Now that Texas is finally past all of the solar eclipse hullabaloo, what else are Texans going to do in April? From Hill Country retreats to escapes along the Gulf Coast, there are plenty of ways to fill an itinerary in all of Texas’ hot spots. Need help deciding where to take a quick vacation, road trip, or staycation? Here are nine events and happenings to help plan a fun-filled getaway in April.
In the Hill Country
A new retreat has arrived in the historic town of Gruene: Camp Hideaway is now open at 360 Millies Lane in New Braunfels. Guests can take their pick between The Historic Cabin, The Pharmacy, or one of the large Farmhouses that can accommodate large groups or families. For travelers looking for a cozy retreat, the single nook Roam Tiny House is the perfect fit for two to three guests. The grounds also boast a resort-style pool, poolside cabanas, walking trails, and more. Nightly rates begin at $160 in April, and can be booked at camphideaway.com.
In Central Texas
Georgetown’s darling Red Poppy Festival returns for its milestone 25th anniversary April 26-28, offering three fun-filled, family-friendly days of parades, live music, artisan vendors, and more. The classic car show will take place from 11 am and 3 pm on Saturday, April 27, and live music performances throughout the weekend will include Easton Corbin, Dysfunkshun Junkshun, Matthew Ryan Band, and many more. This event is free, and more information is available online at poppy.georgetown.org.
It’s Poppy Festival time in Georgetown.
Photo courtesy of City of Georgetown
Located in the heart of Austin, the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special programming throughout the month. The hotel’s restaurant, Stephen F’s Bar and Terrace, is bringing back its famed “The Austin” Pop Up on April 25 from 4-7 pm (plus another date April 11 that’s already sold out). The event will feature dishes from the restaurant’s original menu, with some modern twists. Live jazz music will be provided by the Jeff Lofton Jazz Group. The hotel will also highlight its 100-year legacy with a historic case in the lobby, which is decorated with images, fun facts, and memorabilia from the hotel’s century of operation. RSVP for the April 25 event via Eventbrite.
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin has finished restoring the beloved Paggi House historic landmark, and the site is now open as a new art venue and events space. Its first appointment-only exhibition, “Explorers,” will will feature artworks by Matthew Ritchie, Rodney McMillian, Xylor Jane, and more. Local philanthropic organizations will also be able to use the space for meetings and events for free until 2025. Appointments to visit Paggi House can be booked by emailing pennyaaron.theloren@gmail.com.
Along the Gulf Coast
The Bryan Museum in Galveston is showcasing two groundbreaking exhibitions that honor the legacy of Tejano leaders in Lone Star State history. The first, “Tejanos of Revolutionary Texas,” explores the legacies of three Tejano men and their families as they experience the Mexican Wars of Independence and the Texas Revolution. “Common Ground,” the second exhibit, is a selection of interactive multimedia doorways that explain the commonalities Americans share through immigration. The exhibitions are on view until July 7. Museum admission is $14 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military, and students. Admission for children under 6 is free, and $5 for children aged 6-12.
Pack those swimsuits and crawfish bibs and get ready for the ultimate crawfish extravaganzaon Saturday, April 13, at the South Padre Island Convention Center. The inaugural South Padre Island Crawfish Festival is bringing together enthusiasts and talented chefs to dine on the spiny little crustaceans while enjoying live entertainment from Brian Kelly, one half of musical duo Florida Georgia Line. The festival kicks off at 5 pm. General admission tickets are $65 per person, and $1,000 for VIP tables for 10 people. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.
Now is the perfect time for a beachside escape, before the weather gets too warm come summertime. In Corpus Christi, there’s plenty of attractions to keep travelers and families busy and entertained all month long. The city was recently dubbed a “Music Friendly Texas Certified Community” thanks to its array of live entertainment venues, like the House of Rock and the award-winning Brewster Street Ice House. The city is also home to the Selena Museum, dedicated to the late Queen of Tejano music Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
Across North Texas
The new Bowie House in Fort Worth, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, has opened its second on-site restaurant, a poolside spot called Whinny’s. Led by executive chef Antonio Votta, Whinny’s specializes in poolside treats, snacks, and beverages: wagyu sirloin steak, crispy halloumi, a baklava sundae, frozen cocktails, and more. Located on the west side of the tree-lined terrace pool, the restaurant is open to hotel guests only, from 11 am to 7 pm.
Whinny’s is the new poolside restaurant at Fort Worth’s luxe Bowie House hotel.Photo courtesy of Bowie House
For a limited time during spring wildflower season, Canyon Ranch Fort Worth Wellness Club and Spa is offering new spa treatments that incorporate Texas wildflowers. These deluxe services include a 50- or 80-minute Texas Wildflower massage, a manicure and pedicure, a 50-minute salt scrub, and more. When selecting their service, guests can pick which wildflower they would like custom-blended into their treatment. Featured wildflowers include rock rose, autumn sage, chocolate daisy, fire wheel, pink prairie primrose, and the Texas star hibiscus. For pricing, more information, and to book services, call the spa at 682-786-4650. The spa is open to hotel guests and non-guests alike.