Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Travis Area

Austinites are known for their health-conscious attitudes, and the communities surrounding Lake Travis are no different.

You can always spot cyclists and runners in the area, whether in neighborhoods or even on the more busy roadways. You'd almost have to work at not being active considering the many miles of hiking and biking trails, swimming spots and array of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed all year long.

Recreational activities aside, the Lake Travis area is home to all manner of athletes, including various championship teams at the high school level. Among them is the Lake Travis High School football program which boasts six state titles.

But you don't have to be in training for a marathon to enjoy the great outdoors in the Lake Travis area. Check out some of the Lake Travis area outdoor activities you and your family can start enjoying today.

Lake Travis Cycling Guide: The Mansfield Dam Loop

Written by Todd Hower | April 9, 2014

It’s no secret that Austin is home to a huge biking community, for both road and mountain. There’s no better way to see a city and find out what it has to offer than on a bicycle. And with miles and miles of bike routes, this especially holds true in Lake Travis.

One such route can give you an excellent overview of the Lake Travis area. The Mansfield Dam Loop is a road ride with several different variations that will take you up and down the hills of west Austin and along the south shore of Lake Travis.

Here’s the breakdown on one of the more popular road rides in Lake Travis.

Things to Do in Gruene, TX

Written by Emily O'Shaughnessy | April 3, 2014

One of the cool things about living in Austin is the number of quick day trips you can take within a short drive. Gruene (pronounced like the color of a shamrock), near New Braunfels, is one of my favorites field trips.

Gruene is a charming historic town and the home of Gruene Hall, which proudly claims the title of Texas’ oldest dance hall. Numerous country musicians cut their teeth there including George Straight, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett and plenty more. It remains a huge draw to this day, with live performances from big names regularly.

Jerry Jeff Walker plays this weekend, and there’s a great lineup all month. Some shows are free, so if you’ve never experienced a show there plan to check it off your Texas bucket list this summer.

Spend a Day in Blanco: The Lavender Capital of Texas

Written by Mandy Spivey | March 31, 2014

Blanco, the little Texas Hill Country Town that sits about 45 miles West of Lake Travis and 45 miles North of San Antonio, is a quaint community that aims to give Texas a good name.

“Texas Friendly Spoken Here” is one of the town’s official mottos, and after a day spent wandering the Square, you’ll start to realize just what makes this tiny town so special.

It’s not just the lovely rolling hills that the region is best known for, or the laid-back vibe the locals try to keep. It’s the Texas pride each person carries; from the farmers to the artists, from beer brewers to ranch hands — everyone has a story to tell.

Outdoors

Outdoor Recreation in the Lake Travis Area

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