I’ve had some requests via Instagram for the link to the house our family stayed in on our recent trip to the beautiful Frio River. I’m giving it a permanent spot here on the blog so I can easily point you guys to it in the future. Definitely save this link if you’re interested in taking your own trip to the Frio!

My apologies for not snapping more pictures of the home’s interior. The above two are the only ones I got. Once we arrived, we were eager to unload and by the time I thought to take photos our stuff was everywhere. If you’ve ever taken a group trip, I’m sure you can relate! FWIW, I think the inside of the house is better in person than the photos indicate on Airbnb.

While the house itself isn’t perfect, I’d still recommend it. Here’s my review:

Pros: sleeps a lot of people, super clean, has a vibe that’s very fitting of the surrounding geography and location (stone walls, terracotta floors - it was unique and cool!), great location (not too far from town but also private), great views of the hill country and the deck was lovely, great spot on the river, it’s got a washer/dryer, the owner is on the property (but in a separate building!) if you have an issue.
Cons: our bed wasn’t super comfortable, one of the toilets wouldn’t take paper during our stay (not sure if this is a permanent problem or a temporary one), the bathroom set up isn’t great for so many people (but you’re at the river, so it’s doable), while the bones of the home are great I personally think more could be done with the interior design, it’s BYO towels (which I get, because it’s the river, but still an annoyance), the sheets weren’t on the beds upon arrival so we had to make them, and it’s a bit of a trek down some stairs to the river.

I give it 4/5 stars!

One positive about the pandemic is it has opened all of our eyes to local vacation spots in our own backyards that we previously overlooked. Based on some conversations I had with y’all, most of you have never been on a river vacation, but my photos inspired you to take your own (which makes me so happy!).

Here’s a few pro-tips if you’ve never been to a Texas river:

Bring good water shoes with traction (kids, too!). You’ll need them to walk around, and you keep them on in the water.
Bring an awning or umbrellas for your river set up. Also, hats and lots of SPF.
Bring camping chairs.
Bring a cooler for snacks and drinks + koozies.

And finally, here’s some answers to FAQs I got on Instagram:

Yes, the water really is that clear. It’s gorgeous!
No, we did not see any snakes (but I’m sure they’re around!).
The water was chilly but not uncomfortably so. Once you got in, it was perfect.
No, we did not get hot. Texas has had SO much rain this summer, it hasn’t been as hot imo. The rain combined with the shade and chilly water, it was actually perfect.
Yes, tubing groups floated by us, but only on the weekend. And it was NOTHING like the busier rivers in Texas, like the Guadalupe. It was very chill, not loud or jam packed at all.
These are high water levels for the river. Based on people we spoke with who go every year, this is the highest they’ve seen it in 10 years.

Personally, I think this region of Texas is the most beautiful in the entire state. The hills out here are much bigger than the ones near Austin. It’s so scenic and really makes you appreciate the state. Highly recommend a visit!

XOXO,

Liz

Family Trip to the Frio River

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