Do you remember how much fun it was to go see Christmas light displays when you were a kid?

For most of us, nothing has changed. It is still a thrill to go see the millions of twinkling lights and the wondrous world they create.

If you will be in Texas this holiday season, here are ten spectacular Christmas light displays to go see…

Christmas Light Displays in Texas

1. Nature In Lights – Fort Hood

Along the shores of Belton Lake, near Fort Hood, is the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area. The locals call it BLORA.

They host the annual Nature In Lights holiday lights display.

A cool thing about Nature in Lights is that visitors drive through the lights display. It stretches over 5½ miles and has more than 120 displays.

Along the way, you can stop by Santa’s Village where you can buy homemade cookies and hot chocolate.

Prices are very reasonable, ranging from $8 per car or mini-van to $60 for a big bus.

2. Trail Of Lights – Zilker Park, Austin

The Austin Trail of Lights is located in Zilker Park. It is probably one of the best Christmas light displays in Texas!

There are more than 50 light displays to enjoy. Many food vendors along the way will ensure that you don’t get hungry or thirsty.

If you’re planning to drive there, you have to buy your parking ticket before the time. A good option might be to park at the Burger Center or Republic Square Park, and then take a shuttle to Zilker Park.

While it may be a little tougher to get there, the Trail of Lights is spectacular and well worth a visit.

3. Prairie Lights – Grand Prairie (Dallas Area)

Prairie Lights is another “drive-thru” Christmas lights display in Texas. It is located in Grand Prairie, between Dallas and Arlington.

Prairie Lights has about 4 million lights set in various displays along a 2-mile path. It takes about 45 minutes to drive through.

Holiday Village is about halfway through the drive. Here you can get out of your car to buy some concessions, like hot chocolate, apple cider, funnel cakes, and more. The Holiday Village also has an indoor laser show and a walk-thru forest (for an extra fee).

Prairie Lights is in Lynn Creek Park at 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy.

4. Zoo Lights – Houston Zoo

The Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo has a great holiday lights display.

There are more than 2 million lights in multiple displays along the way. They have holiday music playing as well.

For those who need a little warmth in the tummy, there is hot chocolate available too.

The Zoo closes at 5 p.m. for regular visitors and then re-opens at 6 p.m. for Zoo Lights visitors.

Parking can be an issue at times. If that is the case when you go at 6 p.m., grab some dinner first and return at 8 p.m. after the first wave of visitors has left.

5. The Riverwalk – San Antonio

Whether it’s Christmas or not, the San Antonio Riverwalk is a special place.

But when it is Christmas, the Riverwalk is even more special!

The entire Riverwalk gets covered in millions of colorful lights that turn the place into a magic wonderland.

If you’ve never been to the Riverwalk over Christmas, don’t miss out on the opportunity when it comes up. You’ll love it!

6. Walkway Of Lights – Marble Falls

The Walkway of Lights is a very nice Christmas light display in the Texas Hill Country.

It is located in Marble Falls, along the shores of Lake Marble Falls.

The Walk of Lights boasts more than a million lights on 230 displays. It takes about 30 minutes to walk through. There is a concession along the way where you can buy hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies.

The Walkway of Lights is free, although they give you the opportunity to make a donation at the entry or exit.

If you’ll be in the Marble Falls area this holiday season, go see it. We’ve been there a few times and love it.

7. Santa’s Wonderland – College Station

Santa’s Wonderland in College Station is a treat!

It consists of two parts. The first is Santa’s Town, a Christmas village that has food, music, shopping, and other activities, like a petting zoo and pony rides. The second part is the Trail of Lights.

There are two ways to see the Trail of Lights. The first is Santa’s Hayride Tour, which is a 50-person hay ride that takes you through the trail of lights. The second option is the VIP Horse & Carriage tour (make reservations for this tour).

Santa’s Wonderland offers a lot. Go see it if you can.

8. Santa Land – Tyler

Santa Land is near Tyler in East Texas. It is the original drive-thru Christmas lights display in Texas.

Santa Land boasts more than 2 million lights, with many light displays in an area of more than 20 acres.

They have a large gift shop where you can buy many Christmas creations and hot chocolate and apple cider.

You can also have pictures taken with Santa.

9. Concho Christmas Celebration – San Angelo

The Tour of Lights is part of the Concho Christmas Celebration in San Angelo.

