Over the fourth of July weekend, our family went to Texas to visit friends. We love a chance to put on cowboy boots and hats! Some of our favorite Texas stops include:
Austin
Bats - One of the most amazing animal wonders of the world can be enjoyed in the middle of a major city. The Austin Bats! Families gather on the grassy river banks waiting for dusk when the bats that live under the Congress Ave Bridge swirl out to follow each other in an instinctual game of follow the leader. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and money for the venders and wait to have your mind blown by nature. Check out www.batsinaustin.com.
Shopping/Dining - Before or after the bats, enjoy the quirky SoCo (South Congress Avenue) area for shopping and dining. The shops are a unique (Keep Austin Weird) blend of local artist jewelry and crafts, Texas antiques, costumes, and new and retro clothing. Dads have plenty of places to stop for refreshments after carrying all of those packages. The Tex-Mex and Food truck options are delish.
Lady Bird Lake- Lady Bird Lake and surrounding park is a lovely place to pass the afternoon. We enjoyed the view from paddle boards and canoes. Check out www.supatx.com for rentals.
There are many places to stay in Austin - but since I like boutique hotels over large ones consider www.arherhotel.com for a nice unique stay.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth Stock Yards and Old Downtown - Take the kids for the old western feel with a stroll down the brick streets in the Fort Worth Stock Yards. The maze and mechanical bull are with the few "bucks" to keep the kids entertained. There is a candy store and more Texas Bling than your tourist dollars could ever buy. Also is an original hotel that I'm pretty sure Ms. Kitty still haunts. Watch out for the Cattle Drive around 4 - you will need to clear the streets for the steer to come "driving" (sauntering) by. www.fortworthstockyards.com
Billy Bob's - Just behind the stock yards is Billy Bob's -the largest Honkey Tonk After that hot Texas sun, that cool dark beer joint can be quite a treat! It's family friendly in the afternoons - and our kids really loved it. There is a cool gift shop, an indoor rodeo arena, air hockey and BBQ. There is also a lot of memorabilia to keep the kiddos entertained while you enjoy the country music. (and if you have a babysitter, go back after dark). www.billybobstexas.com
Dining - The Woodshed Smokehouse is a great place to get a good Texas feel. What do they smoke? Well, you never know. The day we were there, the sausage of the day was rattlesnake! This unique joint is/can be open air right on the river. The kids can stroll along the river walk while you wait for your yummy rattle snake nachos. Its also a great venue for live music and margaritas under the Texas stars. Brunch (weekends) lunch and dinner is served. www.woodshedsmokehouse.com
Gruene Historic District, New Braunsfels
I know what you are thinking - WHAT???? But, hear me out. Texas is wide open sky as well as those big cities! So when you are zipping from one city to the next, build in time for a night or two in New Braunfels.A
Guadalupe River - As soon as your kids are old enough to sit in a tube, load up the ice chest and head down to the Guadalupe River. The float is beautiful and relaxing. There are enough rapids to make it interesting - and a rope swing! The homes along the river are beautiful - and we found everyone on the river friendly and up for making friends - at least river friends. This is a bucket list item if you want to know what Texas is all about. www.floattheguadalupe.com
Gristmill - With kids, its all about the ambiance. The Gristmill is interesting enough to keep them wanting to explore. It has porches and pick nick tables; indoor dining; rustic surroundings and dead animal heads on the wall.(get used to it - you're in Texas). You may have to be patient for seating and service, but don't worry - the waiting area is nice, and Gruene Hall will still be open when you finish up.
Gruene Hall- This is the reason you want to stay overnight. An evening at Gruene Hall exemplifies what makes Texas great. There is a dance hall for the bands and two steppers, as well as a large side yard with games and pick nick tables. With the country music wafting through the tree limbs, a long neck in hand, and the kids playing horseshoes with the other kids running around - there is just no way to do anything but drop your cares like a hot potato and start talking with an accent. Eat before you go. www.gruenehall.com