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    Family vacations

    Hit the road for these 4 fun new spring break getaways from Dallas

    Celestina Blok
    Feb 12, 2024 | 11:00 am

    Spring break is fast approaching (it's the week of March 11 for Dallas ISD), but it's not too late to nail down some last-minute travel plans. Instead of rebooking the same ol' ski trip or crowded beach resort, this year consider something new – or at least new to you and your crew.

    Here are four road trip-worthy destinations with lots to offer families, from a brand new resort community in the Piney Woods of East Texas to a "crazy" new hotel and restaurant just out of town. Simply book a reservation, pile into the car, and go – no ski lift tickets required.

    Avant Mining
      

    Avant Mining

    Mine for crystals in the Ouachita Mountains.

    High Hill Resort, Arp
    Hidden in the Piney Woods of East Texas, about 120 miles from Dallas, lies a surprising new resort community reminiscent of coastal stretch in Florida's 30A region – minus the ocean. That's what High Hill Resort owners Jason and Sharon Romano intended when they built High Hill Resort, a 200-acre development offering Mediterranean-inspired vacation homes, a spring-fed lake with white sand beach, farm-to-table restaurant, pool, and day spa.

    The destination is well-suited for a multifamily escape, as homes offer four to six bedrooms, expansive kitchens, private pools, and thoughtfully-designed communal spaces great for game or movie nights. Rentals start at about $800 per night in March, with options for a stocked fridge upon arrival and even private chef service. Golf cart and bike rentals to explore the property are also available, along with kayaks for the lake and skeet shooting for those age 16 and up. Note that surrounding construction is on-going, as the Romanos plan to add 55 homes in all for phase one of the development.

    High Hill is also home to six one-bedroom bungalows for a more "cozy" experience. (Rates start at $225 per night.) The colorful cottages sit next to High Hill's chef-driven restaurant, Cote, which offers a seasonal menu with poolside views for weekend lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. (Don't miss the brioche French toast with Biscoff cookie butter and Nutella.)

    Can't make it in March? High Hill has big plans for the summer, including the debut of an outdoor amphitheater for live music (shows are planned to start in late April) and a swim-up beach bar slated to open by Memorial Day weekend. The amenities are part of a massive master plan for the development, which includes the addition of retail shops, a swim-up taco and tequila bar, and on-site Top Golf automated range in the months to come. Booking is also open for High Hill's solar eclipse weekend getaway package, which comes with a garden lunch on the lawn during the total eclipse in April.

    Reel ‘em Inn, Rockport
    Reopened under new ownership in October, this mid-century modern Gulf-front property (about six hours from Dallas) has been reimagined into a family-friendly destination that focuses on the simplicity of coastal living. The nine-room boutique inn offers private waterfront access along with a 1,000 foot pier exclusively for guests. For fisher-folk, nothing more is needed. But high-end touches, like built-in pier seating, a private fish-cleaning station, personal cabanas, and a shared outdoor kitchen and courtyard, add an element of elevated coastal comfort.

    Rooms are designed by San Antonio architect firm Lake Flato and feature keyless entry, contactless check-in, Nespresso coffee and espresso makers, custom robes, and beach towels for convenient access to the Gulf Coast shores. If fishing isn’t of interest, a concierge partnership can help plan activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, and beach carting. Rates start at $229.

    Stay well-fed with family-friendly spring break happenings in the Rockport area, including the Fulton Oysterfest (March 7-10) which includes live entertainment, carnival rides, oyster shucking and decorating, and men’s and women’s oyster eating contests. Or make plans for Rockport’s 5th Annual Crawfish Cook-Off & Tasting, March 15-16. The all-you-can-eat crawfish festival will feature Texas country singer Wade Bowen as a headlining performer on Friday, March 15.

    The Crazy Water Hotel, Mineral Wells
    Located less than an hour west of Fort Worth, Mineral Wells deserves a second look for its latest destination: The Crazy Water Hotel and its new restaurant, Second Bar + Kitchen. The historic hotel dates back to 1912, but reopened in 2021 after extensive renovations, and now offers 62 suites (rates start at $159 a night) and 12 apartments for residential living.

