Vacation Homes

5 wow-factor vacation homes you can rent across Texas

Summer is here, and that means vacations are in full swing. But who wants to have the same old, boring vacay? If you’re looking to hit the road for a family trip, we’ve rounded up some of the most unique properties in the Lone Star State. From tipis to a Texas ranch that makes a splash, every one of these rentals has a definite wow factor.

No matter where you decide to hang your hat, there's no need to settle for boring when vacation possibilities like these exist.

Modern tipis, New Braunfels
The first mention of tipis may conjure up images of people roughing it in the great outdoors, but at these incredibly luxurious tents in historic New Braunfels, you’ll discover what glamping is all about. Each large tipi is authentically built, but the interiors feature air conditioning, beautiful bedding, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Three of the tipis also have pull-out sofas.

On the grounds, you’ll find a communal treehouse game room with a large-screen TV and pingpong table, fire pits, picnic tables, barbecue areas, and hammocks. Rates start at $116 per night.

One-of-a-kind architectural complex, Kyle
The award-winning Plant at Kyle, situated on land that was once part of the Kuykendall Ranch, is an easy drive from Dallas. Lake | Flato Architects took a 1920s shed from the defunct Alamo Cement plant in San Antonio and completely reassembled it here, repurposing it to create a stunning three-section complex using corrugated metals, limestone, and steel framing.

This dramatic space offers three bedrooms, a covered outdoor pool, hammocks, and the “world’s largest screened-in porch.” Rental rates start at $750 per night (with a two-night minimum).

Stone lighthouse, Johnson City
Unique stays don’t get much more unusual than a towering lighthouse. This 86-foot-tall structure was inspired by Germany’s Saxon towers and sits on a hill providing 50 miles of jaw-dropping views — the entire fourth floor is a window-filled observatory.

The lighthouse sleeps up to 15 and goes from $720 per night (for two guests). It is part of Lighthouse Hill Ranch, with several other rental homes and guest suites, making it perfect for groups or events.

Ranch and river resort, Mason
Trying to accommodate a large group of people for a family reunion or big get-together and want lots of recreational amenities? Check out the private Red Sands Ranch, with multiple dwellings, including four rock cabins, two bunk buildings, and a vintage Airstream. The features would satisfy almost any checklist: a party shed with big-screen TV, billiards, and pingpong table; massive 53-foot grotto pool with spa; four-story waterslide; basketball and tennis courts — it even boasts a private airstrip.

All of this sits on a half-mile of the beautiful Llano River between Mason and Fredericksburg, perfect for floating and rafting. The base rate, $995-$1,895 per night, includes three units and accommodates up to 12 guests. In total, there are seven units that can house up to 37 people.

Loft house built in mining ruins, Terlingua
If West Texas and Big Bend National Park are calling, you can’t get much more unique than this updated stone house built by miners in the heart of the authentic ghost town. With incredible views of the Chisos Mountains and living spaces that completely open to the outdoors, this charming place really lets you get in touch with nature.

At $140 per night, this place is a steal.

The Plant at Kyle boasts the "world's largest screened-in porch."

The Plant at Kyle/Facebook

The Plant at Kyle boasts the "world's largest screened-in porch."

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Checking in

Clara Hotel debuts in Plano with chef-driven dining and late-night lounge

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

A newly reimagined hotel in Plano aims to be as much a dining destination for locals as it is a place for visitors to stay: The Clara Hotel has officially opened in the Legacy Corridor with a chef-driven restaurant and chic new cocktail bar - all part of a $4 million transformation of the former NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.

Located at 8201 Preston Rd. on the Plano-Frisco border, The Clara remains part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection but has been overhauled by Dallas-based investment firm NewcrestImage, which acquired the property in 2025. The company has refreshed nearly every guest-facing space, from the hotel's 176 guest rooms to its food and beverage offerings.

Leading the debut are Field & Vine, the hotel's signature restaurant, and Archer, a new day-to-late-night cocktail lounge.

The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio

"The Clara was always envisioned as more than a hotel," says Mehul Patel, managing partner at NewcrestImage, in the release. "We wanted to create a place that locals would visit whether they were staying overnight or not. Field & Vine and Archer are central to that vision. Together, they create an experience that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to date nights, celebrations and late-evening cocktails."

Field & Vine is led by executive chef Daniel Armand, whose nearly four-decade career has included restaurants in Haiti, France, New York, Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Dallas before joining The Clara.

His menu blends French technique, Haitian influences, Texas ingredients, and seasonal produce. Highlights include:

Clara Ceviche with Gulf shrimp, citrus, and coconut water
Harissa Honey Wings with Texas honey
Steak Frites with herb butter and truffle fries
Heritage Chicken with roasted root vegetable purée
French-style Braised Short Rib
Citrus Shrimp Linguine
Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto
Herb-Crusted Salmon with citrus-sage beurre blanc

Field & Vine, Clara Hotel Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett

The all-important hotel breakfast ranges from avocado toast and smoked salmon plates to Belgian waffles, breakfast tacos, fresh-pressed juices, overnight oats, and brioche French toast.

A distinctive feature is the hotel's on-site herb garden, where rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and other herbs are harvested for both the kitchen and bar.

"Some of my earliest memories are in the kitchen with my mother, learning that food has the power to bring people together," says Armand. "Field & Vine is a reflection of that belief. We want guests to feel welcome whether they are joining us for breakfast, a special dinner or simply gathering with friends. The menu is personal to me, but ultimately it is designed to create memorable experiences around the table."

The cocktail program incorporates fresh herbs and housemade syrups with drinks such as the Clara Bloom, Rosemary Paloma, Smoke & Sage, and Garden Spritz.

For evening drinks, Archer offers a dramatically different atmosphere.

Replacing the Library concept originally announced during the renovation, Archer is a moody cocktail lounge with dark woods, leather seating, and low lighting. The space was inspired by celestial navigation, with signature cocktails named for stars, landmarks, and journeys.

Featured drinks include:

Polaris with vodka, elderflower, lemon, and sparkling wine
The Meridian with reposado tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, and honey
Clara After Dark with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, honey, lemon, and black tea
Fixed Point with bourbon, black walnut, demerara, and bitters
Western Sky with rye whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters
Long After Sunset with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla

The Archer, cocktails, Clara Hotel Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett

The lounge also serves shareable bites including lamb chops with mint chimichurri, tuna tartare, margherita flatbread, ancient grain hummus, and cinnamon pretzel bites.

"Archer was designed to feel like the room the evening finds after sunset," says Patel. "It offers something different from the traditional hotel bar experience. It's intimate, atmospheric and intentionally designed for guests who appreciate great cocktails, thoughtful conversation and a place that encourages them to stay awhile."

Originally opened in 2007, the property was the first hotel launched under the NYLO Hotels brand and is widely credited as the country's first loft-style lifestyle hotel. Under NewcrestImage's ownership, the hotel has introduced a warmer aesthetic with natural textures, wood finishes, greenery, and a more residential feel throughout its guestrooms and public spaces.

The renovation also refreshed the hotel's heated outdoor pool, landscaped courtyard, and meeting and event spaces, positioning the Clara for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Reservations for dining and hotel stays are available through The Clara Hotel's website.

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

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