Day Trips

Some places I visit in Texas feel like such a time warp. In my travels as a writer, I get to see all types of towns in Texas, each of them with their own unique flair and history.

One of the coolest places on the map in my book is Luckenbach, Texas. Just a short and scenic drive out in Fredericksburg’s direction, this tiny cowpoke town, with a recorded population of 3, attracts some of the biggest voices in country from around the Hill Country.

Having an appreciation for country music will get you further around these parts, where names like Jerry Jeff Walker, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson have graced the stage for guitar and singing performances. Those are the famed nights that locals remember, memories that echo in the walls of the well-waxed dance hall that now houses weekend acts.

Located 13 miles from Fredericksburg, south of U.S. Highway 290 and on the south side of RM 1376, this site, once known for being a Comanche trading post, now serves as the Hill Country’s exclusive hideaway for music lovers and those looking to get away from the glittering city lights for an evening.

[Read more…] about Lake Travis Lifestyle Day Trip to One of the Littlest Towns in Texas: Luckenbach

There are times when getting out of the house is more than what some may call simple “weekend plans” — sometimes you need a change of scenery and just a touch of nostalgia to get your mind back on track.

That’s one of the reasons you might adore living in the Lake Travis area. The close proximity to the Texas Hill Country gives you easy access to quaint and historical Texas towns like Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs and Blanco — which are fun to tour for a weekend or even a day.

Not too far up the road from us is Johnson City, one of the more famous small Texas towns because of its hometown ties to President Lyndon B. Johnson. But that’s not all the town has going for it these days, in fact you can find natural state parks, fun shopping and even a brewery on the square.

[Read more…] about Lake Travis Day Trip of the Month: Johnson City

The back story of our neighbor to the Southeast, Llano, is filled with tales of American Indians, early European settlers aided by Germans, boom periods in search of iron deposits in nearby mountains and downtown town fires so frequent, the town was denied fire insurance for a number of years by insurers.

This small Texas town boasts big Texas heritage, from their bustling antique shops downtown to their pride of the area, Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que — when you come to Llano you don’t leave empty handed (or hungry).

Just 20 miles west of another Highland Lake, Lake Buchanan, and 70 miles northwest from downtown Austin, Llano is humble on the surface. But don’t be fooled; this quiet Texas town packs a hefty historical punch.

[Read more…] about Lake Travis Day Trip of the Month: Llano