Central Texas & Hill Country 8. NEW BRAUNFELS Hop on the new Wasserbahn Racers that zoom down three lanes of high-speed chutes at the sprawling Schlitterbahn Waterpark . Watch first-run flicks under the night sky and snack on nostalgic movie treats at the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre . Play games of pickleball and padel on six covered courts at The Courthouse . The oldest bakery in Texas and a downtown New Braunfels staple for more than 140 years, Naegelin’s Bakery is known for its fruit strudels, gingerbread cookies and meat kolaches. 9. GRUENE Located within New Braunfels, Gruene is a designated National Historic District featuring beautiful German-Texas architecture. Delightful shops and restaurants line the Gruene Historic District , situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Check out the H.D. Gruene Mercantile Store , housed in a restored 1904 building and offering goods like apparel and home accessories from Texas makers. Take in nightly live music and do some line dancing at the 1870s Gruene Hall , Texas’ oldest operating dance hall and a launching pad for legendary musicians like George Strait and Lyle Lovett. 10. WIMBERLEY The fun Neon Armadillo features Tex-Mex cuisine, a large playscape for the kids and live music on the weekends. Shelter Goods in downtown Wimberley has a curated selection of art, furniture and books. With nearly 500 vendors, Wimberley Market Days is the Texas Hill Country’s largest outdoor market, held on the first Saturday of each month from March through December. 11. LOCKHART The Barbecue Capital of Texas is home to acclaimed eateries like The Original Black’s Barbecue , Kreuz Market (known for its simply seasoned, dry-rub meats) and Smitty’s Market , celebrated for its house-smoked sausage. At women-owned Barbs B Q , co-owner Chuck Charnichart was awarded the 2025 Texas MICHELIN Guide Young Chef/ Culinary Professional Award. Stroll Lockhart’s town square, centered around the striking Caldwell County Courthouse , exploring the quaint shops, galleries, restaurants and live community theater at the Gaslight-Baker Theatre . Best Little Wine & Books beckons with wines by the glass, a small bottle shop and novels for sale. Get Lucky Gallery , housed in a century-old pharmacy, features art and homewares by regional artisans. On weekends, take a self-guided tour of the Caldwell County Historical Museum , housed in an early-1900s jail. 12. BASTROP Hike among towering loblolly pines, ride bikes, go swimming and fish at picturesque Bastrop State Park . At Dinosaur Park , walk along nature paths to see realistic life-size dinosaurs, dig for dino AUSTIN'S BEST TRAVEL HACK Ride BUS ROUTES 20 & 483 between the airport , downtown Austin and UT campus all for Under $2.00! No surge pricing. No long walk through the parking garage. No wait at the rental car desk. Just hop on outside baggage claim — SERVICE EVERY 15-30 MINUTES . Use Transit app to plan your trip Late flight? Bus Route 483 serves the airport from 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. Tap to pay with your phone or contactless credit/debit card , no app needed. 55
Austin Insider Guide 2027: Page 55
