Pack up your car. Here are 10 spots in Texas to visit.

Fredericksburg and Enchanted Rock

Having visited Fredericksburg annually in the last few years, it’s a favorite for me. There are plenty of cute bed and breakfast places to stay and lots of wineries to visit. Some of my favorite spots in Fredericksburg include Cabernet Grill and Enchanted Rock.

See my Fredericksburg Travel Guide here.
Austin to Fredericksburg: 78 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes

Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is arguably Texas’ most famous watering hole. It’s beautiful landscape and intimate surroundings make it feel like a secret spot. Reservations are required for the summer, so be sure to make them early.

See my post about Hamilton Pool here.
Austin to Hamilton Pool: 31 miles, 52 minutes

Jacob’s Well and Wimberley

Another popular watering hole is Jacob’s Well, the spring where people take brave jumps into a deep, dark pool. It’s about eight minutes from the town of Wimberley, known for its antique shopping. Also, their Blue Hole Regional Park is a place where you can swim and jump in from a swing. If you want to stay overnight, check out Collective Retreat or Yurtopia for glamping.

See my Wimberley Travel Guide here.
Austin to Wimberley: 35 miles, 50 minutes

Distilleries and Breweries in the Hill Country

One of my favorite day trips is driving out to the distilleries and breweries in the outskirts of Austin near Dripping Springs. Remember my visit to Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch? You can also visit Jester King Brewery, Family Business Beer Company, Twisted X Brewing Company, Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, Argus Cidery, and more. Most if not all have food on-site but if you need other recommendations, stop by Pieous or The Pickle House.

If you want to make it a weekend getaway, stay in a luxury cabin or yurt at Lucky Arrow Retreat, a cute cottage at The Wayback, a treehouse at Cypress Valley, or a simple bungalow at Living Waters on Lake Travis.

See more about the Austin area breweries here.
Austin to Dripping Springs area: 18 miles, 35 minutes

San Antonio

The closest big city away from Austin has plenty of activities. From the history of the Alamo and Missions to plenty of tacos, San Antonio is a fun city for a weekend getaway. Be sure to check out the vibrant Pearl Brewery district and you have to visit the Alamo and Riverwalk at least once in your life.

See my San Antonio Travel Guide here.
Austin to San Antonio: 80 miles, 1 hour 35 minutes

Tubing in New Braunfels

If you lived your 20s in Austin, there’s a chance you’ve been on a few trips to float the river. Tubing for three to six hours can be the most relaxing or crazy experience. It’s most fun with a big group of friends. (I’ve done tube rental through Rockin’ R a few times.) In New Braunfels, check out the Comal River. Other popular tubing spots south of Austin are the Guadalupe River and the San Marcos River.

I’ve stayed at Hideout on the Horseshoe where there’s a two-hour float on the Guadalupe River that lands back at the hotel. Rent a house, book, a room, or stay nearby at the luxurious Wahwahtaysee Resort or Geronimo Creek Retreat. If you don’t stay local, be sure to have a designated driver back to Austin or book a tour through Texas Winos.

See our lakehouse and tubing weekend post here.
Austin to New Braunfels: 48 miles, 1 hour

Waco

The Chip and Joanna empire has caused an increase in visitors to the town of Waco. If you’re a “Fixer Upper” fan or want to see what the hype is all about, stop by Magnolia Market at the Silos for home décor and a cupcake. Book a room at one of the Magnolia properties or stay in a tiny house. The Dr. Pepper Museum, Baylor University, and Balcones Distillery are some other attractions to check out. (The Cell Block is a unique stay – a jail – about 40 minutes from Waco.)

See my visit to Magnolia Market here.
Austin to Waco: 105 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes

Georgetown

This charming town north of Austin is the perfect day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Take a dip in their Blue Hole and visit Rentsch Brewery. Don’t forget to stop by the most beautiful town square in Texas!

See my Georgetown Travel Guide here.
Austin to Georgetown: 30 miles, 40 minutes

Lockhart

This day trip has been on my to-do list for a long time! Grab some friends and go to Lockhart, known as the barbecue capital of Texas. You’ll want to save room to visit a few barbecue spots, including Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, and Black’s Barbecue. (If you’ve been to Lockhart, maybe you should try a barbecue road trip to Taylor or Lexington.)

Austin to Lockhart: 35 miles, 45 minutes

West Texas

West Texas is nothing like the rest of Texas. Its expanse and wildness will inspire your adventurous side. It’s farther from Austin than all the other places on this list but you’ll be glad you visited for a long weekend. Big Bend National Park is a must-do if you want to see incredible landscapes. When you visit Big Bend, you’ll probably stay in Terlingua, which has this cool place to stay. Marfa has a really cool art museum, Chinati Foundation, which is also a must-do for me.

Check out my guides for Marfa and Big Bend. Remember when I stayed in a teepee?
Austin to Marfa: 430 miles, 6 hours and 36 minutes
Austin to Big Bend: 474 miles, 8 hours and 5 minutes

Ready for your Getaway?

I know I am! These are some destinations I’ll return to again and again because of the proximity to Austin and there’s more to see.

Where would you recommend visiting in Texas? Do you have any summer trips planned?

