10 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Texas
Spanning an area larger than France, the Sunshine State is so vast it is nearly impossible to get a meaningful feel of it in just three days. From the sweeping desert beauty of West Texas to the soft sand beaches that fringe the Gulf of Mexico, Texas is full of scenes and sites — as well as charming small towns — any visitor will want to explore. And then there is the spellbinding Texas Hill Country. Where does one even begin? If spoilt for both choice and time, discover below 10 ideal destinations for a 3-day weekend in Texas.
Austin
Austin deserves a week, but if pressed for time, you can get a whiff of its beauty and fame in an afternoon. Moreover, it would be great to visit not only the state capital of Texas — but also the live music capital of the world. South Congress Avenue features several unique and beautiful murals and would be nice to amble through. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is impossibly scenic and fronts the glimmering waters of Lady Bird Lake — smack in the middle of town. That said, if you want a short but entertaining introduction to the Lone Star State, there is no better place than the Texas State Capitol tours. These tours take just 60 minutes, are completely free, and walks one through the history of Texas, its Capital, and its legislature. To rest for the night, you cannot go wrong with The Thompson, right in downtown Austin.
Congress Avenue Bridge
While you will be tempted to explore Austin’s music scene at night, so famed and storied, one of the town’s most popular visitor attractions happens to be bats. You will just have to steal out at night to to watch the world’s largest urban bat colony on the Congress Avenue Bridge — just about 200 meters away from The Thompson. The bat season starts from late March through to early fall. They seldom come out when the night is cold and breezy. The spectacular show begins just after the sun bows out — and is best watched from the Statesman Bat Observation Center, adjacent to the bridge. The magical sunset here is a curtain raiser and would alone make the trip worthwhile.
Dripping Springs
After a hearty breakfast the following morning, probably at Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop on E 7th Street, Dripping Springs will be beckoning. Fortunately, Dripping Springs is a short drive. Just half an hour — give and take. Dripping Springs is in the Texas Hill Country, which is world-famous for its heart-melting landscapes. Once in town, take some time to explore the town’s old-fashioned storefronts on Mercer Street, some of which date back to the 19th century. You will love almost everything you see here, but do not get distracted. You cannot come to Dripping Springs without visiting Hamilton Pool, which is arguably the most iconic natural landmark in the Sunshine State. While you may not be permitted to take a dip here, the views are gorgeous, and the environment is quite peaceful and relaxing.
The Salt Lick BBQ
When hunger pangs begin to set in, you may want to drive to Driftwood, a tiny town located an easy seven miles away. Massive oak trees, winding roads, and lush greenery will awaken your senses. With all it offers, it is interesting that Driftwood’s defining landmark is a restaurant. People drive from Austin, San Antonio, and even Dallas to pay homage to one of America’s most venerated barbecue outposts. The succulent briskets and ribs here are nothing short of terrific — while the atmosphere, so rustic and welcoming, will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. If craving the authentic taste of Texas barbecue and seeking something sweet and filling, look no further.
Fredericksburg
It may sound trite, but where else can you find well over 100 vineyards and tasting rooms within a town’s precincts? Tucked away in the visually stunning Texas Hill Country between San Antonio and Austin, Fredericksburg is hands-down among the most getaway-worthy towns in the South, let alone Texas. You can stroll Main Street all Friday, enjoy live music and explore the nice, historic storefronts and the array of eclectic art galleries, especially on Marktplatz, the town’s epicenter. Plus, you will enjoy every last bite of mouth-watering Chilaquiles at Nury’s Restaurant, especially on the more quiet back porch. Just have some cash. There will be so much to see and do. To max out your experience, however, consider taking a guided tour — such as the Historic Fredericksburg District Tour.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
While you can easily find a homey and cozy place to lay your head in Fredricksburg, consider Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, especially if you love a more rustic, scenic, and peaceful experience. Whether you are an enthusiast of RV camping among the trees or rustic riverfront cabins, this facility has you covered. Kids will particularly get a blast here. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park features several on-site kid-friendly activities. It has jumping pillows, a water park, outdoor swimming pools, a playground, and a gem mining site. Plus, Yogi Bear’s is right on the Guadalupe River, a popular destination for rafting and flyfishing. The amenities here are excellent and the on-site dining options will come in handy. The exciting part is that Yogi Bear’s is just outside Fredricksburg in Kerrville.
Rio Ranch Cafe
A diamond in the rough. That will be your assessment of this hidden gem. Rio Ranch Cafe is just opposite Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park — across Junction Highway. To reach here, you will not need to break a sweat. From thoughtfully prepared Mexican delicacies to good old standard Southern fare, Rio Ranch hits the right culinary spots. With the seafood, the loaded sandwiches, the homemade tortillas, the brisket tamales, and the buttermilk biscuits, this facility provides a culinary experience that is nearly unmatched for its variety and taste. Rio Ranch is known to offer one of the best country breakfasts in the area — and at fairly affordable price points. Plus, you will not have to wait for long. The service here is quick, and the atmosphere is easy and laid back. A meal here gives a perfect start to the day and may just be one of your trip’s highlights.
The Pacific War Museum
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose Admiral Nimitz, described as a modest but congenial man, to take over command at Pearl Harbor. The agitated president told him not to come back until the war was won. With his thoughtful leadership, the U.S. soon won the Battle of Midway and turned the tide in its favor. A few months later, Nimitz would sign the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. The Pacific War Museum in Fredricksburg ranked as the fifth-best history museum in the United States in 2020 by USA Today, honors his memory. This museum can steal a day, perhaps a whole weekend, but you can squeeze it into an afternoon. The complex includes The Japanese Garden of Peace, the Veterans’ Memorial Walk, the 23,000-square-foot George Bush Gallery, the Plaza of Presidents, the Pacific War Combat Zone, and then some.
Enchanted Rock
With enough calories and after a peaceful night, you will be in prime shape to explore one of the South’s spellbinding natural wonders. The park’s name — “enchanted” — is in reference to the eerie sound from the massive dome that made it revered and feared in equal measure. But science has since explained the mystery and put it down to the thick sheets of granite contracting and expanding across one another. Shaped like an Easter egg, the Enchanted Rock is the second-largest granite dome in the United States. It rises more than 400 feet up from the surrounding basin and covers 640 acres. The mile-long Summit Trail, while known to tax the lungs, provides beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country. Who knows? If you make the trip just before sunset, you may hear the much-talked-about eerie sounds.
Oxford Ranch Campground
From Enchanted Rock, you will need to round up your visit with a well-deserved rest at the Oxford Ranch Campground, a working cattle ranch conveniently located just 13 miles from Enchanted Rock — and about 10 miles before downtown Llano. Expect 160 acres of open camping, with random tables and fire pits. And, of course, the blue Texas sky. Full RV hookups are available at just $30 per night. Before you lay your head for the night, however, you may want to drive up to Llano, specifically for a small but sumptuous bite of the picturesque Bluebonnet Trail. Llano — together with Burnet — claims the title of the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. As you drive through the rolling hills, the beautiful shades of blue along the highway will set your heart aglow and prepare you for a well-deserved rest.
The Takeaway
The largest state in the contiguous U.S. would intimidate any first-time visitor. Exploring a state larger than France is no mean feat. Faced with a broad range of options, one can easily be spoilt for choice. But there is a way to do it. One can focus on a specific region, perhaps the visually stunning Texas Hill Country, to get a taste of what the state offers. If this sounds reasonable, you may land in Austin and then immediately seek small towns and awesome attractions such as Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, and Enchanted Rock.
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Jeff Oganga
March 11 2024