It is also a drive-thru Christmas lights display.

The Tour of Lights features more than 3 million lights in various displays over 2½ miles along the Concho river.

There is no entry fee, but they suggest a donation of $5 per vehicle.

10. Rock ‘N Lights – Round Rock

The final Christmas lights display in our round-up is Rock ‘N Lights Holiday Light Tour.

It is a fairly new drive-thru holiday lights display in Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

Rock ‘N Lights has more than 2 million lights in several displays along a 1½-mile path in the park.

The organisers recommend entering the park at the north entrance along Old Settlers Blvd.

After traveling through the lights display, you can stop at Christmas Towne, which has carnival rides, go-kart rides, food, and more.

There is no way that these are the only awesome Christmas light displays in Texas. If you know of any others, please share them in the comments.

“People don’t live in Austin to work, they work to live there.”
 – Robert Rodriguez

When Robert Rodriguez said that about Austin Texas, he understood very well how much Austinites like to live in Austin. Once in Austin, nobody wants to leave!

So, what makes Austin such a popular and loved place?

It’s not a single thing… it’s the whole vibe. You really do need to spend some time in Austin to get it.

Here are 10 fun facts about Austin Texas that many people don’t know about…

1. Biggest Urban Bat Population

Have you heard of or seen the bats that live under the Congress Ave bridge?

That’s right… about 1.5 million bats live under the bridge from March to November. Every night they eat about 20,000 pounds of insects up and down Lady Bird Lake. During their “off season”, they migrate to Mexico.

This bat colony is the biggest urban bat colony in North America! Impressive!

2. Biggest State Capitol Building

The Texas State Capitol building in Austin is the biggest of all state capitols in terms of square footage. Only the US Capital in D.C. is bigger.

Many people say that the Texas State Capitol is also the highest. However, while it is higher than the US Capital, the capital building in Louisiana is the highest of all.

3. Live Music Capital Of The World

There are more than 100 live music venues all over town. If you visit 6th Street, you’ll find many of them there. Don’t think it is only country music either! You’ll find just about any type of music in Austin.

The live music business is so big in Austin that Austin hosts the annual Austin City Limits music festival.

This is an amazing time in Austin! More than 130 bands get together to play live in Zilker Park over 3 days!

4. Many Famous People Hang Out In Austin

Austin’s longest-living and most famous resident must be Willie Nelson! Willie is a legend around here and still often plays at bars and other music venues around town.

Ever heard of Sandra Bullock? She has a house and two businesses in Austin and loves to spend time here. So does Matthew McConaughey, who is also a UT Austin alumni. Others include Farrah Fawcett and René Zellweger.

5. Only Formula One Race Track In The US

Formula One car racing may not be as popular in the US as NASCAR, but it is very popular in the rest of the world.

After an absence of a few years, Formula One has returned to the US, and to none other than Austin Texas! The first Formula One event took place in November 2012 and is scheduled to return until at least 2022.

6. Biggest Football Stadium

The Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Football Stadium, home field of the University of Texas Longhorns football team, is among the top 10 largest non-motorsport stadiums in the world!

With a seating capacity of a little over 100,000 people, the UT stadium is the biggest stadium in Texas and the 6th biggest stadium in the US.

7. Silicon Hills

Just like the San José, CA area is known as Silicon Valley, the Austin area is also known as Silicon Hills.

The second part of the name is related to Austin being located at the start of the Texas Hill Country. The first part of the name is due to the large amount of high-tech companies that have settled in Austin over the past 20 or more years. These companies bring many jobs to the local economy.

8. No Topless Laws

Yes, you read it correctly! There are no city laws that stop women from going topless in public. The original topless laws were struck down in the 70s because the City Council wanted gender equality. Good for them!

This does not mean that you’re going to see any topless ladies walking the streets of Austin, but you might see a few topless sunbathers at Barton Springs.

9. The Colorado River Passes By Downtown Austin

The Colorado River originates near Lubbock in the Texas Panhandle, flows generally southeast, and empties into Matagorda Bay on the Gulf of Mexico.

Along the way, it feeds into Lake Travis, a few miles west of Austin. Further downstream, it is dammed up to form the constant-level Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) on the south side of downtown Austin.

Lady Bird Lake is very popular!

You’ll often see people on various types of boats on Lady Bird Lake.

10. Ranked #4 For Most Secure Place To Live

According to Forbes.com, a survey was done in 2013 to compile a list of the “most secure places to live in the US”. The criteria includes things like economic stability, crime statistics, extreme weather, life expectancy, etc.

Austin is #4 on that list!

If you look at all these fun facts about Austin Texas, it’s no wonder that Austinites “live to work here” and never want to leave.

Do you know any other fun facts about Austin Texas? Tell us about them in the comments below…

Yeee-haaah! Saddle up, and head to Austin… it’s Rodeo Austin time!

Yes, that’s how it is for many people who have been to Rodeo Austin before. That’s how it will be for you after you’ve been to the Austin Rodeo!

What’s so great about Rodeo Austin?

Rodeo Austin Events

It is really about all the events! Here are some of the fun things that you can do at the Austin Rodeo…

Fun In The Fairgrounds

Your first stop will be the Fairgrounds, where there are all kinds of fun activities, including Carnival rides.

The Carnival has all kinds of rides where kids and adults can have fun. This includes a Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Tilt-a-whirl, and more.

(Just keep in mind that your Fairground entry ticket does not include access to the Carnival… you have to buy a separate ticket.)

If you want to do something fun for the kids, take them to Kids Town. Here the kids can enjoy the Petting Zoo, take pony rides, and even learn about milking a cow. This is something that most kids don’t get to experience very often.

The K9 King’s dog show is something else you should not miss. These dogs are amazing! They do all kinds of high-flying tricks and other acrobatics.

Can you imagine what “swifty swine races” would be all about? It’s at Rodeo Austin, so check it out!

Mutton Bustin’ Mania

Would your kids have fun riding a sheep? If they are 5-7 years old and weigh less than 55 lbs, Mutton Bustin’ Mania could be some incredible fun!

Every Saturday from 3-4 p.m. is Mutton Bustin’ time! You have to register your kids online before the event.

Music Concerts By Top Stars & Bands

Every year, many well-known musicians and bands have concerts throughout the duration of the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo!

These artists include some popular names, like Josh Turner, Chris Young, the Eli Young Band, Scotty McCreery, Kevin Fowler, Dwight Yoakam, and Austin’s country music legend, Willie Nelson.

You can buy tickets to your favorite musicians online. It’s probably a good idea to buy your tickets early to make sure you get a good seat.

The Competitions

Rodeo Austin also has several competitions.

If you are a horse enthusiast, there are three incredible horse shows that you have to see. I think the Golden Stirrup show is special. It is a show for riders with special needs. Riding therapy helps to improve the lives of people with special needs so much, and this is their chance to show off their skills.

There are two livestock shows, a Junior Livestock Show and an Open Livestock show. The Junior Livestock Show is huge, with several thousand competitors. The Open Livestock show consists of a Texas Longhorn show and a Boer goat show.

A Professional Rodeo

It can’t be called “the Austin rodeo” without a rodeo!

The rodeo at the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo includes several great events, like bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, tie-down roping, bareback bronc riding, and more!

If you’re a rodeo fan, don’t miss this one. It’s the fourth largest indoor rodeo in the world!

Austin Rodeo Tickets

The Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo is on for about two weeks every year. It usually takes place in March, and is held at the Travis County Expo Center.

If you look at the concerts, all the fun in the fairgrounds, the competitions, the rodeo, and the young ‘uns on the sheep, there are so many reasons to make sure you don’t miss Rodeo Austin for anything!

Besides, it’s on for a whole two weeks! How can you miss it?

And I’ll bet that you’ll talk about the Austin Rodeo for a long time after it has ended!

PS. Have you been to Rodeo Austin before? Tell us about it in the comments…

Once a year there is a big musical stirring in Austin, Texas! The city is gearing up for the Austin City Limits Festival!

This isn’t just any old festival. ACL is the reason why Austin is also known as the live music capital of the world. The Austin City Limits Festival is the live embodiment of that title that Austin carries so proudly!

It isn’t any old musician that plays at ACL either. Over the years, many well-known and legendary bands and artists have played there. These include, among many others, people like The Eagles, Dave Matthews Band, Van Morrison, Keith Urban, Elvis Costello, and of course Austin’s own musical legend, Willie Nelson.

ACL has become so popular that the city voted to extend it to two consecutive weekends in 2013.

When & Where Is Austin City Limits Festival?

ACL is held each year in the late Summer or early Fall, i.e. either September or October. I don’t think anyone would survive if it was held in the middle of Summer. As was seen in 2013, the Fall can bring rain, but generally the weather is just great!

The venue has always been Zilker Park, on the south side of Lady Bird Lake. That means plenty of open space. But this is also near downtown Austin, so parking can be limited. Don’t let that make you miss out though!

What Makes The ACL Festival So Great?

 First of all, plenty of great music! Different types of music too… There are 8 stages with more than 150 bands playing country, indie, rock, and more.

There is plenty of food too, ranging from burgers to pizza to Mexican, Greek, sandwiches, BBQ, and much more. So you won’t go hungry!

Right in the middle of Zilker Park is the ACL Art Market with all kinds of things for sale from local artists.

My kids are a little older now, but if you have younger kids, each day between 11 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. is the Austin Kiddie Limits. This is great entertainment for the young ‘uns with all kinds of cool activities.

Other Things You Need To Know About ACL

You can take things like blankets, chairs, umbrellas, baby strollers, a soft-sided cooler and so on with you. But don’t take food or alcohol, or glass containers, bicycles, skateboards, and obviously explosives or weapons. Video cameras are not allowed either. There’s a long list of stuff that you can and can’t take along on the ACL website.

While some vendors accept credit cards, not all do, so take cash with you. Luckily there are plenty of ATMs around if you need extra cash.

There is no parking at Zilker Park during the Austin City Limits Festival, but there are plenty of other options to get there. Lots of people take the shuttle buses that run from the corner of 4th & Guadalupe street and drop you off at the festival.

I can only try to describe the Austin City Limits Festival to you, but words can’t do it justice. If you really want to know what it is about, you have to experience it yourself.

So, if you have plans to be in Austin around October, plan to attend at least one day of Austin City Limits Festival. You’ll love all the bands, food, art, and all the people having a good time!

PS. You can also read on TripAdvisor what others thought of Austin City Limits.

Have you been to the Austin City Limits Festival before? Tell us about it in the comments…

We have known about Hamilton Pool long before we ever went there. When we finally went there, I couldn’t believe that it took us so long to go. It is sheer magic!

It is quite easy to get to Hamilton Pool, and definitely worth the drive.

From Austin, go west on Hwy 71 for about 18 miles. Turn left onto Hamilton Pool Road and drive approximately 13 miles. The entrance is on your right.

This is a Travis County Park, so you’ll have to pay $10 entrance fee per vehicle.

Considering what you get, this is excellent value! 

Our Visit To Hamilton Pool

After parking, we started the short walk of about a quarter mile down a path to the pool. This in itself was fun because it is a partially covered path with trees growing over the top.

There are also several interesting rock formations along the way.

When we finally got to the pool, we couldn’t believe what was in front of us!

It was as if this magical place suddenly appeared before us in the forest!

On the left was a small beach where several people were sitting and enjoying the view. Some brought coolers along and were having mini-picnics.

It was still Spring at the time, but some people still brought swim suits along and were playing around in the water.

There is a path that goes all the way around the pool and under the massive rock formation hanging over the pool. We took a slow walk around the pool and often stopped to look at interesting formations along the way. We found many fossils embedded in the rock.

After walking all the way around the pool, we ended up back at the beach and sat down there for a few moments to absorb and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Hamilton Pool.

There is a small stream that runs from Hamilton Pool to the nearby Pedernales river. A maintained pathway makes the half-mile walk to the Pedernales river fairly easy. We walked down to the river and enjoyed that beautiful view as well before making our way back to the car.

Tips For Visiting Hamilton Pool

• The park typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.
• Don’t take any pets along. They are not permitted.
• No glass containers are allowed.
• You’re not allowed to be seen drinking alcohol, so it’s best not to take any.
• Only foot traffic is allowed, so don’t take any strollers or bikes along.
• Hamilton Pool is very popular in the summer. Get there early. They only allow 75 cars in the parking lot. If the lot is full when you arrive, you’ll have to wait outside until somebody leaves.

Hamilton Pool is a magical place. If you’re visiting Austin or you’re lucky enough to live in Austin, it is one place you don’t want to miss!

