A ghost town, geese and riverfront bliss at 7A Ranch in Wimberley

By: Casey Chapman Ross
May, 2021

“Where are the geese?!” asked the kids in a playful yet shifty-eyed, nervous tone, referencing the small flock of geese that greeted us every so often outside the riverside cabin door and approached us in a hungry and hissing manner.

We would all belly laugh while running for our lives. Best kept at a distance, the geese visitors are one of the many charms that make 7A Ranch in Wimberley such a unique experience.

Even during a January visit, somehow the kids all mustered up the courage with a mix of unbridled energy and adrenaline to jump in the pool multiple times, squealing with delight as they plunged in unison and splashed around for five minutes before ultimately running to the hot shower for relief. When they weren’t drawn to the pool, the kids were down by the river, building dams and rerouting the little streams for hours on end, skipping stones, rope swinging and telling stories.

RELATED: Get away, give back to foster children at stunning Hill Country glamping spot

The sunsets over this riverfront property were hard to beat, whether viewed from the river, pool, fireside or Pioneer Town, which is 7A’s re-creation of an 1800-era town square and feels like a ghost town. The property also offers a general store, ice cream parlor and museum.

The kids loved romping up and down the streets of this fantasy ghost town, peeking in the abandoned windows, spinning on the small carousel and riding the town’s unofficial mascot horse. Seeing posts about 7A and Pioneer Town, I will admit to being a little confused at the relation between the two – essentially, Pioneer Town is a cool attraction on the 142 acres that make up 7A Ranch but does not define the style of the ranch as a whole.

The property offers a variety of different accommodations, including Cantina Cabins (newly built, modern cabins which we enjoyed), Classic Cabins, Cantina Lofts (larger homes) and Lodge homes for large groups.

RELATED: Gruene Hall: Daytrip to this timeless Texas treasure

After a day full of swimming, swinging, Frisbee playing, geese avoiding and running free, we all enjoyed winding down over a late-night campfire listening to a mix of ‘80s hair bands and old country. The kids would sneak away to tell their own stories of adventures from the day.

Tired feet and sticky s’mores hands make for a good night’s sleep for kiddos and parents alike. A day after getting home from 7A, both our parties booked a return stay. What they say is true about 7A; it will become your new favorite little close-to-home family getaway, just like the founding family intended over 70 years ago.

If You Go

Info:

Through Memorial Day, you can enjoy 15 percent off a Sunday-Thursday stay at 7A Ranch using the code “Work from 7A Ranch.” Learn more and book at http://7aranch.co/.

Follow Austin Travels


Austin Travels is a women-owned, Austin-based travel magazine committed to highlighting destinations in Texas and beyond through the lenses of diverse and talented writers.

Subscribe

Craving cold? ICE! debuts at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country this winter

Craving cold? ICE! debuts at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country this winter

Why go to Florida when you can get your mermaid certification in Texas

Why go to Florida when you can get your mermaid certification in Texas

Bluebonnets are back: A dozen spots to see spring wildflowers in Central Texas

Bluebonnets are back: A dozen spots to see spring wildflowers in Central Texas

48 hours in the Texas Hill Country

48 hours in the Texas Hill Country

Three holiday-themed staycations to check off your list

Three holiday-themed staycations to check off your list

Celebrate everything from sausage to barbecue this November

Celebrate everything from sausage to barbecue this November

Savoring summer at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Savoring summer at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Ready to get away? 5 day trip ideas perfect for a summer jaunt

Ready to get away? 5 day trip ideas perfect for a summer jaunt

7 Spots to Splash Near Austin

7 Spots to Splash Near Austin

Need a Mother’s Day Gift Idea? Treat Mom to a Getaway

Need a Mother’s Day Gift Idea? Treat Mom to a Getaway

Daytripping and sipping in Shiner, Texas

Daytripping and sipping in Shiner, Texas

Heading to Bayou City? 10 fun, uniquely Houston things to do

Heading to Bayou City? 10 fun, uniquely Houston things to do

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

6 Hill Country Gems Perfect for a Spring Day Trip

Bluebonnets are back! 10 Spots to See Texas Wildflowers this Spring

Bluebonnets are back! 10 Spots to See Texas Wildflowers this Spring

Discover more than ancient tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Discover more than ancient tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Camp Lucy: History meets Luxury in the Texas Hill Country

Camp Lucy: History meets Luxury in the Texas Hill Country

Galentine’s Day: A Girls Getaway at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

Galentine’s Day: A Girls Getaway at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

When it comes to Austin-area staycations, love in the air

When it comes to Austin-area staycations, love in the air

Riding Rocky Hill Ranch

Riding Rocky Hill Ranch

The Driskill: A Staycation Steeped in History

The Driskill: A Staycation Steeped in History

5 unique ideas for embracing the holidays in Austin this December

5 unique ideas for embracing the holidays in Austin this December

Embrace the most wonderful time of year at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Embrace the most wonderful time of year at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