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Best Day Trip and Weekend Getaway Options from Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Similar to my other Texas weekend trips, this trip to Fort Worth was for art and the opportunity to explore another Texas city! I wanted to go to the Modern Museum of Art and I knew of a handful of restaurant options to check out.

Why Visit Fort Worth?

As the fifth largest city in Texas, Fort Worth holds a lot of adventure for visitors. From a noteworthy craft brewery and distillery scene to its many museums, Fort Worth proves it has a lot more culture than its nickname “Cowtown” might suggest. Its history and tourism are deep in cattle drives and cowboys, but this is only one feature in this growing city.

When to Visit Fort Worth

Ah, Texas. In typical Texas weather, you’ll be trying to avoid the heat for most of the year. We visited in early September and it was hot but bearable. The fall (around October) and spring (around April) are the ideal times. I think three days in Fort Worth is plenty of time to visit.

How to Get Around Fort Worth

Driving and renting a car is your best bet since sights are spread out. Though you can easily get from one end of the city to the other in no more than 30 minutes, having your own transportation is probably more convenient than a ride share. We visited on a holiday weekend and it was almost eerily quiet, so I’m not sure how traffic usually is here.

Where to Stay in Fort Worth

If you’re spending a weekend in Fort Worth, here’s a short guide on where to stay.

First, let’s talk about neighborhoods.

• Fairmount is the neighbor with the happening Magnolia Avenue and where we found a lot of restaurants.
• Cultural District is where most of the museums are located.
• Arlington Heights is where we stayed and it’s mostly a fancier residential area.
• Texas Christian University is in its own little neighborhood near Fairmount and Arlington Heights.

The average price of a hotel is about $100 a night. Here are some hotels you should check out:

• The Ashton Hotel
• Omni Fort Worth
• Three Danes Inn

The average price of an Airbnb is about $120-160. This is the apartment we stayed in and liked. I also considered this place and this place and this glamper.

Best Things to Do in Fort Worth

See this post for suggestions on what to see and do in Fort Worth!

Best Restaurants in Fort Worth

You’ll find a lot of meat-heavy dishes (think barbecue and chicken fried steak) in Fort Worth, but there’s also variety. Check out this list of restaurant, brewery, and dessert options.

Conclusion

The more places I visit in Texas, the more I see how different the landscapes and culture are in each place. They all have their quirks, pros, and cons. It encourages me to check places out for myself, especially since people’s preferences vary. If you want to get away for a weekend and explore a new city, Fort Worth is perfect for that!

P.S. Want more ideas for Texas adventures? Check out my Texas posts here.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Fort Worth, Texas Travel Guide appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

In preparing for my Fort Worth trip, I was thankful for the number of restaurants on my list. Sometimes you don’t want to be overwhelmed with choices when you have limited time in a place. With my manageable list, we knocked out our preferred places one-by-one. Many of the restaurants are located downtown, on Magnolia Avenue, or near the Museum District. Fort Worth’s restaurants got the memo that their city’s nickname is Cowtown. There are plenty of meat-heavy restaurants here, especially a lot of barbecue.

Here are my recommendations for casual and fancy restaurants, dessert, bars, breweries, and distilleries in Fort Worth.

Casual Fort Worth Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Heim Barbecue

Listed on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas, Heim Barbecue went from a food trailer to a brick-and-mortar in 2017. That means their capacity has increased, and for me, it meant strolling in at 3:30 pm on a Saturday and they still had all the options of meat available. I may not have had to wait in a long line before they opened at 11 am, but I still enjoyed some brisket, pork ribs, and their famous bacon burnt ends. I hope your experience is just as speedy!

Righteous Foods

I picked out this restaurant because it seemed less meat-centric but lo and behold, I ended up ordering the burger and it was what I didn’t know I wanted. We also enjoyed the coconut ceviche and some drinking vinegars.

Swiss Pastry Shop

I came here for the famous black forest cake, so maybe this restaurant should be in the dessert section of this post! We came early and barely missed lunch, so we didn’t get to try their popular wagyu beef burger, but their breakfast options were on point. I was expecting chocolate cake instead of crispy meringue in between the cream layers, so the black forest cake wasn’t my favorite, but they do have a variety of cakes and pies you can try!

Woodshed Smokehouse

We couldn’t visit Fort Worth and not dine at a restaurant by Chef Tim Love. I picked Woodshed Smokehouse because we’ve got a Lonesome Dove location in Austin. This restaurant is more casual, and for us, it was a hit. We were there for Sunday brunch, and the fried pastrami sandwich was really good and so was their brisket poutine. The apple jalapeno empanada was a little too spicy for me.

Riscky’s Steakhouse

A classic Fort Worth restaurant in the stockyards district, this restaurant is known for its calf fries and ribs.

T&P Tavern

This former train station is now a restaurant serving bar food and featuring lots of beer taps. Dogs are welcome on their huge, covered patio.

Fort Worth Food Park

If food trucks are more your style, Fort Worth Food Park is the place for you!

Brewed

We tried to go here for brunch but didn’t make it there before the rush. This place is known for their chicken and waffles.

