We recommend staying for at least a weekend, but a day trip is never a bad idea. Here’s our guide to making the most of whatever time you have in Fredericksburg.

WHERE TO STAY

Sunday Haus

This charming Fredericksburg trio includes Stone Haus Ranch Haus, and Cottage, sleeping 10 total. The homes are located just one block from downtown Main Street, providing great access to shops, restaurants, wineries and more. Each has a private hot tub and patio.

511 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg TX 78624

Hangar Hotel

This aviation-themed hotel features rooms designed to look like vintage aircraft hangars, a WWII-era diner, and a flight-themed bar.

155 Airport Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Hill Country Herb Garden

This bed and breakfast is excellent if you want the spa experience alongside your trip to the Hill Country! Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or facials.

405 Whitney St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Hoffman Haus

This charming bed and breakfast is located in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg and features cozy rooms, beautiful gardens, and a delicious breakfast each morning.

608 E Creek St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Fredericksburg Inn and Suites

This hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, and cottages. It also features a pool, hot tub, and a complimentary breakfast.

201 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

WAKE UP

Caliche

Caliche Coffee serves small-batch coffee roasted in-house by Hill Country coffee pioneers Ranch Road Roasters. They have a spread of full breakfast menu items as well as pastries.

338 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Sunday Supply

Smack dab in the middle of Fredericksburg, Sunday Supply is a great place to get something simple and quick before you hit the shops, enjoy a curated picnic, or explore local Texas wines.

206 S Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Hill & Vine

This is a homestyle venue serving classic burgers, small plates, and desserts—plus draft beer and wine.

210 S Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Old German Bakery

This homey German bakeshop and eatery has a breakfast/lunch menu of potato pancakes, schnitzel, and more.

225 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

SAVOR

William Chris Vineyards

This winery creates Old World-style Texas-grown wines. They have contemporary tasting rooms and a patio cafe, plus concerts on the weekends.

10352 US-290, Hye, TX 78635

Lost Draw Cellars

Lost Draw Cellars is committed to producing quality wines that highlight the unique terroir of the Texas High Plains. Explore Texas wines in a non-intimidating environment with their wine ambassadors.

113 E Park, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Augusta Vin

As a new Fredericksburg estate, Augusta Vin is devoted to being a transcendent Texas Hill Country winery. Be sure to try the chef-inspired food menu to complement the exquisite wines in the two-story tasting room.

140 Augusta Vin Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Southhold Farm + Cellar

This vineyard prides itself on its thoughtful winemaking and has the best views of Texas Hill Country.

330 Minor Threat Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Signor Vineyards

A boutique family vineyard that offers a tasting room, French country gardens, and farmhouse shopping at Joanna’s Market.

362 Livesay Ln, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Altstadt Brewery

German-style beers are brewed on the premises at this large restaurant and pub with an Old World vibe.

6120 East, US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

TREAT

Chocolat 

Chocolat (Quintessential Chocolates) specializes in liquor and wine-filled chocolates. Stop in for a complimentary piece!

251 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

DINE-IN

Woerner’s Warehouse

This airy eatery has local American breakfast-lunch fare, such as soups and sandwiches, plus wine and beer.

305 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Tubby’s Ice House

Tubby’s is a creative burger and taco joint with no-frills indoor/outdoor seating, plus a playground for the kids.

318 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Otto’s German Bistro

This cozy spot has fine German fare using locally sourced ingredients, with cocktails and a patio.

316 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Prometheus Pizza

Here’s an unassuming food truck with limited outdoor seating and delicious 12-inch Neapolitan pizzas.

1180 US-87 South, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Ausländer Biergarten and Restaurant

This German-themed restaurant and bar has a large selection of beers on tap and classic German dishes like bratwurst and sauerbraten.

323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Vaudeville

This unique restaurant and marketplace offers a fine dining experience and a gourmet grocery and gift shop. The menu features French-inspired cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients.

230 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

VIBE

La Bergerie

This artisanal wine bar and market specializes in fine wines, cheeses, and charcuterie. This is the perfect spot to relax when you’re in between shops.

312 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Hondo’s

This is a charming spot for burgers, barbecue, and Tex-Mex, with indoor/outdoor seating, a full bar, and live music.

312 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Garrison Brothers Distillery

This is the first bourbon distillery outside of Kentucky. Come for a tour, and stay for the cocktails and pub fare.

1827 Hye-Albert Rd, Hye, TX 78635

Salvation Spirits

The only speakeasy in Fredericksburg, this specialty cocktail lab is hidden in plain sight on a 10-acre orchard surrounded by blackberries, peaches, pears, plums, pecans, and grapes.

