Last week was Spring Break, so we took advantage of the time off and warm temperatures, and road-tripped south…through the Texas Hill Country. Warning: if we don’t share DNA, or you have no interest in visiting Texas, this post might be a whip. (Har-har, get it?)
We live in a big, bustling city full of people and traffic, so we always jump at the chance to take lonely back roads. Texas has miles and miles of ranches and pastures, with creeks around every turn, just waiting to be explored.
Dotted along the way are rustic towns, with scenic courthouse squares, and diners serving the best pie of your life.
Our first layover was in Fredericksburg, a charming town surrounded by fields of wildflowers, peach orchards and wineries. Just outside of town is Enchanted Rock, a 425-foot tall pink granite batholith. Basically, it’s a big ass rock made of pink granite, and you can climb to the top.
Or if you’re Babygirl, you can run to the top while the rest of us wheeze our way there…slowly.
Fredericksburg is also known for the staggering number of shops lining it’s Main Street. I didn’t subject my family to a day of shopping, but I did slip away to Red. They have a great collection of modern lines and vintage finds, and is my favorite in town. (Most is also available on their website.)
All the kids need is a hotel pool, and the trip is a success! (It was heated, it’s not quite that warm here, yet.)
There was no shortage of restaurants, but our favorite was The Pink Pig, just outside of town. Where else but in South Texas, can you eat a fried beet salad on a stone patio, while watching the cows graze? Oh, and if you spy a treat in the bakery, grab it while you can, because they sell out every day.
From there, we took the back, back road, and stopped to visit the horses, goats and sheep along the way.
Old Tunnel State Park, a deserted railroad tunnel, is a great detour. It’s home to 3 million bats that emerge every night, May thru October, in search of water. We didn’t get to see them, but the guide said they literally black-out the sky, and you can feel the wind from their wings. So cool, and totally creepy!
From there, we finished up the trip in San Antonio. I’m sure snow-cone stands aren’t what the defenders of the Alamo had in mind, when fighting for Texas’ freedom.
We split our time in San Antonio on the famed Riverwalk, and at Sea World.
I left my phone and camera behind at Sea World, but the way our kid’s faces lit up when seeing the dolphins flip out of the water, is something I’ll remember forever. And you can’t go to San Antonio without eating amazing Mexican and Tex Mex food…most with charming patios. Our favorites are Mi Tierra, open 24-hours with strolling mariachi band, La Fonda, packed with locals and crazy-good margaritas, and La Gloria, Mexican street food located on the quiet, scenic end of the River.
Shopping in El Mercado or Alamo Fiesta feels like you’ve crossed the border. I brought home tin luminaries, colorful pottery and fiesta party ware. And a new-found love of otomi…so expect to see it emerge somewhere here soon!
And of course, each night was capped off by a Texas sunset. After all these years, they never fail to leave me awestruck.
Sharing and experiencing this great state with these two lovebugs, is just icing on the Texas-sized cake!
Are you taking any time off this Spring? What are your favorites things to discover on the back roads of your state?
hmmmm…….the back roads of kentucky…….let me get back to you on that š
girl- you look good in a tank top! Looks like you all had a great time. Our spring break is the first week of April- we're headed to Gatlinburg, TN – did you ever go there when you lived in Nashville?
Seems like so much fun! I love Fredericksburg! One on my favorite places in Texas!!!
I have always wanted to plan a road trip through Texas. Its actully on my bucket list. I've been to Dallas for work and only saw the inside of my hotel and the airport since I was working 6a-midnight while I was there.
In about a month, me and my family are leaving Nashville and heading South to Gulf Shores, AL. I can't wait! It's my little sanctuary in my home state. š
One of these days we will get to see more of Texas than the Austin airport, Waco, and Baylor! LOL
Love Carmel's comment about the back roads! This was such a great recap, Cassie. So fun to spend that time with the family searching out new things.
Loved this post as I live in San Antonio and spend a lot of time in the Hill Country. Glad your family had a great time here š
What a fun road trip! I visited San Antonio when my brother played hockey in Laredo, such a beautiful city!! We skipped sea world though, what the heck!?? š
Your kids are looking so grown up and I am beyond jealous of those shorts and t-shirts!!
Oh yes, we just got back from the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg and it was marvelous! First time is always the best. I love your pics and I remember our wonderful trip to San Antonio 3 years ago, love it. Glad you guys had a great time!
LOVE Red & the Pink Pig! I hit both of those over spring break as well! I live about an hour from FBurg in a teeny little town. I grew up in Plano, so I've got to head that way to get my good food fix!
Aren't those the best trips??? Not a lot of travel time and I know that we haven't done a *fraction* of the fun stuff that is right in our own backyard! Just last week we visited for the first time a lake that is *45 minutes* from our house, total blast! And then we always wonder, why don't we do this more often??? (c; The littles look like that had a grand ol' time, that swimming pool pic is adorbs!
Looks like y'all had a blast!! Love me some F-burg!
Great pics of the family, love your pink gingham shirt, and now I can't stop thinking about coconut pie.
What a fun week! Making great memories with the kiddos. š
Sarah
So much fun! And what great memories for your children, who are adorable btw!
Love the sweet family pictures! Hate that you're rocking shorts and a tank (and look good!) while it's still 30 degrees in Chicago!
Looks like a great time with your family! San Antonio is one of my husband's favorite places to travel, but I've never been because he always gets sent there on business. This makes me want to go even more!
Sounds like you guys had a wonderful time!
Looks like a great trip!!
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.ca
Yes, yes and YES to Mi Tierra and La Fonda. Now I need Mexican food.
Seems like you all had great fun..loved these pictures
kiddicare
Wow, I need to get to America. x
http://reddutchess.blogspot.co.uk/
So behind on blog reading, but had some free time this morning and loved catching up. So fun seeing your whole family. So cute! Everyone looks like they had a blast.
xo,
Camila
http://blog.effortless-style.com
We moved to Kansas City from San Antonio about a year and a half ago. Love seeing pics of the Riverwalk and Fredricksburg-RED is amazing!
http://www.lifelovelarson.blogspot.com
I got engaged at Enchanted Rock a couple of years ago and I really hope that my soon-to-be husband and I can go back before we leave the state in June. Ugh, I'm going to miss Texas way too much!
I'm way behind on my emails, but had to comment, too. I love RED! I live in Austin and my parents live in San Antonio. Have you ever tried Alamo Cafe in SA? It is Tex-Mex and they have the best tortilla's around! Thanks for sharing.
I like Texas, I want to have a trip on Texas again! Thanks for sharing! Yellow Coat
Your kids look so sweet! Made me tear up a little bit! Been following your blog for awhile and have never said hi š
Love from a fellow Texan.
Thanks Emily!! Hi back atcha! š
xo. Cassie
This was such a great post! We are moving to the Dallas area next summer and we are so excited to travel around Texas. Such a diverse state with so much to see! Can't wait to see it all in person!!