Day Trips Archives - Page 7 Of 10

Hill Country Science Mill Creating New Generation of Problem Solvers

February 11, 2015 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

Light wall at Hill Country Science Mill in Johnson City, TX (Credit: Kevin Tully/A Smith Gallery)

Guest article by Anne Hebert

A 40-foot wall of LED lights demonstrating the power of cell phone signals. A giant Romenesco broccoli-shaped sculpture illuminating fractals. A lifelike look at the inside of the Edwards Aquifer, showing the water cycle.

Would you imagine you’d find each of these inside once-defunct grain silos?

This is the new Hill Country Science Mill in Johnson City, a non-profit science museum that encourages interactive learning, creative thinking and scientific discussion.

The 14,000-square-foot space features more than 25 interactive and educational exhibits, plus hands-on maker stations and art installations, all designed to spark kids’ interest and help them fall in love with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). [Read more…]

3 Gorgeous Hill Country Castles Near Austin

January 6, 2015 by Edgar Barguiarena 6 Comments

Aerial view of the entire Falkenstein Castle property, straight out of the Bavarian architecture textbook (Credit: Jim Wreyford)

Tucked away in Texas Hill Country, nestled among the hills in our own backyard, there are castles to be found.

These aren’t the enormous kingdom-defending forts our European counterparts built during the Middle Ages, but smaller variations more befitting of their Hill Country setting. What if I told you such majestic structures can be found within a 90 minute drive of Austin? [Read more…]

Tubing Spots Near Austin

June 23, 2014 by Matthew Champion 2 Comments

Grab your coolers and SPF 30 because the heat is here and that means it’s time to float down a river somewhere.

We’re fortunate enough in Austin to be surrounded by varying bodies of water with plenty of opportune tubing spots. My quick advice is this. For a shorter float that’s family friendly, hit the Comal River (2-3 hrs). If you’ve got more time and want to make a day of it, try the Guadalupe River. For an in-between, head to the San Marcos River (less crowded when school is out of session). Most importantly, have fun!

Below are a few of my favorite tubing spots and companies that help make the fun happen.

San Marcos River: Texas State Tubes

Tubing Spots Near Austin San Marcos River

On the San Marcos River with Texas State Tubes (Credit: Texas State Tubes)

[Read more…]

Uncommon Day Trip: Glass Bottom Kayaks in San Marcos

June 12, 2014 by Jessica Pino 1 Comment

Beautiful Spring Lake (Credit: The Meadows Center)

Have you ever seen a swimming pig? Well, neither have I. But The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos, TX was once the location of Aquarena Springs. There you could take in an underwater show featuring mermaids and Ralph the Swimming Pig, and enjoy a glass bottom boat tour on Spring Lake.

Today, the area has been much restored to its natural beauty. And while you might not be able to catch an underwater theater performance, you will still be able to experience one of the most unique and beautiful ecosystems in the western United States.

Let’s be honest. As much as we all love Austin, sometimes we just need to get out of the city. Located just 25 minutes from South Austin, San Marcos is the perfect day trip destination.

I know what you might be thinking: what’s in San Marcos other than outlet malls, tubing and Texas State University? Only one of the oldest [Read more…]

Award Winning Olive Oil Sprouts in Heart of Texas

April 24, 2014 by Lizzy Newsome Leave a Comment

Bella Vista olive oil made in Texas Hill Country

How much do you know about olive oil? Due to its growing prevalence in our restaurants and kitchens, there’s a good chance you’ve partaken in the extra virgin variety today!

Between salads, sautes and emulsions, it’s easily possible to consume olive oil every day of the week. Yet how often do we stop to consider the origins and characteristics of this transformative anointment? Recent press has highlighted the importance of vetting your olive oil supplier, and where better to start than close to home? You may not know this, but there is olive oil production within 50 miles of Austin! [Read more…]

Just Friends or Something More, Best Places to Relax in Gruene, TX

April 2, 2014 by Cris Mueller 4 Comments

Gruene, TX is an excellent day trip from Austin and less than an hour away

Gruene, Texas… you can’t get lost, but you can vanish for a few hours. It makes for one of the best day dates and is located only about an hour from Austin.

Make a lasting impression with your weekend sweetheart by taking the short drive and checking in on a few of the following digs. [Read more…]

Texas Olive Festival Beckons Visitors to Beautiful Day in Hill Country

March 20, 2014 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Entrance to Texas Hill Country Olive Company

One of my favorite day trips I’ve taken from Austin was a short 45-minute drive to Texas Hill Country Olive Co. in Dripping Springs. On a gorgeous, sunny Saturday afternoon, I enjoyed wine tasting, delicious cuisine from the bistro, live acoustic music, a tour of the olive orchard and the laid back relaxation we all hope to experience during our days off.

If you’ve never paid a visit to Texas Hill Country Olive Co., you’re in for a treat on April 5, 2014, when the Texas Olive Festival returns. In its second year, the 12-7 PM festival is perfect for dates, girls’ day out, families, and lone explorers. [Read more…]

Find Your Perfect Retreat at Inn Above Onion Creek: Photo Tour

November 4, 2013 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Welcome to Inn Above Onion Creek!

Editor’s Note: This lovely getaway changed its name to Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek in January 2014 to reflect an increased focus on dining and ecological responsibility.

I was instantly drawn to visit when I first learned about Inn Above Onion Creek, a bed and breakfast style getaway in Kyle, TX. Though the Inn first opened in 1995, ownership changed hands this past summer.

New owners John Banczak and Eric Goldreyer are bed and breakfast pros, and it shows. Goldreyer founded bedandbreakfast.com, and Banczak was formerly the company’s president. The two entrepreneurs have put their years of knowledge in the bed and breakfast consulting industry to work, expanding and finessing their new acquisition.

Business details aside, Inn Above Onion Creek is perfect for a weekend stay (you won’t want to go home). Located a mere half hour from downtown Austin, you’ll appreciate the geographical convenience while feeling as though you’ve entered another world. A quieter and simpler world. [Read more…]

Dust Off Your Dancing Shoes for 2013 Gruene Music and Wine Festival

October 3, 2013 by Brittany Highland 3 Comments

You’ll want to experience the sounds and tastes of Gruene Music and Wine Festival 2013. This fest has longevity as it heads into its 27th year. With that much history, it’s gotta be good!

Located just outside New Braunfels, the historical town of Gruene is one of my favorite day trips from Austin. With lovable shops and good food galore, the town has mastered the art of hosting special events and festivals. This year’s Gruene Music and Wine Festival is four days of live shows and friendly imbibing. [Read more…]

Touch the Sky with Skydive Temple

August 28, 2013 by Dustin Vegas 7 Comments

Photo credit: Sarah Saroy via Flickr CC

The Jump, Part I

I sat there, legs dangling out of a plane 12,000 feet up in the sky, wondering what exactly parachutes are made of.

“You ready for this?” The ex-military instructor screamed in my ear. I mumbled something between Yeah and Oh-lord-please-no-I-want-to-go-home, but the wind swept my words away.

“Alright! Let’s do this!” He grabbed my shoulder. With a three-two-one, my world lurched. I watched a small white plane fly away as we back flipped toward the earth. [Read more…]

San Marcos River: Texas State Tubes

The Jump, Part I

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