10 June . 2015
Best of the Texas Hill Country
We think living in the Texas Hill Country is great, especially when you find your dream home in Sweetwater. But, don't take our word for it, check out this list of the best things to see and do while living in the Texas Hill Country - courtesy of About Travel. However, we are optimistic that the Sweetwater Wildflower Festival will one day make the list for the best festival.
The Texas Hill Country is an extremely popular area for visitors to Texas. The region features everything from big cities to tiny bergs, outdoor adventures to modern attractions. Here is a list of some of the best things to see and do while visiting the Texas Hill Country.
1. Best Scenery - Lost Maples
Most people relate fall foliage and the changing of the leaves to the eastern portion of the United States. However, portions of Texas actually see dramatic changes in foliage coloration as fall draws near. Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has the most vivid fall leaf coloration in the state. More »
2. Best Hike - Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock is one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States and One of Texas' most iconic natural attractions. The dome of Enchanted Rock is 425 feet above the ground (1825 feet above sea level). Located just north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock is right in the heart of what once was the Texas "Indian Territory." Through the previous centuries, this large rock formation played an important role in the lives of the Native American tribes which the Texas Hill Country. Today it is designated as a State Natural Area. Hiking is extremely popular at Enchanted Rock. A 4-mile trail encompasses several rock formations. A shorter, steeper foot trail leads to the top of Enchanted Rock. Campsites are available for those wishing to stay overnight. More »
3. Best Tour - Harvest Wine Trail
The Texas Hill Country is home to a surprising number of vineyards and wineries. Many of these wineries are open for public tours throughout the year. However, there are two large-scale "winery tours" held each year in the Texas Hill Country. Set to coincide with the harvest season in August, the Harvest Wine Trail includes nearly two dozen wineries and is a great way to cap a summer vacation. The Texas Holiday Wine Trail is held over three weekends in December and includes wineries from New Braunfels to Lampasas and from Fredericksburg to Dripping Springs. More »
4. Best Swimming Hole - Barton Springs
Located in Austin's famed Zilker Park, Barton Springs was formed when Barton Creek was dammed. Since its inception, Barton Springs has become one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. The City of Austin has operated Barton Springs as a park since 1917. Several improvements have been made to the Barton Springs "pool" over the years, but it remains a spring fed, natural water "swimming hole." More »
5. Best Museum - Bob Bullock State History Museum
Many visitors to Austin, the Texas state capital city, are intrigued by the history of the Lone Star State. Luckily for them, the city is also home to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. This historical museum is named after the former lieutenant governor, who was instrumental in its establishment. Essentially, the Texas State History Museum encapsulates the history of Texas from prehistoric times to the present. The vast array of interactive exhibits showcase everything from the life of early Native Americans in Texas to the Battle of the Alamo to the role of Texas in the Space Race of the 1960s. The Museum also houses an IMAX theatre as well as a café and store. Additionally, the Museum often houses special and traveling exhibits. More »
6. Best Festival - Kerrville Folk Festival
Founded in 1972 by Rob Kennedy and held every year since, the Kerrville Folk Festival is the longest running event of its kind in North America. Over the years, it has also grown to be one of the largest, with recent events featuring more than 100 artists. In fact, since its inception, more than 1,500 singer-songwriters have performed at the Kerrville Folk Festival. More than 30,000 people attend the Kerrville Folk Festival each year, many of whom choose to camp onsite and enjoy the Festival 24 hours a day. More »
7. Best Water Sports Destination - Lake Travis
Stretching over 60 miles, Lake Travis offers fishermen, sailors and water sport enthusiasts plenty of room to spread out. Lake Travis has a reputation as one of the top lake for water skiing in the Lone Star State. Impounded in 1941, Lake Travis is located on the Colorado River, approximately 20 miles above Austin. Since filling, Lake Travis has been one of the most popular water sport destinations in the Lone Star State. Scenic, hilly shorelines and deep, clear waters afford the perfect backdrop for sailing, diving, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing and more. More »