Imagine a place flowing with pristine rivers and lakes, a place with vineyards as far as the eye can see, and home-cooked food so delicious you’ll feel like you’re eating a royal feast. That is a land fit for a king, which is exactly why they call it KINGSLAND. The true beauty of this Kings…land doesn’t lie in the city, but in its surroundings which contains tons of things to do. Kingsland sits along the Colorado River and the beautiful Lake LBJ. It also straddles the border between Burnet and Llano counties. Both Lake LBJ and the nearby Inks Lake are constant level lakes, meaning the lakes stay full year round when other Texas lakes dip due to droughts. To experience Lake LBJ, start at the Lake LBJ Yacht Club and Marina. Don’t worry, this isn’t a snooty yacht club, but a down-home, hill country place to rent a boat or play at the Granite Beach Waterpark full of inflatable water toys. The waterpark is open weekends Memorial to Labor Day. If you are looking for history, check out Kingsland’s Antler’s Inn, built in 1901 as a resort and refuge for railroad workers and travelers. Also on property is the actual house from the filming of the 1974 classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The house has received a new coat of paint and doesn’t look as terrifying as it once did, but if you cock your head just right, you can almost hear the grind of a distant chainsaw. Today the home serves up delicious cuisine as the Grand Central Cafe. And the steaks are way better than the ones Leatherface whipped up. If you are looking for grub, head for a delicious burger or chicken fried steak at the local Hoover’s Valley Cafe, one of the few remaining relics of a long-forgotten town. And if you want a view to go with that food, head to On The Rocks, a delicious homemade Italian joint perched atop a tall cliff and overlooking Lake LBJ. Finally, if you are looking to truly feel like a king, head to one of the area’s wineries. I highly, highly recommend visiting the Martin family of Perissos Vineyards. Beyond being incredibly nice, they are making some of the finest wines in Texas. Visit in July and August and you can even help them harvest and stomp the produce!
highlight: winery
La Grange, TX
This might just be the “Best Little Day Trip in Texas.” I’m sure Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton would agree, as it was the events of La Grange’s famous “Chicken Ranch” that inspired the classic musical “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” While the brothel is no longer around (it was moved to Dallas and then burned down), there’s still plenty to do in this town.
For starters, “Czech” out the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. This museum gives visitors a feel for the culture and early days of Fayette County when thousands of Czech immigrants populated the area. The museum has clothes, relocated homes, and lots of musical instruments. Crank up the Polka Baby! For some reason, the best Czech food is in gas stations. To taste Czech culture and a delicious kolache or klobasniky, head to Weikel’s Bakery in La Grange or head down the road to Hruska’s in Ellinger, TX. To drink like an early Czech, head to the Rohan Meadery, making authentic old-world meads, right here in Texas.
But for a real taste of Texas tradition, look no further than Prause Meat Market right off the square in La Grange. This meat market / BBQ joint has been serving customers since the 1890’s. Today the fourth generation of Prauses are manning the chopping block helping customers stuff their bellies with tradition.
One other must-see stop is the Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site. This park holds two incredible historic sites, one is Monument Hill honoring the Texan heroes who lost their lives in the Dawson Massacre and Mier Expedition, where Texans had to draw beans for their lives. The other stop is the ruins of the Kreische Brewery and the house of the Kreische family.
To experience the natural side of La Grange, set up a paddling trip down the Colorado River with the folks from Camp Lone Star. This short trip is perfect for large groups and anyone hesitant to get in the river.
As ZZ Top would say….”how how how how”
Bryan-College Station, TX
If you arent an Aggie, you might consider a day trip to Aggieland worse than community service. But believe it or not, there is more in College Station than just lots and lots of Aggies. But if you are headed to Aggieland, you might as well make a stop by the campus of Texas A&M University to see Aggie traditions such as the Century Tree, the statue of Sullivan Ross, and Kyle Field. On the north side of Kyle field, youll see the tombs of past Reveillies complete with private score board so that mascots past wont miss a single touchdown. While on campus, visit the George Bush Presidential Library. George Bush 41 wasnt an Aggie, but loved the Aggie tradition so much that he put his Presidential Library on campus.
And one thing every college town has is great grub. College kids need to eat, and BCS provides. Near campus, you might want to grab a burger and beer at the Dixie Chicken, the kind of establishment Aggie legends are made of, complete with full bar, dominos, and rattlesnake cage. Or check out Laynes Chicken Fingers, a place so passionate about its golden fried chicken fingers that all it serves are chicken finger baskets and chicken finger sandwiches. I also highly recommend grabbing a Snuffy burger at the Chicken Oil Company in Bryan (order it Death style if you want to dance with danger), and Mr. Gs Pizzeria in downtown Bryan serves up a mean calzone.
Lovers of class and other fine things might want to head to the renovated Downtown Bryan for some shopping and food, or to the Messina Hof Winery, one of the most-decorated in the state.
And finally, for outdoor lovers, Lake Bryan is a great place to go swimming, or to mountain bike along its 20 miles and miles of well-kept trails.
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.
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.
