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Canyon Lake, TX
This reservoir along the Guadalupe River is a great place for swimmin, eatin, and explorin. Check it out.If the first thing on your list is taking a dip, then Canyon Lake has what you need. If you can navigate some steep steps, head to Overlook Park. But if youve got small ones that want to play on a flat, rocky beach, then Comal Park has your name on it.
If you are part explorer, part science nerd, and part history buff, then you need to check out the Canyon Lake Gorge. For some grub, head to Franks Bait & Tacos.
Wimberley, TX
This town calls itself A Little Bit of Heaven. And the funny thing is they may be right. Wimberley is an artists haven in the truest sense. It must be the rolling hills that inspire the inner soul, but whatever it is, youll want to check it out.
CULTURE
Local artisans peddle their craft all around the Wimberley Town Square. Outside of town, you can visit the very prominent artists behind Wimberley Glassworks. Not only can you peruse a gallery of breathtaking glass artworks like light fixtures and vases, but you can also watch glassblowing demonstrations to see how the pros do it.
If you are there during the summer time, theres nothing better than capping off your day with a movie under the stars at the Corral Theater which shows current movies in an old horse corral. You can sit in the chairs at the theater or bring your own, either way, you’re bound to have the best seat in Texas as you enjoy the movie and the beautiful night sky at the same time.
There’s nothing better than cruising with the top down…well except cruising down one of the most scenic drives in Texas, the Devil’s Backbone on Highway 32. The route gets its name from the rolling hills and vertebrae-like rock outcroppings, but there’s really nothing devilish about it — it’s a heavenly view!
OUTDOORS
Wimberley boasts some of the most beautiful nature in the Hill Country. The best way to see a panoramic view of it all is at the top of Prayer Mountain (aka “Mount Baldy”). And if you’re not much of a mountain climber, don’t worry — it’s actually a mound with 218 stairs leading up the mountain to the “bald” rocky top where you can see the hilly Texas landscape for miles and miles.
To take in the work of the great Artist who created everything, take a dip in Blue Hole, one of Texass finest swimming holes. Just one look at the water and you’ll know why it’s called “Blue Hole.” And there’s even a rope swing so you can spend the afternoon just hanging around… (sorry, I had to!)
FOOD
All this art will leave you starving, so I highly recommend fixing that at Brewsters Pizza (also home of the Wimberley Brewing Company) which is run by the Collie family from top to bottom. What could be better than washing down a delicious slice of hand-tossed pizza with a ice cold pint of handcrafted beer? NOTHING!
You might also want to check out the INOZ Brew and Chew to enjoy burgers outside by the creek or the Wimberley Pie Co. for some of the best pies in town. I suggest the Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie — it’s out of this world! You can find both restaurants in the town square area.
Unfortunately, the Gourmet Tamale Kitchen featured in the episode has closed its doors.
Lockhart, TX
Lockhart is the officially the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Need we say more?There is a challenge in Texas that few brave souls attempt, but for those willing to accept this meaty mission, it carries BBQ street credibility unlike anything else. It is the Lockhart BB-Q challenge. The rules are simple Eat at all 4 BBQ joints in Lockhart in one day. Good luck and bring your antacid.
The 4 joints (in alphabetical order) are Blacks Barbecue, Chisholm Trail BBQ, Kreuz Market, and Smittys Market. Each is unique in its own smoky way. I recommend them all.
If you need a break between BBQ binges, check out Lockhart State Park and enjoy its 9-hole golf course or take a hike along Clear Fork Creek. For history buffs that want to stay in the middle of town, tour the historic Caldwell County Courthouse or the Caldwell County Museum sitting inside of the old jail.
Luling, TX
This is a town known for two things: Bar-B-Q and watermelon. Youd be hard pressed to think of two better things to be known for. According to Texas Monthly, Luling is home to some of the best BB-Q in the Lone Star State. And they are right! Luling City Market is one of Texass most-storied BB-Q joints serving up 3 meats and only 3 meats: brisket, sausage, and ribs. Across the street sits Luling Bar-B-Q a relative new-comer in Luling, as its only been around for 30 years. Try one or try them both, but make sure to save room for watermelon which can be bought just across the street at the Luling Farmers Market.
If you do buy a watermelon, Id recommend taking it down to Zedler Mill to crack it open and enjoy it on the banks of the San Marcos River at this old renovated mill and one of Texass best swimming holes. Or if you want to go a bit further, head to Palmetto State Park, and eat your watermelon in the river or while exploring its unique hiking trails full of Palmetto palms.
