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    New year, fresh air

    Gear up for a 'first day hike' at a Texas park on New Year’s Day 2026

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Dec 30, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Couple hiking

    This beats the gym any day.

    Photo courtesy of San Marcos CVB

    Here's a way to start your health-focused new year's resolutions that won't make you want to hit the snooze button on January 1: Plan a "first day hike."

    According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, First Day Hikes is a nationwide program to encourage hiking on New Year's Day. State parks near Houston and throughout Texas are offering the chance for people of all ages and fitness levels to stretch their legs and explore the great outdoors on the first day of 2026.

    "First day hikes vary from short, leisurely nature walks on forested trails; boardwalk strolls through wetlands or to the beach; or climbs into the mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert," the agency says on its website. "Some first day hikes aren't hikes at all: We also lead bike rides, paddling tours, and maybe even horseback rides. Choose the event that's right for you."

    State parks offer both guided and self-guided hikes on January 1. If you choose a self-guided hike, look for tables or stop at headquarters for hike information and maps, they advise. "After your hike, stop back by to report on your hike and collect a memento of your visit," they say.

    Note that most state parks charge an entry fee or day use fee. For those who plan to visit several times throughout the year, a Texas State Parks Pass could help save money.

    Here are all the Texas state parks offering first-day hikes on January 1, 2026, clustered by region. All are self-guided walking hikes that do not require registration, unless otherwise indicated. Find out more details about each one here.

    Gulf Coast & Coastal Bend

    • Galveston Island State Park (Sunrise beach walk with a ranger.)
    • Mustang Island State Park (Ranger-guided walk at sunrise.)
    • Goose Island State Park (Bird hikes)
    • Sea Rim State Park (First Day Paddle)
    • Brazos Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center (Guided hike and dog walk)
    • Huntsville State Park (Chinquapin Challenge)
    • Lake Livingston State Park (Guided hike)
    • Stephen F. Austin State Park

    East Texas & Piney Woods

    • Tyler State Park (Guided tour)
    • Daingerfield State Park
    • Lake Tawakoni State Park
    • Martin Creek Lake State Park (Birding hike)
    • Atlanta State Park (Guided hike)
    • Mission Tejas State Park
    • Caddo Lake State Park
    • Cooper State Park (South Sulphur & Doctors Creek. Hike or bike.)
    • Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (Guided and unguided hikes)
    • Village Creek State Park

    Hill Country & Central Texas

    • Honey Creek State Natural Area (Registration required.)
    • Blanco State Park
    • Guadalupe River State Park
    • Palmetto State Park (Self-guided hike and sunrise bird hike)
    • Lockhart State Park
    • Pedernales Falls State Park (Guided hike)
    • Government Canyon State Natural Area
    • Lake Somerville State Park
    • Lost Maples State Natural Area
    • Inks Lake State Park (Guided hike)
    • Old Tunnel State Park (Guided hike)Hill Country State Natural Area (Gu
    • Hill Country State Natural Area (Guided hike)
    • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (First Day Bird Walk)
    • Dinosaur Valley State Park (Guided hike)
    • Meridian State Park (Story Book Stroll)
    • Colorado Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Brownwood State Park
    • Bastrop State Park (Ranger-guided birding)
    • Buescher State Park

    North Texas

    • Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Johnson Branch & Isle du Bois. Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Eisenhower State Park
    • Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway (Guided hike)
    • Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
    • Palo Pinto Mountains State Park (Registration required)
    • Lake Whitney State Park (Guided mindful walk)
    • Bonham State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Arrowhead State Park
    • Purtis Creek State Park
    • Possum Kingdom State Park

    South Texas & Rio Grande Valley

    • Falcon State Park (Guided hike)
    • Choke Canyon State Park
    • Lake Corpus Christi State Park
    • Goliad State Park & Historic Site (Guided hikes)
    • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
    • Resaca de la Palma State Park
    • Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

    West Texas & Panhandle

    • Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
    • Copper Breaks State Park
    • Abilene State Park
    • San Angelo State Park
    • Big Spring State Park (Guided hike)
    • Davis Mountains State Park
    • Franklin Mountains State Park
    • Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
    • Big Bend Ranch State Park (including Chinati Mountains)
    • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Guided and unguided)
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    the bee's knees

    Hidden cottages offer a sweet retreat for Round Top antiquers

    Emily Cotton
    Oct 30, 2026 | 11:30 am
    304 on the Hill Rose Hill Round Top
    Photo by Alex Montoya
    Welcome to The Rose Cottage at 304 on the Hill.