10091 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

EXPLORE

National Museum of the Pacific War

Dedicated to all those who served in the Pacific War, the museum has expanded and gone under expansive renovation to make it the world’s premier museum about World War II’s Pacific Theater. In 2020, it was recognized as the fifth-best history museum in the United States.

311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Felt Boutique

This local shop sells custom hats, dresses, clothing, shoes, and jewelry.

339 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Simple Goods + Design

This home store brings you relaxed, modern home furnishings and accessories.

109 N Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Enchanted Rock

This is a must-see in Central Texas, a dramatic 425-ft. pink granite monolith and wilderness area offering hiking, climbing, camping & more.

16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

The post Our Guide To Fredericksburg appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

As you head East of Austin towards Houston/College Station, you discover multiple quaint Texas Hill Country towns. As Austin has expanded, these cities continue to grow with Austin commuters and Austinites looking for more land, at a more competitive price than growing Austin properties. Many towns you’ll find are known for Barbecue and wind down the beautiful Colorado River. For more information on doing a Day Trip or Staycation in any of these towns, check out our Day Trips guide.

Manor/Elgin

Elgin is also known as the Sausage Capital of Texas and the Brick Capital of the Southwest, due to the presence of three operating brickyards in the mid-20th century (two of which are open to this date). Southwest of Austin, you’ll find Elgin about a 30 minute drive, following the US-290 route. Manor is one of the fastest growing Austin suburbs, with a large majority of residents commuting to Dell’s Round Rock Headquarters, and ability to find larger plots of land at a better price. Sitting only about 12 miles Northeast of Round Rock, you won’t find much traffic to and from the two cities.

Eat: Southside Market & Barbeque, Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse, Cafe 290, Good Luck Grill, Aviator Pizza & Brew Company, Eva Mae’s Kitchen, Chokdee Thai Cuisine, Joseph’s Steakhouse, Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, Maxine’s Gumbo House, Lucy’s Kitchen, The Taco Spot, Tamale Addiction, Chemn Cafe

Drink: Ramos Restaurant & Sports Bar, The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods, Liberty Tree Tavern, Bob’s Blue Collar Tavern, Libation Station

Play: J Lorraine TX Ghost Town, Suncrest Farm Horseback Riding, Crowes Nest Farm, East Metropolitan Park, Elgin Memorial Park, Bit by Bit Farms & Horseback Riding, Hogeye Festival, Austin Rifle Club Gun Range, Haunted Manor by Dick Peterson

Bastrop/Webberville/Smithville

Bastrop is “the most historic small town in Texas.” Find delicious restaurants, fun festivals and things to do, and great hotels like the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. Smithville is a city in Bastrop County, Texas, United States, near the Colorado River. Webberville is a small town in Travis County, with a population of nearly 400 back in the 2010 Census. Located halfway between Austin and Bastrop it is only about 16 miles from Downtown Austin. Comprising settlements dating back to 1827, Webber’s Prairie was formally established by retired physician John Ferdinand Webber in 1839.

Eat: Comfort Cafe, Honey’s, Zimmerhanzel’s BBQ, Your Mom’s, Pockets Grille, Back Door Cafe & Coffee Shop, Olde World Bakery & Cafe, Bistro 71, Roadhouse, Maxine’s Bastrop, Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard, The Grace Miller Gracie’s, Southside Market & BBQ Bastrop, Bastiano’s Pizzeria & Creamery, La Cocinas, Bassano Del Grappa, Coffee Dog Roastery & Coffee House

Play: Sherwood Forest Faire Festival, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop River Company Rafting Kayaking Paddleboarding & Tubing, Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park, Pine Forest Golf Club, ColoVista Golf Club, Crosshairs Fun Ranges, Lake Bastrop, Bastrop Farmers Market, Buescher State Park, Bastrop Opera House, Webberville Park, Austin Orchards (Pick your own Farm), Cook’s Canoes Rafting & Kayaking,

Drink: Cripple Creek Wine Tasting Room, 602 on Main, Copper Shot Distillery, Iron Bridge Icehouse, Bastrop Beer Company, Colorado River Winery

Lockhart

Lockhart is a great day-trip or weekend destination from San Antonio, Austin, Houston, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and anywhere in between. Known for its Barbeque and winding country rounds. A city in Caldwell County, Texas with a population of 12,698 according to the 2010 census.

