Healthy Living in Austin, Texas

Spring Break is right around the corner and if you live in Austin there is always so much to do or see. But who doesn’t like to get away from the city sometimes and take a mini-vacation with family and friends?  Here are just some of the places around Central Texas that you are able to drive to and have a relaxing and fun day trip.

Fredricksburg, TX

This small town is a little over an hour West of Austin. The beautiful German town features gardens showcasing herbs, wildflowers, and butterflies; wineries; and some kitschy museums about pioneers and the Old West. Nearby you can also visit the National Museum of the Pacific War that houses some of our nation’s world war history. For the golfer, there is the lovely 18 hole Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course in Fredericksburg. For the wine and beer lover there are dozens to taste all around town.

Enchanted Rock State Recreation Area

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area consists of 1643.5 acres on Big Sandy Creek, north of Fredericksburg, on the border between Gillespie and Llano Counties.Visitors can enjoy primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, technical and rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching, and star-gazing (minimal light pollution). The nature preserve has many varieties of plant or animal life, geological features, and Indian historical artifacts.

Wimberley, TX

Wimberley is a beautiful quiet town in the heart of the hill country. It features many unique shops in the main center of town that are all within walking distance of one another. If you plan your trip during the first Saturday of every month however, you will visit during their Market Days which are very popular to tourists all over the State. Wimberley is also home to the Coral Theater which is a small outdoor theater that runs during the weekends over the summer. For the outdoorsy person this town has many rivers and swimming holes that you can wander upon. The Blue Hole on Cypress Creek is a lovely swimming hole that comes accustomed with rope swings and picnic tables for a nice day with the whole family.

Marble Falls, TX

Marble Falls is located Northwest of Austin and is home to many historical sites. The Commemorative Air Force Museum, Main Street District and Exotic Resort Zoo are just some of the many attractions that you can visit when you go to Marble Falls. Also, the city is located on LBJ lake which means lots of swimming and kayaking opportunities for you and your family.

Lake Travis

Lake Travis was created by the impounding of the Colorado River by the construction of Mansfield Dam in 1941. The area features water recreation, boat tours, the Mansfield Dam for sight-seeing, and is home to some really unique restaurants overlooking the gorgeous lake.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Region

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge offers some of the best birdwatching and habitat left in Texas for two endangered songbirds – the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler. Less than an hour from Austin, visitors can step off the streets into the wilds of the Texas Hill Country. The Refuge is also home to the history of the area highlighting the aboriginal ancestors who hunted and gathered in this region.

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is huge attraction for Central Texas dwellers. It is home to amusement parks such as Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Sea World. Millions of people visit the River Walk each year to enjoy this unusual urban sanctuary that winds along the San Antonio river in central San Antonio, one story below the bustling street level. It is home to eclectic shopping and unique restaurants all around the city and the historical Alamo is also a must see!

New Braunfels, TX

New Braunfels is another German community that features many small shops and restaurants to delite in. Home to the original Schlitterbahn Water Park, the town also features tubing and water fun for the whole family. Or slip into your bathing suit and go fishing, rafting, kayaking, tubing and swimming.

Drop into Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest show cave in Texas, and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a 400 acre park with native Texas wildlife and exotic species. Relax in the nationally registered Historic District of Gruene which houses Texas’ oldest Dance Hall – Gruene Hall. If you love the outdoors you will love New Braunfels, Texas!