    Austin-based Second Bar + Kitchen opened in October, featuring seasonal American fare by Austinite-turned-Mineral Wells resident chef David David Bull. The hotel is also home to an indoor shopping pavilion, including an interactive toy store called Toytopia, and an on-site spa ideal for moms seeking their own spring "break."

    No trip to Mineral Wells is complete without a visit to Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway, located just four miles from The Crazy Water Hotel. Rock climbing is huge here, along with hiking, biking, fishing, geocaching, kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing. The entrance fee is $7 daily for adults. Kids 12 and under get in free. Those looking for a more rustic experience can tent camp. Rate start at $10 nightly.

    Hot Springs, Arkansas
    Often overshadowed by Arkansas hot spot Eureka Springs but touted as “America’s first resort” for its naturally thermal spring waters (dignitaries and even mobsters used to frequent the city for the water’s healing properties), today’s Hot Springs offers more for families than ever before - and the road trip is less than five hours from Dallas.

    Mine for crystals in the Ouachita Mountains with Avant Mining; feed a baby alligator at the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo; explore the Evans Children’s Adventure Gardens across 1.5 acres at Garvan Woodland Gardens (don’t miss the breathtaking Tulip Extravaganza happening through the end of March); and strut the Science Skywalk at the Mid-America Science Museum, which offers more than 100 hands-on exhibits and experiences.

    There’s also the lush Hot Springs National Park located in the middle of downtown Hot Springs, where visitors can experience the water in various ways, from touching it and even drinking it. (Bring a water bottle or jug and fill it up for free.)

    A trip to Hot Springs is not complete without a stop – or a stay – at Oaklawn, the city’s 100 year-old horse racing track that recently debuted a luxury hotel, spa, and casino. Live racing takes place Thursday through Sunday here in March.

    In time for the tail end of spring break, Hot Springs will host its family-friendly World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 17. The route is only 98 feet long, but the tiny promenade draws thousands for big-name participants, this year to include Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith as the grand marshal. The parade starter is Yellowstone actor Forrie J. Smith, and there’ll also be an appearance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Plan for a concert by Texas country artist and Fort Worth resident Pat Green on Saturday, March 16 in the National Park as part of the St. Patty’s weekend festivities.

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    Where to travel right now

    Gulf Coast mural festival + 10 more Texas travel ideas in June

    Amber Heckler
    Jun 2, 2025 | 3:53 pm
    Mural Fest in Corpus Christi
    Photo courtesy of Visit Corpus Christi
    Mural Fest will take place during the first week of June in downtown Corpus Christi.

    Texas, it's time to make those summer vacation plans. June is shaping up to be a big month full of travel ideas, from fun wine tastings in Austin to a lively mural festival on the coast. There's also plenty to explore at home in Dallas, such as visiting the new children's museum at the Perot Museum, or taking a pasta-making class at a posh Frisco hotel. Here are our top picks for summer travel events, hotel deals, and more in June.

    Austin

    The Loren Hotel is introducing two new wine programs this summer, open to all visitors. The "Boxed or Bougie" wine tastings will be offered on the first Saturday of each month, starting June 7, where guests can taste different wines to discover if fine wine is worth the price tag. On the second and third Saturdays of each month, the hotel will host "Varietal Wine Tastings" with different themes to spotlight wine regions, flavor profiles, and winemaking styles. Since June 14 is National Rosé Day, the first varietal tasting will focus on rosés. Both programs are free to the public and events will be held from 3-5 pm in the hotel lobby.

    Nearly 30 participating Texas Hill Country Wineries will hit the highway for an Austin Road Show at the Austin Central Library. Attendees will get to meet the owners, winemakers, and managers behind some of the Hill Country's most successful vineyards while tasting new wines and dining on charcuterie. Guests will also receive a take-home event wine glass. The Austin Road Show event will be held from 5:30-8 pm on Friday, June 27. Tickets are $60 per person.

