Leisure

Get Out of Dodge

Five Unusual Ways to Road Trip

This summer, you could stay indoors with the A/C cranked low. Solid plan, that. Then again, you could get in your car and get out of town. Maybe some place with a tree house or a tepee or at least some barbecue. And A/C. That’s still important.

THE GIVING TREE

A Tree That’s Also a House

You require: Just some quaint sleeping arrangements with a view of the Frio River. Also, something in a tree.
You’ll receive: Almost 2,000 square feet of three-bedroom house perched in a giant cypress. Plus a sprawling deck complete with hot tub and grill. No rope ladder, though.

B&B&B

Three Days of Beds, Breakfasts and BBQ

You require: A cozy bed, a relaxing pool and a little instruction on the art of barbecue. Yep, the big three.
You’ll receive: Three days of intensive barbecue training at this Hill Country B&B that’ll have you cooking up brisket and baby back ribs. Guess what’s for dinner.

TENT CITY

Let’s Adjourn to the Tepee

You require: An authentic Native American tepee dwelling. But the kind with candlelight dinners and massages.
You’ll receive: This eclectic B&B, where one cottage is actually a 22-foot tepee. Inside, it’s pretty basic (BYO bedding), but you’re just a phone call away from french toast breakfasts and a nice massage. Make that call.

BEFORE SUNSET

A Limestone Retreat in Terlingua

You require: Something private. Like, real private.
You’ll receive: This secluded 90-year-old limestone house, which dates back to Terlingua’s mining days. It’s a lot nicer now. Think four-poster beds, Mayan antiques and a wraparound patio for cold beers and red sunsets. Those would be to your west.

WATER BED

A Nautical Way to Spend the Night

You require: A weekend abode on Galveston Bay. One that floats.
You’ll receive: Your very own yacht with cozy sleeping quarters and continental breakfasts. Stay tethered to the dock or set sail, it being a boat and all.