Photo By Doug Keder

Today’s Photo of the day is “A Worm’s View” by Doug Keder. Location: Woodburn, Oregon.

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The post Photo Of The Day By Doug Keder appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

From bubble tents and forest treehouses to a beehive home and a giraffe manor, these are 20 unique places to stay in Texas!

Texas is chock-full of amazing sights, from rivers and deserts to green hills and beaches — and in every corner of the state there’s equally fascinating places to stay while you explore. No matter what region you find yourself in, it’s guaranteed there’s a unique stay for you to cozy up in and make lasting memories in the Lone Star State! 

Unique Texas Getaways

1. Bubble Tent 

Stargazers rejoice! Nestled in the beautiful Hill Country west of Austin is this fully-furnished bubble tent with AMAZING floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, not to mention a private hot tub under the stars! This adult-only escape is a dream for nature-lovers who love the open Texas sky but also the comforts of a home away from home.

Read more: Austin Travel Guide: Where To Stay, What To Do + Packing Tips

2. The Bloomhouse

This fairy tale-inspired home named The Bloomhouse is located in the city of Austin, and has been featured in numerous magazines and websites; the waves and curves of every wall and feature make it seem like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, though its modern furnishings help it feel inviting and livable.

While you’re in the hill country and Austin area, this wine tour and Congress Avenue bat bridge kayak tour is a must-do!

3. Forest Treehouse

A forest treehouse, in Dallas?! Yes — and it’s WAY cooler than you’d even imagine. Never would you guess that this serene, woodsy forest haven is minutes away from the big city! Notable for its large sunlit windows, spiral staircase to the loft bedroom and cozy wood paneling throughout, this rental is — literally — one for the books.

If you’re looking for something unique to do while you’re in Dallas, try this indoor skydiving experience!

4. The FlopHouze

Affectionately named The FlopHouze, this collection of shipping container tiny houses is located in the town of Round Top (halfway between Houston and Austin) and offers six unique “houzes” to choose from, each with an equally funky aesthetic. Be sure to check out their eclectic showroom of curiosities, a kitschy showcase of various recycled materials and items created with found object art!

Read more: Packing Tips Every Traveler Needs To Know

5. Giraffe Suite

I can’t believe I’m saying this…but there is a place in the heart of central Texas wine country where you can stay in room shared with giraffes — yes, three living, breathing giraffes!

The giraffe suite at Longneck Manor went viral for good reason, and it’s not hard to guess why; after all, where else in the United States do you have this opportunity?! Don’t forget about the rhinos either — it wouldn’t be a complete experience without visiting them as well.

6. Blisswood Bed & Breakfast

Get the full Texas ranch experience at this Blisswood Bed & Breakfast just outside Houston, complete with horses, deer, bison and and antelope! Romantic cabins, bungalows and suites all suit the setting perfectly. They also host weddings and offer amazing experience packages.

For a unique experience in Houston, try this underground tunnel tour of downtown Houston!

7. Treehouses at Cypress Valley

The treehouses at Cypress Valley are not metaphorical — you can live out your childhood dream and stay amongst the cypress trees just 40 minutes outside Austin. There’s numerous houses to choose from, accessible by fun hanging bridges and supplemented by a communal swimming pool at ground level. There’s no questioning that a stay like this brings out the inner child!

Read more: The Perfect Texas Road Trip Itinerary: Must-See Stops + Where To Stay!

8. Historic Beach Mansion

A historic beach mansion? Sign me up! The city of Galveston is historic itself, having endured countless hurricanes and storms and yet is still standing strong.

This mansion dates back to the 1800s, offering the same old-world charm the entire friendly beach town embodies. Enjoy the downtown location, walking distance to the seaside and steps from the best boutiques and restaurants (be sure to stop by The Witchery, the coolest metaphysical shop in the south!).

For a unique experience in Galveston, try this dolphin sightseeing tour!

9. Trailer Resort

Have you wanted to try out trailer living/camping? If you haven’t hopped on the trailer trend yet, now is the time!

This self-proclaimed “laid back luxury” trailer resort just south of Dallas is a camper’s palace, fully equipped with a gorgeous pool, bar and restaurant, local artisan shop, horses, communal fire pit and — of course — vintage trailers (including Airstreams) furnished to their full midcentury glory.

