Normally when I’m travelling I have an entourage in tow; my husband, family, friends or coworkers. I love having the company, sharing my enthusiasm for exploringĀ and giving experiences for those closest to me; but with each person comes new needs, wishes and perspectives. On a recent Wednesday afternoon, having arrived a dayĀ earlier than a coworker for some training in Austin, I found myself with four wheels and a half a day to do whatever I wanted.Being in Austin I was spoiled for choice; I could explore the city, have an impromptu spa day, or check out the live music scene. But I had a car and an itch to go exploring, Texas Hill Country it would be.
The thing is I didn’t know much about Hill Country other than it was close to Austin. I thought I has heard something about there being a few wineries around as well.
Bingo.
A quick google search revealed that was indeed correct. I set my coordinates for a winery that looked good and made my way out ofĀ Austin. Within the span of 30 minutes theĀ city transitioned to suburbs whichĀ gave rise to gently rolling scrub covered hills. Driving along the backroads the landscape was punctuated with Texas live oak, sage and the occasional sprawling ranch. This was the kind of drive that begs you to kick off your shoes, roll down the windows and throw some Tom Petty on the radio.
Arriving atĀ Duchman Family Winery, I was surprised to find an ivy covered Italian villa framed by moss fringed oaks facing rows of late harvest vines. I was expecting a barn, some dust and a lot more cowboy hats. This was Texas right? In the tasting room I opted for a flight, I could choose 6 of their wines but I told the assistant to surprise me. I got a mix of three whites and three reds, Italian and Spanish in style but all made from 100% Texas grown grapes. Personal favorites were theĀ crisp Vermentino and the slightly spicy Temperalillo. While enjoying my tasting I asked what else I should see in the area. “The town of Wemberly is cute” chimed aĀ woman from Illinois; “Hamilton Pool is pretty” piped the girl from behind the counter. The later sounded vaguely familiar and warranted some checking out.
But first, barbecue.
I made a beeline for the Salt Lick, a Texas institution for all things smoked. Fairly deserted on a Wednesday afternoon (Saturdays are a different story with live music and lines out the door), I more or less had the place to myself save a few young families getting an early dinner. With an entire communal picnic table to myself it didn’t take long to place my order.
Ribs, sausage or brisket? This is the carnivore’s dilemma.
Thurman’s Choice solves that dilemma with a sampling of pork ribs, achingly tender brisket and the best damned smoked sausage I’ve had anywhere. Somehow there was also room on the plate for smokey baked beans, tangy potato salad and a thick slice of white bread to sop it all up. Elbows and barbecue sauce flying, it wasn’t pretty and I ate way more than I thought possible.Ā When in Texas you go big or go home and that applies double when it comes to barbecue.
Windows rolled down and radio turned up to 11 I was back on the road, the further I got the fewer cars I encountered. It brought me back to my Las Vegas days in grad school where many weekends were spent driving down the back roads with no particular place to go and no particular intention except to see what lay ahead. It had been far too long since I’d had a drive like that. I pulled the parking lot of Hamilton Pool PreserveĀ to find there would be a short hike down to the pool.Making my way down the stone path I enjoyed the silence of nature, aside from a crinkle of a leaf or a chirp of a bird it was beautifully quiet. Turning a corner it came into view, a crescent shaped grotto with the slightest hint of a waterfall trickling into the emerald water water below. I shared this cove with a few swimmers and a photographer snapping pictures around the periphery. I kicked off my shoes and waded knee deep into to the cool, still water; taking a few pictures myself but more just enjoying the moment.
Sometimes the best moments happen without a plan. Texas, thanks for giving me a great afternoon.
Have you discovered Texas Hill Country? Tell me about it in the comments!
Suze - Luxury Columnist says
That emerald water looks amazing and the winery sounds like a fun visit
Brianna says
Both places were amazing, I definitely want to explore this part of Texas further.
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
I’ve never been anywhere in Texas, except for driving through the panhandle a few times. My friend and I kind of did what you did once and discovered Palo Duro Canyon and went horseback riding there.
I’ve never heard of Texas Hill Country before, but it looks wonderful! Will remember this if I ever make it to Austin! Thanks for the suggestions! Looks like you had a great day!
Brianna says
It was great, I definitely want to go back!
Lyndall @SeizeTheDayProject says
I haven’t been to Texas yet either Brianna, but it looks fascinating The Hamilton Pool looks so enticing too. Its very hot here in Australia today, so I’d love to kick off my shoes and wade into that pool too! š
Brianna says
The water was sooo inviting, I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Melody Pittman says
I just booked a trip to TX Hill Country last night for the whole family in May. Looks so beautiful plus we are on a lake. š
Brianna says
Lucky you! Got room for one more?
Becky says
Totally unfair posting those BBQ photos without also sharing some of the actual food! My mouth is watering š But I love the idea of combining that with Hamilton Pools…great way to really relax when that meat coma sets in.
Brianna says
Need to do that before the meat coma, there is a little bit of hiking involved.
