Photo - The Kendall Hotel Facebook Page
Planning a romantic night on Valentine’s Day doesn’t always require visiting the hottest restaurant in town. The gesture of planning the perfect weekend getaway presents a the opportunity of a cozy adventure with your beloved, especially if you’re trying to impress them.
For those looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day escape without the added expense of booking a flight out of town, we’ve picked our favorite destinations that’s just a short drive away, both in Austin and out of town.
Jump Ahead To
Looking for a romantic getaway outside all the hustle-bustle of the busy downtown nightlife? Cozy up by the fire, roast some s’mores, watch the stars & show that special someone that you love them with a “staycation” at Lone Star Court for the night. Lone Star Court has a romantic date night package – perfect for your Valentine’s Day getaway – including overnight accommodations for two, two complimentary drinks and complimentary breakfast in The Water Trough and a romance amenity among other perks.
Downtown | Treat yourself to a night of romance and luxury in the heart of Downtown Austin. Complete with velvet, mirrors, rich textures and sultry artwork, Hotel ZaZa Austin’s uber luxe “About Last Night” suite is the perfect place to escape with your someone special. Hotel ZaZa Austin is offering a Valentine’s Day package which includes a $50 dining credit, bubbly in-room amenity and complimentary valet parking.
Lakeway| Enjoy a romantic lakeside getaway just 25 miles west of Austin. Nestled on the banks of Lake Travis in Texas Hill Country, Lakeway Resort and Spa is a perfect Valentine’s Day destination for a romantic getaway. With two romance packages available in February, guests can have it all with the “Champagne, Roses and Romance” package – including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot at check in, chocolate covered strawberries, 1 dozen red roses, $150 credit for TR Restaurant and complimentary late check out or the “Lakeway Sweetheart” package – including a bottle of Veuve Clicquot at check in, chocolate covered strawberries, breakfast buffet for two and complimentary late check out. Rates start at $325 per night.
1705 S Quinlan Park Rd. | It can be a challenge to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date. There is a lot of pressure to get everything right. This year, why not make it easy, and leave it up to Lake Austin Spa Resort to do all the planning with their activities for two. Visit their website to get a preview of special Valentine’s Day outings and events at the spa.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Visconti Bar & Ristorante at Hotel Granduca Austin and enjoy a romantic evening with an extravagant dinner you won’t forget! The four course dinner special will be offered on Friday, February 14th from 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. Priced at $115.00 per person, the four course dinner menu includes Beet Salad, Zuppa di Aragosta, a choice of Ribeye Steak, Arctic Char Pontchartrain, or Boneless Half Roasted Chicken, and Créme Brûlee. See the MENU and make reservations by calling 512-306-6500 or by emailing events@granducaaustin.com.
To celebrate the season of love, Sonesta Bee Cave has announced the release of their Romance Package, perfect for lovebirds seeking a weekend getaway. The package includes a decadent box of chocolates and champagne as well as complimentary breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Meridian 98. Meridian 98 has also prepared a Cupid-approved three-course Prix Fixe menu including a glass of champagne for $60 per person, making it the ultimate date night destination. Guests will have the choice of pan-seared scallops with a warm shiitake mushroom and zucchini salad and lemon garlic foam sauce or an 8oz. Tenderloin with creamy truffle risotto and candied rainbow carrots with herb butter sauce.
Lost Draw Cellars will host an intimate four-course dinner accompanied by a special wine menu including libraried wines selected by Lost Draw Cellars winemakers. Additionally, the dinner will include an exclusive barrel tasting of an unreleased wine. Tickets are $115 and can be purchased HERE. 7 – 9 p.m. As an extra sweet treat, Lost Draw Cellars will be hosting a wine and chocolate pairing on Saturday, February 15. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased HERE. Tastings Times: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.
Stagecoach Inn in Salado offers a respectful nod to the past, as a Central Texas landmark with 48 re-imagined, luxurious guest rooms, swimming pool, and a restaurant that offers beloved recipes from the past and innovative interpretations of Texas favorites. The ambience at the Stagecoach Inn is familiar, relaxed, and fresh—the perfect invitation to stay a while.
If you love escaping the city for small-town charms, head 1.5 hours west of Austin to San Saba in the top of the Texas Hill Country Not only has the boutique Dofflemyer Hotel (think six rooms) earned praise for its stunning design, but its beds are luxuriously comfortable. If you manage to tear yourself out of them, San Saba has two-award winning wineries, a craft brewery, the lovely Oliver & Co. cafe, parks and trails, and even a few great stores to explore.
We recommend making a room picnic with a bottle of wine, some sweet and savory pecans and one of Oliver’s charcuterie boards. Want to up the sentiment? Take your love for a dance under the Wedding Oak tree which has been a marriage site for thousands of years. Though a few branches have been lost to lightning strikes, love still lives right there in San Saba!
What better way to celebrate love than to do it in the heart of Texas? Drive 2.5 hours west of Austin and you’ll arrive in Brownwood, the geographic heart of the Lone Star state. This little-known gem boasts one of the Hill Country’s best bed-and-breakfasts – the Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast. Made up of three unique (and private) cottages, the property is ripe with romance. Sip wine as you take in the sounds of nature from your sitting porch, gaze at the Texas sky from your private hot tub, indulge in gourmet breakfasts and even get massages.
If you feel the urge to dip into town, stop into Spirit of Texas Winery for award-winning wine, have a scratch meal at the Turtle or Steve’s Market and Deli, and raise a Texas craft beer or two to each other at Pioneer Tap House and Teddy’s Brewhaus. (P.S. If the B&B is booked, Brownwood is also home to another great option, the Hideout Golf Club & Resort, whose cabins have the best sunset views in town!)
The city of Boerne has been getting more buzz in recent years. We’re here to tell you that the hype is real. It’s a verdant, charming town packed with high-class creature comforts that somehow have innate approachability. Though there’s no shortage of quality lodging options in town, the St. John Suite at The Kendall (formerly Ye Kendall Inn) is possibly the best lodging experience in Texas. The retrofitted church has three spacious, beautifully lit rooms with soaring ceilings boasting a peace-meets-pleasure atmosphere. We love the plush furnishings, but the piece de la resistance is the bathroom – complete with a claw foot tub and double shower – fit for royalty.
As hard as it may be to force yourself to leave the suite, don’t miss Boerne’s incredible food and drink options. Order everything (but definitely the pork chop) at Peggy’s on the Green – Mark Bonahan’s southern-inspired eatery. We suggest dining in the sultry bar as you sip a fantastic craft cocktail. Visit Boerne Taco House for addictive salsa and tacos with homemade tortillas. Sip craft brew at Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. and Dodging Duck Brewhaus. Spend at least three hours feasting (and drinking from an exquisite wine list) at Cypress Grille. Stop into Bear Moon Bakery and The Dienger Trading Co. for coffee and pastries. Get some sun at Boerne City Lake Park and end the outing with a trip to Random Beer Garden for live music and a few cold ones. There are also wineries nearby as well as Guadalupe River State Park. We could go on about everything Boerne has to offer, but you’ll have to experience it for yourself.
We probably won't see a white Christmas in Austin, but don't let that ruin your…
The LINE Austin has unveiled their latest concept, Cantero, a bar that takes mixology to…
The demand for sugar free hard candy is on the rise, especially among those managing…
Thanksgiving in Austin is a time for festive feasting, and there’s no shortage of delightful…
Pursuit Farms has become a beacon for discerning palates seeking the finest Wagyu beef available…
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…