Bastrop, Texas

It is officially summer but then again everyday sort of feels like summer.  I do not have many summer travel plans since now I can travel any time . . . it is so much cheaper to fly other times of year!  Of course, I am a bit bored sitting at home so I have decided to start off with a local-ish trip to one of my favorite Texas hotels but first a bit of a detour to check out a couple Texas State Parks in the area.  First up is Buescher State Park.  It is late May and already so hot so am I bit crazy to do some hiking?  Yes, yes I am!  I have to remind myself state parks are not as . . . I am not sure what word to use here . . . grand as national parks.  Don't get me wrong there are some awesome state parks around the U.S.   I spent about two hours wandering around Buescher State park checking off blocks by exploring the Big Tree Retreat trail, Winding Woodlands trail, and the CCC Crossover trail.

 

Don't be fooled by the overcast and shade from the trails . . . it is hot, but I am being smart about being in the heat!  I loaded up in the car and back tracked to another state park near by, Bastrop State Park.  Up until 2015 there was an active golf course on site.  In September 2011, the park suffered a major wildfire that wiped out about 96% of the park.  It was devasting!  So to the trails I go . . . it is still early enough that the sun is manageable but not for long!  I visit a few of the key areas such as the Wildflowers Historic Starter House, Refectory Historic Site, Pine Warbler Trail to see the Bracken Ferns.  It is a bit late for Texas wildflowers but there were a few patches hanging on.

And it was too hot to be hiking so it was time to just drive around the scenic park loop road.  I wanted to see if I could get a good view from the scenic over look where I could see the regrowth from the 2011 wild fires.

 

 

I called it a day as I was hot, thirsty and starving.  Is it even a Texas road trip if you don’t stop at Buc-ee’s.  The air conditioning was so welcoming and the smell of  yummy food was overwhelming, but I grabbed my food and headed outside to eat . . . there is no seating inside! 

Oh and let's not forget the frozen Dr. Pepper that was basically stuck to my hand!  It was so cold and refreshing.  And you know what makes you suddenly perk up?  Seeing the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort sign and knowing the next two nights will be so nice!

I can’t wait to enjoy the resort for a couple days!  Since it’s mid-week I was pretty sure I would get an upgrade; I did. This is the first time I got an upgrade to a Lone Star Suite. Who pays these insane rates?

 

I will be honest I sure can’t afford to pay that rate. The only reason I am here right now is because I had a free category one through seven free night about to expire and then used points for the second night so my stay is absolutely zero dollars . . . other than what I spent on food which isn't cheap.  By the way, the lobby smells so good!  I headed to Maude’s for a snack and zero proof Salted Rosemary Paloma. I’ve never been here when it was so dead granted it is a Tuesday but there are only two other people out. It’s crazy and sooo nice too.

Cant wait to explore and relax tomorrow too!

Inks Lake to McKinney Falls to Lost Pines Resort

Summer has been a bit slow. I asked Colin if he wanted to go somewhere, and he said he wanted to go fishing. So, I got busy searching and found a cabin at Inks Lake State Park. I quickly booked it and Colin started packing the car with a ridiculous amount of fishing gear. I have started trying to visit more of the Texas state park. It is Texas and hot but I decided to be a team player and have fun! Inks Lake is beautiful. 

We fished all day and not one single fish! We checked into our cabin . . .

 . . . the positive was it had an air conditioner and the bath house (showers and toilets) was a short walk. This isn’t our normal lodging but we can do anything for one night, right? To make up for a crappy fishing day, we made the drive to Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls . . . pie makes everything better!

Well around 2am the air conditioner froze up. It was so stinking quiet neither of us could sleep. The AC would thaw out and turn back on but then go off again. It was pretty miserable but at some point, we both managed to fall asleep.

