Where do Austinites go for vacations? (great, resources)

[TexasGirl@Heart]

And who said Austin doesn't have seasons? Those are some beautiful Autumn leaves on those trees!

[atxcio]

If you have a whole week, and don't mind a full days worth of driving, lots of people drive to Big Bend national park (~474 miles). Also, there are the Guadalupe mtns and Carlsbad caverns right near the TX/NM border, about the same drive.

For winter / spring break, the closest skiing to Austin is Ruidoso, NM. That's about 620 miles, so you'd be looking at 10-12 hours driving. I've done it several times -- neat little town, good skiing (best snow later in the winter, like Jan-Feb-March). If you don't want the long drive, you can get cheap direct flights from Austin-El Paso on Southwest... then rent a car and drive 2 hours or so to the ski resort.

http://www.skiapache.com

[lindaluck]

I go to Northern Arkansas in the summer. It is sooooo beautiful!

[Trainwreck20]

I go to Northern Arkansas in the summer. It is sooooo beautiful!

We used to compete in an Explorer Scout canoe race on the White River, from Bull Shoals down to Batesville (I think that was the town). It was a three day team race done in 'legs', so each night we would camp somewhere along the way. I think we started in Mountain Home. Anyway, the river and the Ozarks are just awesome and a relatively short drive from Dallas or NE Texas, but a little longer from here.

The race was in August, and each morning the cold water from the river (like, 50 F right below the dam) would hit the muggy, hot summer air, and a fog would rise about 5 feet over the water, and the mountains would rise above the fog The most surreal canoing you will ever do .

[twange]

I cannot WAIT to explore the hill country, West Texas (Big Bend, Guadalupe,Davis Mountains) New Mexico and Northern Arkansas...damn I'm getting excited...

Anybody been to New Orleans(8hrs) post Katrina? We were down there a few months before and just loved it. I would imagine that tourist dollars are much needed right now.

[love roses]

I have a buddy on another forum that lives in Mississippi and goes to New Orleans quite a bit, and hasn't had any complaints. My parents go to Coushatta constantly, although not New Orleans, but they haven't said anything either way.

[lesliegrace]

Originally Posted by jread

The beauty of Austin is that it's right in the middle of everything and a short trip to some lovely hill country destinations. I suggest checking out Wimberly, New Braunfels, Fredricksburgh (climb Enchanted Rock while you're there) and many others. We recently made a day trip from our house in South Austin to one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen:

Drive down to New Braunfels then take 46 out through Boerne until you hit 16. Take 16 through Pipe Creek and Bandera until you get to Medina. Pickup 337 in Medina and take it all the way to Leakey. The trip between Medina and Leakey (especially Vanderpool and Leakey) is absolutely BREATHTAKING! The elevation of the Hill Country in that area looks more like a mountain range and there are very dramatic cliffs and valleys the whole way. This is also the region of Lost Maples State Park, where native maples can be seen everywhere. This gives the place an entirely different look from the rest of the Hill Country... in fact, it doesn't feel like you're in the Hill Country but in an entirely different place. Make sure to bring your camera

Here are some photos from the area (and they don't do it justice at all):

Thanks for sharing these photos. My Mama was born in Vanderpool. I have always wanted to see the Lost Maples State Park in the fall, but I live in Orange so it's tough to drive that far for a weekend trip.

[fishstix3]

Wow -- great photos and ideas, all! I haven't been to the Ozarks since I was a kid, and even then, I remember thinking it was so gorgeous. Carlsbad Caverns was fun, too. Thanks for the ideas -- I am getting a little nervous about not being too close to skiing, but a day's drive isn't too bad. Besides, part of the reason for our move is to be somewhere where we can just stay and enjoy a slower pace*-- seems that you can sort of have it either way. Thanks for the ideas!

[jread]

Originally Posted by lesliegrace

I live in Orange

I am SOOOOO sorry!!! I was born and raised in Orange (graduated from LCM).

I've been in Austin for 7-years now and only go to Orange when I have to.

[karnival96]

I've done each of these except the winery tours and the eagle watching but those are on my list.

Enchanted Rock State Park - Great hiking/climbing and awesome views.
TPWD: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Sweet Berry Farms - Pick your own berries, fruits and vegetables and enjoy the best homemade strawberry ice cream you've ever experienced.
Sweet Berry Farm

Longhorn Cavern State Park
TPWD: Longhorn Cavern State Park

LBJ Ranch National and State Parks
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park - Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
TPWD: Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site

Highland Lakes (Marble Falls, Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ) - Lake Austin is just the beginning...
Highland Lakes Visitors Guide

Texas Wine Country -
COOKING UP A STORM 2nd Annual FALL FEST & TEXAS WINE AUCTION
Welcome To Loast Creek Vineyard
Texas wineries, Texas wines and winery tours. Spicewood Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country offers award winning Texas wines and wine tastings.

Track the American Bald Eagle in his natural habitat
Canyon of the Eagles, Lake Buchanan, Texas - featured at Southpoint.com