Spiral Diner and Bakery

Fort Worth’s only vegan restaurant is Spiral Diner and Bakery. If you’re wondering how vegan and comfort food go together, here’s your place.

McKinley’s Fine Bakery and Cafe

I had originally noted McKinley’s for their pastries, but they have a strong, casual menu of “regular” food too. Think sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls.

The Original

It’s a toss-up between here or Joe T Garcia’s for Mexican food. Since 1926, The Original has been a neighborhood favorite. The Roosevelt Special is the recommended dish.

Joe T Garcia’s

This Mexican restaurant has been around since 1935 and is still a popular place to dine. Have your cash ready since they do not take credit cards.

Shinjuku Station

There’s a lack of variety on this restaurant list, don’t you think? So consider this izakaya for some good Japanese small plates.

Little Red Wasp

Little Red Wasp is the casual sister restaurant of Grace, a fancier restaurant.

Fancier Fort Worth Restaurants for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Clay Pigeon

We came here for the grilled bone marrow! Maybe it was because we had already eaten a lot of meat during the day, but the watermelon salad ended up being our favorite dish of the night.

Ellerbe Fine Foods

Southern-style food focused on local ingredients and elegant cuisine, Ellerbe Fine Foods is a white tablecloth restaurant.

Lonesome Dove

If you to try some interesting meats in a fancier setting, check out Chef Tim Love’s restaurant Lonesome Dove. (There’s also a location in Austin.)

Grace

If you’re looking for white tablecloths, Grace will deliver with fine wine and prime steaks.

Fort Worth Dessert

Dessert gets its own section, of course, and you’ve got plenty of options in Fort Worth.

Dough Boy Donuts

Dough Boy Donuts started as a food truck and now has a shiny, new brick-and-mortar! These donuts are more doughy than usual, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the one topped with Fruity Pebbles. The s’mores donut was really good too!

Stir Crazy Baked Goods

I try to find a cupcake everywhere I visit, and Stir Crazy Baked Goods had a great strawberry one! Plus, the bakery is very cute with lots of room to work, chat, and read.

Melt Ice Creams

Texas is hot, so a stop for ice cream was necessary! We got a two-scoop cup with chocolate and vanilla. They have good, plain flavors, though next time I would try one of their seasonal flavors that have swirls of other flavors mixed in.

Muggle Shakes

The freakshake has arrived in Fort Worth. This frozen yogurt shop is known for their crazy and decadent milkshakes, so if you want a sugar rush, this is the place to go.

rise n°3

This popular souffle restaurant also has locations in Dallas and Houston.

Lumi Snow

If you love Taiwanese shaved snow, you’ll find it here at Lumi Snow.

Fort Worth Drinks

Near the stockyard and Billy Bob’s, here are a few honky-tonk watering holes that also have live music:

• Whiskey Girl Saloon
• White Elephant Saloon
• Thirsty Armadillo
• The Basement Bar

For classic and craft cocktails, visit:

• Thompson’s
• Proper
• Usual

If you’re looking for a drink that is greener, visit Juice Junkies.

Fort Worth Breweries

Fort Worth’s Ale Trail is perfect for beer lovers. The city has a strong number of craft breweries you can visit to taste beer straight from the source.

• Collective Brewing Co
• Cowtown Brewing Co
• Fort Brewery
• HopFusion Ale Works
• Martin House Brewing Company
• Panther Island Brewing
• Rahr & Sons Brewing
• Wild Acre Brewing Co

Want to try a bunch of beers from different breweries? Visit World of Beers or T&P Tavern.

Fort Worth Distilleries

Fort Worth also has a number of distilleries for those who prefer liquor to beer.

• Acre Distilling and Coffee Co
• Black Eyed Distilling Co
• Firestone and Robertson Distilling Co at Whiskey Ranch
• Trinity River Distillery

There you have it! I hope this list helps you plan some good eating while you’re in Fort Worth.

Do you have any food or drink recommendations for Fort Worth? Share below! 

P.S. Check out this post for recommendations of things to do in Fort Worth!

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Best Restaurants in Fort Worth, TX appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Hello, Cowtown! We visited Fort Worth for the long holiday weekend and enjoyed exploring the city and discovering the history. Fort Worth was known as a trading post for cowboys, and you can see that history throughout the city, from the Longhorns on street signs to the daily cattle drive at the stockyards. But Fort Worth is more than cowboys and has something for everyone.

Here are suggestions for what to see and do in Fort Worth!

Fort Worth Stockyards

Here’s where everyone is hanging out! Everywhere we went in Fort Worth seemed fairly quiet except here. The cattle drive (a short walk of a few bulls through the main thoroughfare) happens at 11:30 am and 4 pm daily. There are also shops and restaurants in this area. Like spooky things? Take the Stockyards Ghost Tour!

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

This museum honors the women of the American West.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi7z_hgBBCk/?taken-by=cowgirlmuseum

Texas Christian University

Fan of the Horned Frogs? Then you should visit the campus of TCU.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TCU (@texaschristianuniversity)

Sundance Square

When you’re in Downtown Fort Worth, visit Sundance Square, an entertainment district with shopping and restaurants. Here you’ll find Fort Worth Water Gardens and Bass Performance Hall, home of the Fort Worth Symphony and touring Broadway shows.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fort Worth (@visitfortworth)

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

With post-World War II art on view, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth also hosts visiting exhibits. I was excited to see Takashi Murakami’s The Octopus Eats Its Own Leg while it was on view. Be sure to look for the permanent Dan Flavin piece. The museum offers free admission on Fridays and half-price admission on Sundays.

Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell Art Museum features European art, including Michelangelo’s first known painting. Admission to the museum’s permanent collection is always free.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kimbell Art Museum (@kimbellartmuseum)

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

This free museum focuses on the art of the American West, including Amon Carter’s collection of art by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amon Carter Museum (@theamoncarter)

Billy Bob’s Texas

Live music, bull riding, country dancing, and plenty of cowboy hats, Billy Bob’s Texas is a true honky tonk with plenty to do.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Billy Bob's Texas (@billybobstexas)

Fort Worth Zoo

Popular with families, the Fort Worth Zoo is expansive.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fort Worth Zoo (@fortworthzoo)

The Foundry District

In Fort Worth’s Cultural District is this neighborhood of about 40 businesses, and the big attraction is the art!

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Featuring its famous Japanese Garden and 10,000-square-foot conservatory, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a fun place to explore if you love plants.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fort Worth Botanic Garden (@fortworthbotanicgarden)

Marty Leonard Chapel

If you like architecture, stop by the Marty Leonard Chapel to marvel at its design.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jimmy Stamp (@jimmy.stamp)

Burger’s Lake

This 30-acre park has two sandy beaches, diving boards, a slide, picnic tables, and more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Debenport (@sdebenport)

Texas Motor Speedway

Fulfill your need for speed at the Texas Motor Speedway where NASCAR events take place.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fort Worth (@visitfortworth)

#LoveTheFort Mural

One of the most popular murals in Fort Worth, this cowboy is located on the side of the restaurant Brewed.

Have any recommendations of things to do in Fort Worth?

Keep up with my travel posts and adventures. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Best Things to Do in Fort Worth appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Disclosure: Treaty Oak Distilling invited me to their ranch for a tour and to try their drinks and food, all complimentary to me. All opinions in this post are my own.

There comes a time when you finally stop and consider what you’re eating and drinking. We all have that cocktail we started with to get the job done. Then, we grow up and it becomes less about sustenance and how it makes you feel and more about how it tastes and how it was created. For me, I found a love for gin and its botanicals.

Treaty Oak Distilling created a line of gins that stand out from the rest, and I was lucky to visit their ranch to learn more. Keep reading to hear all about my visit!

Waterloo Gin

Let me first introduce you to Waterloo Gin, Treaty Oak’s gin brand. They currently have three distinct gins that will be the stars of your bar cart. What sets them apart are the unique flavors and the quality. The distillery focuses on using local ingredients to create their spirits, from Texas limestone filtered water to the sourced botanicals.

The signature gin, Waterloo No.9, has proved its brilliance, winning awards in various gin competitions. The botanicals of lavender, juniper, coriander, anise, ginger, pecan, orange, lemon, and grapefruit zest will surely enhance a martini or gin and tonic.

The longest-aged gin on the market, Waterloo Antique Gin has the power to turn whiskey and bourbon lovers into gin drinkers. Barreling the gin in American White Oak barrels gives it the rich color and depth in flavor. Try the Antique Gin in the gin spin of a Manhattan – the Martinez.

The game-changer for me was the Waterloo Old Yaupon. It’s a unique take on an Old Tom Gin, featuring botanicals like Yaupon Holly, Juniper, Kaffir Lime and Anise, which are back-sweetened with Wildflower Honey. The result is a gin with tea notes, giving cocktails like a Tom Collins or Bee’s Knees, a subtle twist.

Treaty Oak Distilling – Distilling Gin and Whiskey

Not new to the industry, Treaty Oak Distilling was founded in 2006 has been doing some soul-searching to re-do their branding. The end product is beautiful and a true representation of what they believe in and produce. In working with a marketing company, they’ve adopted elements that help tell their story better and convey their focus on innovation and quality of ingredients.

Hanzoku is a Japanese word translated to rebel or resistance to convention, and you’ll see it on their bottles. It embodies Treaty Oak’s desire to pay tribute to the traditions of distilling but also bring new ideas to their products. This is best represented by the unique tastes of their products but is followed through by the shape of their bottle and the design on the glass. I love the simple yet powerful strike of color that makes the bottles elegant yet fun.

If you are familiar with the brand, they also produced rum, vodka, and beer, but they’ve dialed back their production to focus on their gin and whiskey. Maybe one day they’ll be added back into the mix, but for now, Treaty Oak is on the way to win over gin and whiskey drinkers across the country through their partnership with Mahalo Spirits Group.

If you prefer whiskey, be sure to check out their whiskey line that includes Red Handed Bourbon Whiskey (sourced bourbons re-barreled), Red Handed Rye Whiskey (sourced bourbons re-barreled and aged 10 years), and Ghost Hill Texas Bourbon Whiskey (grain to glass local whiskey aged four years).

