kmb1116

My husband's birthday is coming up and I'd like to surprise him with a mini-trip. I'm thinking of Barton Creek Resort (we've been once and enjoyed it) or Lakeway Resort, but I'm also open to other suggestions for nice resorts (less than $300/night) that are less than 2 hours away. I'm new to Austin (and Texas), so not too sure of ideas. I'd like something besides San Antonio/Dallas/Houston because we have friends and family in those areas and visit them regularly. I would so appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

longhorn55

How about a B&B or guesthouse in Fredericksburg? Since we stay with family in Fredericksburg, I don't have any particular recommendations, but I've walked by a lot of these places and they look quite nice.
There's lots to see and do in Fredericksburg--good restaurants, fun shopping (or window shopping), entertainment and outdoor activities. I'd recommend a stop at Rustlin' Rob's to try (and buy) their Texas-based sauces, dips, spices, etc. Then go to Dooley's Five and Dime for a "blast from the past". If you are there on Fri - Sun, don't miss a show at the Rockbox. For scenery and hiking, you can go to Enchanted Rock park and for history, you can visit the LBJ Ranch in nearby Johnson City and do a tour of the grounds and the Texas White House. A trip like this would give you are real taste of the Texas Hill Country.

P_M

Fredericksburg is a great idea and that would be my first choice. Another consideration would be the Lost Pines Resort and Spa near Bastrop.

http://lostpines.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

kmb1116

Thanks for the suggestions! We've been to Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock and thought both were fun. P_M, have you been to Lost Pines? It looks really nice from the website and gets good Tripadvisor reviews, but I'm not sure if there's a lot to do there besides the hotel.

P_M

I've been to the hotel but I didn't stay there. You are probably right about not much to do outside the resort, but it looks like they have a lot to keep you busy at the resort.

Have you been to Gruene? (pronounced Green?) It's between Austin and SA. They have tubing on the Guadelupe in the warmer months and at night you can visit the Gruene Hall. In nearby New Braunfels there is Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

http://www.gruenehall.com/

http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/

http://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/

Also in warm weather there is Schlitterbahn.

http://www.schlitterbahn.com/

starrs

If you do Barton Creek be sure to take time to schedule a massage. Ask them if the really tall guy is still on staff. Book a massage with him if he is. A really nice guy but the best massage I've ever have. I go back on business every few years and he's been there the last three times. He's GREAT!

My first massage was at Barton Creek in the 80s and I love going back.


Follow P_M's link to the Greune Dance Hall and definitely go. Man oh man, I wish I could be there on March 18th for the Raul Malo concert!

If you are going in the spring, check out the Lady Bird Wildflower center -
http://www.wildflower.org/

Check their events page for festivals and other events.

Ahhh, to be in that area when the bluebonnets are in bloom

Have a great trip!

kmb1116

Thanks for the tips, P_M and starrs! We haven't been to Gruene, but the links you sent are great. We'd be going the weekend after next, so I don't think it would be too warm yet. Would you say it's better to save that trip for later in the spring?

schoolmarm

You might consider what used to be the Guadalupe River Ranch Resort. I just checked their website and it looks like they've changed their name to Tierra Sagrada. Go to http://www.tierrasagrada.com/ for photos. We stayed there a few years back and had a relaxing time floating down the Guadalupe. I'm not too thrilled that it looks like they're going to develop it into some kind of conference center though. Better go quickly before it's too late!

Lancer786

You are new to Austin and also a lady so you'll go out for shopping for sure, right? so here are some suggestions if you do so..Allen Boots is the store to be visited if one wants to dress up like a cowgirl, The Austin Antique Mall is the venue for buying original antiques, collectibles, glassware and furniture.

you may can find other shopping plus fun sites here...

http://www.thingstodoinaustin.com/austin-shopping.html