We’re planning on returning there this summer… 

There are more than twenty bed and breakfasts in Austin and several of them provide a great stay.

Bed and Breakfasts are often more expensive than hotels, but in return, most of them offer something special that you are unlikely to get at hotels.

Nevertheless, to keep it affordable, I have picked some reasonably-priced bed and breakfasts that are also highly-rated.

Here are four of my favorite Austin Bed and Breakfasts… 

Brava House Bed And Breakfast

The Brava House Bed And Breakfast is rated by many as Austin’s #1 bed and breakfast. It is a unique Victorian residence with two guest rooms and four suites. It’s location in the heart of Austin means that you are walking distance away (or very close) from downtown Austin’s main attractions.

The owners, Robin and Mary, are wonderful hosts who take good care of their guests and are also very knowledgeable about Austin. This makes them a great resource if you haven’t been to Austin before.

The Brava House is great for a romantic getaway or honeymoon!

1110 Carriage House Inn

The 1110 Carriage House Inn is a two-storey colonial home that has been beautifully restored, and is another highly-rated bed and breakfast in Austin. It is also close to all the attractions of downtown Austin.

The rooms are just beautiful, with all the amenities you will need. The grounds are very relaxing, with a some outdoor swings, a pond with a waterfall, a gazebo, and a nice deck.

The breakfast at the 1110 Carriage House Inn is particularly good, with a nice variety that changes regularly. They also cater to special dietary needs.

The 1110 Carriage House Inn would make for a fantastic romantic getaway!

Carrington’s Bluff Bed and Breakfast

If you’re looking for a bed and breakfast that costs under $100 per night, the Carrington’s Bluff Bed and Breakfast is the way to go! Don’t be fooled into thinking that it is therefore not up to par though.

Carrington’s Bluff is located near downtown Austin and its attractions. There are 8 guest rooms, each being slightly different. Phoebe, the owner, is a great host that takes good care of her guests. She is quite knowledgeable about the area as well.

Carrington’s Bluff is also great for a romantic getaway or family gatherings.

Woodburn House Bed and Breakfast

The Woodburn House Bed and Breakfast is another great bed and breakfast in Austin. It is an elegant three-story home in Hyde Park, about 2 miles north of downtown Austin.

The Woodburn House has 6 beautiful guest rooms, each with an attached private bath, and original woodwork dating from the period when the house was built.

The owners, Noel and Kristen, take pride in providing a great service. They are very knowledgeable about the area. They also offer a very good breakfast!

The Woodburn is another great choice for a romantic getaway or honeymoon.

These are my favorite Austin bed and breakfasts and I think you will have a good stay at any of them. Keep in mind that bed and breakfasts are usually better suited to couples without kids.

These are of course not the only good ones to choose from. If you would prefer to look at a few other choices before making a decision, take a look at these other bed and breakfasts in Austin.

There are so many Austin Texas hotels to choose from that it could sometimes become a mission finding the right one.

I have discovered a few hotels in Austin that are definitely worth considering…

When looking for hotels for my family, I look for hotels that will work well for kids. A pool is a handy feature, and if it has more than a pool to keep the kids happy, even better!

It is also very helpful if the hotel is close to attractions or at least offers easy access to main roads.

Here are my favorite… 

Austin Texas Hotels

Staybridge Suites Austin Arboretum

The Staybridge Suites Austin Arboretum is a favorite among Austin Texas hotels with an outdoor pool, a tennis court, basketball court, and an indoor exercise room.

The rooms (suites, I should say) are spacious and nicely decorated. Each room has a kitchenette, which is very handy to make a quick snack for hungry kids! The hotel also has a guest laundromat available.

The Staybridge Suites is located near restaurants and other shopping in North Austin, which is very convenient.

Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Arboretum

The Embassy Suites Hotel Austin Arboretum is a very nice hotel also in Austin’s Arboretum area. It has an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center. There are two swans in the lobby area that the kids are sure to enjoy!

The room are beautifully decorated, and clean and comfortable.

The Embassy Suites offers complimentary transportation to the shopping and restaurant areas in the immediate vicinity.

Austin Airport Marriott South

The Austin Airport Marriott South is a fine hotel located south of downtown Austin near the Ben White Blvd/I-35 intersection. The location might not be the prettiest, but it offers easy access to highways to get around Austin.

