Category: Area Attractions

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle

Rise and Dine: Exploring Kyle’s Top Breakfast Destinations

A bowl of cold cereal may be fine on a weekday before rushing off to work, but on days with time to spare, breakfast deserves a bit more attention. After all, it is the most important meal of the day. 

 

When it comes to breakfast options, Kyle has something for every appetite, from sweet to savory and everything in between. 

 

Try Something New

 

Snooze: Located at 5140 S FM 1626, Snooze is a relatively new concept on the classic diner, that is quickly building a loyal following of breakfast fans. Playing off the motto “breakfast but different,” patrons can enjoy everything from sweet dishes like bread pudding French toast to more adventurous fare like the garlic avocado miso rice bowl. 

 

Tacos Al Patron – If you’re on the go, then swing by the Tacos Al Patron food truck at 1701 Bebee Road. Hungry morning customers regularly line up to enjoy items like breakfast tacos, empanadas, and gorditas – all cooked fresh with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. 

 

Something Light 

 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Many people don’t want a heavy meal first thing in the morning. If you’re craving something lighter that is delicious and nutritious, then Tropical Smoothie Cafe is calling your name. The national chain offers a near-endless variety of smoothie combinations, as well as breakfast flatbreads and berry bowls. 

 

Summer Moon: If a strong cup of coffee is all you need to start the day, then this coffee shop located at 4217 Benner Road is a must-visit. The Texas-based coffee chain is known for using wood as part of its bean roasting process, and the result is a lineup of light, medium, and dark coffees that pack a mean caffeinated punch. 

 

Pastries and Donuts

 

New World Bakery: For almost 30 years, this local bakery has been providing Kyle residents with a selection of freshly baked artisan breads. Located at 310 Edwards Drive, New World Bakery serves up a range of delicious breakfast goodies like bagels, danishes, croissants, and English muffins. 

 

Shipley Donuts: The donut game is fierce, but Texas-based Shipley Donuts regularly takes top honors, beating out other national chains. If it’s been a while since you sank your teeth into a perfectly soft Shipley donut, then swing by the 4520 Farm to Market location for a classic glazed, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla iced, or one of the many other flavors of donuts. 

 

The Classics

 

Denny’s  – For over 60 years, Denny’s has been America’s diner. If you happen to like your breakfast during the early AM hours, then be sure to stop by the Kyle location at 19020 IH35. The diner serves up the classic Grand Slam breakfast platter, among other dishes, 24/7. 

 

IHOP: When it comes to a stack of flapjacks, you really can’t go wrong with the International House of Pancakes. The Kyle location offers longstanding IHOP favorites like French toast and buttermilk pancakes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not feeling pancakes? Not to worry, IHOP has a full burger/sandwich menu as well. 

From breakfast to lunch and dinner, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from in Kyle’s ever-expanding restaurant scene. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and find a home in the master-planned Crosswinds community, reach out to our team today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun

Day Trip: New Braunfels

From the bustling energy of Austin to the small-town charm of Fredericksburg, there are plenty of reasons to play tourist in the Texas Hill Country. If you haven’t yet made your way down to New Braunfels for a weekend or even a day trip, make a point to check it out this summer. 

 

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Kyle down I-35 S, and there are plenty of places for families and couples to explore. 

 

Cool Down

 

If you’re looking to beat the Texas heat this summer (and who isn’t?), then New Braunfels has some fantastic ways to do so. 

 

One of the biggest draws for the Texas town is the Schlitterbahn Water Park. The park bills itself as “the world’s best waterpark,” and there’s no shortage of slides and pools to back this claim up. The park has over 20 slides, pools, lazy rivers, and other water rides to cool down with. 

 

If you’re looking for a more natural setting when it comes to summer fun on the water, then don’t miss out on tubing the Comal River. Texas Tubes runs daily tubing trips on the river and provides everything from the tubes to the transportation. All you have to do is sit back and relax for the 4-hour float down the river. 

 

Shop, Drink, and Eat

 

No trip to New Braunfels is complete without a stop in the city’s charming downtown area. From local boutiques to hometown eats, here are a few places worth checking out. 

 

Dancing Pony: The clothing boutique located on W. San Antonio Street offers a stylish assortment of both women’s and men’s clothing. If you’re looking to add a new piece to your wardrobe, you’re bound to find it here. 

