It’s that time of year again. Students have Spring Break and the rest of us don’t – most of us don’t, anyway. March and April in Austin brings seasonal allergies, SXSW, the Rodeo, and excellent weather. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a cold drink on a patio or maybe take a road trip. As staff we might not have a week-long Spring Break, but we can still enjoy a Spring weekend. Why not make a short drive out of town to escape Austin and enjoy the most perfect time of year in Texas? Here are a few ideas for a weekend getaway.
New Braunfels; approximately a 45-minute drive from Austin down I-35.
My first pick is a personal favorite and my hometown! New Braunfels is a solid choice for an escape from the city. You can choose from an excellent selection of activities around town- tubing down the Guadalupe or Comal rivers, enjoy fun restaurants and bars in the quaint downtown area, or catch some live music at the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall in neighboring Gruene, Texas.
Wimberley; about a 45-minute drive Southwest of Austin.
Wimberly is a fantastic destination if small towns are more your speed. On the first Saturday of each month from March through December you can visit Wimberley Market Days, which is the largest outdoor market in the Texas Hill Country. The Leaning Pear is a favorite local restaurant for foodies that can’t be missed. Be sure to visit the historic downtown and enjoy the slow pace of life in this beautiful small town.
Dripping Springs; about a 40-minute drive West of Austin.
Dripping Springs is another small town that is just a short drive away. Make the trip to Dripping Springs to visit some of the best breweries and distilleries to be found in Texas – just be sure to have a designated driver or stay the night. Treaty Oak Distillery is a dog-friendly spot and Beerburg Brewing is a beer hall stocked with farm-to-table food. If you are up for some dancing and fun, Mercer Street Dancehall welcomes some of the best honky tonk bands in Texas several nights a week.
Fredericksburg; 1.5-hour drive West of Austin
Visit Fredericksburg for German culture, natural attractions, and locally produced wine. Family-owned Ab Astris winery uses Texas-grown fruit in their wines and Ranch 1 offers bike tours of the region if you’d like to sweat it out between wine tastings. Fredericksburg has a charming downtown; on Main Street you will find 150 shops, art galleries, boutiques, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Check out Otto’s German Bistro or Granite House Lounge and don’t forget to stop for a hike up Enchanted Rock before you leave town.
Lockhart; 35-minute drive South of Austin
Consider making a pilgrimage to the Barbecue Capital of Texas, Lockhart. Be sure to visit Kreuz Market, Black’s Barbecue, or Smitty’s Market. Or maybe swing by all three to take a taste of all the barbecue you can find. Learn about Lockhart’s history with a visit to the Caldwell County Jail Museum (open for limited hours on weekends) and then take a stroll around the walkable main square. You will find more food and drink options at historic saloon The Pearl and at Little Trouble, a hip speakeasy-style spot. Most importantly though, come to Lockhart for the barbecue.
And that’s just a few road-trip-worthy destinations in the Austin area. Remember, no matter where you choose to visit, be safe, have a designated driver and New Braunfels is pronounced with only one S, not two.
Melinda Jakobovits