Getting to know Monica and Megan: Favorite Texas Getaways

You’ve met them at events, listened to their presentations, but how well do you really know Monica Conchola and Megan Maloney? We’re continuing this fun series to help you really get to know these two dynamos. Just in time for vacation season, here are some Texas getaways that hold special places in their hearts:

‘Real’ Camping in New Braunfels

With her stylish outfits and camera-ready hair and makeup, you might think Monica’s idea of camping would lean more glam — but you’d be wrong. A longtime family tradition was what she calls “real camping” in New Braunfels.

Each June, a group of 60 would head to Camp Huaco Springs for a long weekend of music, dancing, cooking, and laughing. Prep work included deciding a menu and then having one family buy the groceries (with the cost split evenly among the attendees). Each family brought snacks, which were set out for all to enjoy. The men would take on cooking duties while the women tackled clean-up. After a long day of enjoying each other’s company, they would retire to their tents for a little rest before doing it all over again the next day.

Of course, not every vacation involved pitching a tent. Monica also enjoys San Antonio where she lived for a while and where her grandmother lived. Eating at The Pig Stand — the beloved diner that closed its doors in 2023 — was a must. Pearl is another favorite pitstop for food and fun.

Floating the River

Megan also recommends outdoor adventures, spending many vacations as a child, college student, and adult floating the Frio and Comal rivers. Also embarking with multiple families, Megan’s group opted to rent cabins, with kids sleeping on pallets on the floor. Each family took turns cooking breakfast and dinner — lunch was sandwiches on the river.

As Megan got older, the post-float evolved from horsing around with her friends and cousins to sitting around the waterhole down from the cabins. Cornhole and card games followed dinner, with a favorite being Scat (also known as 31). If you don’t know it, ask Megan to fill you in on the rules — we’ll just say their after-dinner version involved a $3 wager and having to wear an apron and serve the drinks if you lose the hand.

The trip to the river wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Buc-ee’s on the way there and back.

Do you also have fond memories of Texas Hill Country vacations? Let Monica and Megan know — you may have camped the same parks and floated the same rivers!