The hotel has an indoor pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness center. There is an on-site restaurant that serves American cuisine, and a bar that serves cocktails, beer, and light food.

The rooms are beautiful and comfortable and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown

If you want to stay in Downtown Austin, the Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown is a hotel to consider. It has an outdoor pool and a fitness room. The hotel is very nicely decorated. The rooms are also beautiful, clean, and comfortable.

The hotel is located only 3 blocks from 6th Street’s bars and restaurants. Lady Bird Lake (the new name for Town Lake) Hike & Bike trail is close too. So is the Congress Ave. bridge where the famous bats can be seen from March to early November.

Given how expensive downtown hotels can be, you can probably find a very reasonable deal at this one!

Habitat Suites Hotel

The Habitat Suites Hotel is a “green” hotel. This means they use natural, nontoxic cleaners in and around the hotel, and they use ozonators and ionizers to ensure clean air in rooms. Quite something, isn’t it?

The hotel has a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere. The suites a spacious and comfortable. Each is equipped with a kitchen. The hotel also has a nice outdoor pool.

The Habitat Suites is located a few miles north of downtown Austin, next to the Highland Mall. I think this is truly one of the unique Austin Texas hotels!

Courtyard Austin Airport

The Courtyard Austin Airport, a smoke-free hotel, is located near Austin Bergstrom airport on Ben White Blvd. It is a nice, family-friendly hotel, with an indoor pool and laundry facilities.

The rooms are comfortable and clean, and rollaway beds are available if you need one. The hotel staff are also friendly and helpful.

I think these hotels in Austin would all be good choices for a stay in Austin. They are all reasonably priced and all have pools to help keep the kids happy.

These are some of the better choices among Austin Texas hotels. There are of course many others to choose from. If you would like to consider a few other choices before making a decision, here is a full listing of Austin hotels…

I hope you find a great Austin hotel and that you have a wonderful stay in Austin!

There are so many Austin restaurants to choose from.

Somebody once told me that there are more restaurants per square mile in Austin than in any other US city!

With so many restaurants in Austin to choose from, where do you go?

Here are a few good Austin restaurants… 

The Oasis

The first restaurant I think you should know about is The Oasis. It is not so much the food that makes it special, but rather the absolutely amazing view and atmosphere at The Oasis. The sunsets are spectacular!

I’m not saying the food at The Oasis is bad. On the contrary, I have had some great meals there, and like their Chicken Fireballs in particular, it’s just that the view is so amazing.

The best time to visit The Oasis is to go just before sunset.

Franklin Barbecue

If you like barbecue, don’t miss Franklin Barbecue!

This place is legendary! You’ll often see long lines of people in front of Franklin. The barbecue is so good that they’re willing to patiently wait their turn to get to the juicy stuff!

Their brisket and sausage, in particular, are amazing.

Their prices are very reasonable too. A plate consisting of one meat plus two sides will set you back just a little over $10. I doubt very much that you will walk out of Franklin Barbecue and still be hungry!

Keep in mind that they are only open for lunch, and are closed on Mondays.

Chuy’s Restaurant

A great restaurant in Austin for Mexican food (TexMex) is Chuy’s. Their salsa and chips is really good, and the margaritas are great. I am a big fan of their chicken enchaladas!

Chuy’s is also a great family restaurant. They are reasonably priced, and their portions are generous.

The original Chuy’s can be quite busy. If you are staying near north Austin, there are more Chuy’s restaurants on Hwy 183 (Research Blvd), one on North Lamar, and another in Round Rock.

CR Surf & Turf

A gem of a restaurant that is hidden all the way in Cedar Park, is CR Surf & Turf. (It is isn’t really all the far away… simply take 183A north to 1431, then turn left under the highway and find it in The Rail Yard on your right.)

It isn’t a fancy restaurant, but the food is amazing, and the prices are excellent!

I can’t think of a restaurant where I have had a better steak. They also make an excellent gumbo. We have traveled along the Gulf coast all the way to Florida, and nowhere did we find a gumbo that beat Surf & Turf’s.

If you’re in the Cedar Park area, don’t miss the Surf & Turf. It truly is excellent!

Home Slice Pizza

If you’re looking excellent pizza near downtown Austin, definitely take a look at Home Slice Pizza.

