Get Away This Thanksgiving to Discover Texas!
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Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for gatherings at home. But why not change things up a bit and take the opportunity to kick back and unwind somewhere new?
Traveling for Thanksgiving doesn’t automatically mean giving up all of those cherished traditions. You can still have the all-American feast, play football, and do the turkey trot-- only from a luxurious destination, or staying in a cozy vacation rental.
Sure, you don’t want to miss your family’s favorite pumpkin pie and all the typical Thanksgiving side dishes, but a short road trip, when done safely, could be just what you need to clear your head. What’s more, if you rent a self-catering house or condo, you can even shop at a local grocery store and cook up your own meal.
If you are looking for more great makers of pie across Texas, check this out!
So, toss that apron, pack your bags, and get exploring some of our favorite Texas Thanksgiving weekend escapes!
Bandera, TX
Why not be a cowboy for a weekend at an authentic Texas dude ranch, surrounded by breathtaking nature and go on a Western-themed getaway?
Bandera isn’t called the ‘Cowboy Capital’ of Texas for nothing. Home to some of the best dude ranches, vacationing here is as ‘Texan’ as it gets. Spend your weekend horseback riding at the lush 725-acres Dixie Dude Ranch or score a putt at the Flying L Hill Country Resort golf course. These top-rated ranch-style Beds & Breakfasts have gorgeous surroundings, delicious meals, and there is live music too!
On your way back home, take some time to explore the tiny town of Bandera that includes the Hill Country State Natural Area and Medina River.
Lost Maples Natural Area and Garner State Park are spectacular nature preserves not too far – about 50 minutes scenic drive. So, you might consider taking advantage of the fact that you are already in the area to check on them! Looking for local eateries in Bandera? Here are plenty options for you to choose from!
Marfa, TX
This quirky small town, right in the middle of the desert, is a world-class travel destination in Texas.
Marfa is an eccentric and isolated travel locale that is perfect for experiencing a lesser-known side of Texas.
While in Marfa, you can stay at the Lincoln Marfa, El Cosmico, or the Hotel Saint George. For more options on B&B’s in and around Marfa, click here.
Rent a bike to delve into the desert; stargazing and just reflecting at nature around a firepit under the night-lit sky are musts –after all, you are there to disconnect and decompress!
Surely make a stop at the acclaimed Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art museum in Marfa.
In its surroundings, visit the Fort Davis Historic Site and the nearby McDonald Observatory; both are not to be missed.
Beaches of Texas-Galveston, South Padre, Mustang Island
The Lone Star State boasts 600 miles of shoreline with about a dozen main beaches that are sunny, stunning and worth the drive. However, what truly distinguishes Texas’ best beaches is their versatility. They are a haven for nature lovers in search of quiet, and a hotspot for adventure seekers looking for an outdoor thrill.
Fishing is a must-do no matter which beach town you decide to go to, while horseback rides along the sand reflect our state’s cowboy culture.
In Galveston, chill around Stewart beach, take a tour of the Sea Wall Urban Park, or enjoy the thrill of the Historic Pleasure Pier and Schlitterbahn Water Park. Shop at The Strand Historic District’s charming shops and restaurants or explore the Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion. Stay at any of the several vacation homes Galveston offers, and you will be spoilt for choice. Then, indulge in ‘crab (how long does crab last?) stuffed baby bellas’ at Riondos Ristorante, a sea-to-table, unique bar and grill.
South Padre Island is not only a local popular beach destination, but crowds from all over the country come to enjoy its clean waters and vibrant beaches! South Padre lies on the southernmost tip of Texas and is believed to be the longest undeveloped barrier island, globally. It is just 30 minutes north of Mexico and connected to the Texan mainland by a 2.5-mile-long bridge. The beach scene in South Padre is all about mild weather, peaceful waters, and plenty of pursuits for adventure seekers, nature lovers, or those simply looking for some R&R!
Check out cozy living nooks available at South Padre here and book your stay now! You can find local, fresh food at Padre Island Brewing Co., and if you enjoy the nightlife, South Padre is the place for you, with more nightclubs than other beach locations.
Eastwards of Corpus Christi, Mustang Island is arguably the comeliest beach destination in the Lone Star State. Having only one main town, Port Aransas, and the rest reserved for Mustang Island State Park, this natural strip of land is home to 20 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of beach, surfing waves, sea-green dunes, and a good population of birds and fish. Swimming, bird-watching, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular activities here.
For folks who’d like to stay awhile, there are close to a hundred campsites with electricity spread out at various locations on the Island. While at Port Aransas, don’t miss out on the freshest seafood from Peggy Ann Shrimp and Pauls Sea Food Market.
If you want more seafood markets across Texas.
Fredericksburg, Tx
Fredericksburg is the ultimate, quintessential fall travel destination of Texas. The rolling vineyards hemmed in by trees dotted with color give the region its unique identity. This town with German roots is the gem of Texan wine, home to the lush wineries and verdant vineyards nestled in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country where you can taste test your way along Wine Road 290 to find the perfect pairing with your Thanksgiving meal. Hilmy Cellars, Ab Astris Winery, Signor Vineyards, and Bingham Family Vineyards are only a few of the many excellent ones you will find here.
