5 October Plans in Texas That Aren’t Another Pumpkin Patch or Haunted House

Love October but ready for something besides the usual pumpkin patch? Make a weekend of it in Wimberley, Texas, in the Texas Hill Country. Take a drive through ghost country, shop for fall finds, get outside, and catch a small town Halloween festival before heading back to a house you’ll want to spend time in.

Here’s what to put on your October 2026 list.

1. Take a drive through Texas ghost country

Devil’s Backbone is a scenic stretch of Ranch Road 32 with local ghost stories attached to it.

From Wimberley: Take Ranch Road 12 south, then turn right onto Ranch Road 32 toward Fischer and Blanco. Follow the road west along the ridgeline.

Search “Devil’s Backbone Scenic Overlook” in your maps app and set it as your destination. Stop there for the valley views, then return to Wimberley the same way, or continue west toward US 281 for a longer drive.

Read up on the area’s ghostly riders and unexplained sightings before heading out. This one’s about exploring a place with a spooky reputation, taking in the scenery, and bringing someone who loves a good ghost story.

2. Visit one of Texas’ largest outdoor markets for all the fall finds

Wimberley Market Days is Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 490 booths across 20 oak-shaded acres, it’s the Texas Hill Country’s largest outdoor market.

Give yourself time to browse. Go looking for vintage candlesticks, handmade pieces, seasonal decor, or something for your fall table. Half the fun is finding something you weren’t looking for.

Bring comfortable shoes, room for your purchases, and the friend who never leaves a booth unexplored. The market website has a directory to help you plan your stops.

3. Kick off fall with an iconic Hill Country hike

Old Baldy’s 218 stone steps lead to 360-degree views of the Wimberley Valley. It’s a straightforward addition to a morning in town: climb the steps, take in the view, then head to breakfast.

October doesn’t guarantee cool weather or fall color in Texas, so make this about getting outside and enjoying the Hill Country. Bring water and sturdy shoes, and take your time on the steps.

Address: 33 La Toya Trail, Wimberley, TX 78676

4. Spend a night at a small-town Halloween festival

BOO! Hole Halloween is Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Blue Hole Regional Park.Admission is free, with registration recommended.

There’s a trick-or-treat trail, Halloween carnival games, live music, and a costume contest. Cider and hot cocoa are on the schedule, too. For anyone looking for a scare, the haunted trail runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

It’s a good excuse to get everyone dressed up and get another night out of those Halloween costumes.

5. Stay at one of Texas’ coziest retreats

Then head back to The Lazy Lavender, where the stay is just as much a part of the weekend as the October plans. Five individually designed homes give you plenty to choose from, whether you’re bringing your person, your kids, or the whole group. Pick a cozy house for two, spread out in the Farmhouse, or book all five homes for a group getaway with room for up to 20.

Depending on the house, you’ll find porch swings, hammocks, fire pits, or private outdoor soaking tubs. Spend the evening outside, make dinner together, and stay up talking without worrying about the drive home. Optional extras like s’mores packages, charcuterie boards, and grocery stocking make it easy to settle in.

This is the kind of trip where you’ll want time for the house, too. A slow breakfast, coffee on the porch, and a little more time together before heading back.

Make this the fall trip that actually happens

October weekends fill up fast. Between school, work, Halloween parties, and everything else, that fall getaway can easily turn into “maybe next year.”

A weekend in Wimberley doesn’t need a packed itinerary. Choose a couple of things you’re excited about, bring someone you love spending time with, and give yourself time to enjoy being away. Browse the market without watching the clock. Stop for the view. Get dressed up for Halloween, even if you haven’t in years.

Then head back to The Lazy Lavender for the part of the trip that doesn’t need a plan. Dinner together, a movie everyone has opinions about, and a morning when nobody has to rush home.

If you’ve been saying you need a weekend away, let this be the one you put on the calendar.