Spending Memorial Day in the U.S. is usually a chance to take a break and enjoy time with loved ones. This year, our family decided to do something new — something more outdoorsy and very Texan: a weekend getaway at Deer Lake Cabins Ranch Resort, tucked away in the woods of East Texas.
We were invited by a Brazilian family friend who was also eager to try this kind of American-style cabin trip for the first time. It sounded like the perfect opportunity to slow down and create meaningful memories.
Our Memorial Day Group: Big, Fun, and Full of Life
In total, we were a group of 16 people! My husband and I went with our two boys (7 and 16), along with:
- A couple with two teenagers
- A couple with no kids
- Two more couples, each with two younger children
We split into two cabins, each one with a unique theme. Ours had Native American-inspired décor and even featured a life-sized wooden statue by the door!
First Impressions: Nature, Peace, and a BBQ Grill
We stayed from Friday to Monday. Right away, the peaceful setting made us feel like we had escaped to a whole different world. The cabin was spotless, surrounded by tall trees and two gorgeous lakes. It wasn’t our usual vacation style, but we were excited for the adventure.
Each cabin had a private yard with a grill, a porch with chairs, and that lovely quiet you only find far from the city.
Memorial Day Fun: Outdoor Activities for All Ages
On Saturday, we rented an UTV (a type of off-road utility vehicle) to explore the trails and easily move between our cabins and the activity areas. Although most things were within walking distance, having the UTV made it fun and easy.
Our weekend was packed with activities:
- 🚲 Biking through the trails
- 🛶 Kayaking on the lake
- 🏄♀️ Trying Stand-Up Paddleboarding for the first time (challenging but so fun!)
- 🏀 Playing basketball, volleyball, and even some soccer
- 👟 Walking in nature
- 🤸♂️ Taking our youngest to the playground
For me, paddleboarding was a personal victory — I fell a few times, but eventually got the hang of it. I had no idea I’d enjoy it so much!
Food Moments: Brazilian BBQ, American Burgers, and Campfire S’mores
One of the best parts of the trip was the food. Since we were a big group, we made a shared menu in advance, and each family took charge of different meals. It worked perfectly!
Highlights included:
- A classic Brazilian-style BBQ with garlic bread and farofa
- All-American burgers cooked on the grill
- S’mores around the campfire, under the stars
Meals were simple but full of laughter and joy — the kind of moments that stay with you.
After Dark: Games and Generations Laughing Together
Once the sun set, the fun continued indoors. One evening, we gathered to play Dixit, a storytelling card game that sparked creativity and so many laughs.
It was beautiful to see everyone — from teens to adults — joining in and connecting through games. We didn’t need screens; just stories, imagination, and a little competitiveness.
How the Kids Enjoyed Memorial Day Weekend
The older kids loved the sports, the UTV rides, and being active all day. My teenager said he hadn’t moved that much in weeks — he slept like a rock when we got home.
My younger son, however, wasn’t as enthusiastic. He preferred staying inside the cabin with Wi-Fi, and since there weren’t kids his age around, he spent more time quietly in his own world. And that was okay too. But he could had some moments in the park.
Personal Highlight: New Experiences and Small Triumphs
One of the best parts for me was stepping out of my comfort zone. I had never tried kayaking or paddleboarding before — and I ended up loving both. I fell, laughed, got up again, and felt proud.
It reminded me how refreshing it is to try new things — even in adulthood. You might surprise yourself.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely! I highly recommend Deer Lake Cabins Ranch Resort for anyone looking for a quiet escape in nature, especially for groups of friends or families. It’s best if you go with an open mind and a willingness to disconnect a bit.
Two full days are enough to enjoy the highlights, and the mix of comfort and adventure makes it great even for first-timers like us.
Heading Home: Grateful and Recharged
The drive back home was smooth, unlike the traffic-filled drive on Friday evening. We returned feeling fulfilled, with phones full of photos and hearts full of moments.
That trip inspired us to seek more nature-focused weekends — maybe even rent a lake house again soon.
Final Thoughts
This Memorial Day taught us that you don’t have to go far to feel far away. A cabin, a lake, and good people can be the perfect combination for a memorable weekend.
As immigrants in a new country, these shared experiences help us feel more connected — to the land, to each other, and to this new chapter of our lives.
If you’re in Texas and want a fun, refreshing weekend with loved ones, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Deer Lake Cabins Ranch Resort a try. You might just discover something new about yourself too.