 

Lot 59: Offering everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces to art and home decor, there’s a 

bit of everything at this local shop. Whether it be vintage records or handcrafted glass art, this is one of the best stores in town to find a unique gift. 

 

2Tarts Bakery – Since 2010, two sisters have owned and operated this local bakery that’s known for fresh desserts, cakes, and pastries – all made from scratch! The menu always has a few special monthly items, as well as customer favorites like red velvet cheesecake brownies. 

 

Huisache Grill – If you’re seeking an intimate date night experience in New Braunfels, then be sure to grab a table at this local restaurant. Housed in a century-old building, the restaurant offers an upscale American menu with items like farm-raised, pan-fried trout, and sirloin steak with a blue cheese butter sauce. 

 

Faust Brewing Company – This spacious beer garden is always a popular spot during the summer months. With plenty of seating, live music, and a delicious selection of German and English-style beers, it’s just the spot to spend a couple hours on a sunny weekend afternoon. 

 

Where to Stay

 

If you plan on staying the night, there are plenty of chain hotels in the area to choose from, but for a more unique experience, check out the Schmitz Bed & Breakfast or the Comal Inn. 

Overlooking the park in downtown New Braunfels, the historic Schmitz B&B is within walking distance of many of the city’s restaurants and shops. 

 

Located on the banks of the Comal River, the Comal Inn offers easy convenience to both downtown New Braunfels as well as The Schlitterbahn Water Park.

Of course, after a weekend getaway, there’s nothing better than coming home to a house you love. To find your dream home, reach out to the Crosswinds team today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Pet Pals: Teaching Kids Pet Responsibility

The old saying that a dog is man’s best friend rings true for children as well. In fact, you could probably apply it to cats, parakeets, hamsters, and maybe even a frog. A pet can bring joy to a child that rivals even the most sought-after toy, and pet ownership can be a wonderful way to teach children responsibility and empathy. 

 

Before you head out to find your child’s new best friend, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

 

Start in Summer

 

There’s really no wrong time of year to get a pet, but summer does have an advantage when it comes to helping children learn to care for their pets. Because children are out of school for the summer, they’ll have more free time to develop good habits of pet responsibility habits, such as cleaning up and feeding pets. 

 

Pet tip* Entering into a new home only to have its owners leave can create separation anxiety for pets. If your family has a vacation on the calendar, consider waiting until after you’ve returned before getting a new furry friend. 

 

Pick the Right Pet

 

Allowing your child to choose their own pet gives them a sense of power, but it’s important that 

parents use good judgment based on the type of pet and the child’s age. A 4-year-old child may love the idea of getting a golden retriever, but they won’t be able to handle that level of responsibility. Something along the lines of a gerbil or goldfish may be a better fit. 

 

Whichever pet wins out, your child must understand the new pet is not a toy. A daily pet responsibility schedule should be addressed before the pet is brought home. Your child needs to understand that just because they’re tired or not in the mood, their pet can’t be ignored but needs to be loved and cared for. 

 

Daily Duties

 

Unless you’ve opted for a pet rock, your pet is going to have some daily needs that will need to be addressed. Whether your family chooses a dog, a cat, or another type of pet, be sure to assign your child responsibilities suitable for their age. 

 

Young children will love scooping dog food into their pet’s bowl or sprinkling fish food in the water, but they shouldn’t be allowed to clean the cat’s litter box. Small children are constantly putting their fingers inside their mouths and rubbing their eyes, so save that job for older kids. 

 

Older children will be able to handle more pet responsibilities, such as taking the dog for a walk, but even then, parents should use their best judgment. Some dogs can pull on a limb with incredible force, so it’s crucial that parents make sure the type of dog they get is a good match with their child. 

One of the things that makes the master-planned Crosswinds community so appealing to pet owners is the amenities available. In addition to the dog park, the community has an expansive trail system that weaves through the community and is perfect for walks with a four-legged friend. To learn more, contact us today.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Packing Tips and Must-Have Items for Your Summer Trip

Is there really any vacation that embodies the summer experience more than a trip to the beach? Families have been loading up their cars, spreading out on the sand, and soaking up the sunshine amid dashes into the water for generations. 

While there’s not a lot of complexity to enjoying a few days at the beach, a little bit of planning can go a long way. 

Sun Protection Essentials

No matter what beach you visit, packing the right sun protection is key – especially if you have young children in tow. Don’t head to the beach without these essentials. 

