Wednesday, April 20, 2011

FREDERICKSBURG

This quaint little German town in the Texas Hill Country has become world renowned as a vacation destination.  Fortunately for those of us who live in Central Texas, it is only 75 miles west of Austin -- perfect for a weekend getaway.  Main Street in Frederiscksburg offers some of the best eating and shopping in Texas. I never get tired of spending hours (and dollars) walking up and down Main Street. Fredericksburg is also home to several great wineries with  tasting rooms open to the public. And for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, Enchanted Rock is a destination unto itself.

Hangar Hotel
Fredericksburg offers a variety of lodging options.  But if you're looking for a unique experience, and not just a place to sleep, then I highly recommend the Hangar Hotel.  This 50-room boutique hotel is located adjacent to the Gillespie County Airport, but it's not just for pilots. Anyone can reserve a room at this World War II era hotel. As soon as you step into the hotel lobby, the decor and music will transport you back to the 1940s.


Even if you don't reserve a room at the Hangar Hotel, be sure to visit the classic 1940s Airport Diner. While enjoying your Bomber Burger and Chocolate Malt from a booth inside this chrome diner, you'll also have a front-row seat of the runway and be able to watch planes take off and land just a few feet away.


Other lodging options include chain hotels, campgrounds and Bed-and-Breakfasts. As I mentioned in a previous blog, we frequently camp at the Lady Bird Johnson Park located just a few miles from downtown.  But if you're going to Fredericksburg for a romantic weekend, then be sure to research the local B-n-B's. http://www.fredericksburg-lodging.com/properties.asp. I've never stayed at one, so please share with us if you have a favorite!

Fredericksburg Brewing Company
The Fredericksburg Brewing Company, conveniently located on Main Street, is both a microbrewery and a restaurant.  It's one of our favorite places to eat in town.  And given the wait times for a table, it's safe to say that we're not the only ones who like it. But the huge biergarten at the rear of the restaurant has large picnic tables and a giant projection screen TV to help you pass the time while waiting for a table. It's also a great place to park your husband for a few hours while you shop. The food at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company is delicious and the menu offers something for everyone, from authentic German fare to Chicken Fried Steak and 1/2-lb burgers. But be sure to save room for one of their homemade desserts, even if you have to share it with someone. And if you're a beer drinker, you'll want buy a Growler to take with you when you leave.

Shopping
I often sit around the house daydreaming about opening my own shop on Main Street in Fredericksburg. And just when I think I've come up with a great idea for something new, I look online and find that someone else has beat me to the punch. There are so many unique and diverse shops in town, that it is impossible to name them all. You'll find shops dedicated to everything from antiques to home decor to dog apparel. 

And then there's that one store my children beg to go to every single time we visit Fredericksburg. Now you have to understand . . . my children hate to shop. They would rather take a bath than go shopping. But Spunky Monkey Toys on Main Street http://www.spunkymonkeytoys.com/ is one of the most eccentric toy stores in the Hill Country and is a favorite for kids of all ages.  In fact, I often bribe my kids with a toy from Spunky Monkey if they'll first go with me to the 10,000sf Christmas Store  http://www.christmasstorefred.com/index.html or Der Kuchen Laden http://littlechef.com/ to look at kitchen gadgets and cookie cutters.  Another favorite shop is Dogologie http://store.dogologie.com/dogologie/ where you can find apparel, costumes and accessories for your favorite furry friends.

Becker Vineyards


Becker Vineyards is one of the most popular and beautiful wineries in Texas. Their wines, which have won numerous awards, really gained prominence after being served in the Bush White House.  The winery's large tasting room is always crowded on weekends with visitors paying their $10 for six wine samples. And during special events like their Annual Grape Stomp, the tasting line can even snake through the tasting room, into the gift shop and out the front door. But as crowded as the tasting room can get, the grounds of the vineyard are spacious and beautifully decorated with acres of lavender fields. So bring a blanket and picnic when you go so you can sit outside to enjoy your favorite glass of wine.




