Stay and Play in Seguin, Texas

by Marika Flatt on January 22, 2025 in Travels,
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Home of the Texas Lifestyle Magazine Lakehouse, we have discovered this gem on the Guadalupe. As the slogan of Seguin says: It’s Real!

 

Just 30 minutes east of San Antonio, and only about an hour away from Austin, Seguin is great for those looking to stay close enough to a big city while enjoying tranquil access to the countryside, lakes, natural green space and a cozy ambiance. 

Stay: The Texas Lifestyle Magazine Lakehouse

Guests will enjoy the views from the living room at the TLM Lakehouse. Photo Marika Flatt.

Located on the banks of Meadow Lake in Sequin, the Texas Lifestyle Magazine Lakehouse is a custom built lux “tree house” with Guadalupe River access and views to boot. This 4- bedroom/ 4-bathroom escape embodies the magazine’s tagline: Everything that makes living great in the Lone Star State. 

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy peaceful views of Meadow Lake, and take in the natural surroundings. This tranquil setting is perfect for a weekend getaway, holiday vacation, family reunion, girls trip; basically, the perfect chance to make memories with loved ones, family and friends. Along with picturesque waterfront views, the home features charming amenities and offers an office with Wi-Fi, a full chef’s kitchen, two patios, a lending library and a game room. 

One of four cozy bedrooms where guests can wind down at night. Photo Marika Flatt.

The home features CoHouse Design furniture, Delilah bedding and linens, Rebel Walls wallpaper, branded signs by Celebration Sign Shop, amenities from Charlie Soaps, and pillows by Pillowpia. 

Eats and Bevs

Vibrant mural at The Schoolyard where visitors can enjoy a variety of fun and food. Photo Marika Flatt.

For a unique and lively dining experience, The Schoolyard offers a blend of nostalgia and fun. Once an elementary school, this space has been reimagined as a vibrant hub featuring bars, food trucks, and a retail/restaurant center. The former classrooms now house businesses, creating a quirky and dynamic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy pickleball courts, a playground for kids, and live entertainment on weekends. Weekly markets add to the charm, making it a local favorite for family outings or casual nights out.

Diners can sit on a scenic patio overlooking the river at the Power Plant. Photo Heather Cave.

Just down the road from the TLM Lakehouse, The Power Plant is a riverside restaurant perfect for casual dining. The former power plant boasts a scenic patio with live music on weekends, making it a great spot to soak in the tranquil surroundings. The menu features local favorites like pecan-crusted chicken and hearty burgers for lunch, while dinner highlights include Tex-Mex options, savory pasta dishes, and other satisfying plates. If the weather permits, be sure to request a table on the patio for a memorable meal by the river.

Enjoy smoked brisket and fixings at Burnt Bean Co. Photo Heather Cave.

If barbeque is more of your vibe, you won’t want to miss award-winning Burnt Bean BBQ, a celebrated spot known for its authentic Texas BBQ from revered pitmasters. From tender brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs and delicious sides, this local favorite never disappoints. Don’t forget to stop by on Sunday mornings for their brunch offerings, which add a delightful twist to this BBQ hotspot. Beware: there’s often a line out the door and when they run out of BBQ, they close for the day! Open Wed-Sun only.

Plenty to Do

Discover unique books and goods while sipping coffee at Pecantown Books & Brews. Photo Marika Flatt.

Book lovers will find their happy place at Pecantown Books & Brews. For the ideal day, start at Pecantown for a latte or other warm coffee drink. This inviting independent bookstore blends cozy reading nooks with a selection of craft beverages, making it the ideal spot to relax with a good book and a local brew (coffee, beer or wine). Grab a housemade pastry, too. 

Animal lovers will flock to Seguin’s SARA Animal Sanctuary. Tracy Frank has lived at, run and supported this animal sanctuary for 30 years. It’s clear that her heart and passion go into taking care of these displaced animals day in and day out. It is the largest animal rescue sanctuary in Texas with nearly 600 animals on the farm.

You will see all kinds of animals at the SARA Animal Sanctuary in Seguin. Photo Marika Flatt.

When we arrived, a pack of adorable alpacas welcomed us and ushered us through the pasture to the main barn. The animal sanctuary takes care of horses, dogs, roosters, cows, pigs, and horses, among other furry friends. They even have a rescue fish, and a retired race horse was recently dropped off. 

When we visited, there were five litters of puppies available for adoption. Obviously, this 100 acres full of animals takes a lot of care and work so the sanctuary is always looking for volunteers, donations, and folks who are interested in fostering or adopting the animals. These animals utilize 2,000 pounds of food per day!

One of the many puppies up for adoption at the SARA Animal Sanctuary. Photo Marika Flatt.

They welcome visitors by appointment and on designated visitor days. Volunteers are needed year round. To register as a volunteer, visit sarasanctuary.org/volunteer and email [email protected].

Here’s a few of Seguin’s other highlights:

  • ZDT’s Amusement Park includes water slides, go karts, climbing walls, and a roller coaster. 
  • You’re So Crafty is a pop in craft studio where you can paint pottery, canvas, and wood, fuse glass and more.
  • Sebastopol House and Wilson Pottery Museum is a historic home, known as the best preserved limecrete structure in the United States and houses the Wilson Pottery Museum, which was the first freed slave business in the State of Texas. There are free tours every hour on Saturday and Sunday until 4:00 p.m. but closes at noon for lunch. 
One of the squirrels on the Seguin Squirrel Trail. Photo Marika Flatt.
  • The Seguin Squirrel Trail is a public art project featuring four-foot-tall squirrels painted by local artists. Find locations of squirrels here. 
  • Check out the beautiful walking trails at Max Starcke Park. 
  • Enjoy the multiple pickleball courts in town, which are free.
Sequin is home to the world’s largest pecan. Photo by Marika Flatt.
  • Take a picture with Seguin’s “largest pecan” sculpture near the town square.
  • Load up on great gifts at Gift & Gourmet on the town square. 

You can find a full visitor guide online and a list of restaurants, bars, and retailers. 

See more about Seguin on our Fall Travel on San Antonio Living (NBC) and Fall Travel on Daytime (FOX) TV segments. 

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Cover photo courtesy Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN!  Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard. You can find her on Instagram and other social media platforms.