These unusual Hill Country places to stay will help you plot a dreamy, memorable, out-of-the-ordinary escape as 2020 marches into 2021.
The pandemic sure is reshaping how and where we travel.
But – as we’ve show here time and time again – the pivot to more regional travel doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice adventure, distinctiveness or style.
In fact, the Texas Hill Country has some truly outstanding options compatible with social distancing.
Here are a few of our favorite unusual Hill Country places to stay. As they appear to booking up fast, make a point to snap up a reservation.
Blue Skies Retro Resort
On the road from Fredericksburg to Llano – near the famous Willow City Loop where spring wildflowers blanket open fields, there’s a new, can’t-miss destination.
And while it may look more Palm Springs than Willow City, the Blue Skies Retro Resort’s vintage campers bridge mid-century style with modern conveniences. From fluffy beds to the de rigeur Keurig, this roadside glamping experience promises to be a far cry from your grandma’s camping days.
There’s an on-site pool, and Enchanted Rock is nearby. Fredericksburg offers shopping and cultural events. Llano, well, we love that town right down to its legendary Cooper’s BBQ.
But the real draw for this getaway spot is mentioned upfront in the name: the skies.
Sunset to sundown, visitors get the full glory of Texas’ heavenly blues. Perfection.
>> Looking for something near a lake? Check out Medina Lake’s Blue Grotto.
Hill Country Tower
Awaken your inner Sleeping Beauty from atop a three-story tower.
Ideal for a couple’s retreat, you’ll be masters of all you survey – with a view of skies, starlight and 100 pristine acres. There’s a deck from which the two of you can drink it all in – and at $149 per night, it’s downright affordable, too.
Downtown Boerne is minutes away from the Hill Country Tower. Comfort, Kerrville and Fredericksburg are further afield. Dining options abound in all of those places, but you can pack your own provisions for simple meals in the small kitchen.
What one sacrifices in proximity to conveniences, of course, is made up by distinctive architecture and all that gorgeous, awe-inspiring nature.
Looking for a similar vibe lower to the ground but with a lot more room for your brood? Lucky you. The owner also lists a cabin that sleeps 12.
Yurtopia Wimberley
With Hill Country views and the Blanco River nearby, this collection of yurts offers an on-trend getaway in one of the area’s most beloved small towns.
No wonder that, for a lot of folks, Yurtopia Wimberley is worth the wait.
Literally.
Because their gorgeous hilltop yurts – complete with their own private man made water features – are booked solid through 2020 and are accepting wait list requests.
Other yurts (with river access) have a little more availability – especially during the week, but we say: Go big or stay home.
So, why not skip ahead to secure a hilltop yurt in 2021?
>> ISO romantic destinations that might have availability sooner? See our guide.
Treehouse Utopia
When nineteenth-century settlers arrived in what would become Utopia, do you think they ever imagined the town would become Internet-famous for … treehouses?
As the San Francisco Chronicle explained when Treehouse Utopia opened in 2018, the property includes four houses and represents a partnership between an entrepreneurial chef (Laurel Waters) and a reality television star (Pete Nelson of Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters”).
Two years on, the property is still going strong. For safety reasons, it’s another kid-free, pet-free property. But we figure that just frees the rest of us up to enjoy the lush scenery, birdsong, sunsets and generally awesome nature vibes.
As an added bonus, the chef-owner cooks memorable, locally sourced meals on Saturdays. (Reservations required for meals.)
>> Want an elevated experience that’s also family friendly? See Llano River House.
The Morrow House
For travelers coming down IH-35, Waco serves as a sort of gateway to the Hill Country. To the surprise of many, it’s also become Internet famous thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines.
People flock to the reality television stars’ Magnolia Market at the Silos and restaurant.
But did you know can stay at a B&B fashioned out of a home the decor duo renovated early in Fixer Upper’s run?
The Morrow House dates back to 1886, and today it evokes old-school Texas charm with major Instagram vibes. Most importantly – and although the home has been featured in several national magazine spreads, the five-star AirBNB reviews suggest the current owner is as keen on service as style.
And that’s something worth experiencing.
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