Romantic Weekend Escapes in the Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is a popular travel destination and provides the opportunity for an easy weekend getaway from Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Essentially, it is located in the "heart" of Texas and is scenic stretch of towns rich in heritage. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy the vibrant wildflowers that grow along the highways or stop and buy fresh produce that is grown in the area. In the summer, you can plan a tubing trip along the Guadalupe River or enjoy the hiking and biking trails. In the winter, you can enjoy the different towns and their Christmas light displays. There are various festivals and activities through the year that draw visitors as well.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway where you can escape from the world for a few days, the Hill Country provides plenty of options ranging from charming bed and breakfasts to full service resorts.

The Gruene Mansion Inn

The Gruene Mansion Inn is located in Gruene, Texas, which is a town rich in Texas history. The town once served as a stage stop for stage coaches between Austin and San Antonio and later served as a railroad station stop. Until the Great Depression, the town was prosperous due to their cotton production. The current owners have done a wonderful job of creating a charming and cozy atmosphere while maintaining the sense of history. The inn has thirty rooms that have been tastefully decorated and include features such private entrances and private bathrooms in addition to views of the river, fire places, balcony views, and bay windows.

The Mansion is located next to Gruene Hall, which is the oldest operating dance hall in Texas. They feature live music and dancing. It is also close to the downtown shops where you will find several antique shops, specialty shops where you can purchase items such as handmade furniture and pottery, jewelry, wine, clothing, and plenty of other Texas-themed souvenirs. The Gristmill restaurant is located behind Gruene Hall. The menu is extensive and the food is excellent.

You can view the rooms or make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.gruenemansioninn.com/index.php

The Blair House Inn

The Blair House Inn is known for its hospitality and attention to detail. The inn is located on 22 acres and is just two miles south of Wimberley, Texas. The town is scenic and offers views of beautiful trees, hills, and the river. Wimberley began to grow after Texas received its statehood in 1845. The community contributed to efforts during the Civil War by providing ingredients to assist in making gunpowder for the Confederate Army. By the late 1800s, the town had a prosperous grist mill, flour mill, saw mill, shingle mill, and cotton gin. Many of these historical structures still remain.

The inn features a total of eleven rooms. There are three rooms in the Main Lodge, three rooms in the Pond Cottage, two rooms in the Honeysuckle Cottage, and three in the Archangel Cottages. Each room is beautifully decorated and includes specialized touches as well as standard amenities such as private baths, TV/VCR/CD players, gourmet breakfasts, and evening turndown service (including dessert delivered to your room). There is a spa on the premises that includes massage services such as Full Body Swedish massage and Full Body Deep Tissue massage, a sauna, and facials. All services can be added to your room bill. They also offer a variety of "romance packages" which include massages, long stem roses, complimentary champagne, bath baskets, and cheese and wine platters.

There is an art gallery on the premises which features work from local artists. There is a cooking school as well and guests can participate in theme classes which focus on a variety of cuisines including Mediterranean, French, and Italian. The city of Wimberley also offers a variety of hiking trails, a number of unique shopping venues (including Wimberley Glass Works where you can view glass blowing demonstrations daily), as well as working vineyards.

To get more information or to make a reservation, visit their website: http://www.blairhouseinn.com/

The Serenity Farmhouse Inn and Spa

The Serenity Farmhouse Inn and Spa is also located near Wimberley, Texas with easy access to area attractions mentioned previously. They offer eight different guest suites and cottages that include hand painted furniture and a mixture of local and European décor. They describe their inn as a place for "beauty, relaxation, and healing." Privacy and serenity are priorities and so their physical address, directions, and a map are not provided until after you have made a reservation.

Standard amenities include: heart-shaped whirlpool tubs for two, fresh flowers from their garden, hand ironed vintage pillowcases, stacked rock fireplaces, vintage lighting, and private patios. Some cottages also include private yards, sun rooms, balconies, and private sitting areas. There are "healing gardens" on the premises which feature seasonal flowers such as wildflowers in the spring and pumpkins in the fall. There is a spa on site which features massage and as well as facials and other body treatments. Special packages are available and include extras such as massages, an old-fashioned picnic lunch, or a dessert and beverage tray delivered to your door.

You can view the rooms or make a reservation by visiting their website: http://www.serenityfarmhouseinn-spa.com

Barons Creekside

If you enjoy a rustic atmosphere and truly would like the feeling that you have escaped from city life for a day or two, Barons Creekside is a perfect choice. The bed and breakfast is located in Fredericksburg, Texas. The site itself includes 26 acres of trees, water, and wildlife (such as deer, birds, and butterflies) but is only minutes away from Main Street in Fredericksburg. Previous visitors describe the location as "quiet and relaxing" and the rooms as "clean and comfortable."

There are several different rooms to choose from including a log cabin that was built in the 1800s which comes complete with two porch rockers and a stone fireplace. The "Hilltop Chalet" has two suites which include amenities such as a private living room, bath, and spectacular views. The Mesquite Farmhouse has a private living room, fireplace, private Jacuzzi, and fire pit. There is also a spa on the premises which offers services such as a Swedish or relaxation massage, therapeutic massage, hand and foot massage, and facials.

Fredericksburg is a historic German settlement. The early settlers were devout farmers who also believed that education should be a priority. For many years, the town managed to remain fairly isolated, but it began to grow quickly after Fort Martin Scott located nearby and after the county fair was held there a few years later. The town currently features over 150 unique shops, galleries, and boutiques. You can tour the Fredericksburg Herb Farm which includes an award-winning restaurant, candle shop, day spa, and nursery or visit Wildseed Farms, which is the largest working wildflower farm in the country. The Grape Creek vineyard, which includes the oldest winery in the area, is nearby and is open year round for tasting and tours. If you're they're in the spring or summer, don't forget to visit one of the nearby orchards to try fresh strawberries, blackberries, peaches, and vegetables.

You can make your reservations by visiting their website at: http://www.baronscreekside.com/

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

If you prefer more luxurious, full service accommodations, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is an excellent choice. The facility is located near Bastrop, Texas. It just opened recently and boasts "luxurious rooms" and "state of the art facilities." Accommodations include beautiful views, upgraded bedding including plush pillows and duvets, and daily turndown service. Previous visitors have indicated that the service is top notch and that the accommodations are comfortable. It has been noted that cell phone service is "sporadic" in the area. Unlike some of the other locations mentioned, this resort is "family friendly" and there may be a number of children present during your stay.

There are a number of dining establishments on the premises including the Firewheel Café, Stories Fine Dining Establishment, Shellers Barrelhouse Bar and Grill, Major Neighbor's Bar and Grill, and McDade's Emporium and Ice Cream Saloon. On site activities include a full service spa, a fitness facility, an 18-hole championship golf course, a water park, and an Equestrian Center, and hiking and biking trails.

Bastrop is only a few miles away. You can shop for antiques and other gifts in the shops along Main Street. You can also visit Bastrop State Park which provides opportunities for picnicking, canoeing, swimming, wildlife viewing, fishing, biking, and hiking. You can also visit Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic sites.

To make resevations, visit their website here: http://lostpines.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp