Temperatures may be mild outside, but holiday music is starting to play on local radio stations. And in just a few short days, Austin’s very own Trail of Lights will open for another glorious season. So, while it may not feel like it, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in ATX. Unfortunately, along […]
6 Getaways for Camping Near Austin
True confession time: I’m not what you would call outdoorsy. I don’t own any fancy wilderness equipment. I would be hard pressed to start a fire without the aid of matches. And my survival skills all involve googling stuff. But the truth is, I love camping. I love having an excuse to get away from […]
Revisiting the Lost Pines: Bastrop and Buescher State Parks
In 1933 on a commission from President Roosevelt, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began work on a donated stretch of land in Central Texas that needed a purpose. Through the hard work of Company 1811 and 1805, with 200 enrollees each, a state park and national historic landmark emerged. Today, Bastrop State Park and neighboring Buescher State […]
Is the Greenbelt Open? Reliable Answers to Common Questions
When bad weather strikes, it’s important to get accurate information about conditions before heading out onto Austin’s trails and waterways. Here are several common questions with reliable resources to quickly answer whether the time is right to enjoy Austin’s many outdoor recreational areas.
Never Run Out of Things to Do and See at Gorgeous Inks Lake State Park
I can’t get enough of Texas state parks, especially during the heat of summer. Just over an hour from downtown Austin, Inks Lake State Park outside of Burnet is a must-see destination. The park spans more than 1,200 acres, offering a wide range of activities for guests. Also, the lake stays at a constant level, so […]
Immerse Yourself in Simpler Times at LBJ State Park
While I love city life, there’s something to be said for green space and the simplicity of nature. Just yesterday we wrote about Laguna Gloria, an outdoor paradise in the middle of Austin. If you drive a bit further to Stonewall, TX – a little more than an hour west of Austin – you’ll find […]
5 Best Holiday Events at Texas State Parks Near Austin
Click the Play button on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast. In Texas, we’re blessed to have a wealth of natural beauty, historical perspective and leisure-time entertainment contained within the boundaries of our Texas State Parks. Fortunately for us, our state parks aren’t taking a break for […]
Support Bastrop State Park Tomorrow After Last Year’s Devastating Fire
Click Play on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast! Back in April, we reported that Bastrop State Park had reopened most of its acreage after the devastating fire of September 2011. Because the fire destroyed over 96% of the park, the road to recovery has been long. […]
McKinney Falls State Park: The Other Austin Swimming Hole
Credit: Jim Nix, Nomadic PursuitsWe’ve been on a state park kick lately. And for good reason. Texas state parks are beautiful and no two are alike. They also provide something Austinites crave in the middle of summer: water. This past week, we finally made our first trip out to McKinney Falls State Park. I don’t […]
3 Reasons Blanco State Park Should Be on Your Austin Summer To-Do List
Summer is here in Austin and we’re already starting to feel the heat. For those of you new to the area, it’s only going to get hotter. But there’s good news. Early summer in Austin is one of the best times of the year to break out the picnic basket and get your outdoor time […]