Eat:Black’s BBQ, Smitty’s, Kreuz Market, Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ, Lockhart Bistro

Play: Lonestar Gun Range, Maverick Horseback Riding, Bastrop River Company Rafting Kayaking Paddleboarding & Tubing, Lockhart State Park, Caldwell County Museum, Haunted Magnolia Hotel

Drink: The Pearl Wine Bar, Load Off Fanny’s, Lilly’s Bar & Grill, Lockhart Arts & Craft (Wine & Beer Bar / Art Classes), El Rey Bar & Nightclub, Coconuts Bar & Grill

The post Towns East of Austin appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

West

Driftwood

One of the easiest drives, and one of our favorite places to visit is Driftwood. Home to the famous Salt Lick BBQ Restaurant and Wine Cellars, there is plenty to do in a short day trip, or longer weekend getaway. Just 24 miles Southwest of Austin, Driftwood is home to many wineries and has beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country.

Our perfect Driftwood day would include starting out at the Salt Lick Cellars Winery getting a vineyard tour, followed by spending the day in a Private Cabana in the Star Garden, experiencing private wine tastings, followed by an afternoon on the shaded deck overlooking the vineyard.

After a day at the winery and purchasing a few of our favorite bottles we enjoyed, we would go over to the Salt Lick BYOB Restaurant for a night of great barbecue with friends. The Salt Lick is one of Texas’ most iconic restaurants nestled in a rustic setting in the Texas Hill Country. With legendary, pit-smoked barbecue available by the plate or “Family Style” (all you can eat), this is a favorite to Austinites and Texans alike.

For more information on Salt Lick, check out our full article here.

Dripping Springs

Known as the “Wedding Capitol of Texas”, Dripping Springs is just 25 miles west of Austin and is also considered the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” Home to tons of history, unique shopping, live music venues, and vineyards, this makes for a perfect getaway.

Eat: Pieous, Tillie’s at Camp Lucy, Epicure, Homespun Kitchen & Bar, Rolling in Thyme & Dough, Proof & Cooper

Hotels/Resorts: Camp Lucy, Lucky Arrow Retreat, Hill Country Casitas, Serenity Farmhouse Inn, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

Vacation Rentals: Wimberley House on the Blanco River, Rio de los santos in Wimberley, Waterfront Estate on Cypress Creek with Heated Pool

Play: Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room, Texas Hill Country Olive Company, Hamilton Pool (& Vineyard), Dripping Springs Farmers Market, Board & Brush Creative Studio, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Milton Reimers Ranch Park

Drink: Twisted X Brewing Company, Jester King Brewery, Grawlix, Sidecar Tasting Room, Frog Pond Distillery, Parmeson Wines, Bell Springs Winery, Treaty Oak Distilleries, Hawks Shadow Winery, Family Business Beer Company

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a charming town in Central Texas known for its wineries. The town’s German heritage is on display at the Pioneer Museum, which features settlers’ homesteads and artifacts. In the nearby town square, Marktplatz, the Vereins Kirche is a replica of a 19th-century German church that once stood in the city. The vast National Museum of the Pacific War features WWII exhibits, including a recreated combat zone.

Check out our full Central Texas Wine Guide here. 

Eat: Hondo’s (Best Burgers), Altdorf Biergarten, Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse, West End Pizza Company, Squeeze In (Brunch), Sozial Haus (Pizza), August Es, Vaudeville, Wild Hare Bistro, Otto’s, Emma + Ollie, Sunset Grill, Cabernet Grill

Hotels: Gathering on Post Oak, Hoffman Haus, Sugarberry Inn, Carriage House, Barons CreekSide

Vacation Rentals: Great for groups, Small group near Main Street, Cottage off Main Street that Sleeps 8, Ranch Style Home on a Vineyard, Creek Haus with Heated Pool

Play: Tipsy Texas Tours, National Museum of Pacific War, Pioneer Museum, Japanese Garden of Peace, Fredericksburg Farmers Market, Oktoberfest Festival, Pedal Tour Party Bike Rentals, Fredericksburg Ghost Tours,

Drink: The Stable Cocktail Bar & Coffee House, Sweetbriar Rose Wine Bar, Becker Vineyards, Grape Creek Vineyards, Alexander Vineyards, Messina Hof (Try the Almond Sparkling Wine!), Fatass Winery (This place is more known for the party scene than the wine, but is a great place to end your winery tour day!)

Shop: Old German Bakery & Restaurant, Twisted Sisters Bake Shop

Johnson City/Blanco

Johnson City is the county seat of Blanco County, Texas with a population just about 1,656 (as of the 2010 census).

