This Valentine’s Day, escape to the Texas Hill Country for an unforgettable evening at Rough Creek Lodge, Ranch & Resort. Executive Chef Gerard Thompson, with Chef de Cuisine Raul Mujica and Sous Chef James Sowders, presents a multi-course prix-fixe menu featuring luxury ingredients, Texas-inspired flavors, and indulgent pairings—all set within the resort’s elegant yet rustic dining room.
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Set in the heart of Southlake, The Elmore Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, offers a distinctive blend of Southern hospitality and modern refinement. Designed as an independent, character-driven property, the 175-room hotel balances thoughtful luxury with a sense of place, making it as appealing for a weekend escape as it is for a special occasion close to home.
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Set along one of San Antonio’s most storied corridors, The Westin Riverwal, San Antonio occupies a quietly privileged position—removed from the River Walk’s most crowded stretches yet deeply connected to its rhythm. The hotel rises directly from the water’s edge, offering a sense of retreat without sacrificing proximity to the city’s cultural core. Designed to reflect the River Walk’s blend of Old World charm and modern hospitality, the Westin pairs warm Texas materials with refined, contemporary interiors, creating a setting that feels both grounded and indulgent.
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Savannah is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and modern culinary flair. Known for its oak-shaded squares, cobblestone streets, and pastel-colored historic homes, the city has an atmosphere unlike any other in the South. Visitors can explore its scenic riverfront, wander the squares, or simply enjoy the relaxed pace while soaking in centuries of architecture and storytelling. The city’s charm extends beyond its streets into a thriving food scene that satisfies both comfort-food enthusiasts and fans of elevated cuisine.
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MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa sits on a six-acre property just a short walk from Sonoma Plaza, making it easy for visitors to explore the town while staying somewhere peaceful and private. The grounds are filled with gardens, stone pathways, and seating areas where guests can relax with a glass of wine or enjoy the quiet morning air. The hotel has a mix of rooms and suites, many with fireplaces, private patios, or balconies. The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with soft linens, stylish furniture, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, giving visitors everything they need for a restful stay.
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New Mexico’s ski towns offer a winter experience that feels refreshingly grounded. Instead of oversized resorts and overproduced après scenes, these mountain communities focus on what actually matters: strong terrain, real places to eat and stay, and a pace that lets you enjoy the day rather than rush through it. The three towns below—Taos Ski Valley, Red River, and Angel Fire—represent the best of that balance, each with its own personality. What follows is a practical guide to where to stay at different price points, where to eat from splurge meals to casual bites, how to handle rentals and lift tickets, and what to do when you step off the mountain.
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Winter in Texas is a season of quiet discoveries, where the Lone Star State sheds its summer crowds and reveals hidden corners perfect for a long weekend escape. From the rolling hills of Hill Country to the breezy shores of the Gulf Coast, there are destinations where cozy lodging, local flavors, and scenic adventures combine to create a travel experience that feels both indulgent and restorative. Whether you’re craving fireplaces and wine tastings, historic inns and antique shopping, or fresh seafood with sunlit views, Texas offers a variety of winter weekend getaways within a few hours’ drive of Dallas.
These escapes are as much about the meals you share as the places you explore. Imagine savoring schnitzel and spaetzle in Fredericksburg, tasting brisket and pit-cooked pork in Llano, or enjoying oysters and Gulf fish in Rockport—all while staying in boutique inns, riverside cabins, or charming historic hotels. Each town has its own rhythm, and in winter, that rhythm slows just enough to let you savor the scenery, the cuisine, and the simple joy of stepping away from daily life. This guide highlights five of the best long-weekend destinations in Texas, with lodging, restaurants, and activities that make winter a season worth traveling for.
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Texas turns undeniably magical in December, and a handful of towns take the season so seriously that a holiday-themed getaway feels almost required. Whether you want small-town charm wrapped in twinkle lights, a German-inspired Christmas village, or full-scale spectacle complete with ice sculptures and parades, these five destinations offer a rich mix of atmosphere, programming, hotels, and dining that make them ideal for going all out for Christmas.
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