Alexis & Michael
Things To Do
Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner's Court in 1990. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. However, the pool's water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought. The preserve is also home to a variety of native birds, fish, animals and plants. Reservations are required to enter Hamilton Pool Preserve during peak summer months, May-September.
Twisted X Brewing Company
The Twisted X Brewing Company, located in beautiful Dripping Springs, offers up an array of our finest small-batch craft beers. They take great pride in sourcing the finest ingredients along with thorough attention to detail in every batch produced. The result is a flight of superior craft lagers, pilsners, IPAs, as well as many others. They are constantly developing new recipes with our 3-barrel pilot system. These beers are excellent and worth experiencing and are only available in their tasting room. We encourage you to drop by the brewery to see the latest creations from their “brew crew”.
Westcave Cellars Winery
Texas Hill Country wineries are the second most visited wine destination in the United States, and it’s no wonder- the climate and soil lend a spectacular variety and depth to the wine produced here. All Westcave Cellars’ wines are created using only the best Texas grapes, the majority of the grapes grown onsite. These wines are crafted in the old-world style, with a focus on French traditions. You can be sure that the taste and aroma is singular and enticing, and a superb choice for a full Texas wine experience. If you are looking for things to do in the Hill Country, Westcave Cellars Winery and Brewery near Hye, Texas, is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, taking in the sights and tastes of Central Texas.
Milton Reimer's Ranch Road
This pristine parkland, open space and reserve land in western Travis County with almost 3 miles of continuous frontage along the Pedernales River is the largest parkland acquisition in the history of Travis County. The Reimers Ranch parcel is already well known and well loved by many potential park users. The sizeable Central Texas rock-climbing community views Reimers Ranch as a destination with world class rock climbing. The active local mountain biking community likewise enjoys Reimers Ranch’s over 18 miles of trails through the classic Central Texas landscape. Local anglers have come to Reimers’ for generations to fish for white bass in the Pedernales River. The Pogue Springs Preserve/Hogge Reserve component of the land acquisition is less known but equally spectacular with Pedernales River frontage, deep canyons and panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden is located on 26 acres nestled within Zilker Metropolitan Park in the heart of downtown Austin. This “jewel in the heart of Austin” features heritage live oaks set into a hillside, and offers a lush, shady respite from everyday urban life with panoramic views to downtown and beyond. Theme gardens include the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, The Riparian Streambed, The Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and The Mabel Davis Rose Garden. These and other gardens are woven together with pathways, streams, and Koi-filled ponds, creating an urban oasis full of shaded hideaways, sunny lawn areas, and thousands of native and cultivated plants.
Barton Springs Municipal Pool
Within Zilker Park's 358 acres lies one of the crown jewels of Austin - Barton Springs Pool. The pool itself measures three acres in size, and is fed from underground springs with an average temperature of 68-70 degrees, ideal for year-round swimming. Over the years, Barton Springs Pool has drawn people from all walks of life, from legislators who have concocted state laws there to free-spirited, topless sunbathers who turned heads in the 1970s. Robert Redford learned to swim at the pool when he was five years old while visiting family in Austin. Today, Barton Springs still attracts a diverse crowd of people and has seen record setting numbers of visitors nearing 800,000 in recent years. There is a $5 fee for entry but it is well worth the price.
Texas Hill Country Olive Company
Texas Hill Country Olive Company is family-owned and the most awarded olive oil company in Texas, located in the beautiful and beloved "Texas Hill Country" of Dripping Springs Texas. The company began in 2008 with the purchase of 17 acres of land in the picturesque town of Dripping Springs, TX, with the idea of planting olive trees. Since day one the focus has been on preserving the natural beauty of the area while providing fresh locally produced extra virgin olive oil and other premium quality products.
South Congress
This vibrant neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake is a must-stroll for visitors and a popular hangout for locals. South Congress oozes homespun character and boasts the story of Austin’s yesteryear in its boutiques, eateries, galleries and music venues. South Congress draws plenty of foot traffic to its vibrant stretch of hip boutiques, trendy lodging options and Austin-original eateries. Live music shows abound, including nightly sets at the legendary Continental Club. There’s also a picture-postcard vista of the Texas State Capitol. Taking flight every summer evening from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge is the world’s largest urban bat colony.
Rainey Street Historic District
Located in the southeast corner of downtown near Lady Bird Lake, Rainey Street is home to historic homes, many bungalow style, as well as an abundance of outdoor bars. Unbarlievable has a circus theme and has a slide inside you have probably seen on in many peoples Instagram posts (including one of my own). Lustre Pearl is a great location if you want to drink in an open airy space or if you want to take in the downtown view on their rooftop. Container Bar is built from, you guessed it, shipyard containers. This is a great night spot if you like a good DJ and are looking for a fun place to grab a drink Friday. Icehouser Bangers is a must visit if you like beer and sausage. It has over 5,000 reviews on google and is a must go to according to Matron of Honor.
San Marcos Outlet Mall
The San Marcos Outlet Malls are two distinct outlet malls, the Premium Outlets and the Tanger Factory Outlet Center. Each is located off Interstate Highway 35 in San Marcos, Texas. If you want luxury, to San Marcos Premium Outlets, an outdoor shopping mecca offering an impressive collection of 145 luxury and name brand stores. The shopping mall features outlet stores that cannot be found anywhere else within the sate of Texas. Shop exclusive brands such as Gucci, Prada, Victoria's Secret, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lululemon, Athletica, West Elm, Pottery Barn and more! For more deals head next door to the Tanger Outlets in San Marcos. The Center features more than 100 of the most popular brand names and outlet stores including: American Eagle Outfitters, Banana Republic Factory Store, Eddie Bauer, Disney Store Outlet, Fossil, H&M, Hollister, LOFT Outlet, Old Navy, Reebok Outlet Store, LeCreuset, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more.
Texas Capitol
Featuring 17 monuments, historic buildings and trees and beautifully landscaped lawns, the grounds are a great place to explore, enjoy a picnic or learn more about the history of Texas. Pick up a free brochure and monuments map from the Capitol Information and Guide Service room or the Capitol Visitors Center.