    As the Round Top Fall Antiques Show comes to a close, visitors admire, catalog, and post the most coveted new wares online while placing their stylish Fraulein Boots and Kemo Sabe hats in their respective wardrobes, presumably until rodeo. Equally relatable to this post-show ritual is the resounding woeful sentiment held by so many show-goers annually relegated to day-tripper status — “we simply must find accommodations next season!”

    Anywhere from 10 to 15 years ago, the notion of finding a hotel, motel, cottage, or even a camper to rent in Round Top was, well, laughable. However, thanks to a steady increase in lodging investments, it’s no longer such a comical feat to pull off. Over a dozen boutique properties have opened over the past decade, each one as charming as ever, making sure that, with some strategic planning, an overnight in Round Top is well within reach.

    Because the spring and fall antiques shows span two weeks and individual venues open and close on different schedules, visitors can easily turn a shopping trip into a full getaway. Lodging options throughout Round Top make it easy to stay close to the action, whether visitors prefer boutique hotels, charming cottages, or a property with room to settle in for several days.

    Guests can book rooms at Hotel Lulu, the stylish Frenchie Boutique Hotel, the eclectic Wander Inn located on the Junk Gypsy grounds, Hostie’s newly-opened Rabbit Hole Motel (complete with a swimming pool, fire pit, and pickleball court), or cozy accommodations at Round Top Inn and Red Antler Bungalows, all offering convenient access to the town’s markets, events, and dining.

    Looking for something close to the action, but tucked away? 304 on the Hill, aka Rose Hill Round Top, certainly fits the bill. As the crow flies, this property is positioned approximately a quarter mile north of Boon & Co., making its proximity to town and Henkel Square easily walkable — something to consider in a town with essentially zero ride sharing infrastructure to speak of.

    Situated on eight acres of lush hill country, a central farmhouse — owned and occupied by local residents James and Yvette Webb — anchors three small cottages that, together, can accommodate up to 12 guests. The grounds include a pond and a stone fire-pit-lounge perfect for unwinding after a long day of antiquing.

    “We love our property because we’re tucked away at the end of W. Mill Street on 8 acres. We feel like it’s unique because it seems like we’re out in the country but yet we’re actually still in the city limits of Round Top,” says James. “We’re 2 of the 87 population. It’s a great place to live and the three cottages are great rentals for the antique shows or just a weekend.”

    Since 2008, the three cottages — named The Rose Cottage, The Pond Cottage, and This Old Porch — have granted guests bucolic, hill country views just steps from the hustle and bustle of the square. Each cottage offers a generous porch with either rocking chairs or a vintage glider; This Old Porch includes an intimate outdoor dining area, complete with vintage wicker chairs. In fact, each cabin comes accessorized with local antiques and works by local artists.

    Guests who are keen to wander may take notice of fun outdoor sculptures strewn about the grounds or even the stack of bee boxes on the eastern side of the property. Watching the bees bumble about between the stacks can easily delight outdoorsy types during a morning coffee break — coffee and half-and-half are provided, as is chilled Fiji water, Chobani yogurt in several flavors, and other snacks. While honey from the hives would be a nice touch, it’s Brenham Bees who manage the stacks, gifting the Webbs just enough for personal use and a few seasonal gifts.

    Should the occasion arise, take a moment to wave at the main house’s canine occupants. The littles are Paco and Hugo, while the bigger boys are Tuvé and Jasper. They remain within the confines of the Webb’s personal fenced abode, but guests can sneak a peek if they’re out and about.

    Whether one remains a dedicated day tripper or plans far enough ahead to decamp for a while, Round Top during the fall is seldom an unpleasant experience. The lodging boom is far from over, with a large wellness-focused hotel property opening spring 2027 and smaller boutique operations opening all the time. Regardless of where anyone chooses to stay, one thing remains the same — everyone ends up at Royers.

    304 on the Hill Rose Hill Round Top

    Photo by Alex Montoya

    Welcome to The Rose Cottage at 304 on the Hill.

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