With the Rona canceling everyone’s travel plans, I used my new found free time to explore my backyard. Everyone knows Texas as that obnoxious older cousin who always brags about how great they are. Well, its true. Not only is Texas one of the most populous states in the country, it is filled with natural wonder in every corner of the state. Not to mention the food is unlike any other place. Not up for debate.

My favorite part of the state is the Texas Hill Country. Most people that visit tend to stick to Austin and the immediate surrounding areas, but the Hill Country is so much more than that. Texas ranks fifth in the country for wine production and most of the wine can be found in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. But we’re more than just wine. There’s a variety of outdoor activities in scenic spaces for just about every personality type. To give you an idea, here’s a brief run down of things to do as well as some of my favorite places to eat and drink.

DO

Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City, TX- My favorite hike so far! Reservation recommended. 

Garner State Park, Concan, TX- Another popular one with reservation required. Bring swim shoes too for the Frio River. 

Devil’s Backbone- Nice scenic overlook and drive. Its really beautiful! And quiet.

Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet, TX- This was a cool little tour of underground caves. Reservation required. No open toe shoes. 

Enchanted Rock, Fredericksburg, TX- This one is cool but extremely popular with reservation required. Try to go on the weekday as its usually at capacity on weekends. 

EAT

Trattoria Lisina, Driftwood TX- Great Italian food on a family owned vineyard

Community Pizza and Beer Garden, Wimberley, TX- Pizza was really good. Right in the middle of Wimberley Town Square

The Leaning Pear, Wimberley, TX- Around the corner from Community Pizza and Beer Garden. Perfect for brunch.

Hoover Valley Country Cafe, Burnet, TX- We stopped in here with friends to grab lunch for a picnic at the vineyard across the street. Highly recommend.

WINE DOWN

Driftwood Estate Winery, Driftwood, TX- My favorite winery in the Hill Country, maybe 20 minutes outside of Austin. I’ve been here multiple times. Some of the best views and always friendly staff.

Becker Vineyards, Fredericksburg, TX- One of the more popular vineyards and more heavily distributed in grocery stores. We loved the pairing experience for $35 each

Lost Maples Winery, Vanderpool, TX- This one is outside of San Antonio, about an hour and a half west. The drive is absolutely gorgeous. Close to Garner State Park mentioned above.

Grape Creek Vineyards, Fredericksburg, TX- One of the busier wineries along Wine Road 290, but the wine was great.

Signor Vineyards, Fredericksburg, TX- Beautiful outdoor setting with lots of space to practice social distancing.

Torr Na Lochs, Burnet, TX- Gorgeous property overlooking Inks Lake.  

Perissos Vineyard and Winery, Burnet, TX- Directly across the street from Hoover Valley Country Cafe. Staff were very friendly. Beautiful setting within the valley. If you buy a bottle, definitely recommend the Viognier.

If you've visited any of these places in the past or will in the future leave a comment below and tell us about your experience.

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