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Enjoyable Small-Town Day Trip Ideas from San Antonio, Texas

Dated: January 31, 2020 by Charlotte Tweed No Comments

San Antonio is a popular tourist destination in Texas with the River Walk, Alamo and San Antonio Missions at the forefront – but what about the enjoyable small towns surrounding the area? So, you think It’s time to add an itinerary including small-town day trip ideas from San Antonio to your travel plans? You’ve come to the right place.

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Bandera

Distance: 86 km (53 miles) northwest of San Antonio

If there is a small town in Texas anyone should visit, it is Bandera. We had the most entertaining day of all our small-town discoveries in the town known as “The Cowboy Capital of the World”. The town stands true to this proud title. On the streets, you will see cowboys on horseback along with American muscle cars. For a real treat, go to Bandera on Memorial Day Weekend. Honky-tonks are on nearly every corner and on side streets. Just follow the music, step inside and grab an ice-cold beer. Kick back and enjoy it. This is Bandera.

Notable Attractions

11th Street Cowboy Bar – 307 11th Street, Bandera, TX 78003
Bandera General Store – 306 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003
Busbee’s Bar B Que – 339 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003
Chicken Charley’s food truck – Located on the other side of Church’s Chicken at 1014 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003
Fickle Pickles – 305 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003 (You’ll see this store more than once in Hill Country because the pickles are simply the best.)
Frontier Times Museum – 510 13th Street, Bandera, TX 78003
Medina River (Bandera City Park) – 1102 Maple Street, Bandera, TX 78003
O.S.T. Restaurant (Old Spanish Trail Restaurant) – 311 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003
Western Trail Antiques & Marketplace – 200 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003

Boerne

Distance: 50 km (31 miles) north of San Antonio

large, stone church with red door surrounded by trees and greenery — St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church – one of the many historical buildings in Boerne.

If you love German food and traditions, Boerne (pronounced Bernie) is the town you want to visit in Texas. Delicious German restaurants and biergartens await your presence. The streets of Boerne literally smell like bacon. As with most Texas small towns, the streets are brimming with historical buildings showing a flare of European and Spanish influence. Explore the award-winning Hill Country Mile (downtown Boerne), which has become the premier Hill Country boutique destination. The repurposed historical buildings feature trendy clothing boutiques, dining, Texas foods, home décor, art galleries, craft beers, and wines.

Notable Attractions

Boerne City Lake Park – 1 City Lake Road, Boerne, TX 78006 (Best place for sunsets.)
The Boerne Wine Company – 302 South Main Street, Boerne TX 78006
Carousel Antiques & Fickle Pickles – 118 South Main Street Boerne, TX 78006
Cibolo Creek Brewing Company – 488 South Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006 (Closed on Tuesdays.)
Cibolo Nature Center & Herff Farm – 140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX 78006
Dodging Duck Brewhaus – 402 River Road, Boerne, TX 78006 (Excellent beer brewed in house.)
Historic Walking Tour – 282 North Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006 (Self-guided tour map and guide available at Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau.)
Little Gretel Restaurant – 518 River Road, Boerne, TX 78006

Gruene

Distance: 59 km (37 miles) northeast of San Antonio

Darling. That sums up Gruene in one word (pronounced Green). Our Texan friends suggested we visit Gruene because, “Well, they have that old dance hall.” And that was all I expected – an old dance hall. I was surprised and delighted at what Gruene delivered.

This tiny, historic town has been surrounded by New Braunfels due to rapid expansion of the San Antonio area; however, it feels like you step into another dimension when you walk on the streets of Gruene. Being surrounded by a big city has not harmed the vibe of this community whatsoever. We went back to Gruene again, and again. There is so much to see and do that one day is not enough to take in all there is to offer. Excellent shopping, coffee, wine, beer, food – and of course – Texas’ oldest dance hall that has been graced by famous people such as Willie Nelson and John Travolta.

Notable Attractions

Cantino Del Rio – 1299 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (The tortillas and margaritas are amazeballs!)
Fickle Pickle Antiques & Pickles – 1720 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Grapevine – 1612 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (Free tastings daily.)
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar – 1287 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (Remarkable food, excellent prices and incredible atmosphere.)
Gruene Coffee Haus – 1720 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Gruene General Store – 1610 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (Selected as one of the 40 best places to visit in Texas.)
Gruene Hall – 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Gruene Olive Tasting Room – 1641 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130
The Guadalupe River – Rafting and floating on the river is popular.
Mozie’s – 1601 Hunter Road, New Braunfels, TX 78130 (Try the skinny fries.)

Small-town Travel Tip: Buc-ee’s is a Texas chain of convenience stores and gas stations located in the Central, North, South, and Southeast regions of Texas. There is a saying in the Lone Star State, “There are only two reasons to stop at Buc-ee’s. Number one and number two.” They are known for the cleanest bathrooms in the nation. Buc-ee’s is an experience of its own. These convenience stores are Texas-sized and so are their bathrooms. You’ve gotta stop at Buc-ee’s.

lady kissing a beaver statue — Just look for the beaver when you want to find Buc-ee’s. He was so hot from the Texas sun, I could hardly stand it. Photo by Darryl Tweed.

