We as Texans know Austin is our state capitol and a college town to boot, but as a homegrown Texan from the city of Houston and never been there before for the complete Austin Experience we were completely surprised. The first thing we did was sign up for tours of the city at the Austin Visitor Center. I highly recommend letting someone drive you through a city you don't know to get your orientation on the layout and the popular tour guides are outgoing, humorous, informative & friendly to say the least. Make sure to make reservations ahead of time if you can it guarantees you a spot on the tours at the time and date of your choosing so you don't end up waiting to see if there is any room left for you or having to wait around for a later time to go.
Our first tour was aboard the Austin Duck Adventures land and lake tour. Be prepared for this tour ahead of time for sure. This tour can be a bit noisy as every passenger receives a "Quacker" (a plastic duck whistle) used to quack at any of the locals that you pass on the street in which any kids in attendance blow on as often as they can. You will board a unsinkable, US Coast Guard inspected, Hydra Terra vehicle for 75 minutes of sightseeing that includes Historic Sixth Street, the State Capitol Building, Bob Bullock State History Museum, the Governor's Mansion and Lake Austin. There are no stops made so make sure to visit the facilities before climbing aboard, and most important check the weather before hand as these are open air vehicles you are riding in. We took the 11 a.m. Friday tour and truly had a great time taking in the sights and enjoyed being on the lake.
We decided to have lunch at the 1886 Cafe inside the Driskill Hotel. This is a short walk from the visitor center. At the busy corner of Sixth and Brazos streets, the cafe is the social gathering place for locals and offers out-of-town guests delicious delights that take a spin on Texas comfort food mixed with innovative flair for a delectable yet reasonably affordable meal. I had the Turkey B.L.T. Croissant and my husband had the French Dip, both were absolutely delicious and filling neither of us left a morsel behind. On our way out we stopped by the bakery and picked up to go the biggest (Texas size) cinnamon rolls I have ever laid eyes on and a loaf of Banana Pecan Bread.
After a wonderful lunch we walked back over to the visitor center to take a second tour of Austin. This time with Austin Overtures Sightseeing for a 90 minute tour of Austin and the Hill Country. As before make reservations ahead of time however this time unlike Austin Duck Tours you'll be riding in style in a Mercedes-Benz tour bus that is air-conditioned to beat the Texas heat and gives you "Everything Austin" traversing over 30 miles in comfort! This tour highlights the more eclectic side of Austin with the urban scenes, hip shopping locales, culture, outdoor recreation, local art, Hill Country Vistas, lakes and local Celebrity information.
At this time we retreated to a hotel just outside of Austin so we could be closer to our destination for the next day the Sherwood Forest Faire out in McDade, Texas. A medieval-style village on 23 acres with over 100 permanent buildings, which include merchant shoppes offering distinctive wares most of which are hand crafted, pubs, stages, a wedding chapel and fun rides and games for the whole family. Celebrating the times of Richard the Lionheart and Robin Hood and his Merry Men the Faire offers over 100 shows per day to entertain all ages. Nestled in the Lost Pines of Central Texas you are transported to a simpler time where the hustle & bustle of the city and the everyday worries fade away. Turkey Legs and Ogre Toes are a must to be washed down with a frothing mug full of Mead. We spent the whole day and had such a good time we can't wait to go back.
After being in the sun all day prior, for breakfast on our last day we stopped in at the Cafe 290 in Manor, Texas. For over 60 years serving the community and as one of Texas' oldest classic roadhouse diners it is a true Central Texas landmark that shouldn't be missed. I had the Cafe 290 Breakfast, my husband had the Ham and Cheese Omelet and both were scrumptious! Exactly what we were looking for at breakfast to fill us with some good ol' home-style country cookin'.
On our last day in the Austin area we decided to get a closer look at our State capitol. Free Capitol tours are conducted daily beginning in the South Foyer and concluding in the Extension. The tour features the Capitol, Texas history and the Texas legislature. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is very informative. I personally enjoyed the grounds the most which is rich in history with memorials, statues and more. After enjoying the outdoors on the Capitol grounds and working up a hefty appetite we left Austin for Cedar Park, Texas.
In Cedar Park, Texas we picked up a lunch to go and hopped on the Austin Steam Train for a 3 hour round trip excursion. A short train excursion that follows a scenic route through the Hill Country and stops at the historic 1912 train station in Bertram, Texas. We boarded the train and rode in the Santa Fe car which is air-conditioned with tables for a comfortable journey while we ate our lunch and enjoyed the views and the ride. We toured the depot during the 15 minute stop before re-boarding for the return ride to Cedar Park station.
We thoroughly enjoyed everything we did in the Austin area. The locals are friendly, the staff at every place we visited went above and beyond to make sure our Austin experience was the best. We couldn't fit everything into one weekend, thankfully only a 3.5 hour drive away we can go back to Austin for another weekend getaway! Thank You Austin!