Eat: Fat Boy Burgers, Bryans on 290, East Main Grill, Ronnie’s Ice House, Lady Bird Lane Cafe, Oli’s Kitchen Bar & Grill

Hotels: Rose Hill Manor Bed & Breakfast, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, Walden Retreats Hill Country

Vacation Rentals: Riverside Retreat, Modern Ranch with Hill Country Views, Willow City Lodge with Mountain Views

Play: Science Mill Museum, Echo Art Gallery, Hike Johnson Settlement Trail, LBJ National Historic Park, Odiorne Feed & Ranch, Enjoy the Mountain ATV Adventures & Tours, The Exotic Resort Zoo & Safari Cabins, Pedernales Falls State Park, Travis P Trail Horseback Riding, Blanco State Park, Buggy Barn Museum, Vaaler Creek Golf Club, Blanco Lavender Festival

Drink: Pecan Street Brewing (Pizza & Music), Garrison Brothers Distillery, Arc De Texas Wine Bar, Moonshine Ridge Distillery, Tapz 32 Beer Garden, Andalusia Whiskey Distillery, Hye Cider Distillery, Old Ironhorse Salon, Tenuta Bianco Wine Bar, Ben Milam Whiskey Distillery, Tottie’s Bar, Horn Winery & Tasting Room, Albert Icehouse & Dancehall, Lewis Wines Tasting Room

Shop: Kirchman Art Gallery, Black Spur Emporium, Johnson City Flea Market, Pedernales Peddler Rock Shop, Whittington’s Jerky & General Store, Cranberry’s Antiques, Blanco Pharmacy & Wellness

Marfa

Marfa, is a much longer drive from Austin, but it’s worth the trouble! It’s a small desert city in far West Texas known as an artists’ hub. The Chinati Foundation, founded by artist Donald Judd, displays huge indoor and outdoor installations on an old army base. The Ballroom Marfa arts center hosts exhibitions, concerts and the Marfa Myths cultural festival. Outside town is a viewing platform from which the mysterious orbs known as the “Marfa Lights” phenomenon can sometimes be seen.

Eat: Cochineal, Do Your Thing Coffee, LaVenture, Stelina, Jett’s Grill, Aster, Convenience West, Buns N’ Roses, Marfa Burrito

Hotels: Saint George, El Cosmico (Tee Pee Hotel)

Vacation Rentals: Upscale Private Compound in Town, Big Sky Marfa, Ranch Water House, 1920’s Two Story Adobe House

Play: Marfa Open Arts Center, Cibolo Creek Ranch, Marfa Theatre, The Chinati Foundation Art Museum, Stardust Motel Landmark, Prada Marfa Sign, City of Marfa Park

Drink: Bar Saint George, Planet Marfa, The Sentinel, Lost Horse Saloon, Marfa Wine Co., Al Campo, Capri

Shop: Marfa Museum Thrift Store, The Get Go Grocery, Ashley Rowe Women’s Clothing, RABA MARFA, Cobra Rock Boot Company, Marfa Book Company, Communitie John Patrick Hats

South

San Marcos

San Marcos is a city and the county seat of Hays County, Texas. The city’s limits extend into Caldwell and Guadalupe Counties, as well. It’s located within the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area and on the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio.

Eat: Herberts, Palmers, Blue Dahlia Bistro, Italian Garden, Grins, Toro-Ramen & Poke Barn, Pie Society, Hopdoddy, Chuys, Mamacitas, Chimy’s, Prik Nam Pla, Garcia’s, Root Cellar Cafe, Ivars River Pub

Hotels: Crystal River Inn, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn

Vacation Rentals: Private River House on the San Marcos River, Serene Retreat at Cottonseed Falls

Play: Don’s Fish Camp, Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, Paddle SMTX Paddleboarding Yoga Rafting & Kayaking, Sewell Park, San Marcos River, Texas Gamers Lounge Arcade, Snorkel TX Snorkeling, Wimberley Zipline Adventures, LBJ Museum, Longhorn Racing Academy Race Tracks, See a game at Bobcat Stadium, Take a tour of Texas State University,

Drink: Zelick’s, Patio Dolcetto, Nephews, Industry, Rooftop, The Marc, Railyard, Tap Room, North Street

Shop: San Marcos Outlets, Uptown Cheapskate, Heartworks Paper Bear

New Braunfels

New Braunfels is a city near San Antonio, Texas. It’s known for the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, which wind past leafy parks like Landa and Cypress Bend. Original 1800s German buildings like Gruene Hall are preserved in the Gruene Historic District. To the west, walkways snake through underground limestone caves at Natural Bridge Caverns. The Schlitterbahn water park has rides, slides, and a wave pool.

