Fall Is the Perfect Time for Camping

Fall is here! There's a cool breeze in the air now, and the temperature has dropped enough that it's actually comfortable to be outside. That makes Fall the perfect time of year for camping.

The Colorado River Trail makes camping easy and fun. The LCRA and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department have dozens of parks that offer tent camping. For those of you who don't like to rough it, several parks offer cabins. Or for the more adventurous at heart, why not try camping at a primitive camp site?

Camping is a fun activity for the whole family. The four-leggeds love it too!

Photo courtesy of Tea~Heart.

Lazy Days on the River

All you hear are the soft, peaceful sounds of nature all around you. The little splash when the paddle goes in the water. The call of a bird from a tree somewhere over there. The rush of the breeze as it wraps around the trees and rocks on the shore. And the sound of your own breathing ... in and out.

This is rest. This is true relaxation. This is time well spent in the best way imaginable - with your toes in the water.

Though this photo was taken during the Summer, it almost seems like a day in the early Fall. During Indian Summer. A time when afternoons like this are precious.

It makes you want to be there, doesn't it? You could, you know. It's not too late. Summer may be officially over now that school's back in session, but Texas still has great Fall weather.

If you plan to be in the Columbus, Texas area where this great photo was shot, why not dip your toes in the water too? The Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau has great information on canoe rentals and events to help you out.

Hurry, Indian Summer is calling ...

Photo courtesy of Randell.

The Simple Joy of Playing in a Fountain

Sometimes it really is the simple things. Uncomplicated. Straightforward. Effortless. Life can be so crazy, and so we occasionally need to take a moment to pause.

What better way to illustrate this than a child playing in a fountain? Their needs are simple and basic. They only want to have fun ... and probably to cool off a bit.

The Liz Carpenter Fountain in Austin's Butler District Park satisfies those needs in grand style. The colorful lights and sprays of water are a visual delight for children of any age. Playing in it is fun too.

Butler District Park and the Liz Carpenter Fountain are located between Riverside Dr. and Barton Springs Rd. near Austin's Zilker Park.

For more information on fun things to see and do in Austin, Texas, visit the fine folks over at the Austin Convention and Visitor Bureau. Tell 'em we said howdy.

Photo courtesy of wednesday181.

It Was THIS BIG! Fishing in Matagorda Bay

If it's fishing you want, then Matagorda County is the place to be. Whether you fish from a boat offshore, from the bank, or off the pier, you're bound to land one that will be the subject of many fish tales back at the office.

Need some help finding that big one? There are dozens of fishing guides in Matagorda County who can take you out and show you all the best spots. Fishing tournaments are held frequently from March through the fall months, so grab your buddies and come on down for a weekend of fishing and fun.

For information on events, other things to do, places to stay, and restaurants to try during your visit to Matagorda County, contact the Matagorda County Convention and Visitors Bureau. And for great, up-to-the-minute information become a fan of the Matagorda County CVB on Facebook.

Photo courtesy of ChiODaisi.

San Saba's Mill Pond Park Is Perfect for a Picnic

Even in the heat of the Texas summer, there's shade in San Saba's Mill Pond Park. This picturesque park isn't far from downtown, and provides the perfect spot to kick back under the trees and have a picnic lunch. If you're not careful, the sound of the water rushing over the rocks might just lull you into an afternoon nap!

Before it was a park, the area was once San Saba's first waterworks. The Mill House from an old gristmill and the water wheel are still there today. You can also find crystal clear water from the spring, ducks and geese, and abundant plant life.

In addition to the beautiful setting, Mill Pond Park also features picnic sites, pool, pavilion, and a campground with 14 RV hookups. Also located on the grounds are the Mill Pond Gazebo, baseball fields, tennis courts, a playground, beach volleyball court, basketball courts, and nature trails. Visitors to the park can also find the San Saba County Museum and San Saba Civic Center.

For more information about Mill Pond Park and visiting San Saba, contact the San Saba County Chamber of Commerce.

Photo courtesy of Neta Herron Photography.

Remember the Alamode!

Royers Round Top Cafe in Round Top, Texas has long been a staple experience to include in any trip there. Who can resist their menu of "contemporary comfort food" that includes mouth-watering entrees like pork tenderloin, steak, grilled quail, and pasta? Royers is known far and wide, and has received many accolades in the press. There have been stories in the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Cowboys and Indians magazine, Texas Country Reporter, and even on the Food Network's "Road Tested".

But as good as the food is at Royers (and it IS good), it' s the pies that cause people to wait in line for a table. Choose from apple, blueberry, chocolate chip, buttermilk, buttermilk delight, butterscotch chip, cherry, peach, pecan, coconut chess, and strawberry rhubarb. You can even order a pie sampler plate! All pies are served with Amy's ice cream - in fact, they even charge you extra if you get yours without the ice cream.

Can't get to Round Top for a slice? No worries. The fine folks at Royers Round Top Cafe will ship you a pie (or two) right to your door!

If you do make the trip, you'll be glad you did. Round Top, TX has lots to see and do once you've had your pie. Give the folks at the Round Top Area Chamber of Commerce a shout, and they'll help you plan your trip.

And don't forget to Remember the Alamode!

Photo courtesy of stevesheriw.

Jump In!

I don't have to tell you. You already know. It's darn hot outside! But it's summertime in Texas, and hot weather doesn't prevent us from getting out there and enjoying all the things the Colorado River Trail has to offer.

Want to escape the heat and still enjoy the great outdoors? The Colorado River Trail exists because of the Colorado River and the Highland Lakes. All offer a multitude of ways to enjoy a Texas summer day on the water ... and staying cool.

Rent a kayak or canoe. Take a swim. Grab some friends and go boating. Or simply go jump in the lake. Have fun on these hot Texas summer days by staying cool on the water.

See you on the lake.

Photo courtesy of DAR_Austin.