As much as we love being in Austin,
you'd be missing out if you didn't drive out past our city limits. You can find yourself in a tiny rural town that the entire antiquing world descends upon, in a slice of the tropics, listening to country music in a place you thought only existed in a song or simply sipping wine as you watch the sunset on an amazing day.
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SMALL TOWNS
photo credit: hotel lulu facebook
Round Top
The closest you'll get to a real-life Schitts Creek but where Moira takes over, Round Top is a tiny town that punches well above its weight. The peak of its antique prowess comes several times a year as its main drag turns into a mile's worth of vendors selling pieces that'll have you gasping "ooo" constantly. Outside of these "shows," you'll find a peaceful respite from city life in a town that feels like it's straight out of a novel. With a cast of characters operating effortlessly cool spaces, Round Top is always a good idea.
What else to do: While a short drive east, make it a little longer with a worthwhile stop at Bastrop. Sure, there's the Buc-ee's but head into the actual town and check out one of the best bookstores in the state, The Painted Porch. Carrying only their favorite titles, you can expect to find an outstanding collection worthy of heading into town.
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Salado
Easy to miss when you're northbound on 35, this tiny artist village is one of the better-kept secrets just off the highway. Continuing the trend of Texas small towns being some of the coolest in the country, this 3,000-strong stop is home to a winding sculpture garden, affordable antiques, art galleries, and all the accouterments of a cool small town. Some even make the venture up 35 solely to visit Shady Villa Hotel, a longstanding tradition for travelers.
What else to do: If the retro roadside sign doesn't entice you enough, let us push you into finally experiencing the Inner Space Caverns off 35. It's a trip into the earth as you explore the caverns below and learn more of Austin's prehistoric story.
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photo credit: clay ewing/city of wimberley facebook
Wimberley
Aside from being home to breathtaking swimming holes, this artsy enclave out in Hill Country is worth visiting sans swimsuit. Home to an abundance of art galleries, tasteful little restaurants, and the scenic Blanco river flowing nearby, you can wander in Wimberley for hours. Should you wander for too long, there are plenty of great hotels to turn a day trip into an overnight getaway.
What else to do: Looking for an escape from city life? Disconnect and stay overnight in Wimberly in a tiny, private cabin nestled in nature. Book a Getaway House where you can go on a hike, take a dip in a nearby swimming hole, and spend the night stargazing.
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photo credit: @oldpaltx instagram
Lockhart
You've had Barbeque before, but if you've never been to Lockhart, no you haven't. Crowned the BBQ capital of Texas, and dare we say, the world, this small town is a foodie destination unlike any other. Even if you can't stand the sight of smoked meat, Lockhart's far from a one-trick pony. With a wildly charming town square with actually great spots to eat more than just BBQ, to a quaint bookstore/ wine bar for those who'd rather sip a red than bite into red meat.
What else to do: If you're willing to add extra mileage and swap taking 130 for 35, make a stop in the tiny town of Martindale. Check out a serine section of the San Marcos River complete with a waterfall, then grab lunch at the too-cool-to-be-so-far Martindale River Cafe & Mercantile. It's a delicious spot in the middle of nowhere before you head to stuff your face with BBQ in Lockhart.
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NATURAL GETAWAYS
photo credit: Yelp
Palmetto State Park
78 Park Rd 11 S.
There's a long period of time where Texas sure as hell feels like we sit right on the equator, but come January when the trees are all leafless, and the high is only going to be 50, suddenly you're yearning to find a tropical escape. Only an hour and some change away, this state park's palmettos keep the grounds green year-round and feel more like a jungle than your typical Texan swamp.
What else to do: You can stop in Lockhart on your way back should the hike induce a hunger only brisket, ribs, and never ending sides can fill.
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photo credit: Balcones canyonlands national wildlife refuge facebook
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
24518 Ranch Rd 1431.
Only a short drive away are over 32,000 acres of well-preserved nature. Unspoiled by civilization, this wildlife refuge has miles of trails. Each meander up and down the rocky terrain, with some leading to breathtaking vistas, while others find their way to shallow creeks with crystal clear water.
