Hamilton Pool Preserve

Austin may have drawn you to Texas, but it’s not the only destination worth visiting. From ranches to swimming, the state is filled with cultural gems and hidden hotspots that the locals sometimes like to keep that way. So venture outside the city of the weird and take a Texas day trip to see what else there is to explore in the Lone Star State.
While one doesn’t normally associate Texas with wine, the state has made leaps and bounds in their viticulture. From Driftwood to Fredericksburg, the Texas Hill Country is dotted with vineyards as far as the eye can see. Just make sure you have a designated driver with you when you go, or try a wine bus tour that takes guests through beautiful Hill Country.
If you’re a fan of Texas barbecue, then it’s worth taking a day trip out to Lockhart. The travel time to reach the barbecue hub of Central Texas is about the same as the waiting time in line at Franklin Barbecue (actually, you could probably get there, eat and then drive home in the amount of time it would take you to wait in line at Franklin’s). Lockhart is packed with regional Texas barbecue treasures like Smitty’s Market, Kreuz Market and Black’s BBQ – all of which are a must-try if you’re fastidious about your smoked meats. Plus, it’s nice to get away from the city and enjoy the real Texas country.