Do you ever get the feeling someone is watching you? Around 8am I had that feeling. I looked up and saw Colin looking down at me from his top bunk. I can’t tell you the last time Colin Sims was up at 8 AM on a vacation that we were not catching a flight. As he saw my eyes open, he muttered, “I hate this place”. We both laughed and agreed to leave asap. He still wanted to fish so we regrouped and headed to the other side of Austin to McKinney Falls State Park. It was a very pretty park in the middle of a busy urban area. We grabbed our gear and found a spot. 

Colin fished for a couple hours and finally had a catch! One single fish in two days!

We called it a day and made the quick drive to one of our favorite Texas hotels, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. It was a bit of a step up from our cabin!

We love hanging out at this resort . . . lazy river, skeet shooting, fishing, relaxing by the pool, and the best part . . . nightly fires for s'mores!

Day 2: Texas Road Trip

I slept well.  I was worried that the highway would be loud and keep me awake but guess I was just that tired.  It was an early wake up as I wanted to beat the heat and crowds to another state park.  I have had Pedernales Falls State Park on my list for a long time and today is finally the day!  I was looking forward to getting outside for a little hiking.  Sadly, I am so out of shape but here I go . . . 

I only met one person on the trail which was shocking.  However, when I checked in at the entry gate the lady told me there was a school group on the way so I quickly got moving!

It was beautiful and I could not wait to get to the bottom to explore more!

I'm not going to lie the hike back to the top was uphill and a killer, but I did it!  I felt good.  I really need to get out more and get moving!  Back in the car to my next stop, Boyhood Home of LBJ which is managed by the National Park Service.  My timing was good as a tour was starting shortly after I arrived.   

It was lunch time, and I was hungry.  I followed the cars to Pecan Street Brewing.  The sweet honey and pecan butter sauce on this fried chicken was amazing . . . like lick the plate yummy!

Now I really need to get outside and walk!  I stopped at The Johnson Settlement and walked the trail.  

It is still winterly looking outside even though we are on Spring Break.  You just never know with the Texas weather if Spring Break will be hot or cold.  The trees are starting to bloom so hopefully the Texas winter is over!  And by Texas winter . . . I mean ice.  Yet again this year school was closed for a week due to icy conditions.  Thankfully, not as bad as the last two years but still not great.  Next on my list is the LBJ Ranch District.  The area is a joint effort as a state park and national park service historic site too.  It is a driving tour with stops along the way and transitions from state park to national park along the drive.  The beginning is the state park that has a nice walking trail to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm.

I am always open to see some free range animals with old barns.

Back on the road and I am now in the LBJ National Historic Site.  There were stops along the way and a few mile driving tour to drive the ranch.  At the end is the family home, closed for renovations, that had a short but very informative ranger led tour.

As our tour was ending, the ranger pointed out that the President's grandson was about to take off on the private landing strip.  Isn't that cool!  As I neared the exit, I found it ironic that on one side of the road was the birthplace and the other the final resting place of LBJ.

These guys bid me safe travels . . .

Day 1: Texas Road Trip

I really want to start traveling again but just can't seem to get into it right now.  This empty nest has been a difficult adjustment, but I have the week off of school so need to just get away!  I need easy, something new, and to just get out of the house!  So when I woke up this Monday morning, I knew it was time to get on the road.  My first stop was in Marble Falls because you can't just drive by Blue Bonnet Cafe without at least a piece of pie.  

Well, and for me lunch because I was hungry!  I was shocked the line wasn't out the door and was seated quickly . . . table for 1, please.  I had a huge lunch which was probably not a good idea with what I had planned but as these kids today say YOLO (you only live once)!

As I wandered with a full belly back to my car, I noticed my first sighting of bluebonnets.  It is the time of year that the Texas state flower starts popping up and any true Texas has at least a dozen photos of them as a child in some random roadside field.

It was back on the road heading south.  I had researched this area for a long time.  There are many state parks in this part of Texas so I am going to visit a few.  It is Spring Break in Texas so I am not too sure how crowded the area will be.  My school has an early break so hopefully it is not busy.  It is still cool and not spring like but you know I don't like hot as I have grown older.  Next stop is Blanco State Park to just walk around and enjoy this amazing weather.

