Austin’s Four Seasons Hotel Reintroduces the Magical Ice Rodeo for 2025: A Winter Wonderland Full of New Experiences for Tourists

The Four Seasons Hotel Austin has always been adored for its lakeside retreat, but this holiday season it is set to transform into a winter wonder land. With the Ice Rodeo set to return, it will run from November 21st 2025 to January 4th 2026 along with a plethora of new holiday experience offerings. Designed to create magical memories, the event is sure to attract travellers. This year there is even more delightful family friendly programmed being offered alongside new additions to festive food and merriment.

Beverly Magee, the Regional Vice President and General Manager of the hotel, shared her excitement about the return of the Ice Rodeo, stating that it has become an important part of many families’ traditions. She expressed that seeing the joy of people of all ages coming together to celebrate the holiday season at the Ice Rodeo truly captures the warm spirit that defines Austin.

Ice Skating and Festive Food Trucks: A True Holiday Tradition

One of the key attractions of the Ice Rodeo is the 3,360-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink. Built atop the hotel pool, this real ice rink provides guests with a chance to skate beneath Austin’s crisp winter skies, with a stunning view of Lady Bird Lake. The rink is cooled by state-of-the-art chillers, offering an authentic ice-skating experience that draws in both locals and tourists.

After an exhilarating skate, guests can head to The Point, a charming outdoor lounge offering hot toddies, gourmet snacks, and treats from nearby food trucks. With sparkling lights and firepits to keep warm, The Point becomes the perfect setting for sharing s’mores with friends and family, providing a uniquely festive experience that embodies the welcoming atmosphere of Austin.

For many, the outdoor lounge and ice rink provide not only an enjoyable pastime but an opportunity to experience Austin in a way that blends both the holiday cheer of winter and the laid-back Texan charm.

Rinkside Cabins: A Cosy and Exclusive Experience

For those seeking a more private experience, Four Seasons Hotel Austin is offering rinkside cabins, designed with a lodge-inspired aesthetic to create a festive, intimate atmosphere. These cabins, which can accommodate up to six guests, are available for rent throughout the holiday season and offer a range of curated experiences.

With plush seating, seasonal décor, and personalised service, these cabins are perfect for a family celebration or a romantic evening for two. The cabins, which start at 450 USD for a two-hour rental, also include food and beverage options such as Champagne, shareable plates, and even tableside ensuring that guests have a memorable and festive experience during their visit.

Spectacular Holiday Décor and Texas-Themed Installations

The holiday décor at Four Seasons Hotel Austin is sure to captivate visitors, as the hotel is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, a 120-foot tunnel of lighted stars, and an array of Texas-themed art installations scattered throughout the property. For travellers looking to capture the magic of the season, the elaborate décor creates the perfect backdrop for holiday photos and makes exploring the property a magical experience.

The highlight of the outdoor holiday display is the towering 30-foot Christmas tree, which stands proudly on the back lawn, giving guests the chance to take in the splendour of the season while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

A Journey of Sweetness: Gingerbread Display

Indoors, guests will find the hotel’s famous gingerbread display, a yearly tradition that never fails to wow visitors. Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Pallagi and her team craft this magical creation each year, and this time, the hotel will transform its lobby into a Polar Express-inspired adventure with a Texan twist. Past creations have included life-sized replicas of the city and oversized ornaments; this year’s gingerbread masterpiece promises to be just as delightful and a perfect addition to the holiday festivities.

The Deck Pop-Up Lounge and A-Tea-X: Relax and Unwind

Those looking to unwind with a bird’s-eye view of the holiday festivities can visit The Deck, the hotel’s seasonal pop-up lounge located on the outdoor balcony of Live Oak. Open daily from 1:00 pm to midnight, The Deck features a curated menu of specialty cocktails, Champagne, caviar, and light bites, all designed to enhance the refined yet relaxed setting. With comfortable seating and winter-inspired décor, it is an ideal spot for both tourists and locals to gather and take in the magic of the season.

