texas summer travel guide

I don’t know about you but I have summer travel on my mind. It occurs to me that a summer vacation does not mean you have to head to the beach or mountains. And it doesn’t have to be a full week. We have plenty to do in our wonderful state of Texas and some of them are perfect for a weekend. I’ve put together a little Texas Summer Travel Guide and I want you to come along for the tour.

I have visited most of these destinations or plan to in the near future. In fact, I did a segment on Fox 4 Good Day with Jenny Anchondo and it will air on Saturday, April 30th. Be sure to tune in from 7-9 AM CST to catch the show and what I had to say. I will link it for you in a future blog post. You are going to want to bookmark this post and come back to it often.

OK, each destination will give you a few tidbits, website and some interesting facts. I am including pictures so that you have a visual perspective as well. I’ve also included the estimated drive time and route to the destination from Dallas. And of course, I am including a packing list for you! The only other thing I could do is go with you as your personal guide.

I know I have only included five suggested destinations and there is so much more to do in our great state. Leave me a comment below and let me know some more great places to try out.

Click on the links and make some summer travel plans!  xoxo- Tanya

1. Lake Austin Spa Resort – Austin, Texas  LakeAustin.com

Head south down I-35 just past Austin (about a 3 1/2 hour drive) to find this spectacular all-inclusive spa resort where you can completely disconnect and recharge your batteries. Enjoy spa services, workouts, yoga, cooking classes, trails all on a beautiful lakefront property. They are having some incredible specials where they are hosting chefs at the resort Culinary Experience. Chefs include: June 13 – Rebecca Lang, July 11 – Joanne Weir, July 15 – Sara Moulton, August 15 -Robin Miller and August 20  – Gail Simmons. Prices are all-inclusive and expect luxury accommodations. Fantastic destination for couples, girls trip or just alone. Be sure to check out my blog post and stay by clicking here.

2.  Fossil Rim Wildlife Center – Glen Rose, Texas   FossilRim.org
This beautiful property filled with wildlife is only 1 1/2 hour drive southwest of Dallas down highway 67 (past Cleburne). Did you know that there is lodging on property and you can spend the night amongst the wildlife? We stayed at The Lodge, which is the original owners house on the property and now operates as a Bed & Breakfast. You are actually overnighting in the park and will get an up close look at the herds as they migrate every evening. You can purchase tickets for your tour and I highly suggest doing the Behind-The-Scenes-Tour so that you can see the inner workings of Fossil Rim. Be sure to have lunch at the Riverhouse Grill in Glen Rose. This is th perfect destination for families with children of all ages.

3.  Rough Creek Lodge – Glen Rose, Texas   RoughCreek.com

About 1 hour 45 minutes drive southwest of Dallas on highway 67,  just past Glen Rose, Texas. Did you know that they have vacation rental homes and cottages for sale? Spa services, fishing, horseback riding, sporting clay, hunting, weddings, family gatherings, they have endless activities for the young and old. Luxury accommodations but worth the price. Great for girls trip, couples or family anytime of the year. Indulge!

4.  Enchanted Rock State Natural Area & Park – Fredericksburg, Texas  Fredericksburgtexas.com 

Head south on I-35 to Georgetown and then west on highway 29 to Llano. It’s about 15 miles south of Llano (about 3 1/2 hour drive). Enchanted Rock State Natural Area & Park is great for the outdoor loving because you can camp, star gaze, go climbing, enjoy nature walks and more. The entry fee is only $7 per person!  You are in the middle of the beautiful Texas Hill Country and there is lots to see. And if camping isn’t your thing, then just head to Fredericksburg, Texas and stay in one of their many Bed & Breakfast locations. Some suggestions are The Maplestone, Hoffman Haus and The Blacksmiths Quarters. Be sure to check out their wineries as this region is known as the “wine country of Texas”. Becker Vineyards is one of my favorites (established by Dr. Richard Becker and his lovely wife Bunny)! Oh and the shopping is divine. The art galleries rival those in Santa Fe, New Mexico. En route, be sure to stop by Llano,Texas (deer capital of Texas) to enjoy some Cooper’s BBQ! It’s worth the wait. This trip is idea for families or couples!

5. The annual Tomato Festival – Jacksonville, Texas  JacksonvilleTexas.com

Take highway 175 east for about 1 1/2 hours (through Athens, Texas) to arrive in this beautiful east Texas town, behind the pine curtain. The Annual Tomato Festival will be held on Saturday June 11. We attended two years ago and it is not to be missed. We met a guy walking a full size pig on a leash. The pigs name was Cat. You get the picture. Be sure to stop by and eat at Sadler’s Kitchen.  Friday is Pie Day Friday – pie slices are only $1 and the down home cooked meals are incredible. The restaurant is in the building that housed the original jail. Head over to get some Super Sno after your meal!  Click here to see the full post of our time at the 2014 Jacksonville Tomato Festival. By the way, we discovered this little gem by getting to know Jenna, Matt, Whitney and Anthony and their incredible documentary film – Tomato Republic. Jacksonville has the loveliest people!
From Jacksonville, head north on Highway 69 and eat at the new family style, farm to table restaurant – The Grove in Tyler, Texas. If you go let me know how it is. I’m dying to try it!

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