Outdoors

Drive through the Steiner Ranch community and just about 5 miles down Quinlan Park Road. But before you drive into Lake Austin at Mary Quinlan Park, you’ll want to take a left on Selma Hughes Road.

As you wind around and down towards the shoreline of Lake Austin the first thing you’ll see is a parking lot that may be home to one of the last payphones in the Lake Travis area … and a sign of when the park was last updated (maybe all Travis County Parks have payphones).

Not to worry, this park is not one to visit for modern-day conveniences. It’s a chance to get away and relax along the shores of beautiful Lake Austin. Drive past the upper parking lot to the lower lot that opens up to views of the lake. You don’t even have to get out of your car if you just want to grab a lunch break and an afternoon siesta in your car seat.

[Read more…] about Selma Hughes Park: Relax on Lake Austin

The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop is a short drive from Austin, but truly a world away. It’s a great place to escape with the family because a weekend there feels like a vacation, without the hassle and expense of flying or road-tripping cross country. It’s about an hours drive from the Lake Travis area (give or take, depending on traffic).

The long, winding road off Highway 71 sets the tone for the weekend as you pass rolling hills, beautiful landscaping and mature pecan trees. The scenery is breathtaking, and nothing makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city than having to stop for horses to cross the road before you arrive. Hello, city slickers!

Once there, you’ll find a large resort that is top notch in service without being stuffy. There is something for all ages and interests.

[Read more…] about Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa: Take A Vacation Close To Home

Tucked away among lush ferns and babbling brooks in Dripping Springs sits beautiful and historical Hamilton Pool Preserve.

This Texas Hill Country swimming hole has a back story as colorful as its surroundings are beautiful. Many Austinites fall in love with the idyllic waterfalls and natural rock formations found along the paths and pool at Hamilton Pool.

It’s easy to spend a Saturday afternoon in the sun on the quaint shores of the pool, where you can relax and take in some of Central Texas’ most varied wildlife species. Take a hike around the green, lush plant communities that are so popular to the area to see what all of the hype is about.

[Read more…] about Hamilton Pool Preserve: The History and Beauty of a Texas Hill Country Swimming Hole

The Lakeway Swim Center is like having a private water park in your own backyard. And on June 7, it is open for the summer season.

Let the water fun and “watch me’s” commence!

If you haven’t been to the Swim Center yet, you are missing out on a fantastic facility with tons of great amenities located right in the heart of Lakeway with enough activities to put a smile on your face all summer long. (Especially if your kiddos are tall enough to ride the water slides — 48″ tall — no exceptions!)

The facility has a huge leisure pool with a shallow beach-like entry that’s the perfect spot for little ones to splish and splash. They can ride the famous “Froggy” slide by climbing up the frog’s back and sliding down his tongue — it’s pretty thrilling for toddlers. You aren’t allowed to bring floaties for small children, but the pool offers U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets in all sizes.

[Read more…] about Lakeway Swim Center and Skate Park: Stay Cool This Summer