Category: Area Attractions

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Ways to Beat the Heat – Without Spending on AC

We’re smack dab in the middle of summer, which undoubtedly means that it’s incredibly hot out. With Texas dealing with a record-breaking heat wave, keeping cool in your home can be a serious challenge. 

 

Here are a few helpful strategies to help you beat the beat without pushing your HVAC into the red.

 

Keep Air Moving

 

Fans are your friend in the summer. Whether you have a ceiling fan or a stationary floor fan, keeping the air in the room circulating will help to move out hot air. 

 

If you have a ceiling fan, be sure it is spinning in the correct direction. You want it spinning counterclockwise during hotter months, as this can help to make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. If you happen to be using a window box fan, set it to blow inwards from the window when it’s cooler out at night, and set it to blow outwards during sunny hours to ward off heat. 

 

And for an extra blast of cold air, try putting a container of ice cubes in front of the fan to disperse cooler air.

 

Cover Windows

 

It can be tempting to open all your windows in the middle of the day with the hopes that a cool breeze will pass through. It’s much more likely, however, that you’ll just be allowing the hot air from outside to flow in and heat your home up even more. 

 

In the middle of the day, it’s recommended that you keep windows closed and have them covered with dark curtains to help block out sunlight. Wait until the sun sets and temperatures cool off if you want to open your windows up for some fresh air. 

 

Ovens Off

 

Grilling out isn’t just a fun summer activity; it’s a great way to keep your home cooler because you won’t be using your stove or oven. Cooking generates a lot of heat, and depending on how much cooking you’re doing, stoves and ovens can have an impact on the overall temperature of your kitchen. 

 

If you do decide to use your oven or stove, turn on the exhaust fan to help move out the hot air. 

 

Keep Doors Closed 

 

Remember when you would leave the front door open as a kid, and your dad would say, “We’re not trying to air condition the entire neighborhood!”? Well, the same can be applied to the inside of your home as well. 

 

Keep doors closed to rooms that aren’t in use. This will help trap the cold air in those spaces that are being used and keep the hot air isolated to other rooms in the house. 

 

Drink More Water

 

Drinking more water on hot days isn’t just a necessary precaution to help avoid heat stroke, but it will help to keep you more comfortable. For an extra cooling boost with the powers of H2O, use ice packs or cold compresses on your neck, wrists, or other pulse points for quick relief.

And when staying in your home simply feels too unbearable, and you need a serious cool down, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the pool! To learn more about the amenities offered in the Crosswinds community and find a home here, contact us today.

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Area Attractions Blog Events Family Fun Kyle Texas

July Events For Younger Kids In Kyle

Between summer camps, sports, and trips to the pool, there are plenty of fun activities for kids and teens during the summer months. But what about those children who are pre-K and under and may not be big enough to tag along with their older siblings? 

 

Thankfully, there’s still plenty of fun to be had this summer! Check out these local happenings at the Kyle Public Library that are geared toward the littlest members of the family. 

 

Sensory Storytime – Mondays at 10 AM. This program is recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Incorporating active sensory play and music, the program is open to all toddlers and is great for children who may have special sensory challenges or developmental delays. 

 

Lil Yogis – Tuesdays 10:30 AM. Part yoga, part storytime (okay, mostly storytime), Lil Yogis is a half-hour dedicated to reading, along with some active play through yoga poses to go along with the featured book. 

 

Pajama Storytime – Tuesdays at 7 PM. Head back to the Library after Lil Yogis for more reading, but don’t forget to wear your pajamas. Aimed at children 6 and below, this half-hour of fun will include stories and songs. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a fun summer day before heading off to bed. 

 

Preschool storytime – Wednesdays 10:30 AM. This reading session is all about preschoolers. Designed for children ages 2 to 5, parents are invited to bring their children to the library for a storytime session that is aimed at helping to foster a love of reading and active learning through songs, finger plays, and other activities. 

 

Baby lap-sit – Thursdays at 10 AM. It’s never too early to introduce your children to reading, and this event is all about babies. Geared towards children 0 to 18 months old, parents (or grandparents) will be invited to sit with their children for an hour of nursery rhymes, songs, reading, and maybe even a little bit of active play tossed in for good measure. 

 

Toddler Time – Thursdays at 11 AM. If you have an older toddler in tow, hang around after Baby lap-sit because this program keeps the reading train chugging along in the next hour. Recommended for children 18-26 months old, children will be presented with both new and classic stories that encourage reading and language skills through songs, felt boards, and other activities. 