Eat: Gruene River Grill, Gristmill, The River House, Muck & Fuss, Gennaro’s Trattoria, McAdoo’s Seafood Company, The Buttermilk Cafe, Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Grill, Huisache Grill, the Gruene Door, Adobe Verde, Myron’s Prime Steakhouse

Hotels: Gruene River Hotel & Retreat, Gruene Mansion Inn, Gruene River Inn, The Resort at Schlitterbahn, Prince Solms Inn, Faust Hotel

Vacation Rentals: Serenity Shores Home on Guadalupe River, Treetop on the River walkable to Gruene Hall, Riverfront Home on the Guadalupe, Sunset River Haus 6 miles from Schlitterbahn

Play: Whitewater Ampitheatre, Float the Guadalupe River and Comal River, Go to Schlitterbahn Water Park, Escape Haus, Animal World & Snake Farm, Wurstfest Festival, Canyon Lake, New Braunfels Ghost Tours, Hollow Tree Ranch Horseback Riding, Stars & Stripes Drive In Theaters, Gruene Historic District

Drink: Downtown Social, Pour Haus, Gruene Hall, Alpine Haus Restaurant, Mozie’s, Faust Brewing Company, Goodwin’s Speakeasy, Guadalupe Brewing Company, Phoenix Saloon, Devils Backbone Tavern

Shop: Gruene Flea Market & Antique Mall, Tipsy Gypsy, Gruene Outfitters, Gruene General Store, Rusty Bugs & Roosters

San Antonio

San Antonio is a major city in South-Central Texas with a rich colonial heritage. The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission preserved as a museum, marks an infamous 1836 battle for Texan independence from Mexico. Following the San Antonio River, the miles-long River Walk is a landmark pedestrian promenade lined with cafes and shops. HemisFair Park’s 750-ft. Tower of the Americas overlooks the city.

Eat: Roasario’s Mexican Cafe & Cantina,  Boudro’s on the River Walk, Magnolia Pancake Haus, Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar, Lulu’s Bakery & Cafe, Rita’s on the River, Schilos Delicatessen, La Panaderia, The Smoke Shack, Cured, Guenther House, Bakery Lorraine, Ocho, Paesanos Riverwalk

Hotels: Hotel Havana, The Pearl, The St. Anthony, Omni La Mansion del Rio, Mokara Hotel & Spa, The Westin Riverwalk, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Vacation Rentals: Riverwalk Cottage, Riverwalk East Side Craftman Home, Pearl Place, Urban Farmhouse near the Pearl

Play: The Alamo, The River Walk, San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Gardens, Tower of the Americas, Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises, Witte Museum, San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Pearl Historic District, Bad Wolf Ghost Tours, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, The Amazing Mirror Maze, Cool Crest Mini Golf

Drink: Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, Esquire Tavern, Yard House, SoHo Wine & Martini Bar, The Friendly Spot Ice House, Paramour, Sanchos, 1919, Bier Garten Riverwalk, The Pigpen, Bar America, Burleson Yard Beer Garden, Sternewirth Bar, The Modernist

Shop: Shops at La Cantera, La Casa Frida, Historic Market Square, La Villita Historic Arts Village, Paris Hatters Hat Shop, Montage Vintage, Alamo Antique Mall

North

Horseshoe Bay/Lake LBJ

Horseshoe Bay is a city in Llano and Burnet counties in the state of Texas. Situated on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson and the south branch of the Colorado River, it is known in the region for its drag boat racing and other water sports.

Eat: Blue Bonnet Cafe, Doc’s Fish Camp & Grill, R Bar & Grill, Grand Central Cafe, Ginger & Spice, Julie’s Cocina, Russo’s Restaurant, Bella Sera

Hotels: Horseshoe Bay Resort, Lake LBJ Resort & Marina, Log Country Cove

Vacation Rentals: Waterfront Gem with Wraparound Deck, Townhouse with Boat Slip, Waterfront Townhouse near Yacht Club, LBJ Lakefront Home in Quiet Cove, Horseshoe Bay Townhome

Play: Longhorn Cavern State Park, Exotic Resort Zoo & Safari Cabins, Inks Lake State Park, Sweet Berry Farm, Cypress Valley Canopy Tours, Hidden Falls Adventure Park, Lake LBJ, Lake Buchanan, Sana Vida Wellness Spa & Tea Bar, Black Rock Park

Drink: Flat Creek Enoteca Winery, Perissos Vineyard & Winery, Double Horn Brewing, Tottie’s, Hiccups Sports Bar & Grill, Bear King Brewing Co., Double Horn Brewing, Fiesta Winery, Brass Hall, Boaters Bistro, Save The World Brewing

Shop: Bayside Fresh Market, Westlake Antiques & Old Book Shop, Birdie’s Market, ReDid, Draonfly Gifts

Waco

Waco is a city in Central Texas recently made famous by Chip and Joanna Gaines. By the Brazos River, Cameron Park Zoo is home to lions, otters and meerkats. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum traces the history of the state law enforcement agency and displays vintage badges and weapons. The Dr Pepper Museum pays homage to the famed, locally invented soft drink. The Waco Mammoth National Monument is a fossil site home to the bones of Columbian mammoths.

