Category Archives: Tips

Comfort & Beauty at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Summertime is the prime time for traveling, especially for families. More so, accommodations while you are checking out a new location, attending events or even conferences for work. I’ve got you covered, or should I say the Hyatt Lost Pines has you covered.

While staying at the resort last month, I was basking in absolute comfort. Besides the entire resort being absolutely gorgeous, the tranquility of my personal room was hard to leave or just perfect after a long day enjoying the outdoors. The rooms had recently been updated (that’s always a plus) but there’s more than just looking pretty and having extremely comfortable beds to get a great nights sleep. It’s all in the details….

The bathroom. Have your pick of an amazing shower or soaking in an oversized tub. What caught my eye was the type of products that were left out. I know, most hotels / resorts leave the typical shampoo / conditioner, etc. however the Hyatt Lost Pines also left out body lotion, foot lotion and after sun gel. Not only did they leave out the extra essentials, they’re also dermatologist approved. Comforting for people with sensitive skin like myself.

Free Wi-Fi, cable, coffee, tea. The ice machine was right down the hall.

It’s the little things, right? I will say, allergy season in Texas almost seems to be year round at time. I GREATLY appreciated this air purifier in my room. I didn’t have to ask for one, it was already there and turned on. Makes everything so much more, breathable.

Texas art and details in the fixtures brings the outdoor, indoors.

If you are like me, you can’t wait to be outside, when you’re inside. Well, you get the best of both worlds! No matter where your room is situated on the property, the view will be phenomenal. I’ll promise you that myself.

Could you ask for a more relaxing view?

For families or groups traveling, be sure to ask about the Family Stay More, Play More resort credits. With a two night minimum stay, you and your family can earn additional credits to spend while staying at the Resort. These can be used for meals or other activities.

Hyatt Lost Pines was voted the top Texas destination and 18th place for the “Top Family Hotels” list in Travel + Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Awards.

Most Historic Small Town In Texas

Exploring Nature at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Firewheel Cafe at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Activities at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Disclaimer: I was not compensated but did receive one night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in return for this post. All photos and opinions are 100% my own.

The Enchanted Rock

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One of the items on my Texas Bucket List is to hike the Enchanted Rock. When I was in Fredericksburg last month, it was the perfect opportunity! There’s a lot of history and beauty in this area and the landmark itself is really something to see in person. I mean just look at it, it’s massive!

The Enchanted Rock is a 425 foot high, pink granite exfoliation dome rock. The natural area covers 1,643.5 acres just north of Fredericksburg but the rock itself covers 640 acres. It’s an easy, scenic drive (20-30 minutes). You will drive thru the hill country and it’s just astounding. In 1970, the rock was designated a National Nature Landmark and in 1984 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History tells the tale that this rock has been visited by humans for over 11,000 years. Long time, eh?!

Tonkawan Indians believed the rock was in fact enchanted. They claimed that they saw “ghost fires” at the top and often heard “cracking and groaning” noises coming from the rock. Only in 1723, when the Spanish began colonizing Texas, did one of the first documented explorations of the area begin.

Here is an excerpt from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area website regarding the history of the rock:

“A conquistador captured by the Tonkawa described how he escaped by losing himself in the rock area, giving rise to an Indian legend of a “pale man swallowed by a rock and reborn as one of their own.” The Indians believed he wove enchantments on the area, but he explained that the rock wove the spells. “When I was swallowed by the rock, I joined the many spirits who enchant this place.”

There are three different trails to hike up the Enchanted Rock. I did the direct route, the Summit Hike which was about .75 miles straight up. I’m not going to lie, it’s a little steep so brace yourself if you happen to sit down on a rock on the way up and turn around but definitely do-able. More importantly, entirely worth the view at the top. It’s absolutely amazing. (I’m scared of heights and I’m telling you that so don’t hold back!)

Hailing from the Green Mountain State, I can’t really say that we have landscape quite like this and it was extraordinary to sit at the summit and just try to soak it all in. There’s no view obstruction on this hike.

If you have a chance to check out the park, definitely do so. Take a day trip (there were generations of families hiking the mountain) or stay for the weekend and camp out. I would suggest going first thing in the morning as I arrived around 9:30am by the time I was leaving, the parking lot was full and there was a line to get in.

For more information, please check out the Enchanted Rock State Natural Park website.

Texas Tuesday link up with Amanda from Princess of the Panhandle and Crystal from Masons Mama. This is a chance for any blogger to participate in a post on the greatness of Texas and for you to see what Texas has to offer! There’s so much to explore!

Travel Tips

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Traveling has been something that I’ve wanted to do since I can remember. I was always curious as to what the world had to offer. So much to see, learn, so much history experience and be a part of. It provides a key to the world, to expand your horizons and perhaps even give you a new perspective on life.

As with most things, traveling is not exactly free. There is always some kind of cost involved, even if it is just gas money. With summer coming up, it’s prime time for family vacations. Gas prices are not as low as they once were, tickets into theme parks are ridiculously expensive and taking a vacation can get pretty expensive pretty fast… it doesn’t have to be that way.

Today, there are a lot of ways to save a buck here and there that are often overlooked and sometimes thinking outside of the box can save a bundle and provide experiences that will last a lifetime.

AAA – Already have a membership? They also provide free maps, free travel books, discounts on travel, entertainment, dining.
Town Websites – often they will have coupons or discounts on local retailers, hotels, admission to events.
Look for alternatives. Instead of going to a major theme park, pick a location and make a road trip. Find stops along the way that are not the “norm” that may provide better memories than hitting up the “tourist traps”. If I know I’m going to be in a certain area and have time to check out something new, one of the first website I go to is Roadside America. Most of these pit spots are free if not incredibly cheap! You will find some pretty odd ones in there.