  • Waterproof sunscreen (dermatologists recommend SPF 40 or higher for kids)\
  • Sunglasses
  • Hats
  • UV shirts or UV suits
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Sunburn relief cream

When it comes to applying sunscreen, it’s good to apply it at least 10 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, especially if your child is doing a lot of swimming. Pay special attention when applying sunblock to areas more prone to sunburn, like the shoulders, back, nose, neck, and ears. 

Keep Cool

Small children can’t stay out in the sun as long as adults, and providing some relief from the sun’s rays will help to keep everyone more comfortable. Consider bringing a beach canopy that you can set up or renting an umbrella if you’re at a beach that provides them. 

Be sure to also bring along plenty of snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy. Soda or sugary drinks may be popular, but water is your best bet when it comes to preventing dehydration. 

Fun in the Sun

It’s easy to have a good time simply splashing in the surf, but beach toys will take the fun to a whole other level. Just don’t make the mistake of taking more toys than you can carry. A good rule of thumb for the kiddos is to remind them that if they want to play with it, then they can help carry it. 

A few classic toys to consider bringing:

  • Sandcastle buckets and shovels
  • Frisbee
  • Kite
  • Skimboard
  • Water guns
  • Floats
  • A mask, snorkel, and flippers

If your beach crew is all about some friendly competition, beach games like volleyball, tidal-ball, spike ball, or a portable cornhole set can provide plenty of fun. 

Keep Things Easy

A relaxing day at the beach should be a simple affair, but that doesn’t mean that items of convenience should be ignored. One of the great things about stopping at those giant beach stores every touristy beach town has is that they’re full of items you don’t think you need until you need them. 

These items may not be essentials, but they’re nice to have:

  • Cooler bags
  • Mesh or waterproof bags
  • Sunglass straps
  • Aloe vera gel
  • Sand remover wipes
  • Insulated water bottles
  • Bug repellant
  • Trash bags
  • Rash guards
  • Beach chairs

The awesome thing about Kyle is that it’s only about 3 and a half hours to Gavelston, and if you’re simply looking for a beach day at the lake, well, that’s only a 10-minute car ride away. Kyle’s easy access to so much that Texas has to offer is one of the things that makes it such a wonderful place to live. 

Until you can get to the beach, you could enjoy a stay at home Sunday at Windy Point Amenity Center, which features a large pool with beach access, shade structures, and a spray park! If you’re looking for a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about this master-planned community.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Lifestyle Tips

Healthy Living in Kyle

With the days getting longer and the temperatures on the rise, now is the perfect time to get outside and make the most of the many opportunities for adopting a healthy lifestyle in Kyle. 

From outdoor exercise routines to healthy eating habits and even some mental fitness, here are a few ways to do just that. 

Eat Smart

Everyone knows that healthy eating is good for you, but developing a meal plan that allows for smart eating day in and day out can be tricky. 

The best approach is to tackle this week by week. Start by looking at what ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and then write down the meals you’d like to make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day for the following week:

Write down any new recipes you’d like to try in advance of a grocery trip, as well as the meals you need to cover where you won’t be doing much cooking. Plan to incorporate leftovers on those days that are especially busy, and you may not have time to cook. 

When it comes time to grocery shop, aim for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable (or non-perishable) foods for your meals. Eat the fresh stuff first and fill up your pantry or freezer with foods that you can eat at a later time. 

If you want to shop local as part of your healthy eating plan, consider checking out Kyle Market Days. The event runs from April through November and includes vendors selling a variety of fresh foods. 

Soak in the Sunshine

One of the best things about living in the Texas Hill Country is the number of outdoor activities available. 

The Plum Creek Trail, Lake Kyle, or the Spring Lake Preserve are all great spots to get outside, stretch your legs, and soak in some sun. The parks are easily accessible and offer well-maintained paths for walking, running, or biking. 

Now, if you’re looking for something that promises a bit more of an adrenaline rush, then consider heading out to Reimers Ranch. Located in nearby Dripping Springs, the park spans over 2,400 acres and includes plenty of rocky limestone cliffs for rock climbing and winding trails for mountain biking. 

One of the benefits of the Crosswinds Community is that residents have access to a trail system of both crushed granite and paved walking/biking trails that weaves through the community. This allows easy access to other outdoor amenities such as the basketball and tennis courts, open play fields, and pool. 