Eat: Magnolia Table, Czech Stop, Cafe Homestead, George’s, Vitek’s BBQ, Ninfa’s, Baris, Moroso, Milo All Day, Lula Jane’s, Hecho En Waco, Jake’s Texas Tea House, DiamondBack’s, Cafe Cappuccino, Butter My Biscuit, The Olive Branch, Brazos Bistro & Bar

Hotels: Hotel Indigo, Hilton Waco, Hymnsinger House, Magnolia House

Vacation Rentals: Mid Century Modern Home as seen on Fixer Upper, German Schmear House as seen on Fixer Upper, Model Container Home 6 miles to Magnolia, Urban Myrtle 291 steps to the Silos, Classy 1927 Uptown Tudor, Three Little Pigs house as seen on Fixer Upper, Little Dutch Cabin,

Play: Magnolia Market, Dr. Pepper Museum, Cameron Park Zoo, BSR Cable Park & Water Park, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Baylor University, Waco Tours, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, Mayborn Museum, Waco Escape Room, Hawaiian Falls Water Park, Waco Suspension Bridge, Urban Air Trampoline Park, Waco Farmers Market, Waco River Safari Boat Tour, Brazos Bluffs Stables Horseback Riding

Drink: Country Spring Vineyard & Wine Garden, Waco Winery, Taste by Kissing Tree Vineyards, Klassy Glass Wine Bar & Bistro, Crickets Grill & Draft House, Balcones Distilling, Barnett’s Public House, Salty Dog, Bare Arms Brewing, Southern Roots Brewing Company, Trojan Cork & Keg, Waco Ale Co, Brotherwell Brewing, Common Grounds, Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, Coach’s, Brazos Bar & Bistro, The Backyard Bar, Old Chicago, Barnett’s Public House, Klassy Glass Wine Bar & Bistro, Dancing Bear Pub

Shop: Magnolia Market, Spice Village, Harp Design, The Findery, Junque in the Trunk, Savage Finds Antiques, Cameron Trading Co Antique Mall, Golden’s Book Exchange, Little Shop on Bosque, Junky Monkey, Iron Willow

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a reservoir on the Colorado River in Central Texas. The reservoir was formed in 1942 by the construction of Mansfield Dam on the western edge of Austin by the Lower Colorado River Authority, and was built specifically to contain floodwaters in a flash-flood prone region.

Eat: Steiner Ranch Steakhouse, The Oasis, Don Mario, SP Brazilian Steakhouse, Santa Catarina, Mangieris, The Grove, Cafe Lago, Apis, J5 Steakhouse, Sundancer Grill, The Lighthouse, Verona Ristorante Italiano, Toss Pizzeria

Hotels: Lakeway Resort & Spa, Vintage Villas, Reserve at Lake Travis

Vacation Rentals: Lakeside Home with 180 view of Lake Travis, Waterfront Pet Friendly Home with a Pool, Lake Travis Treehouse with Pool Hot tub Ping Pong & Kayaks,

Play: Lake Travis Zipline, Hike River Place Nature Trail, High 5 Laser Tag Bowling & Axe Throwing, Hippie Hollow Nude Beach, Sail Austin Boat Charter, Pace Bend Park, Waterloo Adventures Water Park, Volente Beach Water Park, Mansfield Dam Park

Drink: Hops & Thyme, Proof & Copper, The Backyard at Bee Cave, Beachside Billys, Woody’s Tavern & Grill, Infamous Brewing Company, Hudson’s, LT Corner Pub, Emerald Point Bar & Grill, Meridian 98

Shop: Magpie Blossom Boutique, Hill Country Galleria, Point of Origin, Fab’rik, Vintage Fresh, Leander Flea Market, Grit & Grace Boutique

East

Lockhart

Lockhart is the county seat of Caldwell County. According to the 2010 census the population of Lockhart was 12,698. Lockhart and Caldwell County are within the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area.

