where to travel right now
Hotel Granduca has completed its multimillion-dollar renovation.
It's time to take advantage of the season's mild weather and embark on a fun spring getaway. April is in full swing for travel ideas, from a Hill Country hot air balloon festival to a cocktail cruise on the San Antonio River Walk. There's plenty of fun to be had right at home in Houston, like checking out a luxurious hotel's new renovated space.
Texas travelers looking for ideas on where to go this month for a spring staycation, vacation, or a weekend trip can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of top travel tips around the state.
In Houston
A multimillion-dollar makeover has finally come to an end at Houston's lavish Hotel Granduca. Upgraded amenities include a completely redesigned lobby, courtyard, library, and the hotel's signature restaurant Remi and Bar Remi. The hotel has also renovated its guest accommodations to feature "the timeless beauty of a European estate with warm Texas hospitality." Room rates begin at $332 per night.
Around Central Texas
A highly anticipated hot air balloon festival is returning to Horseshoe Bay Resort for an over-the-top Easter celebration, April 18-20. The three-day extravaganza will feature wild "zoofari" animal shows, food concessions, petting zoos, live music, giant kites, and more. A variety of packages allow visitors to pick what parts of the festival they want to attend. Some portions are available only to guests who book stays at the resort, while Saturday passes remain available to the public. Hotel packages start at $459 for a single night.
An extraordinary resort-style home and entertainment barn in the Austin-area suburb of Dripping Springs became the sole Texas property to make Vrbo's list of 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year. The spacious nine-bedroom rental features panoramic views of the gorgeous Hill Country, a 6,070-square-foot primary residence that can accommodate up to 20 guests, and includes luxurious amenities like a resort-style pool and hot tub, and much more. Nightly rates begin at $1,875 in April.
Dripping Springs Social is the perfect venue for an escape into the Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Vrbo
In the Central Texas village of Salado, about 180 miles northwest of Houston, the restaurant at the historic Stagecoach Inn has finally reopened after a two year break for renovations. Guests can now expect reimagined versions of old favorites, such as the famous hushpuppies, which were on the menu when the restaurant first opened back in 1947. Nightly rates at the Stagecoach Inn begin at $109 in April, and restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wednesdays through Sundays, 11:30 am-8 pm.
Texas' beloved Sherwood Forest Faire was recently named the Best Medieval Festival in the Renaissance Festival Awards. The faire is located in McDade, 120 miles west of Houston. Every weekend through April 20, the faire features 150 shows, from jousting and falconry to underwater escape artists, as well as artisan markets, storytellers and jesters, and much more. One-day general admission tickets range from $14.40-$30, and can be purchased on etix.com.
In San Antonio
The Westin Riverwalk is reveling in the spring months with its "Sip & Savor" cruise events from now through May. Guests and visitors can sip and chat while touring the famous San Antonio River Walk during a Sunday brunch cruise on April 13, or embark on a Saturday evening cocktail cruise on April 12 and 19. Ticket prices for the cocktail cruises are $75 per person, and admission for the brunch cruise begins at $85 per person. Regular room rates at The Westin Riverwalk begin at $205 nightly.
The first Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott in San Antonio, called Sol Cypress, is now welcoming guests for stays after its grand opening in mid-March. After spending two years undergoing renovations, the hotel features 131 rooms, a park for "furry companions," 4,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and a private event space called The Tree House that overlooks the river and the skyline. Room rates begin at $193 per night.
In El Paso
Friend groups looking for a spring escape can head to Hotel Paso del Norte in El Paso, which offers the luxurious amenities one can only get at Autograph Collection Hotels. Guests can indulge on handcrafted cocktails at the Dome Bar or the rooftop bar El Mirador, or host small spa events at the private Cantala Room at The Desert Spirit Spa. The hotel also has three different eateries, including a steakhouse, a Southwestern restaurant, and a cafe. Room rates begin at $228 per night in April.
The Dome Bar is a stunning feature of the hotel.Photo courtesy of Hotel Paso del Norte
Across Dallas-Fort Worth
The Crescent Hotel in Fort Worth is offering guests a springtime escape with its "Art of Bloom" package for stays throughout April. The package includes overnight accommodations, two seasonal floral cocktails at The Circle Bar, and a rejuvenating Texas Wildflower manicure and pedicure at Canyon Ranch Wellness Club + Spa. Rates for the "Art of Bloom" package begin at $559 per night.
There's a new social hub coming to one of Fort Worth's most luxurious properties: The Yard at Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection will open its doors for hotel guests and visitors on April 1. The Yard will offer a special menu daily from 3-10 pm on a walk-in only basis, and a "Bricks & Horses" menu before 3 pm. Live music performances from local musicians will take place every Thursday starting on April 3.
The Graduate Dallas hotel has quietly made its debut across from Southern Methodist University, located in the former Hotel Lumen, at 6101 Hillcrest Ave. The hotel sets itself apart based on the unique way designers incorporate elements that reference the heritage and history of the university and its hometown. Graduate Dallas specifically features a subtle retro vibe, from the vintage font used for its logo to its nostalgia-driven furniture and decor. Room rates begin at about $250 per night.