The Cocktail Lab

One of the reasons we were invited to visit the ranch was to experience The Cocktail Lab, the distillery’s new speakeasy lounge. This reservation and first-come, first-served private space will hold about 40 guests and feature a craft cocktail and food pairing menu. What I love is this lounge will focus on science, the art of cocktails, and creativity. It’s perfect for adventurous foodies who want to explore new flavors. I can see The Cocktail Lab as a fun activity for a celebration, like booking the space for a birthday. Keep an eye out – this space will be opening very soon and you don’t want to miss these cocktails.

Touring the Treaty Oak Distilling Ranch

This sprawling 28-acre ranch in Dripping Springs is nothing like Austin in terms of space. There’s plenty of it plus free parking. But the contagious energy of entrepreneurship, the pride in its culinary endeavors, and the ideals of perfecting a craft are also things that vibrate through Austin.

When you visit, you’ll need to grab a drink in the Rickhouse Bar, where the cocktails are simply delicious. Here you’ll also find plenty of shaded seating.

Next door is the tasting area where you can sample the gin and whiskey. Peek inside the distillery where the action happens! Next to the distillery is the barrel building, where gin and whiskey are cocooning towards its final transformation.

They’re making some changes to the ranch in the next few months, including remodeling the tasting room and restaurant, so look forward to a beautiful new presentation soon. If you’re doing a spirits tour in the Hill Country, this should definitely be a stop!

Ghost Hill Restaurant

Last but not least, there’s food! Focused on Texas-inspired cuisine, Ghost Hill Restaurant is led by Chef Chris Andrews and the menu is full of barbecue! All the favorite meats are available – brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, sausage – plus, we were lucky to try the new beef belly sandwich that is coming to the menu. It was the best thing I ate there! Also, check out the daily specials since they are always testing new recipes.

You’ve probably had sweeter quick bread like banana bread, but I could eat this dill quick bread every day!

On the sweet side, the Rosemary Cake with bourbon fig chutney and brown butter whipped cream was a delightful ending.

Another feature I’m impressed by is the commitment to sustainability. They currently use compostable and biodegradable products, among other practices. One day, they hope to produce much of their ingredients on the land and support regenerative agriculture.

Conclusion

It’s clear to see there are a lot of exciting things happening at Treaty Oak Distilling. Soon it will be exciting to see people outside of Texas embrace our secret. If you’re in Texas and haven’t tried Treaty Oak’s products, check your local liquor store!

Location: 16604 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Hours: Thursday and Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm
Tours: Saturdays, 1-6pm at the top of the hour; 45-minute tours for $15 per person
Treaty Oak Distilling Website | Waterloo Gin Website | Instagram | Facebook

I’m curious – what’s your go-to cocktail?

P.S. While you’re out there, maybe you should visit Hamilton Pool.

Always on an adventure! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post How Treaty Oak Distilling Will Challenge Everything You Know About Gin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I can’t imagine my childhood without my local library. My family would check out stacks of books and movies regularly. Joining the annual summer reading program was a highlight of my summer. It was a place where I used the internet for school projects before we got a computer. In high school, it became a place I regularly volunteered. It’s a place that fueled my love of reading and it continues to do so.

The importance of libraries was recently questioned by a news website, but it’s very clear that libraries do matter!

Why Libraries Matter

Libraries are more than a place to borrow books, movies, and audiobooks. A library’s resources are vast and all visitors have access to magazines, computers, the Internet, a quiet place to work or read, and various free community events. It’s a community space to host a meeting or catch up with friends and family. A library is an invaluable resource for a community, which is one of the reasons why Austin’s Central Library was such a big deal.

Austin Public Library – Central Library

Last fall, Austin Public Library opened the doors of the Central Library, their huge location in Downtown Austin, with great fanfare. I’ve visited a couple of times and am in awe of this place every time.

It’s an aesthetically pleasing space with plenty of nooks and bright colors. The meeting rooms are front and center, providing great views for visitors and echoing a focus on collaboration. It’s architecturally impressive.

As a kid, I loved exploring my local library. The children’s section at the Central Library highlights an interactive space for kids to dream, learn, and create. I’m sure kids love it! Plus, for parents looking for a free activity for kids, this is a good one.

This library was built for LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of certification, meaning it included a handful of criteria to be environmentally friendly. It’s also the first City of Austin building to achieve this. Some of the criteria include managing waste, water use, and recycling, while also meeting high potentials for green power. You can see the features throughout the building, from an abundance of bike racks to a spacious green rooftop space with solar panels. Check out that view of Austin!

Parking will always be a hassle you pay for downtown. They do have a parking garage that is free for the first 30 minutes, then it goes up from $3. Visit on a Sunday for free street parking if you’re lucky. They also have plenty of bike racks.

Whether it’s the cost of parking or the hip downtown location, I hope potential visitors aren’t dissuaded and that this library serves all of Austin.

Dining at Cookbook Bar & Café

Another feature at the library is its restaurant Cookbook, which recently opened. I love the concept of this eatery. The dishes on the seasonal menu are from cookbooks. Led by ELM Restaurant Group, the team behind Austin restaurants Italic, 24 Diner, Irene’s, and Fareground, Cookbook is in good hands and the menu is curated by Chef Curren.