Other attractions in Luling worth checking out include the Central Texas Oil Patch Museum, and Lulings Pumpjack Zoo Tour with oil pumps decorated as everything from quarterbacks to killer whales.
Shiner, TX
Before the beer, there was the town. The town that made the beer. Shiner, TX. Home of the folks that have been brewing Shiner Beer for over 100 years. And, yes, they will let you move here. The main event in town is to take a tour of the famous Spoetzl Brewery. The tour is free and ends with free samples in the hospitality suite. But they are just tastings so for a full pint, visit Howards, a gas station with a secret beer garten.
Since you came down here for the day, you probably want to eat. For lunch, head to . (I cant help you here, more beer?)
Smithville, TX
Lots of things float in Smithville. Hope, Smoke, and YOU on a road bike when you visit Smithville.
Smithville is a picturesque and quintessential small town which is why its been the setting for tons of motion pictures. However, none made Smithville more famous than 1998’s Hope Floats starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. Sights from Hope Floats, Tree of Life, and many others lie all around town. The Smithville Chamber of Commerce can point you in the right direction for a self-guided tour. And Pockets Grille has tons of local movie memorabilia. In town, youll also want to see Smitty who was once the largest gingerbread man in the world. He sits at the end of Main St. and is often dressed for the seasonal holiday and weather.
Outside of town in the nearby community of Winchester is a delicious steakhouse and post office called Murphys Steakhouse. It isnt to be missed and often has more customers than the entire community of Winchester has residents. Folks come for miles to eat at Murphys and you should too. After dinner, wash it down with a scoop of Blue Bell from the Winchester Depot and a ride on an old carousel ride just outside the door. Sadly, Zimmerhanzels Bar-B-Que where we ate in the episode is shut down.
Also not to be missed is the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History in the town of Rosanky. This unexpected car museum has over 100 antique and collectible automobiles. Its incredible.
And finally, if you want to spend some time outdoors, head to Buescher State Park. You can also bike to Buescher via Bastrop State Park.
Brenham, TX
Brenham is more than just Blue Bell. Dont believe me? Check it out for yourself. However, lets not pretend. Brenham IS Blue Bell too. And to explore the sweetest side of Brenham, head to the Blue Bell Creamery for a tour and a scoop to learn how the little creamery in Brenham got its start and went from producing 2 gallons a day to thousands.
For something more substantial in your stomach, how about a $100 hamburger? Sound delicious? For a hundred bucks, it better. Well the good news is that the burger doesnt actually cost $100 it is only worth $100 to folks who are willing to fly to the Brenham Municipal Airport just to eat it and who have voted it the Best $100 hamburger in the USA. Try it for yourself at the Southern Flyer Diner a 50’s themed diner complete with poodle skirts, jukebox, and homemade cookin. More good news they have a parking lot, so you can leave your private jet at home (if you want).
While in town, check out Brenhams Historic Downtown, with shopping and good casual eateries like Must Be Heaven for soup, sandwiches, homemade pies, and (of course) Blue Bell. You might also want to make a stop by the Pleasant Hill Winery to sip on a glass, or for something a bit odd, the Monastery of St. Clair, operated by nuns who raise miniature ponies. NOTE: the Monastery will close at the end of May 2011. So, go quick if you want to check this out.
Bastrop, TX
Bastrop is a city tucked away along the winding Colorado River and lost within the Lost Pines.
To appreciate Bastrop, it is mandatory to exit Highway 71. Or else youd miss the three crown jewels of Bastrop: (1) the Colorado River, (2) Bastrops historic downtown, and (3) the Lost Pines.
For a first stop, Id head straight downtown. Grab a giant Chicken Fried Steak and sip sweet tea from a mason jar at Maxine’s on Main. Then head over to Lock Drugs, a old pharmacy , and wash it all down with a hand-dipped Blue Bell milkshake from their old-fashioned soda fountain. Downtown is also a great place to do some shopping, antiquing, and maybe grab an old-fashioned shave from John’s Barber Shop. Also, dont miss the chance to spit off the bridge. Be sure to ask a local for details on this one. For the best food outside of downtown, hit up Roadhouse where I highly recommend diving into a Jalapeno-Cream-Cheeseburger. You wont regret it.
If you seek the natural side of Bastrop, take a trip down the Colorado River along the El Camino Real Paddling Trail, a six mile trail winding around the city and finishing up at the Lost Pines Recreational Trails. Rising Phoenix Adventures would be happy to set you up with a kayak or canoe. You can also head to Bastrop State Park to see the famous Lost Pines a group of Loblolly Pine trees that got separated from East Texas during the ice age and are now permanent residents of Bastrop.
