River Reflections

The morning light creates a beautiful reflection in the waters of the Colorado River near Bastrop, Texas. Photo courtesy of LCRA.

Springtime in Texas Means Bluebonnets

Drive anywhere in Texas during the Spring (even in the city!), and you're likely to spot giant patches of bluebonnets - the Texas State Flower - all along the roadside. Even though they may not appear for another few weeks, the warmer weather means it's time to start looking. Photo courtesy of LCRA.

If It's Cycling You Want, Then San Saba's the Place

Cycling enthusiasts have had a long love affair with the Texas Hill Country backroads. What more could you ask for, really? The beautiful and rugged scenery. The tasty restaurants in the small towns along the way. And the cool places to visit while you're in the area.

If your spirit longs for the open road on a beautiful spring Texas weekend, then look no further than San Saba County. The San Saba County Chamber of Commerce has put together six cycling routes that will take you right through the heart of the Hill Country. The routes are designed with varying lengths and degrees of difficulty (from 7 to 80 miles), so you can ride as little or a long and hard as you want.

Here are links to a printable map of each route:

• 7-mile route
• 18-mile route
• 38-mile route
• 45-mile route
• 50-mile route
• 80-mile route

Happy trails, y'all!

It's Time To Think About a Spring Break Trip

This photo was taken at the Devil's Watering Hole in Inks Lake State Park near Burnet during a Spring Break trip in 2008. This swimming hotspot is a great family trip during Spring Break, or any time the weather calls for swimming. Guided canoe tours are also offered here. Contact Inks Lake State Park for more information. Photo courtesy of Dave Hamilton.

Wharton's Tee Pee Motel Stands the Test of Time

A reminder of bygone days, the Tee Pee Motel in Wharton is a little slice of Americana. The Tee Pee is a fun and different place to stay in the Wharton area. For more information, visit teepeemotel.net/ or the Wharton Chamber of Commerce at www.whartontexas.com/. Photo courtesy of Bob Weston.

Longhorn Cavern: A Texas Hill Country Wonder

Formed by a river, Longhorn Cavern is a great place to visit any time of the year. Tours are offered daily. Not only beautiful, Longhorn Cavern is full of history and legend about the Civil War and outlaws. For information, visit http://www.longhorncaverns.com/. Photo courtesy of Dave Hamilton.

Explore the Kayaking Trails at Matagorda Bay Nature Park

Kayakers get ready to launch for an afternoon of fun on the kayak trails in the coastal marshes of Matagorda Bay Nature Park. Photo courtesy of LCRA.

Rafting on the Colorado River Is Fun!

Raft trips on the Colorado River are a great way to spend a Spring afternoon. This shot was taken near McKinney Roughs Nature Park just outside of Bastrop, Texas. Photo courtesy of LCRA.

Where the road ends, the adventure begins ...

Lake Buchanan, located northwest of Austin, offers some of the best outdoor recreation around. Fishing, boating, cycling, and hiking are among some of the most popular activies.Need a few ideas for something fun to do? Try these on for size:

Fall Creek Vineyards - The vineyards are located in the Texas Hill Country where the sandy loam soil, warm days and cool breezes off Lake Buchanan provide an excellent microclimate for growing premium wine grapes. Fall Creek's wines have received countless awards in state, national and international competitions. The winery is open Monday - Friday: 11 am - 4 pm; Saturday: 11 am - 5 pm; and Sunday : noon - 4 pm for tours and tastings. Fall Creek Vineyards is located near Tow, off Hwy. 29 on CR 222.

Lake Buchanan Adventures - Come enjoy five miles of lake recreation area. LBA has the largest fleet of single, double and family sized boats in Central Texas. During your visit enjoy 14 miles of nature trails, bedrock beach grill, and other outdoor activities for individuals, families, and groups of all sizes at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park. LBA offers year-round kayak and canoe rentals, and seasonal guided kayaking trips.

Vanishing Texas River Cruise - VTRC is the premier ecological cruise of Texas, and their cruises provide you spectacular views of Lake Buchanan, the Colorado River, native Texas wildlife, waterfalls, world-class bird watching and wintering Bald Eagles. They offer a variety of cruises for many occasions: weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events and more. These cruises are simply incredible, educational, unique and must be experienced!

Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park - Canyon of the Eagles is a place designed for enjoying nature. Most of the 940 acres of Canyon of the Eagles Park have been set aside as a nature preserve for wildlife, such as Bald Eagles, Black-capped Vireo, and Golden-cheeked Warbler. Whether you're relaxing by the beach, casting a line or cruising across Lake Buchanan, there's plenty to keep you content, relaxed and enjoying the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 14 miles of nature trails; a private beach and fishing pier; canoe, kayak, sail and paddleboat rentals, and much more.

Something you don't find just anywhere is the observatory. The Eagle Eye Observatory is operated each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night, weather permitting. The Austin Astronomical Society hosts monthly public star parties that guests can enjoy as well. At the end of the day, kick back and relax in one of Canyon's 62 rustic, yet accommodating rooms. Most come with porches and rocking chairs to enjoy the Texas Hill Country scenery.

Both Lake Buchanan Adventures and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise are accessible from Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park. To get to the park, take Highway 29 West through Burnet to FM 2341. Follow FM 2341 to the right (Northwest) until you come upon Canyon of the Eagles at the end of the road.