City Escape: Austin, Texas

A romp through the eastern edge of Texas Hill Country. Tall, rugged hills with thin layers of soil on top of limestone or granite rock make for a scenic backroad excursion through a western movie-set landscape.

Length

Approximately 226 miles

Meet-up spot

Starbucks, 12400 SR 71, Austin, TX.

Lunch stop

Navajo Grill, 803 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX, (830) 990-8289, serving American cuisine.

Scenery

Clear streams, rivers, and a rich variety of mostly dry-climate vegetation. Windmills, iconic ranchlands, and several interesting historical sites.

Traffic

Traffic is generally light on these secondary ranch and farm roads.

Difficulty

Moderately difficult curves and elevation changes.

Road conditions

Although rough in a few spots, the roads are generally in good condition.

Attractions

Blanco, TX
Stop for coffee and more at the Bowling Club Café.

Luckenbach, TX
The town and entertainment venue made famous by Waylon Jennings.

Fredericksburg, TX
Check out Admiral Nimitz’s hometown and the National Museum of the Pacific War.

LBJ National Historical Park
Tour the ranch home of our 36th president.

Pedernales Falls State Park
Enjoy outdoor activities and a cool splash in the Pedernales River.