As Austin revs up for spring break the week of March 11, parents scrambling for vacation spots have unique new getaways within a road trip's distance. Away from the ski slopes and crowded beaches, Austin's own backyard blooms with fresh family-friendly retreats and quirky spots just waiting to be discovered or rediscovered, reports CultureMap Austin.
In the Piney Woods of East Texas, about a four-hour drive from the city, sits High Hill Resort. With Mediterranean vibes, this burgeoning community serves up vacation homes with private pools and a slew of amenities including a spring-fed lake and a farm-to-table restaurant. For families looking to avoid the hassle of public spaces like ski lifts, High Hill seems primed for a leisurely escape. "Hidden in the Piney Woods of East Texas," the resort's rentals start at around $800 per night in March, and guests can look forward to more amenities in the summer, like an outdoor amphitheater and swim-up beach bar.
On the Gulf front, just over three hours from Austin, the Reel ‘em Inn reopens with new ownership in Rockport. This nine-room inn offers private waterfront access and an exclusive pier tailor-made for fishing enthusiasts. Designed by San Antonio's Lake Flato architects, the inn boasts keyless entry, Nespresso machines, and custom robes, melding convenience with touches of luxury, starting at $229 a night. Close by, the Fulton Oysterfest and Rockport's 5th Annual Crawfish Cook-Off add flavor to the local spring break calendar.
Heading north, about a three-hour drive from Austin, Mineral Wells' Crazy Water Hotel emerges post-renovation with a new look and a dash of Austin flair. Second Bar + Kitchen delivers seasonal American cuisine by chef David Bull, now an Austinite-turned-Mineral Wells resident. Not just a spot for cozy suites, which begin at $159 a night, but one can also indulge in shopping or unwind at the hotel spa. Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway, just a stone's throw away from the hotel, offers outdoor buffs everything from rock climbing to geocaching.
Meanwhile, the perennially overlooked Hot Springs in Arkansas continues to offer family fun with activities from crystal mining to exploring thermal springs, clocking in at just under an eight-hour drive from Austin. For those willing to make the trek during spring break, the city promises a variety of attractions like the Mid-America Science Museum's hands-on exhibits and the small yet mighty World's Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, boasting a 98-feet-long route, sure to enthrall with celebrity appearances and family-oriented events.
Staying closer to home, Austin-based company June & January hints at more than just Spring Break destinations. Its founder Amy Richardson-Golia appeared on Studio 512 on KXAN sharing packing tips for the family and travel game ideas to keep kids entertained on the road. The brand extends its reach from children to adults with a new pajama collection and an impending partnership with the Children’s brand Ampersand. As you map out family ventures, J&J's fresh launches might just be the comfort gear you need on the road to these spring break hideaways.