Eat:Black’s BBQ, Smitty’s, Kreuz Market, Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ, Lockhart Bistro

Hotels: OYO Hotel

Vacation Rentals: Modern 1860 Farmhouse in Downtown Lockhart, Country House on 10 Acres,

Play: Lonestar Gun Range, Maverick Horseback Riding, Bastrop River Company Rafting Kayaking Paddleboarding & Tubing, Lockhart State Park, Caldwell County Museum, Haunted Magnolia Hotel

Drink: The Pearl Wine Bar, Load Off Fanny’s, Lilly’s Bar & Grill, Lockhart Arts & Craft (Wine & Beer Bar / Art Classes), El Rey Bar & Nightclub, Coconuts Bar & Grill

Shop: Upscale Resale Thrift Store, Flash Candy & Toys, Texas Hatters, Westy’s Pharmacy, Bluebonnet Records, Made for Walkin, Culinary Room Cheese Shop, Potters Field Vintage, Lockhart Shoppes on Main

Round Top

Think you’re missing out because Round Top is a ways away from the big city? Think again. This town is the best of both worlds. It is the Round Top Antiques Show. It is country chic meets arts and culture. It is stellar shopping and southern hospitality. It is fine dining mixed with front-porch living. Yep, Round Top’s a way of life. The Texas version of Aspen (that’s according to Texas Monthly) is a year-round escape from the big-city bustle. No traffic, no smog, no place you’ll love more.

Eat: Royers Round Top Cafe, Mandito’s, The Stone Cellar, The Garden Company Feed & Fire Water, Lulu’s Italian, Round Top Coffee Shop, Popi Burger, Bader Ranch Brasserie, Bistro 108,

Hotels: Flophouze, Night Bird Ranch, Round Top Inn, Cottages at Mill Creek

Vacation Rentals: Newly Decorated House with Pool on 10 Acres, Private Farm with Pool minutes to Downtown Round Top, FlopHouz that Sleeps 5

Play: Round Top Antique Festival, Humble Donkey Art Gallery

Drink: Teague’s Tavern, Prost on Block 29, Blue Mule Winery, Rosemary’s Vineyard & Winery, Busted Oak Cellars,

Shop: Junky Gypsy, Blue Hills, Round Top Mercantile Company, Curate by Stash, Lark, McLaren’s Antiques & Interiors, Copper Shade Tree Art Gallerie, Paul Michael Company, D Little Gallery, Second Market & Company, Indian Creek, Bar W Field, The Apothecary

Smithville/Bastrop

Smithville is a city in Bastrop County, Texas, near the Colorado River where the Sandra Bullock movie Hope Floats was filmed. The population was 3,817 at the 2010 census.

Eat: Comfort Cafe, Honey’s, Zimmerhanzel’s BBQ, Your Mom’s, Pockets Grille, Back Door Cafe & Coffee Shop, Olde World Bakery & Cafe, Bistro 71, Roadhouse, Maxine’s Bastrop, Neighbor’s Kitchen & Yard, The Grace Miller Gracie’s, Southside Market & BBQ Bastrop, Bastiano’s Pizzeria & Creamery, La Cocinas, Bassano Del Grappa, Coffee Dog Roastery & Coffee House

Hotels: Hyatt Lost Pines

Vacation Rentals: 20 Acre Retreat 35 mins from Austin, 12 Person House on the Colorado River

Play: Sherwood Forest Faire Festival, Bastrop State Park, Bastrop River Company Rafting Kayaking Paddleboarding & Tubing, Scream Hollow Wicked Halloween Park, Pine Forest Golf Club, ColoVista Golf Club, Crosshairs Fun Ranges, Lake Bastrop, Bastrop Farmers Market, Buescher State Park, Bastrop Opera House

Drink: Cripple Creek Wine Tasting Room, 602 on Main, Copper Shot Distillery, Iron Bridge Icehouse, Bastrop Beer Company, Colorado River Winery

Shop: Little Mexico Imports, Mosaic Art & Home, Carriage Stop Antiques, Midnight Monkey Mercantile, Smithville General Store, Dream Train Antiques, Consuela, Golden Girls Boutique, Main St. Vintage

To see your business listed, please contact erin@365thingsaustin.com. 

The post Day Trips From Austin appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

Our Escape from Austin series will provide guides for easy trips from Austin throughout the Lone Star State, and beyond. “What defines easy?” you may ask. For the purposes of this series, we’ll be exploring destinations that are a relatively easy drive from Austin (think cities like Fredericksburg and Port Aransas, as well as destinations like the JW Marriott Resort in San Antonio, and the BBQ Trail in Lockhart), OR destinations that Southwest Airlines flies to non-stop from Austin (think cities like Nashville, Denver, New York, and Portland).

In each post we’ll tell you why the destination made our list and provide insight on how to make the most of your trip. Happy travelin’ y’all.

