”

"Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22. Admission to the Ellen Noël Art Museum is free.

exhibits odessa fashion west texas museums designer texas