Are you looking forward to a change of scenery?
Many of us have resolved to do, see and experience more of our own backyards, and what better way to do that than taking a Texas road trip! Whether you’ve visited the Texas Hill Country area every summer since you were a child or you’re planning to go for the first time, you’ll discover that it is equal parts fresh and familiar. There’s something so unbelievably invigorating about the way that the natural light dances along the open country roads. Even more, the smell of freshly cut grass seems to complement the gentle rolling hills.
Although the area offers a little slice of heaven for outdoor lovers of every persuasion, with its pristine lakes and secret swimming holes, I chose to take my family for an end-of-summer getaway to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. What drew me to it was the endless possibility of immersing ourselves within the 600-acre resort grounds. The view is breathtaking and encompasses the lush green landscape of the 36-hole golf course. The oak tree covered hills are adjacent to a 100-acre bird sanctuary. The activities are boundless; the kids waited impatiently every morning for us to take them to the 9-acres of water park fun including five pools and a 1,100-foot lazy river.
We enjoyed early evening strolls and hikes galore around the resort and topped off our relaxing days by enjoying the locally sourced produce and exquisite cuisine at the Cibolo-Moon restaurant. We took advantage of several of the resort’s several green areas to sit and relax outside while the kids played, we took in the peaceful rolling hills and enjoyed an evening glass of wine. With 600 acres of wide-open space stargazing was definitely a marquis experience.
The resort offers every activity a family could think of which is sure to keep the kids happy and off their screens. If you’re considering a romantic parent’s getaway, there is an adults-only pool and a divine full-service spa.
Before heading back to Houston, we drove up to the Natural Bridge Caverns. What a great experience! The admission tickets on the various surface activities can get costly but if you purchase combination tickets there are some great savings to be had. The children’s favorite activity was panning for gold, amethyst, rose quartz and emeralds. We paired up in teams and laughed a lot as we tried to find our way out of the open-air maze. A must try!
If you’re ready for the open road and blue skies, a road trip may just be what you need to go somewhere new, spend some time by yourself or with your loved ones, and gain some perspective. Head up that way!