 

¡Los Cuentos! Bilingual storytime – Fridays 10:30 AM. Designed for young children ages 0 to 5 years of age, this program will present stories in both English and Spanish. There will also be songs, finger plays, and other activities to go along with the stories and help stimulate children’s early language skills. 

 

These are just a few of the many events happening each week at the Kyle Public Library. The local library has something for everyone, with a range of free events, classes, and resources. 

If you’d like to learn more about Kyle and what makes this Texas community such a wonderful place to live, reach out to the Crosswinds team to find out more and discover your Hill Country dream home.

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Amenities Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Tips

Summer Activities Other Than Swimming + Playing Outside

Swing by the Crosswinds community pool on a sunny day in the summer, and you’re bound to see people taking a dip. Whether at the pool, beach, or lake – swimming is pretty much essential for summer survival in Texas. 

 

That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t plenty of ways to make the most of the great outdoors in the summer months. Consider leaving the bathing suit at home and adding these outdoor activities to your summer bucket list.

 

Climb a Rock

 

Climbers from around the country come to this part of Texas to refine their skills on the area’s limestone rock faces. If you’re looking for a summer workout, climbing will definitely put your muscles to the test. 

 

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Reimer’s Ranch Park are two popular spots because of the diversity of climbing trails available. If you’re new to the sport or just want to work on your skills, consider signing up for a class or private lesson at Cruck Climbing Center in Austin. You’ll be able to perfect your technique under the guidance of seasoned climbing vets so that when you do tackle that 70-foot rock wall, you’re primed and ready. 

 

Catch a Fish

 

Scaling a 100-foot cliff can certainly help take your mind off the hustle and bustle of modern life, but if you’re looking for something a bit less extreme, fishing can do the trick too. Fishing is an ideal summer activity for families, and whether you plan to keep and eat your catch or toss it back, there’s no shortage of great places in the area to cast a line. 

 

Grab your tackle box and check out these fishing spots near Kyle:

 

  • Red Bud Isle
  • Lockhart State Park
  • McKinney Falls State Park
  • Lake Travis
  • Rebecca Creek
  • Onion Creek

 

Geocaching

 

If you’re unfamiliar with geocaching, it’s sort of along the lines of a treasure hunt using GPS. Individuals and organizations set up caches around a certain area and share the locations of these caches on the internet. 

 

Participants then use the GPS capability on their phones or tablet to locate the coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a reward. There are essentially three rules for a fun round of geocaching: 

 

  1. Take something from the cache
  2. Leave something in the cache
  3. Write about it in the logbook

 

Popular items to leave in the geocache for the next person include buttons, keychains, small toys, coins, or something unique to the area. Geocaching is a super fun way to explore Kyle, and you can even pick up a passport through the city to go on a Kyle GeoTour.

 

Catch a Game

 

The roar of the crowd, the smell of popcorn… there’s nothing quite like catching a baseball game in the summer. Kyle residents are lucky enough to have two teams in the area that they can cheer on. The Round Rock Express is a Triple-A team that plays at Dell Diamond Stadium in Round Rock, and the Austin Weirdos, a Pecos League team that takes the field at Govalle Park in Austin. 

 

Whether you’re a Weirdos or Round Rock fan, a day at the ballpark is always a summer favorite. 

 

With so much to do in the Kyle area during the summer, the question isn’t what should you do, but what should you do next? If you’re looking to explore all Kyle has to offer, check out the inventory of new homes in Crosswinds or contact the Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Kyle Summer Camps

There’s a good chance that if you have school-aged children, they’re literally counting the days until that final school bell of the year rings and summer vacation starts. The last day of school for students in the Hays CISD is May 25, and schools don’t start back up until the middle of August. That’s a lot of downtime to fill!

 

If you’re looking for something to keep the kiddos occupied for the summer that doesn’t involve a screen, summer camp is the way to go. The City of Kyle’s Summer Camp program is a way for children to stay active and have a whole lot of fun in the process. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Dates and Registration

 

Kyle’s Summer Camp program runs from May 30 through July 28, with a break in the middle for the July 4 holiday. That’s eight weeks of adult-supervised recreational indoor and outdoor fun, field trips, and new friendships being made. 

 

The day camp’s Voyager program is available for children who have completed Kindergarten through those entering 5th grade, while the older Adventure program is designed for students in 6th through 9th grade. 

 

Camp times for both camps run from 7:45 AM to 5:45 PM Monday through Friday, with camp taking place at Wallace Middle School. 

 

There is limited capacity for both camps, so it’s advised that parents register their children for a spot as soon as possible. Camp is $150 per week, and this fee covers a t-shirt, daily snacks, and all camp activities. The camp doesn’t supply breakfast or lunch, so children must bring a lunch and a water bottle.