Stay Mentally Sharp

Physical exercise isn’t the only important thing in healthy living. Exercising your brain through meditation, prayer, or even something as simple as doing a jigsaw puzzle can have enormous benefits. 

Things like mindfulness breathing, journaling, or reading a daily devotional can help to calm the body and reduce stress, while activities like crossword puzzles, learning a new skill like a musical instrument, or drawing can help with memory and concentration. 

Whatever mental fitness or relaxation routine you choose, the important thing is finding what works for you and doing it consistently. 

There are plenty of ways to practice healthy living in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Kyle Texas TX

Exploring Kyle’s Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Spots Near Crosswinds

Keeping it local and exploring the places within your city, though, can make you appreciate where you live that much more. Here are a few gems right here in Kyle worth checking out. 

 

Texas Pie Company 

 

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Kyle, then you know it’s the pie capital of Texas. For your money, you won’t find a better slice of pie in town than what Texas Pie Company is serving at 202 W Center Street. 

 

The bakery offers way too many pies to rattle off every flavor, but whether you prefer fruity pies like peach, apple, or blueberry, or you’re more of a chocolate fudge or coconut kinda person, Texas Pie company has it! We’d be remiss not to mention its other baked goods like cookies and brownies, as well as the savory casseroles. Yum, yum, and yum. 

 

Get Your Caffeine Fix

 

If you prefer to start your weekend with a strong cup of coffee, then you’ll want to swing by the Summer Moon coffee shop. The cafe, located at 4217 Benner Road, uses a wood-fired roasting process for its beans that gives the coffee a warm finish that gets better with every sip. 

 

Kyle’s Daily Grind is another cafe that’s popular with local residents. Located at 607 West Center Street, the coffee shop offers protein shakes, smoothies, muffins, kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and, of course, delicious coffee. 

 

Visit the Kyle Public Library

 

Whether you need to borrow a Chromebook, kill some time with the kiddos on a rainy Saturday, or want to plant a vegetable garden, the Kyle Public Library at 550 Scott Street can help. This place truly is a hub of resources for city residents. 

 

Yes, it has books to check out, but that is only scratching the surface. There are programs like storytime for the littles, anime meetups for teens, yoga classes for adults, and a whole host of other events almost every day of the week. 

 

Shop Local

 

In an age where nearly everything seems to be available on Amazon, a local store like Lionheart Hobby is even more special. The shop located at 5500 FM2770 not only offers an amazing selection of models and tabletop games but is committed to providing top-notch customer service from experienced staff who love models and games just as much as their customers. 

 

Whether you’re 50 and have been building model airplanes your entire life or are completely new to the world of models, this is a shop for anyone who is a kid at heart. 

 

Good Eats

 

Nothing ends a day exploring Kyle quite like noshing down on some tasty grub. Ilario’s at 5401 FM 1626 has been serving up made-from-scratch Italian since 2011 and offers a range of classic dishes like toasted cheese ravioli, chicken florentine, and shrimp scampi over pasta. The restaurant also makes a mean pizza that can be customized to your liking. 

 

If you’re more in the mood for a greasy burger, then head on over to Big Rob’s Burgers at 130 Kirkham Circle. The burgers here are anything but tiny (triple patties, anyone?), and with sides like fries and tots and desserts like funnel cakes and fried Oreos, you’re guaranteed not to leave hungry. 

With so much to explore, it’s no surprise people love living in Kyle. If you’d like to find your dream home here, reach out to the team at the master-planned Crosswinds community.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Glamping vs. Camping: Which Outdoor Experience is Right for You?

Most of us are familiar with the concept of camping. Whether in a tent or under the stars, forgoing the comforts of home to spend the night in the great outdoors has been an American pastime for decades. 

 

While some folks love roughing it in the woods and everything that goes along with it, other outdoor enthusiasts are less than enthusiastic about the idea of sleeping on the ground. Here’s the scoop on glamping vs. camping and where to do both. 

 

What is Glamping?

 

The word “glamping” is a blend of the words “glamourous” and “camping.” People have been bringing the comforts of home to the woods as far back as the early 1900s when rich Europeans would set up lavish tents while on African safari hunts. These tents often had furniture, kitchenettes, and, in some cases, even chandeliers.

 

Glamping entered the American lexicon in the mid-2000s when the popularity of luxury tents and yurts with beds, electricity, running water, and even bathrooms began to take off. 

