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Take Two Steps Back in Time at The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall

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The outside of The Coupland Inn

Outside The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall in Coupland, Texas, north of Elgin

Dance halls hold a special places in Texan hearts. For much longer than I’ve been around, they’ve been places for the community to gather, share a dance, and be part of a bigger family. Many historical dance halls dot our state, and one such gem is The Old Coupland Inn & Dance Hall, east of Round Rock and about 40 minutes from downtown Austin.

The tiny town of Coupland became a center for live music and barbecue decades ago, drawing crowds almost as big as the population of the town itself. What is it about this quaint establishment that makes it so special? That’s exactly what I sought to find out by spending a day and night at the inn.

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Day Trip to Lockhart, Texas to Find More Than Barbecue

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Smitty's Market BBQ in Lockhart Texas

Lockhart is home to Smitty’s Market, but that’s just the beginning of what this Texas town offers
(Credit: Samantha Saenz)

Lockhart is synonymous with barbecue, so much so that it’s been dubbed the Barbecue Capital of Texas. As a result, every year, people make a pilgrimage to indulge in the holy trinity of meat perfection, otherwise known as Black’s, Smitty’s, and Kreuz.

This small Texas town of 12,000, located just 30 minutes south of Austin in Caldwell County, has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a cowboy town along the Chisholm Trail. Lockhart is even starting to expand past its reputation as The Lone Star State’s ultimate barbecue destination–though that reputation is still firmly in place.

The “city with a vision” has become a home for breweries, musicians looking to escape Austin’s skyrocketing prices, and big city-esque establishments. You should expect to linger longer when you explore downtown because there’s much more than barbecue waiting to be discovered.

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5 Naturally Beautiful Caverns Near Austin to Explore

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Cave Without A Name Texas

Cave Without a Name is the seventh longest cave in the state of Texas (Credit: Cave Without a Name)

I’ve made it a life goal to check out as many caverns as I can. A cavern adventure is the perfect day trip when I need to unplug or just stare open-mouthed at beautiful rock formations.

If you’re itching for a new adventure, I’ve got a few options for you. Keep reading to learn about five of the most awesome caverns in Texas. All are just a skip, hop, and jump from Austin.

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Texas 46 BBQ Will Be Your New Favorite Hill Country Pit Stop

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Texas 46 BBQ Canyon Lake

Welcome to Texas 46 BBQ in Texas Hill Country

A drive through Texas Hill Country is always a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Add some good ol’ Texas barbecue to the mix, and it doesn’t get much better. So next time you’re meandering through the quaint towns in the hills, take detour to Spring Branch, a small town nestled close to Canyon Lake. The owner of Freedmen’s, an Austin barbecue favorite, just opened Texas 46 BBQ. This new restaurant is bringing the smoke to all of your favorite dishes. It even has a full bar to quench your thirst.

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Jester King Brewery Supplies Family Atmosphere in Texas Hill Country

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Jester King Brewery Entrance

Entrance to Jester King Brewery (Credit: Jester King)

Most Austinites are well aware of the craft beer oasis located 20 minutes south of downtown Austin, known as Jester King Brewery. Founded in 2010 on three acres of Texas Hill Country, Jester King has grown to 61 acres. It now includes a burgeoning vineyard, goat farm, 700 annuals, and a lush melon patch. Simultaneous to its growth in our hearts has been its consistent climb to the international stage of superlative beer places.

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Take an Unforgettable Texas Road Trip to Visit San Saba

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Texas Road Trip San SabaI was told by a local that if you open your heart to San Saba, the little town will wrap its ever-loving arms around you in a tight embrace. For the 48 hours I spent there, that’s precisely what I experienced. I knew no stranger, and no stranger knew me. As I headed back to Austin, I knew I’d just had one of the best Texas weekends of my life.

The rustic town of San Saba is located at the corner of 190 and 16 along the San Saba River, one-and-a-half hours northwest of Austin. There are only two traffic lights to direct the nearly 3,100 people who call San Saba home: the big light and the light at the school. [Read more…]

Roll Out the Barrel: Notable Texas Wineries Worth Visiting

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Texas Wineries Worth Visiting

Wine tasting in the Perissos vineyard
(Credit: Matt McGinnis)

When I sent in my RSVP for the annual Roll Out the Barrel event, I was signing up for three winery visits in one day. Although I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into, certified sommelier Matt McGinnis clued me in. Roll Out the Barrel is a Texas take on the time-honored tradition of hosting en primeur tastings of newly available wine for journalists and wine professionals, traditionally held in Bordeaux each spring.

Although far from France, Texas Hill Country is definitely becoming known for wine. Thanks to my intimate, first-hand experience during Rolling Out the Barrel, I now have a better understanding of why. Here’s what I learned from three day-trip-worthy Texas wineries.

Thank you to the vineyards featured in this article for allowing me to attend Roll Out the Barrel at no charge. All opinions are my own. [Read more…]

How to Have a Perfect Day in Georgetown, TX

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Day Trip to Georgetown Texas

What will you discover in Georgetown? (Credit: Ashley Alkek)

The charming town of Georgetown is just 30 minutes north of downtown Austin. It’s perfect for a day trip–you’ll find establishments and attractions suited for a variety of visitors.

Spend the day exploring the area, eating at local restaurants, and catching performances in intimate venues. Below are a few of my recommendations when you’re ready to plan your trip!

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Take a Day Trip Safari Adventure to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is about an hour south of Austin and features an African safari, Texas-style

Whether you’re a giraffe lover or just an animal lover in general, I have the day trip adventure for you to put on your calendar next. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is just an hour south of Austin on the outskirts of San Antonio. The ranch is a fun twist on traditional animal-viewing experiences and features a Texas-style African safari. [Read more…]

8 Must-see Texas Hill Country Holiday Light Trails

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San Saba Holiday Lights Show

San Saba’s light show boasts 30 acres of lights and an extended run through Jan. 5, 2018 (Credit: Mitchell Hallmark/Found Media Group)

‘Tis the season to sparkle! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around.

We adore Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, but this article goes above and beyond for my kind of people who are truly extra in their love for shiny objects. I’m eternally beguiled by the night and mesmerized by shiny objects, so I’m way into the holiday light trail scene.

These aren’t your subtle, modest light displays, but rather full-on Clark Griswold affairs. If you crave holiday glitz and are up for a quick road trip, these eight Hill Country destinations can satisfy your quest to shine on.
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