Nancy says
I haven’t visited Texas Hill Country, but want to after reading your post! It sounds like a perfect day trip from Austin.
Brianna says
It really is, I want to explore Hill Country further!
Maria says
Wineries?! I’m sold š
Hamilton pool reserve looks incredible as well, I love travelling around Texas, this is definitely gonna be somewhere I explore one day. Beautiful photos as well!
Great post – I’m full of wanderlust now.
Brianna says
There is so much to explore in Texas, its a great state to visit!
Sarah Ebner says
What a great, impromptu, day out – it looks such fun and you packed such a lot in. I’m particularly taken by Hamilton Pool Preserve. Would love a dip myself….
Brianna says
I was amazed at how pretty it was in person, pictures really don’t do it justice.
Hugo says
Never been anywhere in texas, but always up for a carnivoreās dilemma š
Brianna says
Seriously some of the best BBQ I’ve had anywhere.
Anda says
It’s fun to travel alone sometimes, Brianna and going to a winery seems like the best choice. I would have done the same. I’ve never been to Texas Hill Country, or anywhere in Texas by this token. Looks spectacular.
Brianna says
I now know why people love Texas so much!
Beth | Adventuring the Great Wide Somewhere says
WOW. I haven’t been to Austin myself, so my first instinct would be to stick around and get a feel for the city. But this post proves that the best things are often beyond big city limits. The winery sounds fantastic (I haven’t heard of those particular wines before, so I would opt for surprise blends as well!), and the swimming area is gorgeous. It looks like something I might see in a post about Central America. Hard to believe it’s just outside Austin! I’m feeling a little inspired to seek some local stuff out for myself.
Brianna says
Just goes to show you don’t have to venture to far from home to have an adventure!
Holly says
I have never been. Never crossed my mind a beautiful place like this is in go big or go home Texas. I would love to take a dip in that water.
Brianna says
Hamilton Pool was such a great find, it was even more beautiful in person!
Laura says
We’ve only yet had the pleasure of visiting downtown Austin (not having a car while we were there). You did all the things we’d love to do outside the city. Next trip we’re definitely going to Hamilton Pool Preserve.
Brianna says
Definitely worth getting a car for, don’t forget the BBQ!
Justin Miller says
Thanks for putting a link to both the Salt Lick and the Hamilton Pool Preserve in the post. I am definitely going to refer to this next time I’m passing through Texas and maybe I’ll have as splendid an afternoon as you did!
Brianna says
I certainly hope you do, the BBQ alone is worth the trip.
Alyssa | Adjust Your Focusā¢ says
I haven’t been to Texas, yet, but looks like you had a wonderful time. I absolutely agree that sometimes the best adventures and moments happen without a plan. Happy travels.
Brianna says
Happy travels to you as well!
Mia says
You really can’t go to Texas and not eat barbeque! It looks like you had a lovely afternoon. The water looked great and I love the waterfall!
Brianna says
The area was such a great find, I can’t wait to go back!
RobRob@TravelLatte(.net) says
Mmmm…Salt Lick Barbecue. That’s one of our favorite spots and definitely one of the top five joints in Texas. And Hamilton Pool…being the area several times a year, we haven’t been there. One day we’ll have to resist the call of Salt Lick and get over there. (#notlikely!) #WeekendWanderlust
Brianna says
Perhaps you could work up an appetite for BBQ at Hamilton Pool first?
Meg Jerrard says
Wow, I’ve seen photos of Hamilton Pool reserve, though haven’t had a chance to get there myself. You’ve shattered all stereotypes I held about Texas, I also thought it was a wind swept desert with cowboy hats and boots! Fabulous idea to stop at the winery first and have the locals make recommendations for the rest of the day. Locals know best!
Brianna says
I was surprised at how beautiful this area was too.
Andi says
I have only been to the bigger towns in Texas and none of the surrounding area, something I am sure happens to a lot of people. Wine – there are wineries in every state and it is now my mission to seek them out when I visit a place too, you never know what you will discover!
Brianna says
Who knew Texas had such great wine?
Scott says
We live about 10 mins from @DuchmanWinery and the Salt Lick — members of the Duchman wine club. People are amazed when they try their wines — can’t believe they are from Texas. Salt Lick is a one-of-a-kind experience. But there is MUCH better barbecue available in the Austin area.
Many more choices w/ of Austin between Duchman and Hamilton Pool — @jesterkingbeer brewery and Stanley’s Farmhouse Pizza, Twisted X Brewery, @pieousATX pizza, @DeepEddyVodka distillery, and @TreatyOakTX distillery. Further west, a continuous string of wineries, Garrison Brothers bourbon distillery, @LuckenbachTexas and the Albert Dance Hall. Enjoy!
Brianna says
I definitely want to go back and explore Hill Country a bit more, thanks for the great recommendations!
Terrigal Restaurants says
Wow! what a great shot! and the food is mouth watering the water looks really relaxing!
Brianna says
Texas Hill Country is one of my favorite spots in the US!