Axios Austin

Spring travel is back.

The big picture: 2022 is shaping up as a banner year for the hamlets and state parks on Austin's fringes, thanks to easy access to COVID vaccines and expired pandemic-era restrictions.

Why it matters: Tourism is key to the economies of rural Texas.

• And, let's face it, after the stresses of Omicron and Delta and a devastating winter storm a year ago, we could all use a change of scenery and a bit of carefree fun.

Where to go: We recommend a day trip or a weekend getaway in Fredericksburg, Colorado Bend State Park or New Braunfels — three of many beautiful spots within two hours of Austin.

Gorgeous limestone ranchland in the heart of Texas' pecan country, cut through by a lazy turn in the river, is the backdrop to your trip to Colorado Bend State Park, a nearly two-hour drive northwest of Austin.

What to expect: Pack the dog, the camera, the fishing rod, the bathing suit, the trail sneakers and the kids — it's time to enjoy a waterfall adventure at one of Central Texas' prettiest spots.

Where to stay:

Plan to book a spot at the park, where riverside campsites can be yours for $10-$35 a night.

• Try booking a cottage in Lampasas' Tyson's Corners Retreat, where you can hang out on the front porch rocking chair while watching horses from an equine therapy gambol.
• In San Saba, 20 miles northwest of the park, bed down at the Dofflemeyer Hotel, which sports six stylish rooms in a converted 1913 bank building.

What to do

🏊🏽 Go for a dip in Spicewood Springs, a cascading series of crystal-clear swimming holes accessible by a short, flat trail — we once spotted an armadillo here!

🛶 Take a boat for a spin — the state park rents out single kayaks for $10 per hour and doubles for $15.

🌻 Snap a picture of your kid/dog amid the bluebonnets and other wild flowers.

What to eat

Fill up with the half-pound Around the Bend Burger at the Bend General Store.

• Make a morning run to San Saba to gobble down the migas, steel-cut oats or a fresh cinnamon roll at Oliver and Co.

🏆 Pro tip: Reach in the cooler at the very small store at park headquarters for an ice cream bar.

What to do on a rainy day in the park

Ninety minutes due west of Austin, on a pretty, winding drive on U.S. 290, Fredericksburg is the historic home of the Hill Country and a great jumping off point for Central Texas wineries and state parks.

What to expect: Delightful century-old homes, a smorgasbord of German food — thanks to Germans who settled here in the 19th century — and lots of great antiques.

Where to stay

If you're looking for charm and luxury, try the Hoffman Haus, a collection of small houses that include a rustic, two-story log cabin — the sort with a walk-in shower.

• If you're up for roughing it, bed down at one of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area's several dozen campsites, perfect for star-gazing under a clear Texas sky.

What to do

Fredericksburg has become heavily touristed in the last decade — but remains just on this side of chintz.

🦓 Watch the exotic livestock auction at Raz's, just west of Fredericksburg, where zebras, scimitar-horned oryx and giant kudu are sold off as ranch playthings.

🛍 Wobble up and down Fredericksburg's streets and pop into shops to find that perfect keepsake — we recommend the Red Baron Antique Mall.

🥾 Hike Enchanted Rock, the mini-Ayers Rock that affords vast views of the Texas Hill Country.

What to eat

Grab the beignets at Emma and Ollie's.

Snag the Galatea pizza — roasted garlic ricotta, mozzarella, prosciutto and spring greens — at Prometheus.

Hit the Sunday brunch at Otto's German Bistro — for our money, the best restaurant in Fredericksburg.

• Our faves are the spinach artichoke toast and the duck schnitzel, served with käsespätzle and rotkohl.

Bonus: In December, we laid out a Hill Country holiday day-trip itinerary.

More of our Fredericksburg tips

Spend a peaceful weekend in New Braunfels, on the banks of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, located roughly 50 minutes south of Austin.

Where to stay

New Braunfels offers a slew of hotels and charming rental properties along the water.

• Pitch a tent at Camp Huaco Springs on the Guadalupe River, with options for tent camping ($50-$65/night), RV hookups and cabins ($190-$355/night).
• Stay in a condo along the Comal River ($153/night) for access to the water and walking distance from the best restaurants in town.

What to do

Whether you're spending a summer weekend in your swimsuit or cozied up by a fire during the offseason, New Braunfels has plenty to offer.

• Slather on sunscreen and float the Comal River with any one of the city's tube rental companies.
• Hit the water slides at the original Schlitterbahn waterpark.
• Don't skip the 10-minute drive up the road to the tiny town of Gruene. Dance the night away at the historic Gruene Hall, snag homemade fudge from the Gruene General Store and get a burger, onion rings and jalapeño margarita at the Gristmill.

What to eat:

• Pick up a sweet treat from Naegelin's Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas.
• Brunch at McAdoo's for unbelievable seafood. Try the Texas Creole migas and the sea grits and make the perfect drink pairing at the DIY bloody mary bar.
• Get fresh produce at the New Braunfel's Farmers Market, downtown every Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

The best place to grab pancakes in New Braunfels