There is a plethora of B&B’s and vacation rentals for your stay in the Texas Hill Country or Fredericksburg area. From cozy cabins and renovated historic homes to modern luxury farmhouses, you can take your pick. Our favorites include vacation rental homes, Das Kirchhaus and Blair House Inn.
Fredericksburg is usually open on Thanksgiving Day, with bustling eateries keeping traditions alive during the holiday season. Check out August-es, Nury’s, Farm Haus Bistro, and Otto’s German Bistro for scrumptious festive feasts.
Burn that holiday meal by hitting the road to explore the blissful nature of Texas Hill Country. Some destinations not to be missed on your Thanksgiving Hill Country Travel getaway are Boerne, Llano, Comfort, Luckenbach, Willow City Loop, Enchanted Rock, Johnson City, Pedernales River Valley, Marble Falls, Canyon of the Eagles, Hamilton Pool, The Pedernales River State Park, and Old Tunnel Bat Cave. If you plan to hike, several scenic loops around Fredericksburg surround you with the incredible beauty, history, and culture of central Texas Hill Country.
Guadalupe Mountains, Tx
For those who love that adrenaline rush from trekking adventures, consider a trip to the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas. These majestic mountains are the same ones that house Carlsbad Caverns National Park, just 25 miles north in New Mexico and make for one of the best places for Thanksgiving getaways.
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park safeguards the world’s most widespread Permian fossil reef, dating back 260 million years, and also houses the 8,749-foot Guadalupe Peak — the highest point in Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park sees more than 150 thousand visitors each year. Many brave and daring ones also scale the Guadalupe Peak, which is a strenuous but rewarding hike.
Located in the vast Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, this 86,367-acre national park is famous for its bright-white Salt Basin Dunes, rocky canyons, mountain forests, wildlife-rich grassland, and fossilized reef mountains.
Established in 1972, the park is sectioned off into five major areas:
Pine Springs: This is where the park headquarters are located, alongside the visitor center, a campground, and a major trailhead. The Headquarters Visitor Center here at Pine Springs is at 400 Pine Canyon Drive, Salt Flat, Texas 79847.
Frijole Ranch: A historic ranch site featuring a cultural museum, picnic area, and trailhead for a few easy hikes to natural springs. Frijole Ranch is also an excellent place for bird spotting as the spring supplies a stable water source for all living creatures in the area. Say’s phoebes, western scrub jays, white-winged doves, lark sparrows, northern mockingbirds, and canyon towhees love it here and are expected year-round residents. In winter, watch for pyrrhuloxias, phainopeplas, and western bluebirds.
McKittrick Canyon: This canyon is well-known for its gorgeous fall colors. Visit at the right time, and you will find expansive hues of reds, oranges and yellows covering the area.
Dog Canyon: Located on the northern park boundary at the Texas-New Mexico state line, this canyon has a campground and some superb trails for backpacking, horseback riding and hiking.
Salt Basin Dunes: Beautiful gypsum dunes lie on the park’s west side close to Dell City. The Salt Basin Dunes have one of the best views of the mighty Guadalupe Mountains towering 3,000 feet above the desert floor.
If you want to cover all five Guadalupe Mountains National Park areas, you need a couple of days as the locations are distanced from each other. For example, Pine Springs and Frijole Ranch are close together, McKittrick Canyon is a little farther away, whereas Dog Canyon and the Salt Basin Dunes are a good couple of hours away.
Stargazing is another popular activity here, as the night sky can exhibit close to 11,000 stars and the Milky Way (how long does milky way last?) that you can observe from the park.
Facilities within and around Guadalupe Mountains National Park are minimal. The closest gas stations are a good drive away, and there is also no public transportation available. So you will have to bring everything you need, including plenty of water.
Pets are allowed only in parking areas, picnic areas and campgrounds and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
Several cabins, yurts, lodges and condos make your stay comfortable in and around the Guadalupe Mountains area.
For the best pizza in town, check out the Seguin Brewing Company, and enjoy heritage Texas cooking at Kindling and Makos on the Creek, in Downtown Cibolo.
While visiting all areas, make sure that you book in advance; several places may close bookings due to the busy holiday season. Also, remember to follow the latest CDC guidelines for travel and celebrating holidays.
Thanksgiving 2021 Travelling CDC Guidelines and More Tips to Celebrate Safely
If you are considering traveling during Thanksgiving, a comprehensive list of recommendations for the holiday season can be found on the CDC’s website.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to explore all the serene spaces that our beautiful state offers. Forget stressful marathon cooking sessions, take a deep breath of fresh Texan air, and lose yourself on a nature getaway to these refreshing destinations. Please drop a comment below and share with us your favorite Texas holiday destination!
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