There are plenty of ways to beat the heat by staying around here, but if you're itching to squeeze in another summer road trip, we've got a cool (in every sense) idea.
Heading down south on Interstate 35 might seem counterintuitive, considering central and southern Texas are even hotter than Dallas. However, several pockets of the Texas Hill Country are home to some much cooler refuge.
Nothing says cool and refreshing more than a great big swimming hole fed by natural spring water.
About 30 miles from Austin, in the Hill Country town of Spicewood, is the mystical Krause Springs. Known for its camping grounds and swimming hole, this slice of serenity is owned privately by the Krause family. The property is on the Natural Registry of Historical Sites and spreads across 115 acres. Also featured are its 32 springs, of which several nourish the larger man-made and natural pools, which in turn pour into Lake Travis.
Campers should be overjoyed, as Krause Springs has tent camping opportunities and 24 RV sites with electricity and water amenities. Offering opportunities to commune with nature, the property also boasts the Butterfly Gardens, a lush grotto with the best wildlife of Hill Country.
If horseback riding is your preferred activity, you’re in luck. Silver Trails in Spicewood provides for horse trail-riding singularly or in groups. Or, if you're the more leisurely type, fresh fruits and vegetables are a highlight of adventurers looking to buy quality produce by local farmers at the Perdanales Farmers Market.
Of course, no visit to the Spicewood area is complete without stopping by Spicewood Vineyards. Showcasing a vast curation of Texas wines, Spicewood Vineyards produces wines from the grapes it grows on-site. The varieties of wine it offers include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Tempranillo. Though the estate doesn’t facilitate tours, visitors are welcome to come by, check it out and partake with the two wine tasting menus available. Spicewood is a haven for entrepreneurs who produce craft distillery spirits and craft beers. Many of the local haunts, including Ironwood Ranch and Distillery, Frontyard Brewing and El Gaucho Winery, are open to the public, making it easy to drop in to sample their wares.
What would a trip down into Central Texas be without cliff jumping into Lake Travis? The nearby Pace Bend Park allows for campground visits through reservations. For specifics about the campground's availability and reservation costs, follow this link. But, if you lean more boujee, Spicewood’s proximity to Austin allows for a plethora of name-brand chain hotels, motels and other accommodations available.
