9 Best Towns In Texas For A Two-Day Recharge

Though Texas is known for music, parties, and wildlife, the Lone Star State is a great place to recharge. Warm beaches stretch along the Gulf, rolling plains dotted with wild animals reach out beneath the sunset, and large historic buildings house art and vintage artifacts. These are a few reasons that Texas brings a sense of peace to the body, mind, and soul to any who seeks it. Keep reading this article to plan a Texan weekend that is as relaxing as it is reinvigorating.

Nacogdoches

The oldest town in Texas has so much to explore. Start with the Millard's Crossing Historic Village, a museum complex that submerges visitors into the past. This historic adventure is not confined by walls; it is a walkable experience that puts you in East Texas of the past. The streets are lined with log cabins and Victorian homes, as well as other restored features of 19th-century Nacogdoches.

After walking through the past, you can ground yourself in the present at Pecan Acres Park. Twenty-three acres stretch out between tall trees and pavilions, creating the perfect place to rest in the shade. Those who would rather stay on their feet can enjoy the park’s 18-hole golf course. Wrap up the day with pizza and a brew at Fredonia Brewery in historic downtown. Remain nestled in historic downtown at The Fredonia Hotel, a chic boutique stay.

Alpine

This whimsical town is full of wonder. Start the weekend at Hancock Hill, which is full of rocky paths that wind around rolling hills that offer beautiful views of the town. Atop one of the hills rests a desk, where college students once carried it for a quiet place to study. Ten years later, the kids have long graduated, but the desk remains. After walking through the hills, shop local at Ring Tail Records, a music shop that occasionally hosts free mixtape giveaways. For another unique shopping experience, head to Murphy Street Provisions, which is equal parts necessities and oddities. Those wishing to explore the Texas outdoors can find much-needed sunscreen here, while tourists who want to take home a piece of the town can find souvenirs. Stay at the nearby The Holland Hotel, which offers a classic southern vibe and fun local daytrips.

Salado

To understand this town, see its best craftsmanship at Salado Glassworks. Glassart is the perfect representation of Texan beauty and heat, and you can have a piece of it custom-made or choose from a wide selection in the shop. See more art at the Salado Sculpture Garden, where rotating installations of sustainable art stand among colorful native plants. Mermaids, moose, giant crows, and other mythical creatures will make any who walks through these gardens feel like they have fallen into a fantasy. Finally, head to a theater-turned-microbrewery, Barrow Brewing Company, to meet members of the community and have a drink and a snack from the food truck that is usually onsite. Sleep in style at the Stagecoach Inn. The historic inn has been restored, but maintains its retro feel.

Fredericksburg

This small town has deep German roots, which show themselves all throughout the town in the form of recreations, sweets, and more. The Pioneer Museum is the best place to start your exploration. The museum is beloved for its immersive realism, having ten historic structures that recreate pioneer life. Afterwards, get a treat and a seat with a view at Das Peach Haus. Along with delicious jams and other desserts, guests can also try Texan wines in the tasting room and even take a cooking class. More wine, this time in a wilder setting, awaits at the Safari Wine Tour. This unique experience takes visitors through a working ranch in the Texas outback with a glass of wine in hand and an exotic animal in sight. Revitalize afterwards at Hoffman Haus, a bed and breakfast boutique.

Wimberley

The best view of Wimberly is from above it, while soaring over the trees. The Wimberly Zipline offers this beautiful site through 10 ziplines that lead over creeks and between canyons. After getting a birds-eye-view of the crystal waters, dive into them at Blue Hole Regional Park. Cypress trees stretch above the turquoise swimming hole, creating the ultimate serene atmosphere for floating. Follow the creek to Jacob's Well, a seemingly mystical swimming hole at the center of an 81-acre park. End the day tucked into the Blair House Inn, a romantic hill country retreat.

Marfa

Get to know Marfa through its locals at Planet Marfa, known as one of Texas’s quirkiest outdoor bars. The bar serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a small food selection. Then, experience the heart and soul of the small town at The Chinati Foundation, which features a collection of large-scale art and small sculptures. Readings and workshops are occasionally hosted here, so be sure to check their calendar before traveling. Dig into Marfa’s deep, expansive lore at the Marfa County Museum. With a history of being a military outpost, a setting for various films, and being the premium art tourism destination that it still is today, this museum is full of big surprises about this small town. To spend the weekend somewhere as artsy as Marfa itself, book a room at Hotel Saint George, where luxury meets history.

Port Aransas

Start the journey through Port Aransas by appreciating its wildlife at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. Step out of nature and into fantasy with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. Board the ship, a recreation of a Spanish Galleon, and go on a voyage full of canons and epic tales of pillaging and plundering. Finally, go to Port Aransas Beach to find the ultimate relaxation along 18 golden miles. Warm waves from the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) lap the sandy shore, where tourists and locals can rest their feet after a weekend of exploration. After a day on the beach, check out Seashell Village Resort to sleep in one of their cozy cottages.

Rockport

Rockport is a hidden-treasure hotspot. To participate in a nationwide treasure hunt, go geocaching at Goose Island Park, where small treasures are hidden throughout the forests and fields. The park is also an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and serene strolls. Sink deeper into serenity at Texas’s first Blue Wave Beach. Rockport Beach is managed with a focus on human and environmental health, making its clean waves great for swimming, and its litter-free shore perfect for sunbathing. Discover more of this town through the work of its artists at Rockport Art Center. The space has so much to offer visitors, from sculptures to paintings, and even live music. For the ultimate rest and relaxation, get a room with a beachside balcony at the Lighthouse Inn. This little gem perfectly achieves that 'hidden getaway' feeling that so many travelers yearn for.

Jefferson

Start the journey through Jefferson at Old Mill Antiques. This 22,000 sq. ft. red barn is full of vintage items and other antiques. Much more discovery is on the horizon, this time of a wilder variety, at the Lonesome Dove drive-through safari. 700 animals and 90 species roam the land, rewilding the mind and heart. Guests are also welcome to a more intimate experience at the petting zoo, where exotic and farm animals await snacks and cuddles. Finally, slow down at the Museum of Measurement and Time. The museum's large collection of American horology, clocks, and surveying instruments from the 1700s- 2000s makes for a meditative walk through history. Remain immersed in history at the oldest continuously-run hotel in Texas, the Excelsior House Hotel. The 20th-century style rooms still carry echoes of the past, but don't worry, the rooms are full of antiques, not ghosts.

While adventuring through these small towns, it’s easy to find pockets of peace within all the fun that they have to offer. Whether your idea of relaxation is feeling waves lap at your ankles, cuddling furry animals and exotic creatures, or walking through a museum housing local art or historic artifacts, your perfect two-day recharge awaits in the 28th state.