Home Slice is extremely popular and some think of it as the best pizza restaurant in Austin. Their New York style pizza is a treat and their service is great.

Give Home Slice Pizza a shot. If you like pizza, I think you will like Home Slice!

Salt Lick BBQ

An article about Austin restaurants would not be complete without also adding the Salt Lick BBQ.

It’s not located strictly in Austin, but a few miles south of Austin in Driftwood. (There is another in Round Rock.)

This place is also legendary. It’s one of those place where all Austinites take their visitors!

The setting at the Salt Lick is authentic Texas. On your way in, you walk by the massive barbecue pit, which is quite a sight. Fantastic ambiance!

The most important part, the food, is incredible and the helpings are generous. Make some time to have a meal at the Salt Lick. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Eddie V’s

Eddie V’s is another fine choice in Austin restaurants. There is one in downtown Austin and one in the Arboretum.

Eddie V’s serves wonderful variety of seafood and American cuisine, which includes some mouth-watering steaks and lamb.

In my mind, Eddie V’s is better suited to couples who want an enjoyable evening out. Expect to pay a little more at Eddie V’s, but it is defnitely worth it.

Piranha Killer Sushi

If you like sushi, give Piranha Killer Sushi in downtown Austin a try.

The waiters are very friendly and the service is excellent. Their dishes have some interesting names and you are likely to find sushi here that you won’t find on the menu of many other sushi restaurants. It can be slightly pricey, but worth it.

In my mind, Piranha Killer Sushi is better suited to couples or groups of adults looking for a nice evening out, in other words, I don’t think it is suited for a family with kids.

Amy’s (Ice Cream)

Amy’s is not a restaurant, but is a great place for ice cream and desserts! The kids will love you for taking them there… in fact, people of all ages love Amy’s.

Amy’s ice cream is certainly not run-of-the-mill! They have a variety of flavors to pick from, and several different toppings that get added into your ice cream when you order. It really is a treat!

There are several Amy’s locations all over Austin, like 6th Street, inside Bergstrom Airport (ABIA), Research Blvd (if you’re in north Austin), on Burnet Rd, the Hill Country Galleria, and more.

More Austin Restaurants?

Remember how I said at the beginning that Austin has more restaurants per square mile than any other US city? That means that 9 restaurants can’t possibly be it! There are many more, and we’ll add good ones as we find them.

In the mean time, if you want to look at some more choices, here are several more restaurants in Austin to consider.

Bon Appetit!

If you’re looking for an Austin resort, there are a couple of options to consider.

Austin lies at the foothills of the Texas Hill Country, and with several lakes in the area, the rolling hills make Austin perfect for great golf courses and resorts.

I think these Austin resorts offer beautiful surroundings, a great atmosphere, and quiet relaxation that can compete with some of the best resorts out there. 

Lake Austin Spa Resort

The Lake Austin Spa Resort is a health and fitness spa situated on Lake Austin, and about 35 minutes’ drive northwest of downtown Austin.

It is well-known for its relaxed, casual atmosphere. Because of this relaxed atmosphere, you don’t need to take along any jewelry or fancy clothing, but do take exercise clothing.

Rooms are large, comfortable, and nicely decorated. They also have just about any amenity you might need, including robes. You also get a complimentary pair of spa sandals.

The Lake Austin Spa Resort is not intended for families with smaller kids. The youngest age allowed is 14.

Lakeway Resort and Spa

Contrary to the Lake Austin Spa Resort, the Lakeway Resort and Spa is a great option for families with smaller kids.

The Lakeway Resort and Spa overlooks Lake Travis. It has a luxury spa (San Saba Spa) and offers other activities such as the golf and tennis, and it has a boat marina. It also has a great children’s program for kids aged 4 to 10.

Rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. Most rooms have a view over Lake Travis and many of them have a private balcony.

I think this is a great option for families looking for an Austin resort!

There is one other resort that I know of in the Austin area. Their golf course is apparently very nice, but I have seen too many negative reviews on their lodging to feel comfortable recommending them at this time. If that situation changes, I will list them here as well.

So, if your children are older than 14, or if you’re looking for a resort for yourself and your spouse or friend, the Lake Austin Spa Resort is a good option. If you have younger children, go with the Lakeway Resort and Spa.

Another option is to stay in a regular hotel and visit either spa as a day-guest.

Enjoy your stay in Austin!