10. Wildcatter Ranch

Live out your Yellowstone dreams at the Wildcatter Ranch, a ranch resort where you can have the full rugged country experience full of horseback riding, shooting rifles and pistols, archery, learning how to brand and even axe throwing. The accommodations — set an hour and a half west of Fort Worth — match the idyllic rustic charm of the ranch, with your choice of cabin suites or more traditional hotel rooms.

11. Geronimo Creek Retreat

When I say Geronimo Creek Retreat has literally nailed elevated glamping, I’m not kidding — aside from their teepees (!), this place eight cabins elevated in the trees overlooking the grounds. Geronimo Creek — just outside San Antonio — has everything you need to make for a perfect glamping experience, complete with hammocks, fire pits, fishing, horseshoes and both a pond and creek for paddle boarding or swimming.

Read more: Must-Know Tips For Taking A Road Trip In The USA

12. Converted Mining Ruin

The desert was made for indoor/outdoor living, and this converted mining ruin takes full advantage of that! Terlingua, an old mining town in southwest Texas just minutes from Mexico, is the perfect spot to stay overnight while visiting Big Bend National Park — and offers a unique opportunity to stay in a fully-furnished open-air space!

13. 13 Acres Wellness Retreat

A wellness retreat might not have been on your radar as a nightly option, but thankfully this tranquil collection of bright, sunny cabins with amazing views of Austin’s Hill Country, arranged around a central yoga and meditation platform. Daily wellness classes are included in your stay, from hikes and yoga to fire circles and meditation sound baths!

14. La Loma Del Chivo

If you’re one for a fun, eclectic theme, you likely won’t want to miss this funky beehive-shaped tiny home! Marathon, another great landing spot for those visiting Big Bend, is where this little Airbnb calls home — and while both the town and house are small in size, they’re big on personality! Bonus: shared facilities equals meeting awesome new friends during your travels, and maybe even fun communal meals!

Read more: How To Find Cheap Flights To Anywhere

15. The Driskill

Found in the heart of Austin is The Driskill — history and luxury wrapped up in one. It’s no wonder this hotel remains as iconic today as it was at its inception in 1866, considering it was Austin’s first-ever hotel and one of the most recognizable in the entire state of Texas — it’s even been added to the National Register of Historic Places!

The elegance alone makes this stay a standout, but enjoying it’s tasteful renovations while learning about the history, architecture and design is sure to make a lasting impression.

16. Eve’s Garden

Another Marathon stay, this colorful, adobe-style B&B is eco-friendly and sustainably-conscious. Enjoy the on-site gardens, reflection pond/lap pool, covered atrium, fire pit and locally roasted organic coffee! Learn about the unique construction process and materials used (have you ever heard of “papercrete”?), and the local artists whose work is displayed around the property.

17. Getaway Piney Woods

Take a getaway to these tiny cabins east of Dallas, entirely pet friendly so you can bring your fur-baby along! Getaway Piney Woods offers a peaceful retreat with modern comforts outside the city. Love your stay? Enjoy it again and again, as there’s two more locations near Houston and Austin/San Antonio!

Read more: Where to Eat in San Antonio – The Best Restaurants in the City

18. Surf Shack

You may not think “beach” when you think of Texas, but South Padre Island is known for being the best beach in the state — and they’ve got the cutest beach bungalow for you to call home while you’re there. Lap up the beautiful, private backyard pool and surf-shack dining area, not to mention its killer location with walking access to the beach!

For a unique experience on South Padre Island, try this parasailing adventure!

19. Desert Escape

If modern, clean lines are your aesthetic, check out this solar-run desert escape — less than 30 minutes from Chinati Hot Springs, this retreat home has “zen” written all over it. The views of the surrounding terrain and wildlife are unmatched, and can actually be hiked with privacy and serenity.

20. Luxury Cave Suites

If there’s one thing I haven’t seen anywhere else, it’s luxury cave suites embracing the natural beauty of mountainous desert terrain and transforming it into magical sleeping accommodations.

If you prefer to sleep under the stars you can also opt for a neighboring lotus tent or stargazing dome, but luxe stay in a cave is an unforgettable experience with memories to last a lifetime — not to mention an upscale way to visit Big Bend!

The post Unique Texas Getaways: The 20 COOLEST Places To Stay appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.