Heart of Texas Magazine

Christmas is Over… Now What? A Guide to Fun in a New Year!

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Dining is definitely a part of romance in the Hill Country and Casa Rio restaurant, on the San Antonio River Walk, is the type of atmosphere that supports that. Founded in 1946 by Alfred F. Beyer, Casa Rio was established on land first granted title in 1777 by none other than the King of Spain himself. The venue is designed and decorated using the original Spanish Colonial hacienda at its core, with integral components such as the cedar door, window lintels, thick rock walls, and fireplace at its heart. It was the first business in San Antonio to take advantage of its beautiful setting and open its doors to the river, and it continues the tradition of setting the stage for some of the finest romance that can be had in the Hill Country as a result. While you’re there, a visit to Go Rio Cruises will get you and your loved one a ticket on a boat tour of the San Antonio River Walk. River shuttles and narrated cruises are among the selections available, including new tours coming soon!

If Austin is more your cup of tea, a romantic meal overlooking Lake Travis from The Oasis is definitely in order. The Oasis began close to four decades ago as an idea by owner, Beau Theriot, which blossomed into something amazing. Known as “The Sunset Capital of Texas,” the opportunity to capture your lover’s heart by the light of a spectacular sunset, with a breathtaking view of the lake, is easily doable and most definitely memorable. If authentic Mexican cuisine lights the fire for the two of you, Fonda San Miguel is Austin’s answer to sultry and sensuous settings that can’t be duplicated elsewhere, paired deliciously with sophisticated dining. The hacienda-style setting of this restaurant can generate a sense of intimacy where all others pale in comparison. Colorful tiles and lush plants make the setting as magical as the meals it produces, including a decadent selection of appetizers and main entrees.

Christmas is Over... Now What? A Guide to Fun in a New Year!

Photo: Pxhere.com

As Valentines Day makes itself apparent, the ideas for a Hill Country getaway can grow from hotel and dining arrangements to vineyards and bed & breakfasts. Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg and William Chris Vineyards in Hye have everything couples need for experienced yet fun wine tastings. Time spent together sampling the latest in Texas wines is time you’ll cherish. The romantic vibes that grow from a tour of a winery can blossom further with a stay at a quaint and cozy bed and breakfast. Inn on the Creek in Fredericksburg can accommodate wine tour guests in their 19th-century stone property. Surrounded by mature trees, this adults-only property with its upscale trimmings and trappings is elegantly decorated with comfort and luxury in mind. Likewise, Sage Hill Inn & Spa, in Kyle, is one of the top-rated boutique hotel, spa, and restaurant properties in the area. Located on 90 acres, this property can make for a relaxing getaway that will set any romantic time off on the right foot.

Getting out to see other parts of the Hill Country on your first 2020 road trip can allow for some wonderful memories being made and some great togetherness. A visit to Stonewall and a stay at the Rose Hill Manor puts guests in a rural setting in close proximity to Lyndon Baines Johnson National Historical Park as well as a number of wineries. The elegant guest house is traditionally decorated and suites have private baths and sitting areas. There are also several one-bedroom cottages available, some of which have their own kitchens. A three-course breakfast is served to guests in the property’s formal dining room, which also features additional light meals as well as wines (at an extra fee) in the evenings.