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Central Texas: more FUN close by

More fun stuff within a two hour drive of Austin:
 

Aquarena SpringsAquarena Springs, San Marcos

Located one hour south of Austin on the campus of Texas State University, San Marcos. You can tour a large spring-fed crystal clear pond on their glass bottom boats.

The park has just started a large ecosystem restoration project. Call ahead to check if the boats are running (512) 245-7570.

For more information: http://www.aquarena.txstate.edu/

Blue Bell Creamery, BrenhamBlue Bell Creamery

Weekdays only, but it's worth a special trip. Here's where our premium Texas ice cream is made. You get a tour of their plant and a free sample! It's also a pretty road trip particularly during spring wildflower season.

Directions and more information... http://bluebell.com/the_little_creamery/visiting_blue_bell/VisitBB_Brenham.html


BluebonnetsBluebonnet Spring, Central Texas

Enjoy our state flower along the highways all over Central Texas.

Essay: Bluebonnett Spring

 

 

 

Capital of Texas Zoo, Cedar Creek

Guinea Pig Herd
Part of the Guinea Pig "herd" at Capital of Texas Zoo

A fun zoo in the country is just down the road off of Texas 71. Turn south on South Pope Road and then follow the signs. My favorite exhibit was the guinea pig "herd." Our younger friends also enjoyed feeding the goats and the monkeys. A small zoo but with a very good range of animals exhibited including a Zion, Camel, Tiger, Birds and more.

Directions and more information: www.capitaloftexaszoo.org

 

Dick's Classic Garage, San Marcos

Dicks ClassicOld car overload! This is a very worthwhile private museum of classic autos featuring over 70 autos from 1929 to 1959. All autos displayed are immaculate and include historical notes.

Directions and more information: www.dicksclassicgarage.org

 

 

Enchanted Rock
E-Rock,  South  Face,
  a challenging hike but
the  North  Face  is a
sheer   drop   &   an 
intense climbing area.

 

Enchanted Rock State Park

A huge dome of granite just north of Fredericksburg about two hours west of Austin. Great day trip including a challenging hike up the dome. Also, overnight camping facilities are available. Some of the best rock climbing in Texas is located on the very steep backside of the dome.
 
Directions and more information: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/

LBJ JetLBJ Ranch

Enjoy the Hill Country by visiting the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park near Johnson City. Using a CD, you drive around the grounds of the working ranch with stops to visit LBJ's school house, reconstructed LBJ birthplace house, family cemetery, show barn, Air Force "One-Half" executive jet and the ranch house. Parts of the ranch house are now open to be toured and are presented as they were in 1968 when it was the "Western White House."

Directions and more information: http://www.nps.gov/lyjo/index.htm

 

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

The Alamo is only part of the immense history of San Antonio. The Mission San Antonio de Valero "The Alamo" was one of five that existed in the 1700's to open up the world of Texas to Spanish settlement two hundred years ago. Start at San Jose at the park visitor’s center. Don't miss The Alamo but keep it for last. You will understand The Alamo better with the historical perspective from seeing the other missions first.

Link to park website: http://www.nps.gov/saan/planyourvisit/

Santa's Ranch Picture

Santa's Ranch, San Marcos

Fun for the kids and parents, a drive through Christmas lights spectacular. Santa Ranch is just south of San Marcos. It operates during the Christmas season yearly and is priced per carload. Plan to spend about 45 minutes as you slowly drive through the ranch on a mile long loop packed with lighted displays. 

Link to Santa's Ranch: http://www.santasranch.net/