Sometimes it’s nice to get away for a day - to clear your head and refresh with a change of scenery or for spark a little bit of romance apart from the responsibilities of every day. While Round Rock, a suburb 20 miles and about 30 minutes from downtown Austin, may not be top of mind for such an adventure, here’s a way to spend 24 hours in Round Rock to show you maybe it should be.
Start by checking into the Ruby Hotel & Bar, a 39-room boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Round Rock that’s situated alongside Brushy Creek and offers waterfront views from the bar and many of the rooms. The retro feel is more than just a theme – the property was originally a residential home built in 1961 that has since been converted into the modern, creek-side hotel. Freshen up in your room, where you can pre-order add-ons like a bottle of wine and charcuterie board for $45 or the Ruby-Romance Package with rose petals, chocolate and champagne for $75. Then enjoy a happy hour cocktail on the deck of the Ruby Bar. If you’re feeling adventurous, try The Burning Love, made with house-infused chili tequila!
Next, head just down the road to Gino’s Italian Restaurant, a family-owned business that’s served as a Round Rock staple for more than 30 years. Indulge in hefty portions of pasta or opt for a pizza and generous Italian Salad for the table. Before heading back for the night, check out Redd’s Piano Bar, located behind a bookshelf in the Kalahari Resort. Saddle up to a stool around the piano and sing your heart out to favorites, most of which you’ll know all the words. Don’t skip their cocktail menu with fun options like a Cotton Candy Martini and Marshmallow Martini (pictured!)
In the morning, take one of the many easy hikes in the area, like one where you can see the namesake Round Rock, before the weather turns too hot. Then, really delve into vacation vibes before heading back home by returning to Kalahari Resort where they have a full slate of spa services, or just grab a day pass to the spa which grants access to use the steam room, dry sauna, relaxation room and heated pool. Don’t get overwhelmed by the resort’s surprising 1.5 million square feet of space. There are several entrances and you can get one near the spa elevator -featuring the spa’s fragrances and menu. Viva Day Spa also has a location in Round Rock that provides a tranquil escape to close out a getaway.