Spicewood, TX
Spicewood is a Texas town nestled along Lake Travis and the home of Country Music Legend Willie Nelson. Need I say more
You will undoubtedly want to kickstart your day with a cup of coffee from Cuvee Coffee, one of the most respected specialty roasters in America that is hidden behind a metal gate marked inconspicuously with a C. If you find it, then you can join them for a cupping and get a tour from the guys roasting the beans. If you like wine more than coffee, then head to Spicewood Vineyards for a tour and tasting. Unfortunately Willies Luck, Texas ranch isnt open to the public, just you can still crank up the tunes as you cruise around town.
To indulge in the adventurous side of Spicewood, cruise through the air on a Zipline tour at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours or hit the trails at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area on the banks of Lake Travis. If the weather is right, take a dip in Krause Springs, a hidden-oasis swimming hole complete with rope swing, sunbathing rocks, waterfalls, and a hidden grotto.
After a day like this, you will be starving. So indulge in the spicy BBQ (or any BBQ) from Opies Barbecue. The sweet and spicy ribs are killer, as is the brisket, sausage, chicken, banana pudding, spicy creamed corn you get the picture .everything. To cap off your day with some live music, or to eat one of the best burgers in Texas, head to Poodies Hilltop Roadhouse. Poodie was Willie Nelsons longtime stage manager and, before passing, was the proprietor behind one of the best burgers in Texas. Enjoy a burger, a cold one, and an incredible view at Poodies.
Fredericksburg, TX
Ah Bavaria! Its beautiful, its German, and its about 5,000 miles away. Lucky for us, settlers brought Germany to Texas and named it Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg, TX is a culture clash between boots and lederhosen. It isnt uncommon to see trailers full of cows traveling through downtown and being hauled by German-speaking man wearing a cowboy hat. Seriously! Go see for yourself.
Downtown Fredericksburg is a collection of shops offering just about everything you can imagine. From lady-friendly candles (Circle E Candles) and home accessories, to man-friendly beer and brats (Fredericksburg Brewing Company) and brats. If you are looking for the full German food experience, look no further than The Auslander, an authentic German restaurant in the heart of town.
One thing you cant miss when visiting is the National Museum of the Pacific War. Believe it or not, the national museum commemorating the Pacific combat of WWII is in Fredericksburg. The museum has complete war machines, like a B-12 bomber, tanks, and a Japanese pygmy submarines.
For outdoor-minded folks, head north of town to Enchanted Rock, a stunning pink granite dome rising out of the Texas hill country.
Llano, TX
Llano is the little hill country town that rocks literally. Check it out!
This charming little Texas town sits on the Llano River. Its the the county seat of Llano County. And sits atop the Llano Uplift. See a theme here?
The Llano Uplift is a peculiar rock formation created when granite pushed its way to the surface exposing rocks all around Llano. The most impressive example is Enchanted Rock in South Llano County. The uplift also kicked up tons of rare earth minerals that are scattered all over the county. There is even a type of granite called Llanite that can only be found in Llano County. To learn more about Llanos rock culture and be pointed in the right direction for your own rock hunt, check out Enchanted Rocks and Jewelry on Llanos square.
For the historic side of Llano, drive across Roy Inks Bridge and take a tour of the old Red Top Jail, built in 1895 with its original hanging gallows still inside. Also check out the Dabs Hotel (a stop for Bonnie & Clyde), the Llano Courthouse, the Historic Railyard District, and the LanTex Theater, a classic theater still showing current movies. For something creepy, you can always head to Baby Head Cemetery up Highway 16 from Llano.
All this touring will surely stir up an appetite. For what many consider the best BB-Q in Texas, head to Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and choose your meat straight from the outdoor pit. Dont miss the house pecan cobbler. Another great BBQ spot is Inmans Kitchen serving its famous and one-of-a-kind turkey sausage. For lighter fare and a cup of joe, head to Fuel Coffee House, a nonprofit coffeehouse that also serves up free burgers on Sunday evenings.
If you are around town in the winter, you might also get a chance to see wild Bald Eagles that migrate to Llano in the winter to build nests and have babies. For the past couple years, the nest has been just off Highway 29 between Burnet and Llano. Look for the TXDOT pull-off.
You can read my column about Llano from Texas Highways HERE.
For information about Lake Buchanan visit our Burnet, TX page CLICK HERE.