My friend Janna and I enjoyed a tasty spread. We tried:

• Farmer’s Breakfast Grilled Cheese (Eggs, Potatoes, Bacon, Chive Butter, Cheddar in Sourdough) from Grilled Cheese Kitchen by Heidi Gibson and Nate Pollak
• Turkey Waldorf Sandwich, from Emeril’s Kicked Up Sandwiches by Emeril Lagasse
• Mushrooms, garlic, shallots with lemon ricotta from Plenty More by Yotam Ottolenghi
• Artichoke Fritters with preserved lemon aioli from Shaya by Alon Shaya
• Pomegranate Spritzer from Chez Panisse Fruit by Alice Waters

The Farmer’s Breakfast Grilled Cheese was hands down my favorite dish with the mushroom dish close behind. The pomegranate spritzer was a very refreshing drink. It’s a sizeable menu that will change seasonally, so go try some of the dishes.

Of course, I can’t talk about the restaurant without mentioning this incredible display. The restaurant’s Virginia B. Wood Memorial Cookbook Collection has more than 500 cookbooks and might make your heart skip a beat. The late Virginia B. Wood was a well-known food editor and critic in Austin that propelled the local culinary industry with her writing and support. What a gift and inspiration this display will be to all! Cookbooks are meant to be read, so feel free to flip through the pages of some of the most delicious books.

Conclusion

Explore a new Austin landmark, get a taste of Austin’s culinary scene, find a quiet place to read, and admire views of Austin. Austin’s new Central Library is following the trend of libraries becoming destinations and tourist stops because of its aesthetics, but I have a feeling it will also draw in Austin residents who will benefit from its resources. If you’re local, check out their event calendar for author discussions and special events.

Central Library, Austin Public Library
710 W. César Chávez St.
Austin, TX 78701
Website

Do you visit your local library or have you ever visited a library while traveling?

P.S. Check out these epic libraries around the world!

Follow along with my adventures. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Why Austin Central Library and Cookbook Cafe are a Must-Visit appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Boyfriend is a water baby. Surfing, scuba diving, tubing, anything on the lake – ask him to join any water activity and he’s in. I’m becoming convinced that he was a merman in another life. So when it came time to plan his birthday shindig, it was obvious something with the lake or river would be involved.

We conspired with our friends and rented a lake house in New Braunfels for the weekend to get away, eat good food, and float the river.

Weekend in New Braunfels

This was one of the most chill floats we’ve ever done. There were some clouds in the sky so it wasn’t scorching hot. We went around and told the birthday boy one thing we hated about him and roused everyone on the river to join us in a song of ‘happy birthday.’

The float ended up being an hour plus longer than we thought it would be. We had lunch waiting in a cooler in the car and who knew the simplest of sandwiches would taste so good?

We are so lucky to have foodie friends who are also fantastic cooks! Our friend Dan made a sous vide brisket, Claire made pounds of potato salad, and Cristina made beet deviled eggs. Claire also brought a fancy cheese spread and made jello squares for the river. With the amount of food (we *might* have over-prepared), we did not go hungry all weekend.

While the night before involved True American (a game from the show New Girl), charades, Twister, Kam Jam, and a dance party, the second night was karaoke for hours. As an adult, this is how you lose your voice. Circling back to True American, have y’all ever tried playing it? We attempted it for about a minute but I think we’re determined to figure it out now!

The weekend flew by way too quickly. It was a tease to wake up one morning PUMPED for a day of tubing and fun and then wake up the next morning to pack up and go home. Time flies when you’re having fun and the passing of time is so strange as an adult. The days feel long but the years are short. Don’t forget to take advantage of opportunities to spend time with people you care about.

The Logistics and Tips

• We stayed in this awesome rental on Lake Dunlap in New Braunfels. It was about 15 minutes from tubing options.
• We went to Texas Tubes to float the Comal River. $20 a tube and it’s $1 off per tube with a group of 10 or more. The float was about three and a half hours.
• New Braunfels is about an hour south of Austin, TX.
• There are a few tubing options in New Braunfels: Texas Tubes, Corner Tubes, Landa Falls, and Rockin’ R.
• When it comes to tubing in Central Texas, you can float the Comal River, Guadalupe River, and San Marcos River. Comal is the tamest and less party-focused.
• There is currently a can ban on the Comal River. In addition to cans, it includes disposable plastics like sandwich bags and one-time use plastic bottles. See all the rules here.

P.S. Want more birthday ideas? Check it out here!

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Lake House and Tubing Birthday Weekend in New Braunfels appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

The trip started bright and early Saturday morning since Wimberley is about an hour away from North Austin. Follow along and I’ll tell you all about the sites we visited!

Swimming at Jacob’s Well Natural Area

Not only did we start early, we started by jumping into some cold 68 degree F water!

Jacob’s Well is a well-visited spring in the Texas Hill Country. While it is more a wading pool in this area, the big wow factor here is the deep spot where visitors line up to jump into. There are two heights you can jump from, though you can also jump from the side if you want an even lower height.

The hole is narrower than I thought it would be but it was no issue jumping in without hitting the side.

