When you live in a paradise like Lake Travis, it’s hard for some people to believe there’d ever be a reason to leave. Most of the time there’s not.
What’s not to love? With an average daily temperature of 78 degrees, sunshine nearly year round, and views of water surrounded by Hill Country — it feels like a vacation (most of the time) anyway.
So when I’m packing my bags for travel outside of Austin, I can’t help thinking about all of the things I miss when I’m not here.
Lake Travis·
Is this too obvious a place to start? Traveling into Lakeway on 620, just after passing the turn off to The Oasis, the world opens up with expansive Hill Country views. You let out a big exhale when Lake Travis comes into view.
I remember the first time I saw it. I had just moved from Chicago and if you’re not familiar — there’s a pretty big lake there, too. Yet Lake Travis, with it’s picturesque views and sunsets, steals my heart every time I see it.
The Food·
There’s something about the cuisine around Lake Travis. Mexican? No question! Barbecue — the best!
Whether it’s fajitas at Maudi’s, or beef ribs at The Salt Lick, I miss all of the mouthwatering menus around the area. And when I’m gone, I can’t even think about the patios serving up ice-cold drinks and killer views.
Lake Travis has something around every bend. When I’m away, I miss restaurants like Lucy’s on the Lake. Every time we go, my 5-year-old twins spend hours climbing around the tires and playing on the jungle gym which gives me enough time to watch the sunset and sip on something tropical. I recommend the sangria!
Hill Country Excursions·
When I travel, I do my due diligence as a tourist and check out everything I can. But how many people can say that they are tourists in their own town? When you live anywhere near the lake you can. And when I’m gone I miss it all.
I miss getting on the road and traveling to a small Texas town along a Hill Country highway. I miss seeing our bluebonnets in the spring. And I really miss our small town main streets, shopping, museums, and discovering local wineries and craft breweries along the way. Dorothy’s words, “there’s no place like home” echo in my ears.
My local H-E-B·
You may call me crazy for this one (and I may agree — you remember I have twins, right?). But when I leave Lake Travis, I miss shopping at H-E-B.
We might have the great grocery store debate in Lake Travis, but there’s just something about grocery shopping at H-E-B that feels like home … and I miss it when I’m gone.
The People·
There is no place else you’ll find such happy people. Whether it’s the beauty and magic of lake life, the healthy doses of Vitamin D, or the super fun world in our backyards, there’s something noticeably different about the people who live here.
With a smile from a stranger and an open door, it’s always good to be home.
I don’t know of a salt lick around lake travis. The one I know in driftwood is 25miles away and in nonpeak traffic is 45min travel. I was reading this from the title for things in lake travis
Lake travis is soothing to the soul.
Hi Katy,
I live on the north side of the Lake and office in Lakeway (4.5 miles as the crow flies or 1 hr by car), a long drive, but oh so pretty. You are right, it just gives me peace to look out the window each day and see the ever-changing beauty on the lake. It still takes my breath away. There is no place like home!