 

What Campers Can Expect

 

Kids won’t find a couch or an Xbox at summer camp; instead, they will discover some truly awesome activities designed to keep them active and mentally engaged and help develop new skills. We’re talking fishing, archery, bowling, soccer, swimming, crafts, and various other fun activities. 

 

Campers will also be taking the fun on the road with weekly field trips to places such as Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio, ZDT Amusement Park in Seguin, and Animal World & Snake Farm in New Braunfels!

 

With daily activities and weekly field trips, Kyle’s Summer Camp program is not only a no-brainer for parents who have to work during the summer but also a fun alternative for kids who otherwise might be stuck at home in front of the television. 

 

Parents can learn more about the ins and outs of camp, what to bring, what not to bring, and more in the 2023 Summer Camp guide. 

The city’s summer camp is just one of the many aspects of Kyle that make it such a great city to live in. If you’re interested in finding a home in Kyle, reach out to learn more about available homes at Crosswinds. This master-planned community offers a variety of resort-style amenities and houses from the state’s top builders.

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Area Attractions Blog Education Family Fun Kyle

National Museum Day: Museums to visit near Kyle

Texas is fortunate to have over 1,000 museums open to the public. National Museum Day is May 18, and there are some fantastic museums right here in Central Texas. From the presidential to the downright weird, here are seven museums near Kyle that you should check out. 

 

Blanton Museum of Art: Since 1963, this art museum housed on the UT campus has attracted art lovers from around the state and the world. The museum boasts more than 21,000 works in its collection, spanning a range of artistic mediums and eras. If you love spending an afternoon simply wandering around and getting lost in a museum, the Blanton Museum of Art should be at the top of your list. 

 

Calaboose African American History Museum: Located about 15 minutes from Kyle in San Marcos, this small museum is housed in Hays County’s first jail – a building that dates back all the way to 1873. The museum’s collection includes over 500 items centered around the African American experience. Entry to the museum is free of charge, but it is only open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM or by appointment, so plan accordingly.

 

Memorial Mini Golf and Museum: Part mini golf course, part military museum (you read that right), this Buda golf course/museum aims to provide some fun for visitors and honor the U.S. men and women who served in World War II. With both indoor and outdoor mini golf courses to play, it promises some competitive fun paired with a little bit of military history along the way. 

 

LBJ Museum: The Lyndon Baines Johnson Museum of San Marcos commemorates our nation’s 36th president and the role Texas played in molding him to become one of the 20th century’s most regarded leaders. Exhibits include presidential memorabilia, early photographs, local news clippings, and materials from LBJ’s years as a student at Southwest Texas State Teachers College and his time as a teacher in the state before moving into the White House. 

 

McKenna Children’s Museum: Located in New Braunfels, this local children’s museum is all about providing a fun and educational atmosphere that encourages kids to see, touch, and smell the exhibits. With an environment that allows a child’s imagination to run wild, this is one museum where parents will never have to worry about their kiddos uttering that dreaded phrase, “I’m bored.”

 

Museum of Ice Cream: The honor of the “most delicious museum” on our list goes to this Austin museum that promises to help visitors “rediscover” their inner child through the “universal power of ice cream.” It’s not so much a museum dedicated to the history of the frozen treat as it is a space designed for Instagram-worthy photoshoots (think giant tubs of plastic sprinkles). But yes – you do get to eat actual ice cream! 

 

Museum of the Weird: Inspired by the capital city’s “keep Austin weird” slogan, this kooky museum houses all sorts of unusual attractions and curiosities. Once visitors pay the $13 admission, they’ll be welcomed inside to view shrunken heads, the Fiji mermaid, and other “freaks of nature.”

 

 Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids, learn about Texas state history, or simply want to broaden your appreciation for art, there’s a museum in the Kyle area for just about everyone. 

To learn more about Kyle and find your home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Blog Family Fun Kyle Texas

Community organizations + clubs to get involved in

Maybe you’re new to Kyle and looking to get out and meet some folks, or maybe you’re a longtime resident with some extra time on your hands. In either case, there are plenty of community groups in town worth checking out. 

 

In fact, there’s something happening just about every day of the week in Kyle; the only question is, what do you want to do first?

 

For the Bibliophiles

 

If you love reading a good book and are always on the hunt for the next great novel and somebody to discuss it with, then check out the Page Turners Book Club.

 

The group meets every third Thursday of the month at 6 PM at the Kyle Public Library. The book club is open to readers of all ages and has a reading list of both new and old titles. At the May 18 meeting, members will discuss The Housekeeper by Joy Fielding.

