Top Spots For A Fall Getaway Near Houston

Fall is upon us, and in the Houston area, the change of seasons and cooler weather is highly anticipated. With more moderate temperatures, outdoor activities are ideal; and southeastern Texas offers many options for families that want to get away and experience something new. Natural attractions, amusement parks and other entertainment are often very affordable and exist within a few hours of home. Here are some of the top spots for a weekend getaway in the Houston area:
Texas State Railroad
789 Park Road 70
Palestine, TX 75801
(877) 726-7245
www.texasstaterr.com

Railroads are an important part of our history. Many children in the past grew up on the railroad and routinely took trips from city to city in a rail car. At the Texas State Railroad, families can relive the railroad experience and travel from the city of Palestine to Rusk and back, in the comfort of a climate-controlled passenger railway car. Sit back in your seat, view the beautiful countryside and reminisce with your children about the romance of the railroad at the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, the perfect fall getaway for adventure travelers.

Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Ave.
Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 535-8100
www.kemahboardwalk.com

One of the top boardwalks in the United States, Kemah Boardwalk is a short drive from Houston and overflows with fun. Many visit Kemah Boardwalk for the rides and amusements, but it is also a nice place to visit for specialty shopping, waterfront dining and local festivals. Take a spin on the Boardwalk Bullet, Kemah's wooden roller coaster, followed by a ride on the Boardwalk Beast, a speedboat that takes guests into Galveston Bay. Kemah Boardwalk offers lodging and other services, making it a very good choice for a weekend getaway close to home.

Langetree Retreat and Eco Center
2825 CR 190
Liberty, TX 77575
(936) 587-4325
www.duckfarm.org

An ideal fall getaway for nature lovers, Langetree Retreat and Eco Center is great place to get in touch with the natural world. An education center as well as a place for peace and solitude, Langetree Retreat and Eco Center is perfect for those who want to learn more about the environment while relaxing and soaking up the earth's natural beauty. Guests can visit the ecological training laboratory for top-notch environmental education followed by some quiet time in the meditation gardens. A nearby bed and breakfast provides intimate lodging, which makes Langetree Retreat and Eco Center the perfect nature and education fall getaway.

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Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area
2200 7th St.
Bay City, TX 77414
(979) 323-9553
www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Those who want to get away from the city life and don't mind roughing it will fall in love with Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area. This barrier island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, just a short drive south of Victoria, Texas, and is known for its pristine natural beauty. There is no drinking water, food or other facilities on the island and motorized vehicles are not permitted. Matagarda Island Wildlife Management Area could be too much for those who prefer pampering and modern conveniences, but for those who love the look and feel of unspoiled nature at its finest, Matagorda Island is a great place for a fall adventure.

Barrington Living History Farm
23100 Barrington Ln.
Washington, TX 77880
(936) 878-2213
www.tpwd.state.tx.us

Texas history buffs will greatly enjoy a visit to Barrington Living History Farm, located about an hour northwest of downtown Houston. The area was home to Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, and his home and life are the center of this attraction. Children and adults will enjoy watching the farm's staff, dressed in traditional garb, demonstrate what life was like for the residents of this small town in the mid 1800s as they prepared for the winter season. Guests are encouraged to not just watch, but also take an active role in the working of the farm. Barrington Living History Farm is an educational and fun experience like no other, and it makes a great place for a fall getaway in the Houston area.

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Bryan Carey is a Houston, Texas resident with an avid interest in restaurants, dining, breweries, wineries, festivals, cultural events, museums, theatre, concerts, and other forms of entertainment. He has been writing about entertainment, travel, and related topics for more than fifteen years and has thousands of articles to his credit. His work can be found at Examiner.com.