HILL COUNTRY
THIS IS THE HEART OF THE LONE STAR STATE—AS HOME TO AUSTIN, THE STATE CAPITAL, AND IN MANY OTHER WAYS. The Hill Country’s landscape is marked by gentle rolling hills, like green undulating waves, inviting travelers to enjoy a beautiful drive. Along the way, you’ll fi nd comfort and a stop-and-smell-the-wildfl owers mentality in its charming towns, many rooted in the cultures of their earliest immigrants. Visitors fi nd hospitality, exquisite experiences and an array of quaint places to stay from historic hotels to dude ranches. Lakes and spring-fed rivers nestled in this picturesque landscape invite you to dive in and chill out. Get a sense of the region’s past while strolling through historic downtowns. Sip on the success of the wine industry and the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail (the largest in the state). Take in the sounds of a music festival or spontaneous jam session.
HEAD FOR THE HILLS T e region is fi lled with natural thrills and
adventure. T at’s a big part of its allure. From lush green spaces and refreshing water ways to spring’s wildfl owers and the elusive but brilliant colors of fall leaves, the Hill Coun- try is an open playground that’s rich with a blend of cultural identities including Ger- man, Czech, Mexican, Alsatian and Polish. T is multicultural nature-lovers’ paradise
off ers abundant opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fi shing, ziplining, rock climbing and more. T e Hill Country is alive with possibil-
ities and it inspires exploration, creativity and discovery.
S I GH T S The AUSTIN
GARNER STATE PARK ENCHANTED ROCK WILDFLOWERS AND WINE SHOW CAVES OF TEXAS
1 2 3 4 5
★
WATER YOU WAITING FOR? Looking for a water park? In the Hill
Country, you’re rarely more than 30 min- utes away from a river, lake, spring-fed pool or swimming hole. Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve, with its
45-foot waterfall, is one of the most pictur- esque swimming holes of the region. But there are many hot spots for cooling off in- cluding the equally popular Krause Springs and Blue Hole. T e cypress-lined Guadalupe River in
Guadalupe River State Park draws campers, anglers, canoers, swimmers and hikers. Inks Lake State Park hugs a favorite recre- ational lake and is conducive to camping, hiking and picnicking, as well as boating, fi shing, canoeing and watersports. T e region has three Texas Parks
and Wildlife Paddling Trails—Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail, South Llano Paddling Trail and the Upper Guada- lupe-Nichol’s Landing Paddling Trail. These are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. For a lazier experience, fl oat down
the Comal, Frio, San Marcos, Llano or Guadalupe rivers. Bring your own tube or rent one. Depending on the the water fl ow, expect a 2- to 4-hour fl oat time. Given the natural competition, any
March and April are wildflower months in the Hill Country. 156
man-made waterpark has big shoes to fi ll. It’s only fi tting that New Braunfels’ Schlitterbahn is consistently ranked among the best, if not the best, water- parks in the nation. Its success has helped BOTH PHOTOS: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT
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