    Central Texas

    Floating down the Comal, San Marcos, or Pedernales Rivers while enjoying the scenery and the cool water is a perfect way to spend a hot afternoon this summer. People travel to the Central Texas area every year to tube, and locals love it, as well. However, it's not without dangers, rules, and guidelines that should be observed. Before setting off down the river, check out CultureMap's five essential tips for tubing this summer.

    There's a unique new spa making a splash in the small town of Gonzales: Ottine Mineral Springs is finally celebrating its grand reopening after undergoing an extensive renovation. The 40-acre historic site was previously home to two private mineral-fed pools, but now the property is dotted with five new pools of varying adjustable temperatures, outdoor dining options, saunas, cold plunges, cabanas, fire pits, and much more. Day passes are $65 on weekdays and $75 on weekends.

    Ottine Mineral Springs pool Ottine Mineral Springs' pools can be adjusted in temperature to be enjoyed year-round. Photo by David Brendan Hall

    Fredericksburg's beautiful new Albert Hotel, whichopened in January, is adding a new barbecue restaurant inspired by the area's German heritage. Junebug's BBQ will open Friday, June 6, serving barbecue classics such as brisket, pork ribs, house-made sausages, and more. Junebug's BBQ will have limited hours from June 6-9, serving food from 2 pm until it’s sold out. Starting June 12, Junebug’s will operate regular hours from Thursdays through Sundays, from 11 am until sold out.

    TV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines' signature restaurant Magnolia Table in Waco has introduced a new summer menu, featuring dishes like a brunch slider flight and a spicy peach fizz mocktail. The nearby Silos Baking Co. and Magnolia Press café have also added new items on their seasonal summer menus, including a peaches and cream cupcake and a ham and cheddar croissant sandwich. Reservations for Magnolia Table can be made via OpenTable.

    Houston

    Texas-based luxury bus service Vonlane will debut daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands on Friday, June 13. The new route will pick up travelers at Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center and drop off at Dallas' Doubletree Love Field hotel. The ride will take 3 hours and 15 minutes. This will be a second Houston-area destination for Dallas, as Vonlane already offers service to downtown Houston. Tickets can be booked online; fares are a flat rate of $125 for one-way trips with advance purchase. No taxes, baggage fees, or change fees apply.

    Tokyo X, one of Houston's premier celebrations of Japanese culture, is returning to NRG Center from June 14-15, promising celebrities, food, martial arts, anime, and more. Highlights of the festival include the Hot Import Nights Japanese car show series, a ramen showdown, and an anime convention featuring cosplay contests, panels, and voice actor appearances. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite. Saturday tickets are $36.22 per person, Sunday tickets are $ 30.48 per person, and two-day badges are $59.21 per person.

    Tokyo X FestivalHot Import Nights will display tricked-out Japanese rides. Courtesy of Tokyo X

    Gulf Coast

    The coastal city of Corpus Christi will celebrate its annual Mural Fest during the first week of June, showcasing its colorful large-scale murals in the Marina Arts District. During the Artist Week days from June 2-5, visitors can take self-guided tours to watch artists paint murals live throughout downtown, and collect "artographs." The festival will draw to a close on Saturday, June 7, with a block party on South Chaparral Street from 3-9 pm. More information about daily events during Mural Fest can be found via Visit Corpus Christi.

    Across Dallas-Fort Worth

    A long anticipated Fort Worth hotel and restaurant have arrived: The Nobleman Fort Worth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and the hotel’s in-house restaurant Duchess, have opened at 503 Bryan Ave., with fabulous accommodations and food from celebrity chef Casey Thompson. The property has 121 guest rooms and 32 extended-stay suites with kitchenettes. Hotel amenities include a pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and 2,000 square feet of meeting and outdoor event spaces, along with terraces. Nightly rates begin at $162 in June.

    Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science recently reopened the Moody Family Children's Museum, unveiling an extensively renovated 11,000-square-foot space sprawling with educational and science-centered activities. Among the new areas for children to explore are an immersive multi-sensory Imaginarium, an expanded toddler area, a hands-on maker area, an open-air outdoor space, and a fiber art playscape created by Toshiko MacAdam. Non-member general admission to the Perot Museum ($15 for children aged 2-12, and $25 for adults and children 13 and older) also includes access to the children's museum.

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