Spicewood benefits from being located near Lake Travis. There are a number of fun parks at local springs and watering holes. Krause Springs is just minutes away and offers swimming holes, rope swings and a beautiful waterfall with a hidden cave behind it. Hamilton Pool is also nearby and features a deep green pool fed by a 50-foot waterfall. The swimming is perfect in all the summer months.
Shopping is also fun to do in Spicewood. The Hill Country Galleria is a short drive away and features big-name stores and small specialty shops. Peppered with a number of fun and fancy restaurants, The Galleria is a great place to spend the day.
Not to be outdone by downtown Austin, Spicewood has a number of live music and nightlife destinations. The Backyard features some great local music along with some national acts, and there are some fun watering holes in the vicinity.
Take a look at the list below and start planning that trip.
1. Austin Digital Art Museum
Digital art is considered, by many, to be the logical progression and evolution of art. This bold new medium can take on many shapes in forms - distorted signals on a series of television sets, computerized simulations, and visual representations of surreal worlds. You'll find these and more here.
2. Austin Zoo
Everyone loves the zoo, but this was has a special twist - most of what you'll find in this particular gallery of wildlife are all rescued. Lions and Tigers and Bears and that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's even a domestic creature section where you can feed the animals.
3. Zilker Botanical Garden
Established in 1955, this garden has been delighting and educating visitors of all ages. Each mini-garden is like its own little room - a vignette of the natural world.
Nevertheless, Spicewood's night entertainment scene is either open to the whole family or appeal specifically to adults in their 40s and beyond with outdoor seating and a live country music band playing. The dining scene however, seems to be much more active with a wide choice of creative dishes served up with freshly-picked locally-sourced ingredients.
Steakhouses, Texas barbecue, bar and grills tend to dominate the dining scene. Not just your usual medium-rare slab served with coleslaw and fries, many steak dishes here are specially marinated with signature rubs and then sauteed with sauces of unique flavors. Apart from the big name brands like Opie's Barbecue, the majority of these restaurants are humble operations and do not have a website, it is best for you and your traveling companions to take a leisurely drive through the town and try a different restaurant every day.
Vineyards and people are truly inspirational. While wine is being made and the grapes harvested from the vineyards, watching humans and understanding the entire process is rather inspirational, just to see the hard work and toil that goes into every step of the way, no matter what process it is. So, check out the vineyards and people working hard, just so you can enjoy the delicious nectar. Just make sure to tip your hat and raise your glass the next time you enjoy.
A typical weekend is spent with a round of golf in the early morning, and then taking the kids and grandkids to splash away in the afternoon sun in the Westcave Preserve. This 30-something acre of unspoilt natural beauty has kid-friendly caves to explore, several breathtaking waterfalls, deep pools for swimming and lush carpeted vegetation all around. Older kids love Krause Springs, Spicewood's hidden oasis complete with over 30 springs, fountains and more waterfalls, a walkthrough Butterfly Garden, and on-site RV camping facilities. More adventurous locals will head for the Zipline in Lake Travis through Cypress Valley Canopy Tours.
Burgers, BBQ, bars and bistros seem to be the favorite wining and dining hangouts. Not to be missed are supplies from a couple of local wineries with hints of locally-sourced fruits from vast orchards. If you're looking for a short getaway let Spicewood, a homely city with lots to offer in a serene setting, offer you that chance.
Texas is not only unique geographically, but the state is also one of the most diverse in the country. Visitors will find that vacationing in the state of Texas is a one in a lifetime experience. The following are a few activities to enjoy during a visit to the state.
One of the most fascinating aspects of a trip to Texas trip is the ability to explore the life of residents outside of the larger cities. Volunteering to be a ranch hand for a day provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the life of a cowboy. Daily activities include tending cattle, riding horses and eating barbecue. Also, take a moment to experience bull riding a popular sport in the state.
There are also multiple opportunities to enjoy other aspects of small town life. Texas has numerous small towns with diverse histories. Plan a day to explore small town such as Abilene or Granbury. Other popular activities include fishing, swimming and boating in a small town lake or the Gulf of Mexico. There are also yearly festivals throughout Texas that are excellent opportunities to learn about the people and culture of the state.
Texas also has a strong nightlife that extends beyond country music. To explore the diversity of the entertainment options in Texas, visit one of the larger cities of Houston and Austin. In addition, there are a variety of historical sites, museums and restaurants to delight experience.