Deep down in the hole is the second largest fully submerged cave in Texas, which at its deepest is 140 feet. Two lengths run 4,341 feet and 1,314 feet! Getting in and out is a little tricky because you’ll be walking on some slippery mossy rocks. You may want some water shoes with grip or just go very, very slowly.

They also have this meditation path.

In the summer, you must book a reservation ($9 per person) to visit for a specific two-hour window. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!

Lunch at Brewster’s Pizza and Wimberley Brewing Co

The only thing I knew about Brewster’s Pizza was that they brew beer and there’s pizza. Let me start with the pizza. The Brewster has pepperoni, beef, bacon, garlic, blue cheese, onions, and mushroom. It might sound like a weird combo but it was delicious!

For beer, try their Drop the Rabbit, a Scottish Ale. Now, if you’re also curious about the history of this place, it was founded by Bruce Collie, a former NFL player, and you’ll see him, his wife Holly, and some of their 13 kids running the place!

Craft Beer at Middleton Brewery

Another popular brewery in the area is Middleton Brewery, almost two miles (four-minute drive) from Brewster’s Pizza, though it is technically in San Marcos. We were very impressed with their beers. Their Juicy Visions IPA was my favorite!

Wimberley Glassworks

We popped into the Wimberley Glassworks showroom to see some of the incredible pieces. The dragon scale light fixtures are my favorite because they change colors when the light is on and off. You can also see glassblowing demos if you come at the right time.

Another studio, Silo Gallery is down the street next to Middleton Brewery.

Wimberley Pie Co.

This is a must-stop! We got a slice of fudge pecan and it was pretty magical. It kind of tasted like a brownie pie.

Wimberley Pie Co. is close to downtown Wimberley, a few streets of shops and restaurants. Wander around to discover handmade goods, antiques, and art.

Staying in Wimberley

I booked us this place to stay. The house is in a quiet spot with several small rentals. It had all the essentials – shower, A/C, comfy bed – and even had Netflix. It was a good amount of space for two people and a good location, but I didn’t love it.

There are a handful of inns and cottages to stay in the area, especially for families and groups. I also looked at Hotel Flora and Fauna and Cottage on the Square. For glamping, check out Yurtopia or Collective Retreats.

Dinner at Jobell Café & Bistro

For dinner, I had The Leaning Pear on the schedule, but we ended up at Jobell Café & Bistro, which happened to be about a one minute drive. We had a very eclectic meal: Crispy Thai Chili Brussels Sprouts, Panko Parmesan Crusted Eggplant Dip, Back to the Garden Vegetable Curry, and Venison and Lamb Lasagna Rolls. The appetizers were huge portions and everything was very good. It was a nice little find in Wimberley and seemed to be a hotspot based on the full restaurant.

Swimming at Blue Hole Regional Park

After eating dinner leftovers for breakfast, we left for our final stop on our Wimberley weekend, another swimming spot. Blue Hole Regional Park is well maintained and a very popular spot for families with kids. They have two chain swings to jump into the water, and you bet we took our turn at it!

You can make a summer reservation from 9 am to 1 pm or 2 pm to 6 pm. While advance reservations ($10 per adult, $6 for kids 4-12) are recommended, you can likely book it the day before since they usually have plenty of reservations. This is a great place to lay out picnic blankets for a picnic!

Other Wimberley Activities

If you’re planning a trip to Wimberley, consider these places in town.

• Sugar Shack – bakery
• Mima’s Kitchen – restaurant
• Wimberley Café – restaurant
• Wimberley Valley Winery – winery
• Bella Vista Ranch – olive orchard and olive oil maker
• Ino’z Brew and Chew – restaurant

Conclusion

Boyfriend loves the Hill Country and I can see why. The rolling hills and peaceful calm ushers in a slower pace of life. Honestly, the trip wasn’t very relaxing because it’s hard for us to slow down, but there were slower moments in our trip that I want to bottle up.

It’s a good goal to have: to take advantage of opportunities to get away, go somewhere new, and find calm.

P.S. Be sure to check out one of our favorite swim spots in Texas: Hamilton Pool!

Keep up with my travel posts and adventures. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Weekend in Wimberley, Texas appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I once had ‘visit every state capitol building’ on my life list.

My first visits to the Texas State Capitol were in college, from day tours with visiting friends to a late-night visit to see the holiday decorations and even a “Cupcakes at the Capitol” picnic I hosted. I even had senior photos taken here. I loved the height of the building, the immaculate lawn, and the history that surrounded it.

When you see the Texas State Capitol, it’s easy to assume that every capitol building is this grand and beautiful, which is why I added the aspiration to my life list. After visiting a few capitol buildings for my new goal, I realized capitol buildings were not made equal and the cities they presided in may be lackluster as well. It seemed like a lot of work to travel to a building that wasn’t very pretty. I appreciate the fact that the Texas Capitol building is in Austin and I can visit whenever I want.

If you like history and architecture, I recommend stopping by the Texas Capitol during a trip to Austin. You can easily spend an hour here walking through and up the building and walking around the grounds. I love the details and intricate designs everywhere.

Photos of past governors and officials line the walls of the building. You’ll see the House of Representatives and Senate rooms. In both of these rooms you’ll see some huge canvases depicting significant battles.

