Who Is Al? The Story Behind the Name
By Gordon Cook · February 1, 2026
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.
Our Story — It Started as a Memory
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. You can read more about Albert's journey at the WW2 Letter Project.
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.
Meanwhile, Around the Campground
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.