In the time of Covid, we are trying to limit airline travel, so destinations within driving distance have become our thing. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not stay in a hotel room all weekend since that doesn't feel better than staying home. That's what led us to The Gathering. We came upon their listing via a post on Instagram about interesting places to stay around Austin, or within a short drive. I fell in love with the decor and the privacy!
The Gathering is a collection of cottages or houses that each have their own style and although the houses are close to each other, they share no common walls, and each has a private outdoor area, and hot tub, in addition to delightful homey touches. There is a kitchenette for meals, but no stove or oven, but we found November the perfect time to make sausage dogs over the fire pit. We toasted s'mores and sipped champagne, spent time relaxing in the hot tub, and even rinsed off in the outdoor shower. By the time our stay was up, we were both wishing we had booked more nights!
We stayed at the Hideaway house, which is the farthest property from the street and really enjoyed how alone we felt despite the adjacent houses also having guests. We enjoyed a game of basketball on the court across from our cottage and gathered pecans from the huge trees for a mid day snack. Deer were seen scampering across the back meadow and the gentle baas from the sheep nearby added to the bucolic scene.
The only negative for me was that I found the mattress to be a bit firm for my tastes, but since that is purely a personal preference, I would not deduct stars for it. We will definitely book another stay, soon! Thanks for the Texas hospitality! read more