Driving toward Davis Mountains (Austin, Spring: hotels, restaurants, shops)

[G Grasshopper]

My husband and I are thinking of taking a little driving vacation to the Davis Mountains, in particular to the Indian Lodge State Park. I am wondering if any of you have made this trip and have suggestions about things to do, places to stay or eat on the way or once there. In particular, we are looking for activities that are wheelchair accessible. I am thinking we could go to Devil's sinkhole on the way, but we would probably need a motel for the night, and there doesn't seem to be much around there. I know the Davis Mountains are great for hiking and mountain bikes, but we can't be that active.

[Trainwreck20]

Are you going up to the McDonald Observatory?

[G Grasshopper]

Yes, that is one place we plan to go.

[clarksvillemom]

The Observatory for sure, with the Star Party. Fort Davis was really interesting. Marfa - the old courthouse, restaurants, bookstore, Chinati. We passed by some hotels near Fort Davis - Harvard Hotel was one. They looked fine, but not sure if wheelchair accesible. I assume you're prepared for a long, dry drive! Things are really dry out there right now. Restaurant at the Paesano Hotel, Squeeze Marfa for breakfast.

[scm53]

I wouldn't miss the pool at Balmorea State Park. It is the world's largest spring fed one - makes Barton Springs look like a kiddie wading pool. Just S of I 10 on the road to Marfa.

Enjoy!

[die Eichkatze]

You will need to call in advance to schedule access to Devils Sinkhole. There are many neat things out that way, but most would be difficult with a wheelchair. They have actually been doing ok with rain in the mountains out there, so it will look more normal.
You could meander your way from Austin to Medina and check out the apple orchards. They should be ready to pick within a week or two. The little restraunt there is pretty good. Drive the back roads over to Leakey in the afternoon. If you would like to stay somewhere a little different, stay at Fort Clark Springs in Brackettville. Los Moras springs and the old Calvary fort is a neat site. If you don't want to stay there, you can also drive to Del Rio which has a lot of hotels.
On your way west, stop at the Pecos River bridge overlook, which will be on the left heading west and the access road for it is before you can see the bridge, so view it online before getting to it. Stop at the visitors center/Judge Roy Bean museum in Langtry, nothing special but might as well since your out there. Stop in Marathon and have a bite to eat and check out the Gage Hotel. Fort Pena Colorado is nearby also.
The Holland Hotel in Alpine is cool, and there are several shops and artsy stuff there as well. I've stayed at the Indian Lodge, and I really enjoyed staying there. They have done a good job keeping it close to its original condition. I think the restraunt is upstairs and I'm not sure if it is wheelchair accessible....might want to check on that. Marfa is good for a half day trip. It is ok, I don't get all the hype but to each their own. Balmorhea and the springs there are worth a visit. How long are you thinking about staying out that way? Can add or subtract some things depending on length of stay. Hotel rooms along I-10 between Fort Stockton and Junction are hard to come by with the increase oil activity out that way, so make sure you plan and book in advance otherwise you might have to drive a lot further.

[G Grasshopper]

Thank you so much to all. We are planning a week long trip, maybe longer. This will be an easy-going trip, not a whirlwind. I had not thought of going on Hwy 90, but maybe that would be good, then return on I10.

[twange]

I'll just post to second everything everyone else has said. I've been out there a few times. All of the towns out there are interesting: Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, Terlingua - especially if you have the time to investigate a bit. I will also second the Holland Hotel. I've stayed there a few times and it's great. The Observatory is a MUST. You can plan your trip around the moon's phase to either study the moon or stars. There are tours of Fort Davis. Didn't do it myself but I know they do something there. You could also stay at the Big Bend Lodge in the Chisos Mountains. I've only camped around there but the area is amazing.

I have also driven 90 out that way - my preference for sure. Going across the Pecos River near Seminole canyon is pretty awesome. And Lake Amistad is also nice.

Have fun!