If you haven’t been over to the north shore of Lake Travis lately, we’ve got a few great reasons for you to check it out.
Located about 18 miles northwest of Austin off Farm Road 2769 is Volente, a waterfront village with an interesting history that offers family-friendly lakeside events, dining and entertainment on Lake Travis.
You can celebrate one of the world’s most widely enjoyed foods — the olive — at Volente’s Olive Fest this weekend. Or enjoy the water park, restaurant, live music and libations at Shore Club Volente Beach.
The Volente area offers a variety of outdoor excursions like horseback riding and ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures (everyone should try it once!). You can also find hidden gems like GrandAnne’s on the Lake, an amazing little bed and breakfast cottage owned and operated by Anne Steichen for the past 15 years.
There are lots of reasons why you can visit Volente for a “staycation” on the Lake Travis shores.
This Saturday (April 18), you can get your foodie fix on at the Volente Olive Fest benefiting Austin Dog Alliance. This festival celebrates all things olive including samples of local olive oil and cooking demos by Shore Club restaurant chefs. And in true Austin fashion, there’s going to be plenty of live music and adult beverages from some our favorite local breweries and wineries. This is a kid-friendly event and free to the public.
The Volente water park features pools and rides for kids of all ages. (Plus, a swim-up tiki bar for adults.) The little kiddos can splash around on a very cool pirate ship (that is for little ones only), and the bigger kiddos can do obstacle courses or slides like the Sidewinder. The property also has sandy “beach,” volleyball courts and lots of picnic tables.
Tip: If you’re headed there with youngsters, plan on arriving when they open at 11am, because it gets pretty crowded later in the day. If you’re without kiddos (and 18 or older), check out the water park on one of the scheduled Adult Nights for some grown up fun.
Whether you’ve been out on the boat or splashing at the water park, you can find a hearty meal and cool drinks at the Shore Club Restaurant & Bar overlooking Lake Travis. From steaks to seafood, to salads and sandwiches, they have you covered.
Tip: People rave about their burgers like the Buffalo Black and Bleu Burger and the Jalapeno Cheeseburger.
Lake Travis Zip Line Adventures
If you enjoy the blast of adrenaline you get from the “zing” of a zipline, Lake Travis Zip Line Adventures is calling your name. The unbelievable experience of zipping across canyons and Lake Travis inlets is something you won’t soon forget. It’s a professionally lead hike and tour that ends with a launch off a cliff and the longest zipline in Texas. We promise, it’s unlike anything you’ve done.
Tip: Read the website for age, height and weight restrictions and make sure you note this is a three-hour adventure. If you have a youngster that is close to the 70 pound weight restriction, ask them about wearing a backpack loaded with some extra weight.
Tip: We think discovering this little getaway is an insider tip by itself! Let’s just say upon arrival you’re greeted with a tour of the house and a homemade Brandy slushy. 😉
Image courtesy of Lake Travis Zipline Adventures Facebook Page.
Hi, I have an idea for an article. (duh, like you didn’t already think of it!) But, it’s been a while and the lake (wait for it) is up.
Sooooooo, my point here is that I’m a boater and sometime am willing to drive some distance by boat to find food on the water. But, of course closer is much better. And, seems most watering holes are dry or changed, or moved, or closed or too $$$, or N/A.
I was at Lakeway area and Knarly Gar was fantastic, perfect lake food/price/service. But, now I moved 9 miles closer to the dam, near Hudson Bend area and the pickings are slim.
I’m looking for places like the Knarly Gar to get to by H20 boat. Hint: Volente is way over priced (by looking at their menu) You know, boat food.
The old Carlos and Charlies, now Frogs on the Pond, is unsuitable. If they don’t raise the bar, its just for drunks. (I know, I used to be one)
You know where would be the perfect place? Keller’s Marina, if they converted to restaurant instead of Wedding facility. Just a suggestion.
How about a burger stand on Starnes Island? That would do for the dozens who anchor there every weekend.
OK, see you.
Miles Hurst