I was hosted by VacationFrioRiver.com for this trip. I was not financially compensated for this post. The opinions are my own.
Since moving to Texas 8 years ago, friends have recommended we visit Concan, TX on the Frio River in the Texas Hill Country. I kept hearing how beautiful it was in Concan, and how peaceful and serene the area was. It sounded like the perfect getaway, but I never had the chance to get there. That changed recently when I was invited to experience the Porter’s Tree House river-front rental property and the local food scene with some other fabulous Texas bloggers. If this sums up how much I loved it, let me say that before our weekend was over I was already making plans to come back with my family this summer.
Concan is a small town in Uvalde County in the Texas Hill Country (for those of you who only know Texas as that long stretch of desert nothingness on the 10 freeway plus Dallas and Houston, you may be surprised to learn that much of Central Texas is green, hilly, and full of crystal clear rivers and swimming holes). Sitting on the Frio River and just minutes from Garner State Park, quaint Concan comes alive during the summer months as Texans from all over the state descend upon the area for vacation. Despite the boom in population during the summer, the charm and serenity that draws people in is magically unaffected. This is why generations of Texans have chosen Concan as their summer escape, every single year. Today I’m sharing all about why you should plan your next family trip to Concan, plus where to stay, what to eat, and what to do during a vacation in Concan, TX.
Why visit Concan, TX?
One of the reasons Concan is such a popular family travel idea in Texas is that you get all the fun of a river vacation minus the frat house feel. Floating the river on the Frio through these parts is family-friendly and much cleaner than other rivers to float in Texas.
The spring-fed Frio River also stays between 60-80 degrees year-round (usually around 68 degrees), making it quite literally a cool place to escape the Texas summer heat.
Nearby Garner State Park, from what I’ve learned, is also a traditional place for Texan families to hike, swim, and make friends at the nightly dances. Several friends of mine have shared memories with me of visiting Garner State Park every year growing up, just like their parents before them.
Where to stay in Concan, TX
When you have access to this beautiful, fun, and cool river, the only place you’ll want to stay while in Concan is directly on the river. No matter what size group you’re traveling with (and I mean that quite literally, as this place accommodates groups between 1 and 25+ people), Vacation Frio River’s rental properties have you covered.
Family-owned VacationFrioRiver.com properties are located right on the Frio River, in a serene area shaded by 400-year-old cypress trees. One unique feature is the ability to park your vehicle on the bank of the river for family tailgating, gatherings, picnics and just having a blast! Much better than hauling coolers, tubes, chairs, and babies! If you want to get to the river’s 7-Bluff’s Water Crossing to float the river, the owner will shuttle your family there where you can begin the two-hour float back to the resort. Catering and chef-prepared meals are also available on-site to customize your group’s experience.
Accommodation options at Vacation Frio River
For big groups: When planning family reunions, your annual friends getaway, or even a corporate retreat, Porter’s Tree House is your spot. 24+ people can stay in this new addition to Vacation Frio River. Lovingly decorated with hand-crafted cedar cabinetry, solid pecan countertops (and a 16’ pecan bar), and custom King Ranch furniture make the 1,200 square foot Great Room the perfect area to share in good times with family and friends. The 3,600 square foot house has 5 bedrooms with multiple bed and bunk bed options, 3 full baths plus 2 half baths, and a 650 square foot covered porch with a view of the river. Have even more guests? You can further customize your stay by adding on additional rooms at Axel’s Hideaway, which is comprised of six individual mini-suite rooms.
For an intimate getaway: The best choice for individuals, couples, and single families is Axel’s Hideaway at Vacation Frio River. Still with the same river-front benefits, Axel’s Hideaway is comprised of individual mini-suite cabins with kitchenettes, and are a complement to the bigger group space of Porter’s Tree House.
Where to eat in Concan, Texas and the surrounding area
When not enjoying a catered or chef-prepared meal at at Vacation Frio River’s rental properties, there are several great dining options in Concan and the surrounding area. Here are two places that you MUST put on your list of restaurants to try in Concan.
Neal’s Dining Room is THE place for breakfast in Concan. With beautiful river and Hill Country views, this down-home country dining hall has amazing, huge-portioned homestyle breakfasts. The pancakes and biscuits and gravy are great choices.
If you can get a reservation at The Laurel Tree in Utopia for dinner (must be booked well in advance), you are in for a treat. They are only open one day a week (Saturdays) for lunch and dinner, and their set menu changes weekly. Dinner includes five courses, all of which were as spectacular as the one before when we had a chance to visit. Chef Laurel Waters was trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and her pedigree shows in the culinary delights she creates for The Laurel Tree each week.
The property is also adorned with a huge poppy field that blooms starting mid-spring. We were lucky to visit right at the beginning of the bloom, which provided some great content for the ‘Gram.
What to do in Concan, TX
Float the Frio River. Clean water and a relaxing, family-friendly floating experience.
Swim. The Frio is comfortable and cool, and the water is clean and clear.
Hiking and swimming in Garner State Park. One of the preeminent state parks in Texas, Garner must be explored when visiting the area.
The Dance at Garner State Park. Fun for the whole family, happening nightly in the summer since the early 1940s.
Antiquing. The shopping game is strong for antique lovers in this area! Concan, Leakey, Utopia, and Uvalde all have great antiquing options.
Frio’s Dry Fifty. As they say, there’s something for everyone at Frio’s Dry Fifty, from food, shopping, to fun Instagram-worthy photo opps.
Just get some R&R! I know we can all use more of this in our lives…
After just one weekend in Concan, I can see why so many Texans have spent their summers there for the last century. This is officially the year it becomes a #FabFam summer tradition. See you at one of the VacationFrioRiver.com properties this summer, or at the dance at Garner! Thanks so much to Vacation Frio River for introducing me to this incredible area, and for setting the standard for rental homes and rooms in Concan! Tune into my Instagram tonight and next Thursday for a few AH-MAZING giveaways for a memorable, magical trip to Concan of your own!
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