introduction

Most people have a mental image of Texas as miles of rugged, uncivilized land where the outlines of cattle and lonely windmills stretch above the horizon. But that’s just one side of the Lone Star State, known as the “land of contrast.” Texas also boasts high-tech cities, piney woods, sandy beaches, rolling hills, and fertile farmland—much of it within a two-hour drive of Austin.

The region covered in this book is as diverse as the more than 30 cultures who helped found the state. German, Czech, Mexican, Polish, and even Alsatian settlers brought their traditions to Texas in the 1800s. The influences of these pioneers are still apparent today in the varied festivals and ethnic foods that vacationers come here to enjoy.

The day trips within this book span terrain ranging from farmland to rocky hills. This difference in topography is the result of an ancient earthquake that created the Balcones Fault, which runs north to south. The fault line, slightly west of I-35, forms the dividing line between the eastern agricultural region and what is known as the Hill Country to the west.

Many of the attractions lie along the route taken by numerous Winter Texans who flock here during the cooler months. So, whether you’re heading for the Rio Grande Valley, the coast, or the Mexican border, you’ll find a wealth of useful tips and information in this guide as you pass through Central Texas. Be sure to check the sections marked “Especially for Winter Texans,” which will help you identify special services, festivals, and parks aimed at making you feel right at home.

You’ll find that Texans are friendly folk who wave on country roads and nod as they pass you on the sidewalk. Talk to local citizens as you wind through the back roads for even more travel tips and a firsthand look at the varied cultures that make up the pieces of your journey.