Avoid FOMO
The Round Top Spring Antiques Show is well underway! Fancy hats and polished boots continue to lead the sartorial tradition as anticipated, with gaggles of vintage and antiques lovers filing into town. Unfortunately, another longstanding tradition in Round Top is the lack of overnight accommodations. While rapidly improving, those without very advanced reservations will often times find themselves without anywhere to stay. Happily, there is a solution a mere 27 miles east of town — Bellville.
A recent visit left this author with somewhat retrograde “FOMO.” Coming to terms with the excellent meals, antique finds, and perfect matcha lattes that have been missed by not taking the Bellville exit on countless drives from Houston to Round Top is a hard pill to swallow.
Where to eat
Chef Cody Vasek is the culinary mind behind Bellville’s Twenty-Two North Holland restaurant. His extensive resume includes times working for multiple Michelin-star holder chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and being recruited for the role of executive chef for the Von Trapp family — yes, that Von Trapp family. In October 2020, he opened Twenty-Two North Holland to create dining experiences that revolve solely around Texas ingredients.
Twenty-Two North Holland is truly a farm-to-table concept, and a successful one at that. The restaurant's menu evolves with the changing seasons, focusing on sustainable fresh ingredients. The Spanish Moss Smokehouse is on the same family land chef Vasek’s family smoked meats on back in 1874, the wagyu and angus beef raised locally by his uncle and cousin. The list goes on and on, but rest assured, there is nothing in the kitchen that is not Texas native. A full list of vendors is available here.
Located in a historically-recognized hotel from the 1850s, Twenty-Two North’s open kitchen allows chef Vasek to wave to regulars while keeping a keen eye on patrons as their dishes make their way from kitchen to table. Expect portion sizes that recall a visit to the home of a grandmother who vehemently disapproves of diet culture.
One highlight from Twenty-Two North Holland’s menu is the smoked fish dip that’s made with post oak smoked fish collars and roasted garlic-lemon cream cheese. Served in a generous copper pot alongside a zesty pickled vegetable crudite with crispy grilled baguette, this dish is not to be missed.
Where to stay
One of chef Vasek’s local vendors is Ives Creek Organics. Just a six minute drive from Bellville Square, this organic, aquaponic farm supplies Houston restaurants such as Rosie Cannonball, Ostia, and Coltivare. An adorable three bedroom, two bath guesthouse sits on the property, complete with a fire pit lounge area, hot tub, and tree swing. Guests are invited to tour the farm and will find that the guesthouse includes perks such as local coffees, a Vremi ice maker, and a Berley water filter — expect no less from an organic farm. Plus, farm-fresh eggs nest in the fridge. Just be sure to wander over to the coop to thank the chickens.
Where to shop
Bellville Square has an entire day’s worth of shops to discover; the buildings are all original and are worth a peek themselves. The Gathery is both a good place to begin and finish. Open all day, it’s easy to start with a blueberry-lemon scone in the morning, and end with a glass of wine in the evening. They also sell an impressive selection of vintage boots, hats, and belts — complete with interesting buckles.
The shops all sell a little bit of everything from clothing and fine jewelry, to vintage and antiques, plus locally sourced soaps, candles, and honey. Expect to spend a while at Nothing Ordinary Antiques & Oddities, as it’s larger than the others and filled to the brim with finds from Europe, as well as resin-encased specimens and old world taxidermy. Buck Ferguson Originals sells all things new. Split down the middle, shop clothing and accessories on one side, and furniture and home decor on the other.
The square is full of adorable “mom-and-pop-shops” to explore, plus a museum. Take a load off at Huff Brewing while consolidating shopping bags. Not up for a draught? Their root beer is a local favorite.
Fans of the History Channel show Forged in Fire will be pleased to learn that Cowboy Szymanski runs his own blacksmith shop and educational center Phenix Knives right off of Main Street. Formerly located next door in Bellville’s original blacksmith shop (now Tiptop Woodshop), Szymanski recently opened his new, fully ADA accessible location in order to expand his demonstrations and workshops to all, including opportunities for scouts from all over to earn their badges. Spend an hour over an anvil and forge a selection of four blades from a horseshoe. It’s quite the souvenir. On April 5th and 6th, Phenix Knives will be hosting the Texas Select Custom Cutlery Event featuring knife makers from all over the country.
Those up for a drive off of the square should plan a visit to Newman’s Castle. This private home, turned day-trip destination, is owned by the same family as local favorite Newman’s Bakery. The castle features a real moat, a fully-functioning drawbridge, and other fantastic medieval-inspired features. Reservations are required and lunch is provided, but be aware that properly exploring the castle and grounds will consume close to two hours of the day.
Houstonians on the hunt for bluebonnets should note that the 42nd annual Bluebonnet Ball will be held in Bellville on Saturday, April 26. Until then, the lot next door to Twenty-Two North Holland is already bursting with bluebonnets. Come for the ‘gram, stay for the meal!
Courtesy of Twenty-Two North Holland
This former 1850s hotel is now home to a farm-to-table restaurant.
