Lajitas Golf Resort, Big Bend ,Texas. "Little Flat Rocks" or Lajitas is where old west meets modern accommodations and tons of fun for the whole family! Lajitas is a 27,000 acre resort with a top rated golf course, located near the natural serenity of the Big Bend. While dad is golfing let the kids swim, visit the local Indian cemetery, which looks like something out of a western or take tour on a horseback ride. River rafting in these parts is a must! If you google Lajitas you will find endless reviews and accolades all of which give it a thumbs up! Afraid of the long drive? There is an airport (by Resort Air) which has weekly flights from Houston and even some from San Antonio. Check out the other small towns the Big Bend region like Terlinqua and Marfa. www.lajitasgolfresort.com
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. Don't pass this up!....
Located in Spicewood ,Texas, 30 miles west of Austin. Here the whole family can have an experience I never thought I'd see in Texas...sleeping in a cypress canopy under the Texas stars! Available for rent are decorated tree houses nestled among the beautiful cypress trees. My favorite is the "Nest" because it will hold a family of 6 and has air conditioned bedrooms. It's been on my bucket list for years to stay in a "Yurt" and they have one! Needs to be said that no children under 10 are allowed! So we'll have to wait a few years, but this is a must!
Before you leave the area add a day trip to Krause Springs, one of Texas' oldest swimming holes and quite beautiful. Stay overnight at Canyon of the Eagles, enjoy the campfire movies, swim, and hike a little...this will be the cherry on top of your total hill country Texas experience. www.cypressvalleycanopytours.com
Pensacola, Florida. Our family has been making our way to Florida every summer for years and we always leave wanting more! The beaches here are gorgeous, clean and never too crowded. The food is just what you'd expect and all the while you feel the nostalgia of a 50's retro town. And its only 10 hour drive!We rented bright colored battery operated cars and drove the main streets, stopping at the circle k for slur-pees and living the Florida life. Where to stay? This is where my experience comes in handy. Go to VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) and rent a home on the beach! There are loads of cool, hip, beach houses for the smallest family to the big bunch like we always have. VRBO has never disappointed and the prices are fair. www.vrbo.com
This summers list is short but unique enough to hopefully inspire you to look beyond the normal vacation spots. Texas is full of "off the beaten path" locations great for all sorts of interests. Adventurous families can zip line, raft, hike and even snorkel some famous swimming holes. Other families might enjoy the history of Texas by visiting a ghost town, eating by the fire under Texas stars, or horse-back the Big Bend! Some may just crave the beach which is just a short drive away! Whatever you decide I wish you all a great Summer 2015!
Written by Mandy Barkley, Marketing Director for River Valley Real Estate