More to do: If you want to get a preview of the views you'll see from your hike through the refuge, make a quick stop at the Sunset Deck just above 1431.
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VENUES WORTH THE DRIVE
photo credit: luck ranch facebook
1100 Bee Creek Rd.
Sure, there are plenty of venues closer to town, but how many are Willy Nelson's own western town? Well worth the drive out, Luck Ranch is an experience all of its own. Once you walk in, you enter Luck, the bustling western town complete with a chapel and saloon. Shows and festivals here take concert-going to a whole new level and leave you excited to come back for more.
More to do: If you want to enjoy a glass of wine before your show, El Gaucho Winery is on the way if you add a detour to your drive.
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photo credit: bobbyn dodd photography/luckenbach texas facebook
Yes, this town is real, and yes you absolutely go out to see it if you're even remotely interested. While it's easy to think they simply built a town after the hit song and rode the wave of its popularity, Luckenbach predates the country classic by several decades. Starting as a small trading post, Hondo Crouch and Guich Koock bought the ghost town in 1970. Ever since, they've turned the quiet town into a hit with musical performances, women-only chili cook-offs, and a getting back to the basics of love.
More to do: If you want a great cup of coffee and a small town to stroll through as you drink it, make a pit stop at Johnson City Coffee Co before you go to Luckenbach. The town itself has a great vibe to it with plenty of wine-tasting rooms should you imbibe.
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photo credit: white water amphitheater facebook
Whitewater Amphitheater11860 FM306 Suite 1.
No matter how architecturally stunning a venue can be, there is an undeniable draw to any space that finds a way to effortlessly nestle into its surrounding nature. Whitewater out in New Braunfels succeeds in embracing the natural beauty of the banks along the Guadalupe River. With tubing available, you can float the day away in the river and as the sun sets, get ready to rock out in the amphitheater for an evening under the stars. Turning a night out into an all-day adventure.
More to do: If you choose the scenic route, you can make a stop in Wimberly to stretch your feet before you go float/catch a show, but you should try to make time to see the breathtaking blue waters of Canyon Lake.
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WINERIES
photo credit: el gaucho winery facebook
21301 Kathy Ln.
A secret slice of Argentina hidden near Austin, El Gaucho intends to bring the friendly South American spirit to the Hill Country. Every aspect is meant to evoke that distinct Argentinian flavor in both their atmosphere and within their bottles. As a nation that proudly still provides a home to cowboys ( gaucho) and boasts some of the best steaks in the world thanks to their Asado cooking, you can get a taste of their talents by checking out El Guacho's Patio Steak House if you need something redder than a Merlot.
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photo credit: hamilton pool vineyards yelp
25711 Hamilton Pool Rd.
As one of the first pioneers (or pinoeers) cultivating wine in Texas, Hamilton Pool Vineyards continues to lead as a wine destination. In culturally German territory, this vineyard embraces a French approach to cultivation. With sprawling vineyards, a regenerative farm, and eco-friendly lodging for when you're one glass too deep for a drive back, there's a reason people keep going back to the vines that have been growing since 99.
More to do: Check out Hamilton P... kidding. We know you know to see that. Instead, pop over to Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center for a tour of another natural gem tucked away in Hill Country that dare we say rivals that of the pool nearby.
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photo credit: becker vineyards yelp
464 Becker Farms Rd.
There's always something about walking through a vineyard before or after sipping some of the very wine made right there, but Becker has another field for visitors to find themselves in. With a lavender field blooming in the spring, guests looking to see something more than grape vines can venture out to get a whiff of that magnificent scent. The rest of the year, they can simply expect a refined wine tasting as they wait to come back to experience the vineyards in their blooming glory.
More to do: While Luckenbach is just a bit further west if you prefer to make a stop on the way, check out Lyndon B. Johnson State Park. See the Texas White House and boyhood home of our state's first citizen to become President of the United States.
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