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As summer winds down, there’s still plenty of time to squeeze in a last-minute getaway or indulge in a weekend of pure Texas charm.
From luxurious city stays in Houston and Austin to serene escapes in the Hill Country and quaint small-town retreats, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to make your summer’s grand finale unforgettable.
Houston
Tucked away in the Uptown Park area, Hotel Granduca Houston offers a refined European escape in the heart of the city. Guests are welcomed with personalized service, including a first-floor tour upon check-in. Highlights include a cozy lobby library which is ideal for working, reading, or sipping complimentary morning coffee, as well as a serene courtyard pool. The on-site restaurant, Remi, delivers delicious pastas like Bolognese and pesto with pine nuts, wood-fired pizzas, and standout sides such as charred broccolini and potato purée.
Don’t miss the complimentary coffee from 7 to 10 a.m. or the daily happy hour from 4 to 5 p.m. For group stays, the three-bedroom suite, which includes two king rooms and one with twin beds, offers luxury and comfort (averages $1,000 per night). For a splurge, the two-bedroom Presidential Suite with direct pool access averages $2,000 per night.
There’s a few locations in Houston of this quick and delicious deli-style restaurant. Order at the counter — breakfast or lunch — and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Ample breakfast options include every option from a protein-packed start to your day to a delicious sweet treat. If you’re more in the mood for lunch, choose from robust salads to healthy wraps.
Austin
The newly renovated Pins & Wheels is where the old Playland skate was in north Austin and has been around for decades. The skating rink remains fairly the same, but they opened up an entire new area for an arcade, karaoke, and bowling. We love that this is one location where a melting pot of cultures and ages come together for some good, wholesome fun. Skating is a fun pastime for Gen X and still a great way to get younger people doing something active and social.
Starting August 12, this local favorite is shifting into its Fall Hours perfect for those wanting to squeeze in a little more fun as summer winds down. The venue will now be closed on Mondays (with exceptions for holidays and school breaks, like a special Labor Day opening on September 1 from 12–8 p.m.). Tuesdays are getting an exciting upgrade with an extra hour of Adult Skate Night, now running until midnight for five full hours of kid-free, music-filled fun. Wednesdays and Thursdays will wind down slightly earlier at 10 p.m., while weekends and other open days will all kick off at a relaxed 12 p.m. start time—giving you plenty of time to sleep in before hitting the floor.
Craving a taste of Greece without booking a flight? YAMAS Greek Kitchen and Bar brings the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of the Mediterranean straight to Austin. Founded by owners who hail from Greece, this stylish spot just off MoPac instantly transports you with its whitewashed walls, blue accents, and bursts of pink bougainvillea reminiscent of the charming streets of Mykonos or Santorini. Inside (or on the outside patio), you’ll find a lively atmosphere, fresh Greek cuisine, and plenty of OPA! energy to make any night out feel like a getaway.
Start with the Pikilia Traditional mezze appetizer including all the good stuff: tzatziki, spicy feta, hummus and eggplant salad (baba ganoush), served with grilled pita. Entree faves include Giouvetsi, Garidomakardona, and Chicken Souuviaki. Pair with a crisp white Greek wine.
Innovative skincare brand GLO30 is expanding its Texas footprint with the opening of its newest location in Cedar Park. Known for making skincare simple, consistent, and effective, GLO30 offers membership-based access to fast, personalized treatments in under 30 minutes. Services include SmartGLO Facials, light therapy, and gentle peels—all guided by GLOria, the brand’s proprietary AI technology that analyzes each client’s skin for tailored results. Whether you’re a teen dealing with acne or someone seeking anti-aging solutions, GLO30 delivers efficient, science-backed skincare with no fuss. This new 1,200-square-foot studio joins the successful Westlake location and brings Austin-area residents another convenient destination for glow-worthy self-care.
Hill Country
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa – Johnson City
Tucked away in the heart of Texas wine country, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa offers a picturesque Hill Country escape perfect for wine lovers, foodies, and relaxation seekers alike. Guests can enjoy tastings at Carter Creek Winery’s Tasting Room, savor hearty Texas fare at Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, and unwind with scenic views from spacious villa-style accommodations. Whether you’re starting your day with a country breakfast or ending it with a glass of local wine, the resort blends comfort and elegance for an unforgettable stay. Ideal for romantic weekends or group getaways, this Johnson City retreat brings Texas charm and hospitality together in one stylish destination.
See more about Carter Creek in our summer travel segment on statewide Spectrum News!
The Menagerie – Fredericksburg
Tucked in the heart of Texas Wine Country, The Menagerie is a stunning vacation estate that blends historic charm with modern luxury. The property features a grand Victorian mansion, a charming carriage house, a restored barn, and four beautifully renovated 1930s bungalows. Whether you’re booking a single suite or an entire bungalow, there’s an option to suit every group size.
Just two blocks from Fredericksburg’s bustling Main Street, The Menagerie offers easy access to the town’s vibrant boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. Each suite and bungalow is uniquely adorned with colorful, opulent décor designed by Sarah Stacey Interior Design that makes every stay feel special.
The outdoor spaces are just as enchanting. Designed by Austin-based Twistleaf Land Design, the grounds are lush and inviting. Guests can unwind by the mansion’s private pool or sip a glass of local wine in the tranquil, landscaped backyards of the bungalows.
Perfect for a romantic escape or a fun-filled girls’ weekend, a stay at The Menagerie promises a memorable, elevated Fredericksburg experience.
Ross Carrol Bennett B&B, Brenham
Brenham is a very cute small town that we haven’t had a chance to cover in our magazine very often, but it’s certainly worth the spotlight. Best known as the home of Blue Bell Creameries, this cute town sits off of Highway 290 between Austin and Houston. The town features a walkable area with restaurants, lively bars, and shops.
For a historic stay, book a night (or several) at the Ross Carroll Bennett House B&B. We love a traditional B&B where you are welcomed by the owner, given a tour of the home, and greeted to a delicious home-cooked breakfast in the morning. The five-bedroom home is over 100 years old and is essentially a living museum of beautiful antiques, with walls featuring the history of this home that has been a staple in the Brenham area for over a century.
Owned by a mother and daughter pair, Cynthia is hostess extraordinaire! We loved having the parlor to sit and talk in, with the piano available to guests that play. It was a cozy spot to relax and enjoy a glass of wine.
These days, traditional, full service bed and breakfasts are rare. With a complimentary happy hour daily and being only a few blocks from downtown Brenham, this home sleeps up to 10 guests. We found the master suite to be extremely comfortable and spacious with its own en suite bathroom. Another room was perfect for grown kids featuring a queen bed, a daybed and a trundle. We recommend this option whether you need one room, a few rooms or want to rent out the entire home.
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Cover Photo Julie Soefer.
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 pre-Covid.