Have a suggestion on somewhere we should visit? Somewhere you’ve never been that you’d like us to post about? Shoot an email to kristy@365thingsaustin.com

*Disclaimer: We receive compensation from some of the places we’ll visit, most often in the form of a free night’s stay. Just want to be up front with y’all and extend the guarantee that we will NEVER include a recommendation that we don’t fully stand behind. It’s just that we’re modest bloggers and in no financial position to turn our nose up at a free room!

The post ‘Escape from Austin’ Weekend Getaway Series appeared first on 365 Things Austin.

The Why

1. Depending on what part of Austin you live in (and traffic on 35), San Antonio is likely not much more than an hour and 15-minute drive South.
2. This resort will make you feel like you’re worlds away from Austin—both with its natural surroundings, and comforting amenities.
3. There are two AMAZING golf courses.
4. And a massive waterpark complete with waterslides and a lazy river.

How to Make the Most of Your Trip

We only spent 48 hours at the JW Marriott San Antonio, but managed to squeeze quite a bit into our stay. We arrived at the resort early for a morning tee time on their Canyons Course, the easier of the two courses on the property, and honestly, a more enjoyable experience for high-handicap golfers like ourselves. The course is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country from elevated tee boxes and greens. The carts also have GPS, which makes the first time on a new course a lot more manageable!

After finishing our round, we grabbed a quick lunch (and cocktails) in Cibolo Moon, one of several restaurants on the property. The restaurant has a great outdoor patio that was perfect on a breezy spring day, and the food and drinks were equally enjoyable. We snacked on several shared appetizers, but the barbecue burnt ends were the highlight of the experience.I also highly recommend any of the margaritas on the menu (opt for the chili salted rim).

From there, we checked into our room, which had a balcony with a beautiful view of the golf course and was also an easy elevator ride down to the pool. Pro-tip: Assuming the hotel isn’t fully booked, you may have the option to stay on the “conference side” or the “pool/golf course side” of the hotel busy weekends, the conference side stays a bit quieter (less families with kids) and is a good option for couples looking to enjoy a relaxing weekend. However, we had no issues with noise on the “fun side” of the hotel, and the room was spacious, and included several amenities like robes, a mini fridge, and a HUGE television that had complimentary Netflix and Hulu in addition to standard cable options.

Finally, we made it down to the water park which is definitely the most impressive area of the resort. It includes a ton of seating areas adjacent to several large pools, including one with a sandy beach area, and another that is exclusively for adults. There is also a massive hot tub, an impressive bar that offers several frozen drink machines, and an expansive cocktail and food menu. The 1,200-foot-long lazy river is way too easy to fall asleep in (don’t forget sunscreen!). But perhaps the most impressive part of the park, assuming you’re still embracing your inner child, are the waterslides. These aren’t your typical resort waterslides, they’re high-thrill slides that you’ll want to race down over and over again.

That evening, we ventured into town to meet friends. If you’re like us and don’t make it down to San Antonio very often, it is a nice change of pace from Austin, and the city’s culinary scene has come a long way in the last five years—but more on that in a future post. For your trip, think about spending a night out on the Riverwalk or the Pearl District.

The resort also hosts an impressive sports bar called High Velocity that features several massive projectors and countless flat screen TVs. The place was buzzing the first night of our stay with a pending playoff elimination game on the line for the hometown San Antonio Spurs.

For breakfast, the buffet at Cibolo Moon is quite impressive. It includes Texas-based favorites like homemade biscuits and gravy, as well as more standard offerings like bacon and scrambled eggs, a build-your-own omelet station, and fresh baked breads with jelly offerings made from fruit grown in the hotel’s garden.

On day two of our stay, we played The Oaks golf course, which was host to the PGA Tour Event, The Valero Texas Open, the weekend before. The course was in excellent shape from the tournament, with fairways beautifully crosscut and greens that were perfectly manicured. However, this course has a reputation for being one of the most difficult on the Tour and is not for the faint of heart! Professional golfer Kevin Na famously scored a 16 on the 9th hole of this course in 2011.

We capped off our trip with dinner at 18 Oaks, a traditional steakhouse adjacent to the golf course. Our final meal did not disappoint, from the sprawling wine list to the knowledgeable service staff, every part of the experience was perfect. We especially enjoyed the “choose your own steak knife” tray that was presented before our main course arrived. Texas y’all.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, and would recommend a getaway to the JW Hill Country for couples, families, avid golfers, conference goers, or even as a wedding destination. We’ll definitely be back!

The post Escape from Austin: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort appeared first on 365 Things Austin.