Let’s Get Outta Town
IN A STATE AS MULTIFACETED AS TEXAS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR TO FIND YOUR IDEAL WEEKEND RETREAT. FROM THE CHIHUAHUAN DESERT TO THE GULF COAST, HUNDREDS OF TOWNS THROUGHOUT EVERY REGION ARE READY TO CHARM TRAVELERS OF VARIED INTERESTS. HERE WE HAVE OUTLINED 10 POSSIBLE ITINERARIES—SOME FIT FOR AN OVERNIGHT VISIT, OTHERS IDEAL FOR A LONG WEEKEND. EACH TRIP IS CONVENIENTLY MAPPED OUT STARTING FROM ONE OF FIVE MAJOR TEXAS CITIES—EL PASO, SAN ANTONIO, AUSTIN, DALLAS, AND HOUSTON. WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A WINERY-FILLED WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS, A WHIMSICAL FAMILY ROAD TRIP, OR A WATER-BASED ADVENTURE, THESE ESCAPES PROMISE A REPRIEVE FROM THE WEEKDAY GRIND.
For the Wine Connoisseur
COMFORT
MILES FROM SAN ANTONIO: 47
The Kendall County town of Comfort, population around 2,200, is a quaint Hill Country retreat. Founded in 1854 by German immigrants, Comfort is known for its well=preserved historic downtown. A stroll among its old buildings, cafés, bed and breakfasts, bookstores, and antiques shops feels like a walk through the past. It’s all nestled between ranchland and vineyards, so after a day of antiquing, you can drive out to wineries for a sampling of Texas varietals.
STAY: Relax in the heart of downtown at Hotel Giles, named after the architect who designed it. First built in 1880, the rooms (starting at $135/night) in this stylish boutique hotel have been upgraded, but the hotel’s historic character remains. Pass the morning lounging on rocking chairs on the front porch that overlooks High Street or enjoying the shade under the property’s gazebo. For a more outdoorsy getaway, try Camp Comfort (starting at $114/night). The hotel property was originally built as an athletic club and bowling alley in the 1860s. Options include a cabin with a view of Cypress Creek or a renovated Airstream.
Kick the day off at 8th Street Market, which sells coffee, vintage finds, and art out of a repurposed 1940s Ford readers, offers low-key wine and bourbon tasting experiences on a 56-acre property.