In addition, A-Tea-X, the hotel’s renowned afternoon tea service, will return on December 1, 2025, offering a festive twist with hot teas, tea-inspired cocktails, and a selection of holiday treats. Guests can enjoy this special experience daily from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the hotel’s stylish bar.

Winter Spa Treatments and The Hidden Flask: Seasonal Indulgence

For those in need of relaxation after an exciting day of holiday festivities, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Austin is offering seasonal treatments such as the Fire and Ice Ritual. This full-body treatment combines the soothing warmth of basalt stones with the cooling benefits of marble stones, ensuring a rejuvenating experience for guests.

Additionally, The Hidden Flask, a speakeasy hidden within one of the hotel’s specialty suites, will reopen for the season. Guests can unwind by the fireplace while sipping festive cocktails and indulging in a menu of holiday-inspired bites.

A Boost to Austin’s Tourism Sector

The return of Ice Rodeo brings a wealth of new opportunities for tourists and locals alike. With a variety of activities, from ice skating and holiday-themed food trucks to private cabin rentals and luxurious spa treatments, Four Seasons Hotel Austin is positioning itself as the go-to destination for holiday getaways. This festive celebration of winter and Austin’s charm is expected to significantly boost tourism by attracting both domestic and international visitors, eager to experience the city’s unique blend of holiday cheer and Texas hospitality.

Bottom Line

Like with other events hosted by the Four Seasons, the Ice Rodeo will be a great opportunity for travellers during the holidays, especially with the newly added features. With the promise of increasing tourism throughout Austin, the opportunity for unforgettable memories is high for this event, especially given the real ice Rockette and cabin features. The opportunity for January 1st as a re-engagement event, people watching will meet skaters while others will be warming themselves with steaming cups of holiday drinks, will offer a unique way to showcase Texas charm.

Image Credit: Four Seasons Hotel, Austin

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Embrace the Magic of Winter in Boone, North Carolina: Skiing, Tubing, and Blue Ridge Beauty

Standing in the shadow of the more famed ski destinations in the Rockies or the Northeast, Boone, North Carolina, has nonetheless earned the title of ‘The Ski Capital of the South’. Its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains endows Boone with an exclusive skiing experience thanks to the proximity of three ski areas, located within 19 miles of one another. Alongside the historic allure of the town, visitors can indulge in the myriad of winter activities available, including night skiing, tubing parks, or mountain-bounded driving tours.

The Southern ski vacation has never properly made the ‘to-visit’ list of the average traveller but Boone is the perfect alternative to the crowded Southern ski resorts. Boone lies in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and is ideal for ski enthusiasts thanks to the proximity to three ski areas: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort. Each ski area has an assortment of slopes, runs, and terrains for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

In the midst of the Appalachian Mountains, Boone, one of the towns that the Blue Ridge Parkway intersects, is one of the most scenic routes in the United States that spans 469 miles and is accessible through the Parkway. The drive’s stunning scenery is accentuated during the winter as snow blankets the entire region, drawing tourists and visitors alike to Boone.

With Boone’s nearby ski resorts, tourists will have no shortage of winter activities to engage in. Boone is home to three resorts with vastly different terrains and runs, all of which are within arm’s length of one another. Since Boone is such a popular winter destination, the range of skills within a group is never a problem, as the resorts offer a variety of runs for all ages and skill levels.

For those in Boone’s region wishing to indulge in night skiing, there are some of the best options available. Sugar Mountain Resort is one of the few ski resorts in the South that permits night skiing, giving guests the opportunity to ski under the stars, floodlights, and evening sky until the late hours. In other regions, there are few other chances to ski in the dark under the brilliant floodlights that offer a singular aspect of skiing.

Another popular winter activity is Boone’s tubing parks, in addition to skiing and snowboarding. One of the biggest regions for snow tubing in the area is on Appalachian Ski Mountain, which provides entertainment for families and young children who are not of age to ski or snowboard. Without the above-average snow and specialized skills and equipment, the tubing experience allows visitors to appreciate the mountains and snow.