Kerrville

Distance: 105 km (65 miles) northwest of San Antonio

Bronze statue of Jesus sits atop a white stallion holding a sword with clouds in the background — “The Coming King”, Revelation 19:11, 5000 lbs. Bronze donated to “The Coming King” ® Sculpture Prayer Garden by Max Greiner Jr. © (artist) www.maxgreinerart.com

Kerrville has a modern feel to it making it different than the other cowboy towns. There is an array of shops, restaurants, and natural attractions available for entertainment. The Guadalupe River runs through Kerrville, providing a few aquatic activities to help cool off in the summer. The walking paths along the river are tranquil. Most importantly, the people in Kerrville are friendly and will often stop to chat on the street while waiting for traffic lights to change.

Notable Attractions

“The Coming King” ® Sculpture Prayer Garden – 520 Benson Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028
Billy Gene’s Restaurant – 1489 Jct. Hwy., Kerrville, TX 78028
Grape Juice – 623 Water Street, Kerrville, TX 78028 (Food, wine, beer and fun. Excellent selection of craft beers and chic décor.)
Kerrville River Trail – (Riverside Nature Center to Schneider Park)
Riverside Nature Center – 150 Francisco Lemos Street, Kerrville, TX 78028 (Best time to visit is spring.)
Schreiner Mansion Historic Site – 226 Earl Garrett, Kerrville, TX 78028
Stonehenge II – Point Theatre Road South, Ingram, TX 78025
Yeo Bo’s Café – 804 Water Street, Kerrville, TX 78028 (Korean cuisine.)

Small-Town Day Trip Ideas from San Antonio

From cowboy towns, to German influence, to prayer gardens, the small-town day trip ideas from San Antonio are sure to please every travel destination desire. The adventure lover to the person seeking solitude and relaxation will find something in this fantastic area. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and discover small-town culture at its finest within a short drive of San Antonio.

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.

Pick up my Published Travel Memoir for Inspiration:

Roam Free is a deeply personal and often hilarious travel memoir that pulls you in to the wild and woolly ride of my epic travel adventures. If you loved Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, you’ll delight in Roam Free’s sweetly innocent deep dive into a life of untethered long-term travel. Get your copy on Amazon and become inspired today.

“I just finished your book and I wrote a great review on Amazon. Congratulations on your book, your blogging career, and mostly on your courage to step out of the box then burn the damn box!! Your book is inspiring. Bravo.” – Irene Cabay

Get Your Custom-Built Itinerary:

Want to make your own adventure travel memories but don’t know where to start? A Wandering Web Travels can help you plan and book your bucket list travel today.

Enter for your chance to win a FREE trip! *Terms and conditions apply.*

Book Your Flight and Car Rental:

Find cheap transportation by using Kiwi.com. This search engine combs websites and airlines around the globe to become the ultimate travel hack.

Book Your Accommodation:

You can book hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, B&Bs and guest houses at Booking.com! They consistently return the most economical rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Like surprises? Try Hotwire.com and Save up to 60% off 4+ Star Hot Rate Hotels!

Always been curious about Airbnb but afraid to try? Now you can check them out and earn up to $62 CAD off your first trip!

Check out our world recommendations page on Where to Stay!

Book Your Small-Group Tour, Activities and Attractions:

For the best small-group tours check out G Adventures’ Insanely affordable tours!

Viator is another great option so don’t miss out! Guaranteed lowest prices on tours and activities.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. We like World Nomads because they have great rates and cover a range of adventurous activities.

P.S. – If you’ve found our website helpful and like to book travel yourself, please consider booking your next trip through the links on our Resources Page. We have personally used the companies listed there in our own travels. By booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us keep the content up to date, expand our resources, and keep the website community supported.

Mission statement: Transform your life with travel—one destination, one adventure, one story at a time.

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History, Markets, and Festivals – Burnet is a Treasure to Visit in Texas

Dated: January 20, 2020 by Charlotte Tweed 4 Comments

From history to markets to festivals, Burnet (pronounced Burnit) is a pleasant town located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country less than an hour away from Austin. Taking a day trip or a weekend getaway to Burnet is sure to enchant you with the perfect blend of small-town hospitality, glistening lakes, rugged hills, and Wild West stories. Nature lovers will embrace the area as Burnet is a treasure to visit in Texas to view wildflowers, and of course, the famous bluebonnets.

*Note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning that if you book through my link, I will make a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

Historical Buildings

There is more than meets the eye to this genuine “Wild West” town. Burnet’s earliest historic buildings date back to the 1850s. A town that began as a cluster of cabins in the shadow of Fort Croghan is now a thriving mix of history and modern times. The arrival of the railroad in 1882 put Burnet on the map as a flourishing frontier boomtown.

The Burnet County Jail

Built in 1884, the jail was the home of Burnet County’s legendary sheriff, Wallace Riddell. Sheriff Riddell served from 1939 to 1978 and held the longest tenure of any American sheriff. A statue commemorating Sheriff Riddell’s service stands guard on the lawn.

Prisoners occupied the jailhouse until 1982 when a new building was constructed. Moreover, the jail served as an office for the sheriff and housing for his family. Reports state the prisoners would say the only good thing about being in jail was the pleasure of eating Mrs. Riddell’s cooking.

Historic Town Square

Stroll the square today and picture you are taking a trip back to times when the streets were nothing but dirt with horses as the main mode of transportation. Furthermore, the old buildings hold some of their own quirky stories. One such story is of Mr. Stapp who sold furniture and funeral supplies from the “Burnet Bulletin” building. Legend has it Mr. Stapp took his afternoon nap in one of the coffins he held in inventory.

“Burnet Bulletin” building is at the end of the street on the left with a triangle gabled roof. Legend has it Mr. Stapp took his afternoon nap in one of the coffins he held in inventory.

Small-Town Travel Tip: Stop at Burnet Visitor’s Center (Chamber of Commerce) at 101 N Pierce St, Burnet, TX 78611, to pick up an Historic Burnet guide for all the details for the town square buildings.

Where to Eat

Known for their peach tea, Trailblazer Grille is located at 216 South Main Street in the market square. First, a warm and inviting décor echoes quotes on the walls from famous people of the past:

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” – Audrey Hepburn.

Second, for those with a sweet tooth, the Candy Rush Emporium is also located inside the restaurant. Third, it’s time to eat.

The Shrimp Basket.

The shrimp basket for $9.99 is a delight as the seafood is fresh, not frozen – plump and juicy – a taste of perfection. The homemade seafood sauce tops off the meal. Seafood isn’t your deal? Enjoy a hamburger on a homemade bun accompanied with sweet potato fries. BONUS: They don’t charge extra for the sweet potato fries.

Where to Shop

Taste of Texas Fine Foods & Specialty Items just off the square offers an array of Texas foods and hand-crafted items. At the back of the store, you will find free tastings of daily features such as pickles, meats and cheeses. Try the dillapeño sweet pickle relish. Their bestseller is Almond Cherry Jubilee Jam. Notable merchandise are the wooden cutting boards for sale in the store as they are creations by a local Vietnam veteran.

Where to Stay

What to Do

Burnet Market Days

Imagine bustling through an array of treasures all the while hearing the alluring Texas accent inviting you to taste their fresh salsas and homemade breads. Burnet’s farmer’s and flea market surrounds their town square on Saturdays until 1:00 p.m. Here you will find antiques and homemade foods amongst other Texas delights. The market is one of many reasons why Burnet is a treasure to visit in Texas.

Located on the town square, Burnet Farmers and Craft Market is open every Saturday from May to mid November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fort Croghan Museum – 703 Buchanan Drive, Burnet, TX 78611

Establishment of the fort began in 1849 by the US Government to protect the settlers from hostile natives. Fort Croghan consists of 1600 acres and was named after Colonel George Croghan, a War of 1812 hero and later, an Inspector General of the US Army. Admission and parking at the fort are free. Donations are welcome.

Our visit began in the museum.

“Are you part of the group coming today?” The museum caretaker was quizzical of our origin.

“No, we are not,” we stated – curious as to where he was going with this question. He proceeded to inform us that a group of people whose great grandmother lived in one of the cabins when the fort was in operation was going to visit the fort to relive the past through their ancestors eyes. And sure enough, the family arrived while we were exploring the grounds. It was neat to see the direct relative of a settling member of the fort sit on the porch and become one with the past.

The Fam descends on Fort Croghan and the Fry Cabin where great grandmother used to live.

Where to See the Bluebonnets in Spring

Known as the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas”, Burnet is the town you want to visit in spring to see the carpet of Texas’ national flower. Canyon of the Eagles Resort is the prime spot for viewing the bluebonnets in spring. However, the area is a resort but there is a 20-minute walk both ways to take in the breathtaking views. I have yet to experience the grandeur of the bluebonnets as our visits to Texas seem to miss the season. It has become a mission to visit Burnet in April to witness the springtime event locals rave about. Normally, I do not write about things I have not experienced firsthand, but it would be amiss not to mention what the town is famous for.

Picture from Pixabay.

The Burnet Bluebonnet Festival takes place on the second weekend in April. The festival is one of the most exciting and successful small-town festivals in Texas, drawing crowds of 30,000 or more each year. Guess what time of year we’ll be visiting Texas next time…

Longhorn Cavern State Park – 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611

Relieve your stress as you enjoy the pretty drive through Texas Hill Country to Longhorn Cavern from Burnet. The hills covered with cedars and oaks stretch as far as the eye can see. Even if you miss the bluebonnets, the meadows will be covered in blankets of multi-coloured wildflowers. Known as Indian bonnets, the vibrant flowers cast a sea of orange and red along the roadside.

Your discovery of Longhorn Cavern will begin in the visitors centre where you can decide if you want a guided tour or to explore the grounds on your own. Entrance to the park is free; however, visits inside the cave are only allowed with a paid, guided 90-minute tour. Tours are offered 363 days a year. A short walk outside will bring you to the stairs of the cavern. The descent to the cave is pleasantly cool and a reprieve from the sweltering Texas heat. Dissolving and cutting action of an ancient river created Longhorn Cavern.

Entrance to Longhorn Cavern.

Lovely walking trails in the park shaded by oak-juniper and karst landscapes are another option to visiting the cave. Backbone Ridge Nature Trail was like being in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The trees form a canopy over top and surround the paths, casting eerie shadows. My imagination pictured the Headless Horseman coming around the corner at any minute.

Make sure to take a walk up to the CCC Observation Tower for gorgeous views of Hill Country and Falkenstein Castle, nestled in the trees like a sleeping giant.

There is a gift shop, picnic area, and a snack bar with pizza, cold drinks, frozen treats, and other snacks in the visitors centre. Sit outside at one of the shaded tables and enjoy your treat.

After visiting the cavern, you will be thirsty and ready to enjoy a wine at Perissos Winery.

Perissos Vineyard and Winery – 7214 Park Road 4 West, Burnet, TX 78611

The vineyards at Perissos Winery. Falkenstein Castle is in the background.

A trip through Hill country is not complete without stopping at a winery for a tasting. The wine tasting at Perissos is unique as you sit at a table while the server delivers different wines – in contrast to standing at a bar while samples are poured. Consequently, the pleasantry about this relaxed way of serving is you don’t feel rushed and you can enjoy the current wine while anticipating the next. Live music is also common in the tasting room. Perissos is family friendly so feel free to grab a table and a deck of cards while enjoying time with your kids. The winery is open Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The wines were excellent. I’m a red wine fanatic but the whites were also delicious. Many of the wines are named after the children of the owners and those vintages are 100% estate grown. The petite Sirah was my favourite delight. Inky in colour, with chocolate and tobacco on the nose, the mouth follows with flavours of black currant, chocolate, baking spices and a nuance of lavender. This 100% estate grown wine is the perfect taste of Texas.

Inks Lake State Park – 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611

Inks Lake State Park boasts spectacular geological features and evidence of prehistoric occupation dating to more than 8,000 years ago. Admission to the park is $6 per person. Inks Lake State Park is the second busiest State Park in Texas. Devil’s Waterhole is the harried area of the park. If you must swim, this is the place to go. If you want to stay away from crowds, check out the many trails instead.

The varied foliage and landscape of the trails at Inks Lake State Park.

When we stopped at the visitor’s centre, the ranger suggested we visit Pecan Flats, which offers a 1,000-foot overlook of the park. We took a map; sure we would find our way. We didn’t. We wandered around the trails in the blistering heat for an hour whilst buzzards circled overhead. Sweaty and tired, we gave up and returned to our car.

Have you found Pecan Flats? Please share! Let us know how you got there in the comments.

Burnet is a Treasure to Visit in Texas

On the surface, Burnet is a modern, prosperous town with sprinkles of historic buildings to amuse architecture and history buffs. There is more to this polite, small town than meets the eye. Burnet is a treasure to visit in Texas so open the door to the past and encounter the lives and circumstances that helped shape a genuine “Wild West” town more than a century ago.

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.

Pick up my Published Travel Memoir for Inspiration:

Roam Free is a deeply personal and often hilarious travel memoir that pulls you in to the wild and woolly ride of my epic travel adventures. If you loved Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, you’ll delight in Roam Free’s sweetly innocent deep dive into a life of untethered long-term travel. Get your copy on Amazon and become inspired today.

“I just finished your book and I wrote a great review on Amazon. Congratulations on your book, your blogging career, and mostly on your courage to step out of the box then burn the damn box!! Your book is inspiring. Bravo.” – Irene Cabay

Get Your Custom-Built Itinerary:

Want to make your own adventure travel memories but don’t know where to start? A Wandering Web Travels can help you plan and book your bucket list travel today.

Enter for your chance to win a FREE trip! *Terms and conditions apply.*

Book Your Flight and Car Rental:

Find cheap transportation by using Kiwi.com. This search engine combs websites and airlines around the globe to become the ultimate travel hack.

Book Your Accommodation:

You can book hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, B&Bs and guest houses at Booking.com! They consistently return the most economical rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Like surprises? Try Hotwire.com and Save up to 60% off 4+ Star Hot Rate Hotels!

Always been curious about Airbnb but afraid to try? Now you can check them out and earn up to $62 CAD off your first trip!

Check out our world recommendations page on Where to Stay!

Book Your Small-Group Tour, Activities and Attractions:

For the best small-group tours check out G Adventures’ Insanely affordable tours!

Viator is another great option so don’t miss out! Guaranteed lowest prices on tours and activities.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. We like World Nomads because they have great rates and cover a range of adventurous activities.

P.S. – If you’ve found our website helpful and like to book travel yourself, please consider booking your next trip through the links on our Resources Page. We have personally used the companies listed there in our own travels. By booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us keep the content up to date, expand our resources, and keep the website community supported.

Mission statement: Transform your life with travel—one destination, one adventure, one story at a time.

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Quick Guide to Small-Town Day Trips from Austin, Texas

Dated: December 20, 2019 by Charlotte Tweed No Comments

When I sat down to write this blog on small-town day trips from Austin, a completely different idea was in mind. Enthusiastically, memories of Burnet and all the places to see – where to eat, and the historical sites – poured onto the page. Well, a few hours later and 1,000 words in and the realization hit – the blog would be way too long and only one town was covered. Changes were in order. The small towns in Hill Country are fabulous and plenty – they deserve a blog of their own. In a nutshell, here are the top small-town day trips from Austin. Here we go…

This post contains affiliate links; if you click through and purchase something I may receive payment.

Burnet

Distance: 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Austin

Located on the town square, Burnet Farmers and Craft Market is open every Saturday from May to mid November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Pronounced “Burnit” this jewel of the Highland Lakes is sure to please your day trip desires. On the edge of Hill Country, lies the historic small-town of Burnet. Established as a fort on the Texas frontier, Burnet has maintained its pioneer roots and architectural charm. Most notable is Burnet’s historic town square with unique shopping and dining options. The scenic countryside is filled with parks, wildflowers and wineries.

Notable Attractions

Inks Lake State Park – 3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611
Longhorn Cavern State Park – 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611
Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park – 16942 Ranch Road 2341, Burnet, TX 78611-3168
Fort Croghan Grounds and Museum – 703 Buchanan Dr, Burnet, TX 78611
Perissos Vineyard and Winery – 7214 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611

Driftwood

Distance: 39 km (24 miles) southwest of Austin

The most photographed barbeque pits in Texas.

Driftwood is adjacent to Dripping Springs and equal in rich Texas history. Most notable in Driftwood is Salt Lick, the famous barbeque restaurant established in 1967. The restaurant is therefore an attraction alone as it is also home to Salt Lick Cellars, which opened a tasting room in 2009. Consequently, Salt Lick has grown into one of the biggest restaurants around and is still family-run.

The history of the restaurant comes with a sweet love story. Thurman Roberts, Sr. and his wife, Hisako, met while Thurman was stationed in Hawaii. They married and moved to Driftwood. Thurman dreamed of spending every day in the town where his family roots are established. One day, Thurman and Hisako took out a legal pad and wrote down 54 things they could do to make a living and stay in Driftwood. The idea for a barbeque restaurant was number 14 on the list. Salt Lick was born. Hisako’s Japanese heritage was prevalent in the sauce. Combined with Thurman’s old-fashioned, slow smoking methods he learned from his grandmother; magic was made in the Hills.

Driftwood is also ripe with wineries and distilleries.

Notable Attractions

The Original Salt Lick – 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619 (cash only)

Dripping Springs

Distance: 43 km (27 miles) west of Austin

Main Street in Dripping Springs. The sign gave that away…

The town of Dripping Springs is known as the “Gateway to Hill Country”. Dripping Springs is quite spread out, but the small downtown has a variety of shopping with friendly employees. As we entered each store, we were greeted with a “howdy” and as we left, we were sent on our way with a “have a good day y’all”. We did find shopping to be the most expensive here compared to other small towns in the area. The town is surrounded by numerous distilleries, breweries, and wineries. Dripping Springs is also known as the “Wedding Capital of Texas”. The beauty of the area is prime for gorgeous wedding photos and unique backdrops.

Notable Attractions

Texas Hill Country Olive Company – 2530 W Fitzhugh, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Treaty Oak Distillery – 16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve – 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 (requires reservation to swim)
Reimer’s Ranch Park – 23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Fredericksburg

Distance: 131 km (81 miles) west of Austin

The Memorial Courtyard of the National Museum of the Pacific War with the Memorial Wall commemorative plaques in the background. The wall is to honour those who served their country in World War II.

Willkommen! The small-town with Texas heart and German soul is a vibrant community attracting tourists year-round. The German roots of Fredericksburg are apparent in the restaurants and beer gardens. Likewise, Fredericksburg is also famous for its peaches. The sights, sounds, and smells of downtown are a unique blend of Texas and German delights. Whether you are craving traditional Texas food or want to be whisked away to Germany in a Biergarten, you won’t be disappointed as options galore line the main street.

Notable Attractions

National Museum of the Pacific War/Memorial Wall/Avenue of the Presidents/Japanese Memorial Garden – 328 E. Main, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Veteran’s Walk of Honor – Located in the Memorial Courtyard of the National Museum of the Pacific War
Wine Road 290 – Fredericksburg 290 (17 wineries minutes apart on US 290)
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Luckenbach – 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 79624

Known for its “everybody’s somebody in Luckenbach” attitude, this tiny town could have its own spot on the small-town day trips from Austin list. Grab a lawn chair and head out to the free music venue where the guitars play daily. Relax under the spreading oak trees and let your cares drift away. The population of this town brags “3” and has a dance hall, post office, and general store. From 1995 to 1999, Willie Nelson held his storied Fourth of July Picnic at Luckenbach. Check luckenbachtexas.com for current performer and event information.

Johnson City

Distance: 82 km (51 miles) west of Austin

Try as I might, I could not get this beast to raise his head.

This tiny Texas town bursting with personality is named after former President Lyndon B. Johnson as it was his hometown. Take a tour of his boyhood home and Texas White House grounds. Make sure to check the schedule as the Texas White House was closed for repairs when we visited. Walking through the Johnson Settlement is a must, even if you are not familiar with President Johnson. Here you can get close to the infamous Texas Longhorn cattle. Don’t get too close though, those horns are dangerous. What is unique is how the homestead is incorporated into the town. Johnson City flourishes around the historic farm. Visiting the homestead and settlement is free.

Notable Attractions

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park – 1048 Park Road #49, Stonewall, TX 78671
Pedernales Falls State Park (pronounced Perdehnahless) – 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636
Pecan Street Brewing – 106 E Pecan, Johnson City, TX 78636

Salado

Distance: 82 km (51 miles) north of Austin

One of the many historical buildings on main street now re-purposed for shopping.

“A Jewel in the Crown of Texas” is probably our favourite small town in The Lone Star State. We’ve visited Salado numerous times and still have not entered every shop or tried every restaurant, café, and brewery. The gorgeous town has the most fantastic vibe. It’s busy but friendly. Upscale, yet casual. Make sure to drive around the residential area of town to get a view of charming Texas homes and yards. Furthermore, Salado, with its huge, spread out yards of old and new homes, has such a different feel than other Texas towns – presenting a unique rather than cookie-cutter look.

Notable Attractions

Stagecoach Inn – 416 S Main St, Salado, TX 76571 (You must try the burger.)
Strawberry Patch – 171 S Main St, Salado, TX 76571 – Our favourite store in Texas (and the BEST coffee, Texas Gold). Sadly, the store will be closing in January 2020; however, you will still be able to order coffee online.
The Barton House Restaurant – 101 N. Main St, Salado, TX 76571
Salado Antique Mall – 751 N Stagecoach Rd, Salado, TX 76571 (I-35 frontage North)
The Shed – 220 Royal St, Salado, TX 76571
Salado Lone Star Winery & Chupacabra Craft Beer – 401 S Main St #105, Salado, TX 76571

Small-Town Travel Tip: To avoid disappointment, do not visit Salado on Monday or Tuesday as many stores close to take a break from the bustling weekend traffic.

Wimberley

Distance: 61 km (38 miles) southwest of Austin

Wimberley Market Days.

The bustling town of Wimberley will win you over with its incredible Market Days. First of all, we have never seen an outdoor market so huge. Over 475 vendors on 16 acres offer everything from fresh food to antiques. Boasting a cute, shanty town atmosphere, you could spend the entire afternoon searching for treasures in this goldmine. Besides all the shopping, there is a beer garden on-site, music stage, ATMs, as well as porta-potties. Pick up a map at tourist information. It’s a must to find your way around.

Traffic is insane in Wimberly and the flow never seems to stop. Park at Visitor Information and walk across the bridge to the town square. The town square is different than a typical town square; rather, many short streets stretch in each direction with eclectic shops to explore.

Watch for the variety of giant painted cowboy boots around town. “Bootfiul Wimberley” began in 2014 to highlight the arts and enhance cultural tourism. The boots have taken on a new life as a fundraiser after the flood of 2018 nearly wiped out the town. There are 50 boots in total kicking around. See if you can find them all.

“Cactus and Lace” cowboy boot situated in front of Wimberely Valley Visitor Center. Boot artist credit: Mark Hufford

Notable Attractions

Jacob’s Well Natural Area – 1699 Mount Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676 (reservations required to swim)
Cypress Creek Nature Trail – Off the main square along the creek.
Blue Hole Regional Park – 100 Blue Hole Lane, Wimberley, TX 78676
Old Baldy – 218 steps lead you to a panoramic view of the Wimberley Valley. – 33 LaToya Trail, Wimberley, TX 78676

Small-town Day Trips from Austin, Texas

We spent four months exploring scenic Texas Hill Country to compile a list of small-town day trips from Austin. Each town is so Texas, yet, each town is so distinct. One common theme runs through all the small-towns – Texas hospitality. Most importantly, whether you love food, drink, shopping, hiking, or historical sites, one thing is for sure, you will love Texans. Welcoming. Friendly. Funny. Passionate. The people will make your day trip to any small town in Hill Country a memorable one. We can’t wait to go back.

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.

Pick up my Published Travel Memoir for Inspiration:

Roam Free is a deeply personal and often hilarious travel memoir that pulls you in to the wild and woolly ride of my epic travel adventures. If you loved Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, you’ll delight in Roam Free’s sweetly innocent deep dive into a life of untethered long-term travel. Get your copy on Amazon and become inspired today.

“I just finished your book and I wrote a great review on Amazon. Congratulations on your book, your blogging career, and mostly on your courage to step out of the box then burn the damn box!! Your book is inspiring. Bravo.” – Irene Cabay

Get Your Custom-Built Itinerary:

Want to make your own adventure travel memories but don’t know where to start? A Wandering Web Travels can help you plan and book your bucket list travel today.

Enter for your chance to win a FREE trip! *Terms and conditions apply.*

Book Your Flight and Car Rental:

Find cheap transportation by using Kiwi.com. This search engine combs websites and airlines around the globe to become the ultimate travel hack.

Book Your Accommodation:

You can book hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, B&Bs and guest houses at Booking.com! They consistently return the most economical rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Like surprises? Try Hotwire.com and Save up to 60% off 4+ Star Hot Rate Hotels!

Always been curious about Airbnb but afraid to try? Now you can check them out and earn up to $62 CAD off your first trip!

Check out our world recommendations page on Where to Stay!

Book Your Small-Group Tour, Activities and Attractions:

For the best small-group tours check out G Adventures’ Insanely affordable tours!

Viator is another great option so don’t miss out! Guaranteed lowest prices on tours and activities.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. We like World Nomads because they have great rates and cover a range of adventurous activities.

P.S. – If you’ve found our website helpful and like to book travel yourself, please consider booking your next trip through the links on our Resources Page. We have personally used the companies listed there in our own travels. By booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us keep the content up to date, expand our resources, and keep the website community supported.

Mission statement: Transform your life with travel—one destination, one adventure, one story at a time.

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Don’t Miss Your Chance to Visit Lier, Belgium

Dated: July 3, 2019 by Charlotte Tweed No Comments

Imagine sitting beneath the shadow of a 14^th century tower clock, sipping a Belgian beer and listening to the carillon play. A pleasant server brings you a plate of local cold cuts and cheeses to complement your beverage. The bells of the carillon play a familiar tune that make your heart sing as you enjoy an afternoon drinking in the culture while you visit Lier. After your break, you take a walk in the quiet streets, admiring the Flemish architecture, snapping photos along the way of the picturesque streets adding to your repertoire of travel memories.

History of Lier

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Lier is a French commune that was granted city rites in 1212. It is located in the Flanders region of Northern Belgium. Located on the Nete river, Lier was settled in the 8^th century and developed around the chapel of St. Peter. Lier became an important textile centre in the 14^th century. It was besieged and taken by the Spanish in 1582, by the Dutch in 1595, and by the English in 1706 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Belgian nationalists resisted a Dutch attack in 1830. Belgium has seen its fair share of war and occupation.

Destruction of Lier occurred as a result of bombing in Antwerp in 1914; however, many of the medieval structures survived including, the Gothic belfry, St. Gommarus’ Church and the béguinage.

Small-Town Travel Tip: Call me old fashioned, but I still like a paper map to navigate streets, especially towns with historical significance. Download your town map of Lier here to find your way around the charming town and its historical sites. You can also get a copy at the Town Hall when you visit Lier.

Where to Stay

12 Things See in Lier

1. Béguinage (Begijnhof)

Founded in 1258, the béguinage at Lier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A monumental blue stone gate dating to 1690 marks entrance to the béguinage. Crowning the gate is a terracotta statue of Saint Begga which dates to 1777. Saint Begga is the patron saint of the béguines. The béguinage were private courts where women lead a religiously inspired but independent life. They took vows of purity and obedience but not vows of poverty. The béguines provided for themselves by weaving, making lace and embroidery. There was great harmony between spiritual and material life. Governed by a grand lady, they could leave the béguinage at any time.

Saint Margarita church stands guard over the secluded streets of the béguinage.

2. Saint Margarita

Construction of Saint Margarita church in the béguinage began in 1664. The church was consecrated in 1671. A hundred years later, the upper part of the facade was completed along with the clock tower. The time difference in construction is evident in the architectural styles. The church is austere baroque and the bell tower shows rococo influence. The building is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch, martyr and patroness of the Lier béguinage.

3. Houses of God (Almshouses)

Built during the Middle Ages, the almshouses in Lier helped to house the elderly, sick and needy. The quaint, sturdy buildings are the history of charity from the Middle Ages. The commune consists of small, connected houses and an inner garden. You can purchase Lier lace and embroidery in the Saint Beatrix almshouse. Be quiet and respectful due to the fact that people still live there.

4. Saint Gummarus Church (Sint-Gummaruskerk)

The construction of the St. Gummarus church began in 1378 and took about 200 years to complete. Clearly noticeable are the different architecture styles of the church, the lower sections are Gothic, the middle baroque, and the tower roof of 83 metres is rococo. Construction of the tower took nearly four centuries. You can climb 296 steps up the tower to get a view of Lier.

5. Saint Peter’s Chapel (Sint-Pieterskapel)

Saint Peter’s chapel is opposite the Sint-Gummarus church. The tiny church is the only Romanesque building in Lier and probably also the oldest. The original chapel dates to 1225. Fire destroyed the chapel during WWI; however, it was rebuilt in 1922.

6. Zimmer Tower

The Zimmer Tower is the best-known landmark in Lier with the Zimmer Clock at its centre. The tower is from the 14th century, which was part of the city wall at the time. Conversion of the tower into the current landmark took place in the 1930s.