Back on the road to the hotel which is adorable!  I am usually a chain staying hotel kind of gal but this roadside place had me intrigued.  Well and there aren't really any chain hotels in the middle of nowhere Texas where I am.  This roadside lodge actually has a bit of history too.  The Stonewall Motor Lodge is located just outside Johnson City, Texas in Stonewall.  

I think I might be the only person staying here . . .

Johnson City, Texas was a sleepy little town until President Kennedy was assassinated and Lyndon B. Johnson became the 36th President of the United States.  The town soon became overrun with reporters, Secret Service, and politicians who would visit the First Family at the LBJ Ranch which is also known as the Texas White House.  A local family opened this twelve room roadside hotel just down the road for the LBJ Ranch.  One room was reserved for the Associated Press to report news as it broke.  It is just adorable and so nicely decorated.

I called it a day and started planning for tomorrow.

more Fredericksburg, Texas

Another day . . . Another winery to visit but first we decided to get a super early start and head to Enchanted Rock State Park for a little hiking!  I have wanted to go here for a long time but it has never happened.  It is usually packed but it is August and super hot so not that crowded.  We arrived around 7:45am to no line and it was opened early!  

We paid the fee and set off to explore.  The big question was would we hike to the top or just around the base?

Ready to do this . . .

So as we got closer to the uphill climb my aunt decided we should go for it and go to the top so to the top we went!  

It was really nice outside which really helped.  It isn't a long hike to the top but it is straight up!  

The views were worth the effort . . . 

Back down we go just as the sun starts to become blazing hot.  We decided to do part of the loop trail around the base . . . this is a view of where we just went to the top . . .

. . . but some how ended up a bit back where we started since the trails are not very well marked . . . by this time we were ready to head back to the hotel to shower and change before heading out to see how many wineries we could visit in one day!

Barrons Creek Vineyard which was very crowded with a lot of tour bus groups.  My cousin wanted to do the grape stomp so we stayed for a bit for her to do that before heading out.

 

Then on to Fat Ass Ranch and Winery where we did our first tasting of the day.  I was most excited about this one as they do several fruity wines such as peach and prickly pear plus it was the least expenisve tasting at only $10 for six tastings and you get to keep your glass.  

Grape Creek Vineyard was a bit of a disappointment.  It was the most beautiful to enter as you drive through the vineyard which was so cool but in order to enter all guest must purchase and participate in a tasting.  Total bummer as we are responsible and one of us was the designated driver and not drinking; so much for being responsible!

Becker Vineyards was off the main road and crowded when we arrived.  We were most excited to see a food truck there and quickly headed for some food; pulled pork nachos (left) and avocado egg rolls (right) . . . both were so yummy!

The tasting area was super crowded so we walked around a bit . . . 

. . . and decided to move on to next place.

Signor Vineyards was not on our list but we liked the old truck pointing the way . . . 

. . . so we stopped.  I must say it was beautiful and we were all excited to see what they had inside . . .

It was a bit crowded but they were very accomodating for us to do a tasting if we would stand at the bar.  So we stood . . . the employees were so kind and funny!  We were able to share the tasting which meant we were able to taste all 8 of the wines and would get our last sample of the one we liked the most.  I really liked this option!  

I will however say that the wine seemed very strong and by the time we finished I had eaten about 5 million oyster crackers and was feeling a bit tipsy!  So we went outside and walked around and acted silly . . . thankfully the grapes can't talk . . . 

My aunt decided that should be our last tasting of the day and we agreed.  My cousin wanted to go to Lukenbach, Texas (secretly I did too) so we went there to see if Willie Nelson happened to be in town . . . he wasn't but I can officially check that off my Texas Bucket List!

On our way back home, we detoured to Gruene, Texas; popped into Gruene Hall and had lunch at the Gristmill River Restaurant . . .

 

. . . it was good and can't wait to go back!