The place you need to stop and admire is the rotunda. You can’t miss it because it’s the main gathering spot for visitors. Look up from the bottom. You can also go up two levels for different views. It’s high so you might get woozy when you look down. The highest level has the most light flooding in, so it’s great for photos!

Texas is a Republican state with pockets of Democrats, usually in the bigger cities. While many important policies were made in the building, many protests have happened also. It was a ‘wow’ moment to see the grounds covered with supporters during the women’s march. It’s a symbol of democracy and gathering place to fight for our rights, especially this year when more citizens are engaged in politics. Born and raised in Texas, I love my state but it can be a complicated one.

There are many statues and canons on the grounds of the capitol. Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston. The gang’s all here.

It’s easy to take this beautiful building for granted, especially when it’s in the middle of the city and you drive by it often. If you’re curious, I went to six capitol buildings before the goal fell off. None of them compare to Texas.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE TEXAS STATE CAPITOL

• Open Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Visitors Center is located in the white building on the southeast corner of the grounds.
• Free 30-minute guided tours are available every 30 to 45 minutes. Meet in the South Foyer.
• Free two-hour parking is available in the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage one block away. There is also metered street parking around the building.
• There are gift shops located in the Visitors Center and Capitol Building Extension.

P.S. Looking for more about Austin? See my recommended activities and recommended Austin restaurants.

Keep up with my travel posts and adventures. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

The post Texas Capitol: Where I’ll Take You When You Visit Austin appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Vodka and Sprite. That used to be my alcoholic drink of choice. In my usual ‘late bloomer’ fashion, I started drinking later than most of my college friends, and beer was never my first choice. Beer, the watery amber liquid that smelled and tasted unpleasant, had one job, and that was to fill red solo cups for beer pong or flip cup.

Fast forward to post-college and my discovery of craft breweries in Austin. I’ll admit, I was first attracted by the craft and the passion of the brewers, not the taste of beer, though it was different and much better than the first beers I had tasted in my life. I eventually found appreciation for the flavor of beer after visits and tastings at brewery after brewery. My go-to, favorite beers have shifted from light lagers to hoppy and smooth IPAs.

The past couple of years have propelled my love of craft beer to new heights. It was my first time attending the Texas Craft Brewers Festival, but I know it won’t be the last! The weather was great, though slightly warm, and the beer was tasty and plentiful.

Produced annually by the Texas Craft Brewers Guild since 2003, the Texas Craft Brewers Festival featured 65ish Texas breweries sharing at least two beers each. We see new Austin breweries popping up constantly, but the fest was a strong reminder that new craft beer is being brewed all over Texas. The area most notable to me was the suburbs of Houston. Dallas and Austin also had strong showings. I was glad to see Big Bend Brewing Co and Lone Pint Brewery, two of the more hard-to-get-to breweries we’ve visited, there also.

For about $30, each ticket provided eight three-ounce pours, 24 ounces total per TABC rules. You could buy eight more three-ounce pours for $5.

Some brewers had special tappings that were released at different times throughout the festival.

Next year, I won’t forget my snack necklace! As the maker and wearer of this necklace explained, bringing in outside food and drink is prohibited, but edible jewelry isn’t!

Even though I didn’t wear a snack necklace, I satisfied my munchies at the fest. The food vendors included Salt & Time Butcher Shop and Salumeria, Noble Sandwich Co., Oasis Texas Brewing Company, M’lady’s Bakery, Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen Austin, YAPA Artisan Empanadas, Johnny Joe’s BBQ & Catering, and Leo’s Gorditas.

I aimed for breweries I hadn’t visited with beers I thought I would like. Many of those beers were in the Houston area. Here are a few of the beers I tried:

• Braman Brewing (Richmond) – Double Action (Double IPA)
• Brigadoon Brewery (Plantersville) – Green Ogre (Imperial IPA)
• Jester King Brewery (Austin) – Cherry Funk Metal (Sour Barrel-Aged Stout Refermented with Cherries)
• Lorelei Brewing (Corpus Christi) – Ephyra (Double IPA)
• Orf Brewing (Austin) – Oocheenama (Asian white ale)
• Southern Star Brewing (Conroe) – Mango Theory (Fruit IPA)
• TUPPS Brewery (McKinney) – For Ella (Double IPA)

The breweries represented areas all over Texas. The booths were arranged alphabetically, making them easier to find. The signs also listed the beers the brewery brought.

The fest was a great place to learn about new breweries. Southern Heights Brewing Co, a soon-to-open brewery in Austin, had a prime parking spot for their cute VW van outside the fest entrance.

The fest was also well-managed. Though the line to get in was long, it went through quickly. There were rarely lines at each brewery booth unless it was for a special tapping. There was plenty of space to walk and mingle and lots of areas with shade. Of course, there was live music in the center of the park. Water stations with cups were positioned around the festival.

It was a fun day to celebrate the Texas craft beer community and enjoy the fruits of their labor. I hope everyone had as much fun as I did!

P.S. Want to plan an Austin craft brewery crawl? Check out this post!

The post Celebrating Craft Beer at Texas Craft Brewers Festival appeared first on Fearless Captivations.