National Museum of the Pacific War


This museum was originally named the Admiral Nimitz Museum after the Fredericksburg native son who commanded the US and Allied Forces in the Pacific theater during World War II.  In fact, the original section of the museum is located in the old Nimitz Hotel, owned by the Admiral's Grandfather and home to the Admiral during his early childhood. Plan on spending most of your day here when you visit because the museum encompasses several buildings and outdoor exhibits. The museum tells the story of the Pacific War from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay.  Among the museum's many exhibits, you'll see both Allied and Japanese aircraft and tanks, as well as a fully-restored PT Boat.

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a large pink granite dome that dominates the skyline just outside of town. It was named by the Tonkawa Indians in the 1700s who believed ghosts inhabited the rock. The park today is extremely popular for rock climbers and often reaches capacity before noon on weekends. So arrive early enough to start your climb before the heat and the crowds arrive.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Camping in Central Texas

It's Springtime and that means camping. We're fortunate in Central Texas to have several great campgrounds all within an hour of Austin. I've listed a few of our favorites below.
Bastrop State Park

You've heard me say it before ... Texas has some wonderful State Parks. Bastrop State Park, located about 30 miles east of Austin along Highway 71,  is one of those parks that can be enjoyed year round. When I was young, we had several Family Reunions there. They have great group facilities, including group barracks and a large dining hall with kitchen. Other facilities include camp sites with water/electric and rustic cabins. We love to reserve a cabin in the Fall after the weather turns cool because each cabin comes with a beautiful stone fireplace. They vary in size and can sleep 2-8 people depending on which one you reserve. But they only have a handful of cabins, so plan ahead and make your reservations early if you want to stay in one.

Cabin at Bastrop State Park

As for activities, hiking is my kids' favorite thing to do when we're camping at Bastrop. When you arrive, be sure to ask the Park Ranger for a trail map. The trails are clearly marked and my kids enjoy the competition of finding the next trail marker. The park also has a swimming pool that is open seasonally. And, my husband's favorite, is the golf course. Yes, there is indeed an 18-hole course located in Bastrop State Park. The Lost Pines Golf Club.

Lady Bird Johnson Park, Fredericksburg, TX

If you haven't been to Fredericksburg, then get there soon! It is my favorite place to go for a weekend getaway. Fredericksburg is about 75 miles west of Austin on Highway 290. Look for my blog dedicated to Fredericksburg soon!

Pavillion at Lady Bird Johnson Park

Lady Bird Johnson Park is another fun place for a Family Reunion or weekend campout. They have several pavillions that can be rented for group gatherings. The park also has a swimming pool, playground and golf course. The RV sites have water/electric/cable TV hookups. But the number one reason my kids love to camp at this particular park is the Gillespie County Airport located next door. It's fun to watch all the private planes take off and land.

Granger Lake

Fishing for your supper

Granger Lake is located northeast of Austin, between the towns of Taylor and Granger. Fishing seems to be the number one activity when camping at Granger Lake. But they also have a swimming beach and a nice hiking trail. If you go hiking, be sure to see the 'haunted bridge'.  Local legend says a prisoner was hanged near the old Hoxie Bridge and his ghost haunts the area today. http://www.williamson-county-historical-commission.org/the_Hoxie_Bridge_in_Taylor_park_granger_texas.htm 

The famous haunted bridge at Granger Lake

When it comes to campsites, Granger Lake gets extra brownie points for having covered picnic areas at each individual campsite.



Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Canyon Lake, TX

This family-friendly campground is located 45 miles south of Austin, near two popular water holes -- Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River. Facilities include both RV sites and cottages. If you're not spending the day tubing on the Guadalupe or fishing at the lake, there are plenty of other activities for kids at the campground. When we stayed there, daily hayrides were on the agenda. And my kids loved renting a pedal bike and riding it around camp. Other activities onsite include an indoor heated pool, game room, lazer tag, and more.


Other Campgrounds to Try
I currently have three other campgrounds on my radar that I want to visit sometime soon.
1) Canyon of the Eagles, northwest of Austin. http://www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/canyon.html
2) Koyote Ranch, near Bandera. http://www.koyoteranch.com/
3) The other Jellystone campground located in Waller, northwest of Houston. They have a giant waterslide which the kids are anxious to try! http://www.jellystonetexas.com/Default.aspx

If you have a favorite campground that was not mentioned above, please let us know. We're always looking for new adventures!