Staycation: Intimate, sensual Hotel Saint Cecilia

Staycation: Intimate, sensual Hotel Saint Cecilia

Gone glamping: Get away, comfortably, this fall near Austin

Gone glamping: Get away, comfortably, this fall near Austin

Relax and unwind in Round Top, Texas

Relax and unwind in Round Top, Texas

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Seeking out adventure and finding respite at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Family friendly fun in San Antonio (even if your kids bail on you)

Family friendly fun in San Antonio (even if your kids bail on you)

Bastrop State Park: A backyard gem, then and now

Bastrop State Park: A backyard gem, then and now

Summer love! 5 water parks to consider across Texas

Summer love! 5 water parks to consider across Texas

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

Nine Nearby, Natural Spots to Keep Cool this Summer

Hiking, horses and history at Hill Country State Natural Area

Hiking, horses and history at Hill Country State Natural Area

Explore the great outdoors in little Castell, Texas

Explore the great outdoors in little Castell, Texas

Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Houston, Texas

Four Seasons Hotel Houston, Houston, Texas

Heading to Brenham? You’re in for a treat

Heading to Brenham? You’re in for a treat

5 hotel pools ideal for beating Austin’s summer heat

5 hotel pools ideal for beating Austin’s summer heat

Glamping out at Onera Fredericksburg

Glamping out at Onera Fredericksburg

4 reasons to plan a summer staycation at New Braunfels’ Camp Fimfo

4 reasons to plan a summer staycation at New Braunfels’ Camp Fimfo

Go wild: A dozen spots to see Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers

Go wild: A dozen spots to see Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers

A new way to ride: Take an E-bike for a spin

A new way to ride: Take an E-bike for a spin

4 reasons to visit Container City, a new shipping container glamping resort

4 reasons to visit Container City, a new shipping container glamping resort

Flying High at Zip Lost Pines

Flying High at Zip Lost Pines

Three Texas sips to warm you up this winter

Three Texas sips to warm you up this winter

Weekend getaway: Carefree in Concan at 7 Bluff Cabins

Weekend getaway: Carefree in Concan at 7 Bluff Cabins

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

A winter retreat at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Seeking relaxation and uncovering empathy at Miraval Resort

Seeking relaxation and uncovering empathy at Miraval Resort

Soaking in the holidays and Austin’s history at the iconic Driskill Hotel

Soaking in the holidays and Austin’s history at the iconic Driskill Hotel

Remember San Antonio: Why fall is the perfect time to visit

Remember San Antonio: Why fall is the perfect time to visit

Central Texas Camping Guide

Central Texas Camping Guide

Ditching the tent: Glamping out at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

Ditching the tent: Glamping out at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park

Texas Glamping Guide

Texas Glamping Guide

Birthday bliss at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Birthday bliss at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Dive in: 7 swimming holes and natural spots to splash into near Austin

Girls getaway: 24 hours in San Antonio’s Historic Pearl District

Girls getaway: 24 hours in San Antonio’s Historic Pearl District

Splash into summer at La Cantera Resort and Spa

Splash into summer at La Cantera Resort and Spa

Did you know you can daytrip to a medieval castle in the Texas countryside?

Did you know you can daytrip to a medieval castle in the Texas countryside?

A true escape: Domovina Ranch in Smithville

A true escape: Domovina Ranch in Smithville

Daytrip to Dreamland in Dripping Springs: Plus 5 nearby day trips perfect for summer

Daytrip to Dreamland in Dripping Springs: Plus 5 nearby day trips perfect for summer

Royal treatment: 24 hours of spa bliss at one of Houston’s poshest hotels

Royal treatment: 24 hours of spa bliss at one of Houston’s poshest hotels

Ready for Mother’s Day? Austin-area staycations all about celebrating Mom

Ready for Mother’s Day? Austin-area staycations all about celebrating Mom

Photo Essay: The missions of San Antonio

Photo Essay: The missions of San Antonio

Unique hotels: Sleeping in a treehouse at Cypress Valley

Unique hotels: Sleeping in a treehouse at Cypress Valley

A ghost town, geese and riverfront bliss at 7A Ranch in Wimberley

A ghost town, geese and riverfront bliss at 7A Ranch in Wimberley

Gruene Hall: Daytrip to this timeless Texas treasure

Gruene Hall: Daytrip to this timeless Texas treasure

Get away while giving back to foster children at stunning Hill Country glamping spot

Get away while giving back to foster children at stunning Hill Country glamping spot

Slipping into resort life at Omni Barton Creek

Slipping into resort life at Omni Barton Creek

Texas bluebonnets are back! 10 wildflower hotspots

Texas bluebonnets are back! 10 wildflower hotspots

Mountain Biking at Reimers Ranch Park

Mountain Biking at Reimers Ranch Park

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Relax and relish the coastal charms of Rockport

Social distancing in sleepy Sonora: Escape to a luxury ranch resort 3 hours from Austin

Social distancing in sleepy Sonora: Escape to a luxury ranch resort 3 hours from Austin

Lessons in life and death on the beach in Port Aransas

Lessons in life and death on the beach in Port Aransas