Annual Thanksgiving Fest

This last weekend, we hosted our annual Balcones Springs Thanksgiving Fest at the Retreat!

We welcomed families from Tuesday through Sunday at our retreat for a special Thanksgiving weekend filled with great food, fun activites, and ample relaxtion and family time on our beautiful, secluded grounds.

Some comments left by our guests include:

"Mark & Felicia and all kitchen staff were so helpful and understanding of our food allergies. That makes a huge difference for us. Thank You!"

"The staff was outstanding. They were positively friendly and really seemed to like what they were doing."

"Per our daughter when asked about how she felt about this experience; happy, happy, happy! Thanks."

"What an amazing weekend you all created for our family and others. Everything exceeded my expectations, and your wonderful family and staff were the cherry on top! Thank you for a stress free, memorable get away. I look forward to visiting you all again!"

"I absolutely love Balcones Springs. It's so beautiful here. Everyone is so nice. This is the best place ever!"

"Really loved that dogs are allowed. I'm sure we will be back."

Thanks for your kind words! We loved spending the holiday weekend with all of you. Come back soon!

Able/Bragg Wedding

In November, the Retreat had the pleasure of hosting the Able/Bragg wedding weekend, coordinated by Christine Baskin and Eric Cmar.

In the days preceding the main event, guests relaxed with massages, horseback riding, and skeet shooting, all on our Hill Country property. Friday's rehearsal dinner was followed by a bonfire and special wedding slideshow at our fishing pond. On Saturday before the wedding, guests took full advantage of all our retreat has to offer. Wedding guests had the options of taking a scenic hike or hay ride, venturing down our rock wall's "Screamer" or across the lake on our zipline, catching some air on our quad-bungee, practicing their archery and craft-making skills, and even participating in "kiddie" horseback rides, if they happened to be on the younger side of the guest list. After all of the fun, guests headed to main event. The evening's ceremony was followed by cocktails, dinner, and a dance party.

Some comments left by our guests include:

"Staff was outstanding. Southern hospitality at its best."

"Your staff is top notch. I will recommend you to everyone I know!"

"A+ all around."

"Perfect- couldn't improve anything. Thank you."

"Wow! what an amazing time we had, you and your "ninjas" seemed to predict our every need. Loved everything!"

"I enjoyed the whole weekend, my parents wedding weekend couldn't have been better. The staff was perfect. The whole weekend was perfect, I loved this place."

Thank you for the kind words, and thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!

Special thanks also to the following vendors for working with us to make this incredible day happen: Angelic Strings, Dave Scher, Mike Clifford & Texas Aces, Premier Rentals, Simon Lee Bakery, Tim Denton, Christi Edlin Make Up, Capital Wedding Video, Maleigh Canon Photography, and Rose Hip Florists.

Live Soda Executive Retreat

Last month, the Retreat also had the pleasure of hosting a three-day executive retreat for LIVE soda Kombucha.

Our mid-week guests used our facilities for multiple meetings but also made sure to enjoy the other amenities the Retreat has to offer during their stay. Guests went skeet shooting on their first day and participated in a series of team building exercises on our low-ropes course during day two. Live soda Kombucha concluded their time with us relaxing under the stars on their second night before heading out after breakfast and meetings the next morning.

Thank you so much for choosing us as a backdrop to your retreat! We hope to see you all again soon!

Stark/Opela Wedding

Last month, the Retreat had the privilege of hosting the Stark/Opela Wedding weekend!

The first day of the festivities included horseback riding, an elegant rehearsal dinner, dancing, and a bonfire under the Texas sky. Between breakfast and lunch the next day, our guests enjoyed skeet shooting and rock climbing on our Hill Country property. After a relaxing afternoon with free time to explore the grounds (while the wedding party readied themselves), guests made their way to a sunset ceremony. Dinner, dancing, and pie from Cutie Pie Wagon followed. We finally bid adieu to our guests the next morning after a relaxing breakfast!

Some comments left by our guests include:

"The staff was not only efficient & friendly, they demonstrated a family like concern!"

"Food was excellent."

"I loved this venue from the moment we set eyes on it but you all exceeded our expectations & helped us create a magical weekend. You have the most wonderful experience!"

"First time here; loved everything about the experience. No T.V. in room was wonderful idea!"

"We had an amazing time, Thank You!"

Thanks for your kind comments! We wish you the best of luck in your future together and are honored to have hosted your special day!

It was also a pleasure working with Tara Welch Photography, Live Oak DJs, and Cutie Pie Wagon during this event! Thanks for joining us in executing this wonderful day.

Texas Tribune Executive Retreat

Last month, we hosted the Texas Tribune Executive Retreat at the Retreat at Balcones Springs.

Although our guests were only with us for two days, they made good use of their time at the retreat. Several meetings and a keynote speaker were broken up by s'mores and an open bar, ziplining, and lots of yard games on the Balcones lawns.

Thanks for choosing the Retreat at Balcones Springs for your executive retreat, Texas Tribune! We hope to see you again soon!