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    Top Texas destinations

    9 Texas state parks make new list of America's best for 2025

    Amber Heckler
    Aug 7, 2025 | 10:45 am
    South Llano State Park
    South Llano State Park has two miles of river frontage for visitors to explore.
    tpwd.texas.gov/

    Nine beautiful Texas state parks earn acclaim in a new ranking of the 100 best state parks in the U.S. "for great value stays," and Garner State Park in the Hill Country makes it inside the top 10.

    The 2025 HomeToGo State Park Index ranks 100 state parks to determine "the 100 most affordable options for superb state park stays in the USA," they say.

    To come up with the rankings, HomeToGo (a vacation rental marketplace) uses factors such as affordability (based on the lowest median nightly cost per person at a nearby lodging); a "hidden gem" score based on search volume; the overall size, number of trails, and diversity of wildlife of each state park; and a "scenic score" based on the number of photographs taken at each park.

    The No. 1 best state park in the U.S. for an affordable getaway is Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania.

    No. 8-ranked Garner State Park, located about 285 miles from Houston in the Hill Country, was the only Texas park to earn a spot among the top 10 nationwide. Garner climbed one place from its 2024 ranking of 9th best.

    Garner State Park spans 1,774 acres of land, boasting 16 miles of trails for hiking enthusiasts and 2.9 miles of Frio River access for swimming, tubing, fishing, paddle boarding, and much more. The summer evening dances are popular events that bring in visitors of all ages, according to the park's website.

    "Since the 1940s, young folks (and the young at heart) have been gathering at the park’s concession building on summer evenings for a jukebox dance," the site says.

    Garner State Park Texans already know Garner State Park is among the best parks in the nation. tpwd.texas.gov/

    HomeToGo said it costs about $66 per person to book a stay at a vacation rental near Garner State Park. However, budget-conscious visitors can likely save more money by choosing to stay on-site at various campsites and screened shelters for as little as $15 per night. The park also has several cozy cabins with and without fireplaces for $130-$400 per night.

    South Llano River State Park was the only other Texas site to earn a spot among the top 50 U.S. state parks, coming in at No. 25. This park is located 315 miles west of Houston, and also offers numerous opportunities for biking, nature watching, stargazing, and swimming. The park also has nearly 23 miles of hiking trails at varying difficulties to accommodate both beginners and expert hikers.

    South Llano State Park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the park has "an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment."

    The report says visitors can find accommodations near South Llano River State Park for about $63.77 per night, though the park offers three different types of campsites for visitors: Hike-in primitive campgrounds ($10 nightly), campsites with water ($15 nightly), and campgrounds with electricity ($20 nightly).

    "Most campsites have water and electric hookups, and a restroom with showers nearby," the park's website says. "Our six walk-in sites have water and a restroom with showers nearby, while the five primitive hike-in sites have a chemical toilet nearby, but no water."

    The remaining state parks that earned spots among the top 100 include:

    • No. 51 – Goose Island State Park
    • No. 72 – Buescher State Park
    • No. 73 – Galveston Island State Park
    • No. 78 – Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
    • No. 79 – Caddo Lake State Park
    • No. 84 – Fort Boggy State Park
    • No. 91 – Balmorhea State Park
    travelcampingstate parktexas state parksrankingsvacation
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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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