Remember those “choose your own adventure” books? You’re faced with options around every corner – turn to page 27 to take a left, turn to page 43 to keep on going straight. Well this week, it’s choose your own adventure Trip Tip style: we’ve got country music, detoxification, a B&B and a lakeside retreat to choose from!
Adventure 1: Stephenville
Stephenville is just two hours southwest of Dallas – and it’s a great location for a small town escape. You’ll find scenic views, good food, great music, and southern hospitality. This summer, the city is hosting seven nights of music, sponsored by Stephenville Parks and Recreation. The lineup includes artists such as Larry Joe Taylor and Moe Bandy.
Enjoy some rich history and good food at Jake & Dorothy’s Cafe. It’s celebrating its 70th birthday this year. The food there is made from scratch. Whether your taste buds are in the mood for their famous waffle fries or their gravy covered chicken fried steak.
Adventure 2: Deer Lake Lodge
Deer Lake Lodge opened in late 2012. It’s the only overnight detox spa in Texas and it’s tucked away in the woods near Montgomery, not far from Lake Conroe. Most guests check in for an average of four days for their ultimate detox program, which is a combination of juicing, supplements, fasting and spa services. This unique health resort features a rustic chic style and caters to mostly women.
Guests enjoy a fire pit, pool with hot tub, single sauna, and simple rooms with heavenly bedding. Varying types of yoga are offered in the mornings, from intense stretching to kundalini yoga. Spa Treatments include a magnesium wrap, sweet clover facial, and ionic detox foot bath.
Adventure 3: Austin B&B
Wake up just blocks from bustling Congress Avenue. The Fairview is near it all and yet tucked away in desirable neighborhood (there isn’t even a sign out front). It’s a big, white, two-story home that houses four suites and two buildings out back that can be rented. The Live Oak suite is the largest, with a library room and a yoga room. The Pecan suite is their most popular because of its access to the airy front porch. The home was built in 1910 and had a life as apartments in the ‘60s. The inn doesn’t take same-day bookings, so plan ahead.
Adventure 4: Relax in Lakeway
The 168-room Lakeway Resort and Spa is a spa nestled on the banks of Lake Travis. It has been around since 1963. Guests who love the water will find an oasis, with sailing, boating, fishing and water activities. The vintage lakeside escape boasts great views, a kids rec center, an epic pool featuring an adults-only area with swim-up bar and a zero-entry family-friendly pool with a waterslide.
Travis Restaurant (known as T.R.), is their signature restaurant, serving timeless tastes with a southwest influence. Try the grilled chicken sandwich or turkey wrap for something straightforward, or the salmon or steak for a more robust dinner.
And grab a drink before dinner at the Back Porch lobby bar, with rich leather chairs inside or rocking chairs overlooking the lake on the outside patio. Summer is high season, so expect a two-night minimum for Friday and Saturday nights during the summer or take advantage of half-price rates on weekdays.
You can learn more about these and other Texas destinations in the travel issue of Texas Lifestyle magazine.
