This Week at Al's Hideaway

Gordon Cook

Who is Al?

This week at Al’s Hideaway was a quiet one. Cold Hill Country weather has a way of slowing everything down, and weeks like this give us time to reflect — not just on what’s ahead, but on where we came from.

Al’s Hideaway didn’t start as a business idea. It started as a memory.

Long before there were cabins, signs, or a name, there was Albert Banis, known to his family as Abe — my wife Jennifer’s grandfather. He was part of the Greatest Generation, shaped by the Roaring Twenties, the hardship of the Great Depression, and service during World War II. But beyond all of that, he was a man who valued time, family, and being outdoors. To read more about Albert Banis copy and paste this link: https://ww2letterproject.com/alberts-journey/

When Jennifer was a child, Abe would take her out of San Antonio and into the Texas Hill Country to camp, hunt, and spend time in nature. Those trips were their escape from everyday life. They simply called it their hideaway.

Years later, as Jennifer and I began talking about creating a place where people could slow down, unplug, and feel welcome, those memories resurfaced. The name Al’s Hideaway felt right — because that’s exactly what we hoped to build.

This week, while things stayed calm around the property, we continued preparing for what’s coming next. Cowboy Mardi Gras is just around the corner, the Al’s Hideaway Hippie Crew is getting ready, and this year we’re proud to be adding a Kids Float to the parade. Quiet weeks give us space to prepare for busy ones.

We’re also trying something new with a trial AI answering service, and as always, we value honest feedback from our guests. Al’s Hideaway has always been built on listening, learning, and improving — and that won’t ever change.

This story isn’t finished. It’s still being written — one week, one guest, and one memory at a time.

Until next Sunday,
 Al

Wishing Happy Trails.
Y’all be safe & God bless.

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This Week at Al’s Hideaway 01/25/2026

By Gordon Cook • January 25, 2026
This week at Al’s Hideaway reminded us that out here in the Hill Country, plans are always subject to change. A strong winter storm rolled in and forced us to cancel our catfish fry. We hated having to do it, but safety always comes first. Sometimes the best thing you can do is button things up, keep the coffee hot, and let the weather pass on through. Even with the cold and the quiet, this week gave us time to slow down, regroup, and look ahead — because the next few weeks are shaping up to be big ones around here. Coming up the first weekend of February , we’ll be rolling into one of our favorite events of the year — Cowboy Mardi Gra . We’re proud to say Al’s Hideaway will once again be part of the parade, with our float ready to roll and the Al’s Hideaway Hippie Crew fully on point. (Which we are completely booked, sorry.) This year, we’re doing something extra special by adding a Kids Float , and we couldn’t be more excited to see the little ones take part in the fun. That same Sunday, the action continues back here at the Hideaway with our Chili Cook-Off and Super Bowl Party . Good food, friendly competition, and football on the big screen — that’s a pretty solid Hill Country Sunday if you ask me. Have you made your Valentine's Reservation? We have a little special going on Valentine's Weekend, buy 2 wine glasses and get a complimentary bottle of our favorite Hill Country Wine!! And if that wasn’t enough, on February 18th we’ll be welcoming some of our German guests and escorting a guided motorcycle tour of the Three Twisted Sisters . It’s one of the best rides Texas has to offer, and everyone is welcome to join in. Whether you’re riding with us or just stopping by to visit, it’s going to be a great day to show off what the Hill Country is all about. Weeks like this remind me that Al’s Hideaway isn’t just about what happens on any single day — it’s about the community, the adventures, and the stories that keep rolling in, rain or shine. We appreciate everyone who sticks with us through weather delays and changing plans, and we can’t wait to see y’all out here as things kick back into full gear. Until next Sunday, Al Wishing Happy Trails. Y’all be safe & God bless.

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