The route taken from Boone to the Blue Ridge Parkway is a drive full of memorable sights and easily outspoken scenic views and access points for a quick getaway trek without straying from the road. Boone is situated on the parkway, which dogs the craggy Blue Ridge Mountains full of history and. Boone lays at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the old winter wonderlands framed so elegantly, providing a massive show on the topography of the land. It is no wonder that Boone routes are a favoured destination attraction on the parkway.

Boone is full of plenty of foot and highway challenges to ease the demands of travellers. Their cravings for local crafts will surely be appeased, as Blowing Rock crafts shop has all sorts of custom mountain cuisine, rich sweet fragrances that ignite the air as you ease into a stuffed chair of a comfortable old café. As you go, you will be taken into a small time walk from the swift modern world to the slow lifestyle of Boone and Blowing Rock. The closer you get, the more you will feel the old-world charm. The old and modern architecture of the area complements each other brilliantly and looks down from high chairs at the storm of tourists, with its local cafes, known for the slowest wifi in the world, and the fastest frozen hot chocolate.

A Perfect Winter Vacation For Families and Adventures

Boone is convenient for adventure seekers and families too. Boone is close to the ski slopes and has many accommodation types, from mountain lodges to luxurious resorts. Boone has has many winter activities but is not limited to. Hiking, fishing, and mountain biking are some activities that make Boone a year-round destination for nature lovers seeking peace in the mountains. For visitors who wish to go to Boone in the off skiing season, there are other activities that are available. Boone has a lot to offer and can be visited at any time of the year.

Getting to Boone is quite easy. Boone can be reached directly from the airports in the South East located in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, driving for almost 2 hours. The other alternative for direct airplane travel is the Tri-Cities Regional Airport from which Boone is 90 miles away and connected to many regional airports in the country. Boone has many transports available such as public buses and cabs to ski areas, tubing parks, and other attractions.

Conclusions: A Southern Ski Destination Yet to be Explored

In the South, Bowen, North Carolina, is one of the few towns that provide an easily accessible destination to experience winter sports. Bowen, along with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, ventures skiing during the night and the beautiful drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bowen is adapted for most users, be it families, thrill-seekers, as well as those who prefer to take it easy, providing a mountain life. The culture, the winter sports, along with the outdoors activity makes it an essential location to not miss out for anyone who wants to experience the Ski Capital of the South.

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Haunted Hotels Across the US: Uncover America’s Spooky Past at Historic and Paranormal Properties

Travellers are swarming to hotels with a sordid past that have been transformed into stylish hideaways that combine luxury, mystery, and history across the United States. Once inhabited by prisoners, soldiers, and even cult members, these unique properties are now used by visitors looking for something more than a standard hotel stay. These hotels have embraced their spectral pasts and provide an eerie yet fascinating look into American history through paranormal tours and breathtaking renovations. These hotels promise to leave guests feeling both intrigued and relaxed, whether they are looking for a spooky retreat, a historical experience, or just a unique vacation.

1. Algonquin Hotel — New York, NY

Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the Algonquin Hotel is steeped in both literary and paranormal history. Once the gathering spot for the famous Round Table, a group of writers and actors who defined New York’s Jazz Age, the hotel still echoes with the sounds of its storied past. Despite its modern-day luxuries, reports of flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and unexplained laughter are common among visitors. A 2015 investigation revealed multiple spirits, potentially including Dorothy Parker, one of the Round Table’s members. Room rates here start at approximately $177, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a blend of historic grandeur and ghostly charm.

2. McMenamins Edgefield — Troutdale, OR

Located just outside Portland, McMenamins Edgefield once served as a detention center for women during a wartime health crisis. Opened in 1917, the facility originally housed women accused of carrying sexually transmitted diseases and later became a “poor farm” before evolving into a medical facility and a military academy. After falling into disrepair, it was restored in 1990 by McMenamins, a local hospitality group, and transformed into a charming hotel complete with a brewery, winery, distillery, and a golf course. Guests now enjoy the property’s serene atmosphere and luxurious accommodations, ranging from $130 to $300 per night. Some, however, believe the site’s controversial history still lingers, with occasional reports of strange occurrences.

