Relax & Recharge {Getaways}
Walden Retreats
Words by Sommer Brugal Photos by Will Graham & Kate Zimmerman
When Blake Smith set out to create Walden Retreats, he gathered inspiration from the book, Walden, written by Henry David Thoreau. With excerpts depicting a simple life in nature, Smith designed an experience that combines all the adventures of camping with all the luxuries of a five-star hotel. The idea, he says, is to simply leave people alone.
That’s why guests won’t find restaurants on the property or a schedule listing of the day’s activities. Instead, visitors are encouraged to simply unwind and explore the 96 acres of land on their own time. Laughing, Smith admits the most popular activities he’s noticed thus far is sleeping and relaxing. Each private room, or tent, is equipped with a kitchen, a wood-burning stove, king sized bed, a private bathroom that features a tub for long baths, plush robes, and air-conditioning. Complete with everything guests could need—or want—each room is designed so they can spend the entire day lounging, without feeling claustrophobic. For those wishing to venture outdoors, there’s plenty to do, like fishing, canoeing, or following one of the property’s hiking and biking trails.
Walden Retreats opened its doors in April of this year. And while the property has just two rooms currently, Smith hopes to have a total of 16 rooms once the project is complete. Looking ahead, he envisions multiple properties around the country, offering big-city dwellers the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle within an hour’s drive.
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Neighboring Cities
According to Smith, one of the key elements to getting the most out of a stay at Walden Retreats is understanding what you are and aren’t getting while there. It won’t have that all-inclusive resort-type feel, no one knocking on your door or inviting you to dinner. Guests will, however, get to unwind, relax, and really make their own experience.
Though if guests are looking for small town charm, Walden Retreats neighbors popular destinations for wine tasting, antiquing, and hiking. Guests can visit one of many vineyards for a day of wine tasting in Fredericksburg and Johnson City, or spend the day outdoors at Pedernales Falls State Park. Smith also recommends a simple 25-minute drive to Luckenbach, Texas, for live country music.
By the numbers
Johnson city Population: 1,656
Guests per room: 2
Avg. cost per night: $318
Rooms: 2 tents (and growing)
Distance from Austin: 63 miles
Address: 1388 Gipson Road,
Johnson City, Texas 78636
Website: waldenretreats.com
