Need some ideas! (Austin, Mesquite, Spring: theater, restaurants, shopping center)

[TexasGirl@Heart]

I am planning a visit to Austin during the last week-end in May (week-end after Memorial day!).

On one of the days, we are going to take a trip to see Hamilton's Pool. Are there any good places to eat along the way--good BBQ perhaps? Are there any other sights along the way we should stop and visit?

[ROY DUBOSE]

getting to hamilton pool isn't exactly a scenic hiway -- you might try springhill cafe @ 71/620 or i think there's a nice old greasy spoon in dripping springs if you go/return that way

[ATX Homeboy]

Are you looking for BBQ or just a place to eat?

[TexasGirl@Heart]

Originally Posted by ATX Homeboy

Are you looking for BBQ or just a place to eat?

Preferrably BBQ, but really open to anything.

What is the easiest route to get to Hamilton's Pool from downtown Austin?

[ATX Homeboy]

I don't know where you're staying DT but if you're there then I would pick up Stubb's BBQ or Iron Works BBQ and then head out to Hamilton Pool. The only drawback to that is it might get cold on your way out there so you might want to eat before you leave or when you get back.

Anyway, from DT get on Mopac and head south take the Bee Caves Rd (2244) exit going west. Stay on that road until it dead ends into Hwy 71 turn right onto 71 go through the town of Bee Caves. Once you pass Hwy 620, Hamilton Pool Rd. should be on your left a couple miles out. Take the left onto Hamilton Pool Rd. and follow the signs. This is the easiest way to get there but it is a little longer so be prepared for a drive.

Hope this helps. If I missed anything, I'm sure someone will chime in. BTW, have fun.

[Moonlady]

If you are downtown, you've got some excellent BBQ options: Stubbs, Ruby's, Iron Works, or Donn's are all great choices. There's really not much on the way to Hamilton Pool except County Line and Rudy's - and two different routes to take on your way there.

The Rudy's route - take 6th St West to Mopac, take Mopac south and exit on to Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Hwy) going north. Rudy's is on your right. Continue north on 360 and take the Bee Cave Rd exit (RM 2244) going west and when it dead ends into Hwy 71, take a right, go past the Hill Country Galleria and RR620 and Hamilton Pool Rd is the next light on your left.

The other route- take Barton Springs Rd past Zilker Park until it loops under Mopac - go right onto Bee Caves Rd. You will be going through the towns of Westlake and Rollingwood (expect congestion) - County Line is right past Loop 360 on the right. Continue on Bee Cave Rd as above.

Rudy's is super informal with long picnic tables and you get your food a la carte and take it to one of the tables to eat. County Line is sit down, order and nicer atmosphere. County Line is also only open 11-2 and then again at 5, so no late lunches!

[CptnRn]

If you have not already seen it CHECK OUT THIS THREAD!!

http://www.city-data.com/forum/austi...tons-pool.html

Check out the route on Google Maps so you will have a better feel for it.

From downtown take MoPac/Loop 1 South until you see the split to 290/71 OakHill. Go to OakHill, when you get to the "Y" take Hwy 71 to the right. In that shopping center with HEB is a Green Mesquite BBQ, or just past the "Y" on 290 there is Donn's BBQ. Both are good.

Stay on Hwy 71 to go to Hamilton's Pool, go through Bee Caves, the turn off to Hamilton Pool Road is on the left less then a mile after the intersection with Hwy 620 in Bee Caves.

Restaurants in Bee Cave:

Rosies Tamale House - mexican food. On the South side of the road not far past the 620 intersection. This restaurant has been in business at least 25 years.

When you are looking at an area in Google Maps, you can search for BBQ or mexican or restaruants and it will show you where they are on the map and many include reviews and more information. There are two BBQ places in Bee Caves which I'm not familiar with. I think they are new.

Using that search function I found a place called Rocky Creek BBQ that is at 17499 Hamilton Pool Rd, I have not tried it but it has 1 positive review. You might want to call 264-3330 and see what hours they are open before you drive all the way out there and find them closed.

There is also a place called Verde's Mexican ParrillaHill Country Amphitheater that looks interesting.
Verde's Mexican Parrilla
16018 Hamilton Pool Rd
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 263-0500

[CptnRn]

Some other places you might want to consider exploring out in SW Austin, each worth a day trip of its own, are:


Krause Springs, near Spicewood Panoramio - Photo of Krause Springs

Pedernales Fall State Park, out Hwy 290 over half way to Johnson City Panoramio - Photo of Pedernal Falls, Texas

[ROY DUBOSE]

perdanales state park by jc???!?!?? man, that's almost to luckenbach

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by ROY DUBOSE

perdanales state park by jc???!?!?? man, that's almost to luckenbach

?? You are confused.

Pedernales (spelling) is the river that runs by Hamiltons Pool. Pedernales Falls State Park is this side of Johnson City only 8.6 away from Hamiltons Pool.

Lukenbach Texas is almost all the way to Fredricksburg Texas, way past Johnson City.

For comparison, according to Google Maps, distances are from Oak Hill, 78749.

Hamiltons Pool is 18 miles.
Pedernales State Park is 24 miles.
Johnson City is 42 miles.
Luckenbach is 67 miles.
Fredericksburg is 72 miles.