3. The Crescent Hotel and Spa — Eureka Springs, AR

Known as “America’s most haunted hotel”, The Crescent Hotel and Spa has a grim history. It was originally built in 1886 and later turned into a fraudulent cancer hospital by con artist Norman Baker in the 1930s. Baker’s unethical treatments and exploitation of patients led to numerous deaths on the property. Visitors and staff have reported encounters with lingering spirits, including a stonemason who perished during the hotel’s construction and former patients of the makeshift cancer hospital. The hotel’s mountaintop location offers breathtaking views of Eureka Springs, while ghost tours through its Victorian hallways and former mortuary offer a spine-chilling experience. Room rates at this haunted hotel range from $150 to $600.

4. Pfister Hotel — Milwaukee, WI

The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee has long been associated with paranormal activity. Built in 1893, the hotel is renowned for its ornate design and lavish interiors, but it’s the strange noises, flickering lights, and shadowy figures that continue to fascinate guests. Many believe that the spirit of Charles Pfister, the hotel’s founder, still haunts the halls. Even Major League Baseball players visiting the city to compete against the Milwaukee Brewers have shared eerie accounts of their stays. With room rates starting at $149 and climbing to $899, the Pfister offers a luxurious experience intertwined with a supernatural mystery.

5. The Richardson Hotel — Buffalo, NY

The Richardson Hotel, located on the grounds of the Richardson-Olmsted Campus, has a chilling past. Originally constructed in the late 1800s as the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, the building became overcrowded and notorious for its controversial treatments, including electroshock therapy. After being abandoned, the building gained a reputation for paranormal activity, with many visitors claiming to witness strange occurrences in the former ward areas. Now hosting weddings, conferences, and other events, the hotel offers a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of mental health treatment. Room rates start at $169 a night.

6. Kimpton Armory Hotel — Bozeman, MT

The Kimpton Armory Hotel, an Art Deco building in Bozeman, Montana, originally served as a military armory in 1941. With thick 18-inch walls and spaces for military vehicles and rifle ranges, the armory had a significant role during its operational years. After being converted into a boutique hotel in 2020, it retained much of its original structure, offering guests a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, including a rooftop pool and a Peloton-equipped fitness center. Despite its transformation into a stylish destination, the Armory’s military history remains an integral part of the experience. Room rates range from $250 to $977 per night.

7. Liberty Hotel — Boston, MA

The Liberty Hotel in Boston is housed in the former Charles Street Jail, a Gothic structure built in 1851 that remained operational until 1990. This prison housed some notorious inmates, including Boston Mayor James Michael Curley, anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, civil rights activist Malcolm X, and mobster Whitey Bulger. After a $150 million renovation, the building reopened as a luxury hotel, preserving many original elements such as the jail’s catwalks, cell doors, and the vast atrium. The hotel is now a blend of historical intrigue and modern luxury, with rooms starting at $590 per night.

8. The Lodge at Marconi — Marshall, CA

The Lodge at Marconi, located in Marin County, California, has a history unlike any other. Initially a radio receiving station in the 1910s, the property was later acquired by Synanon, a controversial drug rehabilitation program that evolved into a dangerous cult, notorious for its involvement in weapons stockpiling and attempted murder allegations. In 1984, the state took control of the property, eventually integrating it into Marconi State Historic Park. After a multimillion-dollar renovation, it reopened in 2023 as a boutique lodge, offering luxurious rooms starting at $323.

In addition to providing contemporary amenities, these hotels offer a rare window into America’s troubled past. These places are more than just places to stay; they are a journey into the eerily beautiful and enigmatic corners of American history, whether you’re looking for eerie encounters or an immersive historical experience.

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