Routines Interrupted

5 Healthy Ways to Escape & Unwind

Words by Sommer Brugal

With an array of bars and restaurants that span between ultimate dive bar and elegant affair, music venues boasting local acts, expansive patios for conversing under the stars, the laid back energy that somehow seems to drift away the moment one crosses I-35—the culture of it all—it’s no wonder the idea of leaving this part of town seems trivial. But sometimes, every once in a while, a step away can be a breath of fresh air. 

Whether you’re looking for a day of outdoor activities, sitting lakeside in a personal cabana, riding horseback at a traditional Texas ranch, or taking a moment to simply be away from it all, these five destinations offer unique experiences for every vacation preference. And while breathing the fresh air, you might just grow slightly fonder of the place you call home. 

A Tropical Escape

A few images, maybe memories, come to mind when thinking of a tropical paradise: sunny skies, deep, blue water, friends paddle boarding, a family barbecuing, maybe a cold beverage. It’s a picture that seems distant, especially in the heart of Central Texas. Yet, hidden away just south of Austin is Son’s Island. {Read more…}

A Family Affair

For Paige Hull, the difference between those who talk about doing something and those who actually follow through with their idea is living with intention. So that’s what she and her husband, Smoot, did. The Hulls wanted to create a place where individuals could come together to reprieve, to imagine, or to find new beginnings. {Read more…}

 Relax & Recharge

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. {Read more…}

Rugged Rocks

As the largest parkland acquisition in Travis County’s history, Reimers Ranch has become one of the more popular destinations for outdoor activities. The park includes almost three miles of land along the Pedernales River, with numerous hiking trails and water activities, like swimming and fishing. Perhaps what the park is most known for, however, is the more than 18 miles of biking trails and its natural rock formations. {Read more…}

Down Home

Clay Conoly is a seventh generation Texan and the fourth generation of his family to manage Dixie Dude Ranch. The original owners purchased the 1,440 acres of raw ranch located in Bandera County in 1901, but it wasn’t until 1937 that the ranch transformed into a unique lodging experience for visitors. Today, the 752-acre ranch not only welcomes visitors but also raises horses, longhorn cattle, and Spanish/Boer goats. After more than 100 years in business, Dixie Dude Ranch continues to be a cherished destination for visitors. {Read more…}