7. Zimmermuseum

In the Zimmermuseum you can discover the life work of Louis Zimmer, an amateur but brilliant astronomer. The museum is located beside the Zimmer clock. For the World Exhibition in Brussels in 1935, Louis Zimmer built his masterpiece, the Miracle Clock, far ahead of its time in precision. The Zimmermuseum is an exhibition about time and space and a must-see for clock lovers.

8. Town Hall

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the gothic belfry of the Town Hall was built in 1369 and is a symbol of freedom and independence. In the Middle Ages, the bell rang in case of storm emergencies. Also, the Town Hall stored an arsenal of weapons. Since 1971, the belfry has housed a small carillon of 23 bells which play a tune every 15 minutes.

Built in 1740 rococo style, the historical town hall overlooks the Grote Markt. Designed as a large mansion, the building houses a gorgeous oak spiral staircase. Visitor information is located inside the Town Hall.

9. Large Market (Grote Markt)

Since the Middle Ages, the Large Market has been the beating heart of Lier. In 1914, three-quarters of the buildings in the Large Market were destroyed. By a miracle, the belfry and town hall suffered little damage. After WWI, some buildings were rebuilt in their original style.

10. Meathouse (Vleeshuis)

The former butcher’s guild house, or meathouse, dates to 1418. It has served as a cloth hall, justice of the peace and prison. The meathouse has been rebuilt several times in different styles. The current façade is a neo-gothic reconstruction from 1920.

11. Prisoners’ Gate (Gevangenenpoort)

Part of the first city wall, the Prisoners’ Gate was founded in 1375. This gate is the only remaining part of the oldest defensive wall in Lier.

12. Sheep heads (Schapenkoppen)

The Sheep Heads monument honours a legend behind the story of Lier. In the 15th century, Duke John II wanted to thank the people of Lier for their services during his struggle against the people of Mechelen. Therefore, the Duke offered them a reward that the people could choose for themselves: a cattle market or a university. They chose the cattle market and the Duke sighed, “Oh, the sheep heads!” Mechelen and Lier are bitter rivals to this day.

Where to Stop for a Beer in Lier

A perfect afternoon to visit Lier, Belgium. Photo by Christiane Sleeckx.

Café René

Beer and Belgium are synonymous with each other. One must stop and try a different beer with each town you visit. Stop at Café René, sit on the patio and enjoy a beer and snack while taking in the view of the Zimmer Clock. As you listen to the carillon play, make sure to watch the animated clock as doors open and close on the side of the building. Most importantly, Café René also has its own beer: The Triple René, a fresh tasting, clear blonde triple brewed using dry hopping.

Visit Lier

Belgium is full of medieval towns exuding charm, radiating fantastic Flemish architecture, overflowing with cobblestone streets, and bursting with historic landmarks. Lier, a small town in Belgium, does not lack in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cafés and incredible churches with varying architectural styles. Visit Lier for a fabulous day trip from Antwerp or stay a little longer and immerse yourself in small-town culture.

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.

Pick up my Published Travel Memoir for Inspiration:

Roam Free is a deeply personal and often hilarious travel memoir that pulls you in to the wild and woolly ride of my epic travel adventures. If you loved Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, you’ll delight in Roam Free’s sweetly innocent deep dive into a life of untethered long-term travel. Get your copy on Amazon and become inspired today.

“I just finished your book and I wrote a great review on Amazon. Congratulations on your book, your blogging career, and mostly on your courage to step out of the box then burn the damn box!! Your book is inspiring. Bravo.” – Irene Cabay

Get Your Custom-Built Itinerary:

Want to make your own adventure travel memories but don’t know where to start? A Wandering Web Travels can help you plan and book your bucket list travel today.

Enter for your chance to win a FREE trip! *Terms and conditions apply.*

Book Your Flight and Car Rental:

Find cheap transportation by using Kiwi.com. This search engine combs websites and airlines around the globe to become the ultimate travel hack.

Book Your Accommodation:

You can book hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, B&Bs and guest houses at Booking.com! They consistently return the most economical rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Like surprises? Try Hotwire.com and Save up to 60% off 4+ Star Hot Rate Hotels!

Always been curious about Airbnb but afraid to try? Now you can check them out and earn up to $62 CAD off your first trip!

Check out our world recommendations page on Where to Stay!

Book Your Small-Group Tour, Activities and Attractions:

For the best small-group tours check out G Adventures’ Insanely affordable tours!

Viator is another great option so don’t miss out! Guaranteed lowest prices on tours and activities.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. We like World Nomads because they have great rates and cover a range of adventurous activities.

P.S. – If you’ve found our website helpful and like to book travel yourself, please consider booking your next trip through the links on our Resources Page. We have personally used the companies listed there in our own travels. By booking through these links, the small commission we earn helps us keep the content up to date, expand our resources, and keep the website community supported.

Mission statement: Transform your life with travel—one destination, one adventure, one story at a time.

Pin it!

Pin it!