 

Camping vs. Glamping

 

Camping and glamping have both similarities and differences in the outdoor experience offered. 

Camping: 

 

  • Sleeping in a tent or even on the ground without a tent
  • You’ll probably be in a sleeping bag
  • Most likely no electricity
  • You’ll either have to use the bathroom outside or walk to a campsite restroom
  • Greater exposure to the elements

 

Glamping:

 

  • Less exposure to the elements
  • You may have a private bathroom
  • Larger sleeping space
  • More comforts of home such as electricity/running water
  • It may be better for small children

 

Which One is Right for You?

 

Whether you choose camping or glamping is really all about what you want from your outdoor overnight experience. If you prefer a bed with sheets over a sleeping bag and are looking for creature comforts like wifi, mood lighting, and perhaps restaurant-quality meals after a day of hiking, glamping is more your speed. 

 

However, suppose you’re looking to get back to nature and ditch the luxuries of 21st-century society for a bit. In that case, camping is probably more appealing. 

 

Where to Glamp Near Kyle

 

There’s no shortage of fantastic glamping spots near Kyle that offer a unique and cozy outdoor experience. A quick look at GlampingHub reveals over 300 listings in the area! The options range from retro campers and tipis to safari tents and tree houses with amenities like hot tubs and king-size beds. 

 

Where to Camp Near Kyle

 

If you’re looking to break out your pup tent and throw a sleeping bag on the ground, you can find some great camping spots near Kyle that offer both primitive and less-primitive experiences. Pedernales Falls State Park has campsites that offer community showers and fire and electricity hookups for as low as $20 a night. 

 

If you prefer more privacy, consider one of the park’s $ 10-a-night hike-in primitive sites, or consider rolling out your sleeping bag at Walnut Springs or Sawyer Park in Georgetown. 

Whether you’re camping or glamping, there’s nothing better than returning from a weekend in the outdoors to a home you love. If you’d like to find your dream home, reach out to the Crosswinds team today.

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Area Attractions Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

Kyle Market Days

Spring is in the air, and Kyle Market Days is back again for another 2024 season full of music, food, local crafts, and hometown fun! The monthly farmers market runs on the second Saturday of the Month from April through November. It’s also a popular event and is a great way to support small businesses and shop for unique gifts. 

 

Here’s the scoop on this year’s event and the themes that will mark each month’s festivities. 

 

All About Market Days

 

As mentioned, the event runs on the second Saturday of each month from spring through early fall at Mary Kyle Hartson Park from 8 AM until 1 PM. The event is free for everyone to attend and visitors will be able to shop for local produce, food and drink items, as well as handmade crafts from local artisans. 

 

There’s also live music at each event and a playground for the kiddos to burn off some energy while parents and grandparents can sit and visit with neighbors. 

 

The first Kyle Market Days kicks off on April 13 with upcoming themes and dates scheduled. 

 

May 11 – Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islanders Month

 

June 8 – Celebrating Juneteenth

 

June 29 – Celebrating Pride Month

 

July 13 – TBD

 

August 10 – Back to School

 

September 14 – Squeeze Box

 

October 12 – Founders’ Parade

 

November 9 – Veterans Day Parade

 

Previous Market Days had local vendors selling food items ranging from fresh breads and cookies to salsas and smoothies. There are also plenty of cool items for the home worth checking out, such as homemade soaps, paintings, glass art, and houseplants. 

 

Kyle Market Days are just one of the many events that bring the Kyle community together. The city has also sponsored Easter egg hunts, treasure hunts, movies in the park, and, of course, the annual 25 Days of Christmas holiday festival. 

It’s community events like these, as well as Kyle’s thriving economy and natural beauty, that make it such a great place to live. If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and explore all that the master-planned Crosswinds community has to offer, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

Community Connections: Local Volunteering Opportunities

There are an endless number of ways that a person can spend their free time, but few are as nurturing to both the individual and others as volunteering. The need for volunteers across many areas has only increased in recent years, making volunteers even more vital to many non-profits and charities.

 

If you have a heart for giving back, consider donating your time and skills to some of these organizations around Kyle and beyond. 

 

Provide a Meal

 

One of the best ways to give back to the community is by giving a meal. Roughly 1 in 8 Texans don’t know where their next meal is coming from, but there are thankfully a variety of organizations in our area working to change this. 

