Summer Destinations 2015

 Here we go, another summer is quickly approaching and most moms are frantically looking for and planning a well rounded exciting vacation that will build memories for years to come. I can help you narrow your search and hopefully offer something different than the norm.
 

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

5 Summer Bucket list ideas for San Antonio Moms!

Around March, as a mom of three, I start wondering how I will entertain three energetic children for an entire summer. And as crazy as it sounds I start my search, combing through magazines looking for fun , inexpensive activities that aren't run of the mill. Day trips, and smaller weekend trips are what I look for and this is a small bucket list of what our 2014 summer will be like and hopefully give other desperate moms out there a few ideas.

#1 Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs, TX

Hamilton pool, in Dripping Springs, TX. Between Austin and San Antonio and for little money this natural spring fed pool/grotto looks like something from a Conde Nast travel magazine. Pack a lunch, bring hiking shoes and show up early because after 75 car entries they shut the doors! Spend a day there for little cost and great environmental gain!
https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool

2# Six Flags/Fiesta TX

Not much of a theme park mom, I usually shy far away from theme parks, but this one is an exception. Parking is easy, rides are fun and the entertainment is awesome. Now, with the addition of the water park your family will be entertained all day long. Of course the better days to go are earlier in the week, shy away from weekends because of the crowds! Look on line for deals or buy one ticket and use your free day pass for another child. https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas

#3 Floores General Store 

Floores Country store located in Helotes, Texas, has been around for generations and has seen many famous Texas music artist on its Floor. The exciting part and the reason this is on my list is that every Sunday night starting at 6:00 pm is Family night and free dance. So show up early, eat some of their famous tamales or  fried catfish and bread pudding at the Café and then teach your children how to two step and line dance. Surrounded by Texas tradition, Floores will definitely deliver a good time! http://www.liveatfloores.com/

#4 GROSSOLOGY at The Witte

Based on the best selling book by Sylvia Branzei and chalked full of really disgusting exhibits, this stop will be fun and educational. Just one look and you realize why it’s the “Impolite science of the human body”. If your kids are like mine, this kind of grossness really makes them laugh. It's cheaper to purchase tickets at museum (Child-$12  Adult $15) which include general admission to museum. http://www.wittemuseum.org/index.php/component/content/article/253

#5 Balmorhea State Park

Honestly had never heard Balmorhea and when starting asking around you'd think I was raised in a hole without any knowledge of Texas history. Everyone I spoke with has said this park, named the "largest spring fed swimming pool in Texas", is all that and more! I will tell you that this trip will be the ending to our summer so I have no exact information other than it comes highly recommended. There are cabins on site (San Solomon Spring Courts) that were very affordable and there were campsite for campers with comfortable amenities. More than a few hours away this is a weekend "to do"and most of your cost will be gas and food/supplies. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/balmorhea

Summer will be over before you know it and school will start. One of the first things they’ll have to do is write about their summer. Wouldn't it be exciting to do something a little different? Hope these give you some ideas and your 2014 summer will be an exciting one!