GLAMPING WITH MY FAMILY DURING FALL EQUINOX
It was very hard deciding where we wanted to go for our anniversary trip, but we chose Green Acres ATX. Green Acres is a glamping site in Elgin, Texas about 30 minutes outside of Austin. I always try to find really eclectic places for us to visit. I really enjoy small towns, and roads less traveled. The reason why I searched Elgin Texas on Airbnb is because a lot of my dads roots were there. His grandparents lived and died in Elgin. I thought it would be relaxing and nostalgic to revisit. When I saw the Yurts online, I was sold. It was a little pricey, but worth it in the end. Anything nature related is good for my family.
My one goal for the trip was to see a shooting star, which did not happen. I am nearing thirty and I’ve never seen a shooting star !! When we arrived, we were the only ones there, which was nice. It was blazing hot - about 98 degrees. We got dressed and decided to head to Austin for a few hours. We ended up at Whole Foods, getting all the “glamping necessities”. It was the most beautiful Whole Foods I’d ever been in. (Fun Fact: Whole Foods started in Austin.) This is my favorite grocery store, and is always a treat. We are such a simple family, that a trip to the grocery store was satisfying and fun for us. Afterwards, we drove around the city and grabbed a quick snack then headed back to our Yurt for the rest of the weekend.
That night we cooked salmon filets and patties on the grill, with corn on the cob. Troy got a nice fire going, and we sipped champagne. There was coincidentally another couple there, who was also celebrating their 5 year anniversary. They had music playing, and it was just a special vibe even though we didn’t know them. Something I really enjoyed about Green Acres, was the partially outdoor shower. Outdoor showers get me every time. Feeling connected to nature, while bathing is just dreamy. The grounds was as comfortable as “camping” could possibly be. Phoenix was really enjoying the nature and in his element.
The next day, we got a good look at the donkeys and alpacas. They were in walking distance of our yurt and it was a cool experience for Phoenix, he was really excited to see them. I cooked a quick breakfast on the grill, while Troy took his outdoor shower. We were eager to head into town and experience Elgin’s culture. Elgin is a really small town, and all of the shops were located in a strip “Downtown”. I was really shocked to see these shops because when I was a little girl, it seemed like NOTHING was there beyond my great grandparents’ house.
First we went into a thrift store where I found a really cute vintage bathing suit for one dollar. Then we went into an antique shop, and various other little shops with trinkets and other collectables. We stumbled into a boutique that only sold items made by women, and had great conversation with a girl who worked there. We found this consignment shop that also served as a wine bar with a decked out leafy patio. We stayed there for a bit and had wine-ritas, which were delicious. Troy and I really enjoyed that owners conversation as well. Lastly we went to Meyers Smoke House which is a famous restaurant in Elgin known for its sausage. I remember going there as a tiny girl with my parents. Troy loves bar-b-q, so I couldn’t wait to take him there. We ate in the car, because Phoenix was asleep and we didn’t want to risk waking him. Troy really loved his food and we had a nice car date together.
For the rest of the trip we spent time outdoors, watching Phoenix run through the property. We listened to a lot of music and really tapped into each other. Our day to day gets really robotic and this trip was a nice change of pace. It was weird to be without my laptop or to do list, but was very refreshing. Nature trips are really good for toddlers because they can’t mess anything up, or break anything. The wilderness is “pre baby proofed”. The drive for us was about 5.5 hours each way. We’ve done a lot of road trips, and I honestly like being on the road. I love seeing the change of scenery between states, I love the jam sessions. I enjoy the stops and getting snacks and just being in different places. I feel very lucky and blessed to be able to travel, even if its not that far. Traveling really is good for my soul and resets me every time.
Id love to go back to Green Acres, with friends or family. Its the perfect place to connect with others, without distraction. This little town was so fun to take pictures in and do some light writing. Have you ever been glamping before ? What was your experience like ?