 

Hays County Food Bank: This area food bank serves an average of 153,000 individuals every year. In addition to providing food, it also helps to provide people with job opportunities to reduce the risk of hunger. A variety of volunteer opportunities are open to both individuals and groups.

 

Meals on Wheels: Whether it’s because of a lack of a vehicle or disability, many adults don’t have a means of getting to the grocery store. Meals on Wheels is an army of dedicated volunteers who cook delicious and nutritious meals for residents and then bring those meals to them. Through this volunteer work, they’re able to serve over 5,000 residents in Central Texas. 

 

Spread Community Goodwill

 

Women of Unity: This local non-profit is dedicated to helping women of all ages and backgrounds find their purpose and make a positive change in their lives, families, and communities. The program is always in need of women who want to help other women through life/career coaching, prayer support, and other mentoring needs. 

 

Adopt a Street: Taking pride in how one’s community looks is always a good thing, and the City of Kyle has a way for residents and groups to do just that. To help keep Kyle beautiful, organizations, businesses, and individuals can adopt one mile of a street and volunteer to keep it looking good through clean-up days four times a year. 

 

Keep The Party Going

 

Kyle has some fantastic community events many of these simply wouldn’t be possible without volunteer help. 

 

Pie in the Sky Festival: Kyle’s famous hot air balloon and pie extravaganza draws thousands of visitors every year. To make this event a standout success year after year, dozens of volunteers are needed to help with parking, ticketing, vendor services, and parking. If you’d like to help, email Lauren at llyons@cityofkyle.com 

 

Holiday on the Square: Each Christmas, Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park is transformed into a holiday wonderland with a tree lighting, carolers, Santa appearances, and food and drink vendors. Volunteers are part of the holiday magic that to keep this tradition alive. While this year’s event is still months away, it’s never too early to be thinking about how you can get involved when December rolls around.

Volunteering is a great way to strengthen community connections and build up the place you call home. If you’d like to find a home in Kyle, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more.

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Area Attractions Family Fun Kyle Texas Tips

Family-Friendly Hikes in the Texas Hill Country

Spring is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy our state’s natural beauty before the summer heat makes a midday hike unbearable. Lace up your boots, grab the fam, and consider exploring some of these nearby parks and trails. 

 

Reimers Ranch Park: This Travis County park draws in thousands of visitors every year who flock to it for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Rock climbers love it for the limestone cliffs, and mountain bikers can’t get enough of its 18 miles of trails. 

 

Don’t let the more adventurous appeal of this park put you off when it comes to a family-friendly hike, though. The park has several trails that are only open to hikers and include both granite and dirt hiking trails. The park also offers monthly guided bird-watching hikes that are included as part of the park’s daily entrance fee. 

 

Guadalupe River State Park: It’s easy to understand why this park is such a popular spot in the summer. There’s really no better way to beat the Texas heat than tubbing down the Guadalupe River.

 

Tubbing season may still be a few months away, but this park still has plenty worth checking out for a daytime visit. The park offers 13 miles of trails that range from the 2.86-mile Painted Bunting Trail to the 0.3-mile River Overlook Trail. Be sure to stop by the Discovery Center before or after your hike to learn more about the park’s natural wildlife and history. The park also offers RV and tent sites, making it a great choice for a relaxing weekend retreat. 

 

Pedernales Falls State Park: Located about 50 minutes northeast of Kyle, this tranquil state park is best known for its huge slabs of limestone. The park offers a range of outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and, of course, lots of hiking opportunities. 

 

The range of trail difficulties makes it a great choice for family-friendly hiking of all skill levels. Families with younger children will enjoy the .5-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail. At the same time, those with more experienced and adventurous hikers may want to tackle the 6-mile Wolf Mountain Trail.

 

Enchanted Rock: A Hill Country hiking list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Enchanted Rock State Park. The pink granite dome that rises out of the Texas landscape has been attracting visitors for thousands of years, and that attraction continues today. 

 

The park includes 11 miles of hiking trails. While a climb to the top of the rock may not be in the cards for the littlest members of your family, the Interpretive Loop trail is on the easier side. There’s no wrong time to visit the park, but for a truly awesome experience, opt for sunset and linger a little longer for some stargazing. 

You don’t have to venture far for some great hiking in the Kyle area. It’s one of the many things that make this part of Texas so appealing. To learn more and find your dream home here, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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