 

For the Stargazers

 

The Texas Hill Country is home to some of the best stargazing in the United States, and on a clear night, astronomy enthusiasts can spot an array of constellations in the nighttime sky.

 

Whether you’re a novice astronomer or fancy yourself as the next Galileo, the Astronomy Club is all about encouraging exploration of the night sky. The group meets on the third Saturday of each month at 2 PM to discuss the wonders of the cosmos and stargazing outings. 

 

For the Trivia Buff

 

If you have dreams of going on Jeopardy! or simply love learning new facts in a competitive setting, then Trivia Night at Centerfield Sports Bar & Grill should be on your radar. 

 

The brainy games kick off every Monday night at 6:30, participation is free, and you can either play solo or as a team of up to six people. Winners not only receive bragging rights as the smartest person in the room but will walk away with $25 in food and drink credit at Centerfield. 

 

For the Little Kids

 

Suppose you have a toddler who likes to move and loves a good story (what toddler doesn’t, right?), then be sure to swing by Lil’ Yogis. The group meets each Tuesday at 10:30 in the morning for a “half hour of pure fun.” Small children will have the chance to participate in yoga-like poses while also enjoying a story. 

 

For the Big Kids

 

On the fourth Thursday of each month, teens and tweens are encouraged to stop by the Kyle Public Library for the KPL Gamers meetup. From 4:30 to 6 PM, teens will have the chance to play both new and old video games as well as an array of board games. And snacks will be provided because no gaming experience is complete without some grub. 

 

This is really only a small sampling of the many community social groups meeting each month in Kyle. There are also opportunities to learn a new language, pick up a new hobby, work on crafts, or simply play a few games of chess. 

The Kyle community calendar is always changing, and it’s exactly this sort of variety that makes a flourishing city like Kyle such a wonderful place to live. If you’re looking for the perfect home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team today.

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Area Attractions Blog Kyle Texas

The Wall That Heals in Kyle, TX

For four days this May, the City of Kyle will be hosting a special tribute that touches on one of the most painful periods in United States history. Along with the city, Central Texas AMVETS Post 115 will be welcoming The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington, D.C. Visiting the wall is free, and everyone in the community is invited to come out to learn about the memorial and the Americans it honors. 

 

When and Where

 

It’s fitting that the wall will be in town just a few weeks before Memorial Day, and it will stop in Kyle May 4-7. Visitors can stop by the wall’s location at Lake Kyle Park, 700 Lehman Road, 24 hours a day before it closes at 2 PM on May 7. LED lighting will provide readability during nighttime hours.

 

Before the wall is set up and opened for public viewing, it will arrive in Kyle on May 2, with an opening ceremony on May 4 at 9 AM. The opening ceremony is open to everyone, and veteran Stuart Hoyt will speak along with a prayer by Rev. Kenneth Bell and the playing of Taps. A closing ceremony, along with prayer and playing of Taps, will also be held at 1:30 PM on the final day of its stop in Kyle.

 

While parents are encouraged to bring along their children, no pets other than service animals will be permitted. Volunteers are also needed to help with crowd control, greeting visitors, and assist with finding names on the wall.

 

A Chance to Remember, Honor, and Heal

 

The Vietnam War was unlike any other war in the history of the United States, and it claimed the lives of over 58,000 Americans over the course of two decades. 

 

The Wall That Heals is modeled after the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was erected in our nation’s capitol in 1982. Designed by architect Maya Lin, the memorial is composed of 72 black granite panels, which stand just over 10 feet at their highest apex and taper down to 8 inches along the wall’s length of 493 feet and 6 inches. 

 

While The Wall That Heals is a replica, its dimensions are slightly different. It stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point and stretches 375 feet. Nevertheless, it’s a powerful statement of patriotism and the ultimate sacrifice made by the soldiers who died in combat or remain missing. 

 

Launched in 1996 by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, The Wall That Heals offers a chance for those who may not be able to visit the D.C. memorial an opportunity to pay their respects to the names inscribed on its granite panels.  

 

To date, the traveling memorial has visited almost 700 communities and impacted countless visitors. During its 2021 season alone, the wall traveled 13,000 miles around the United States, offering an opportunity for more than 200,000 visitors to remember, honor, and heal.

 

Kyle is truly fortunate to have the opportunity to host such an important memorial to military veterans and their families. It’s events like this that make this community such a wonderful place to call home. If you’d like to learn more about what makes Kyle great, contact the Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Kyle Kyle Texas

Best Pies in the Pie Capital: The Texas Pie Company

Kyle residents are serious about their pie. After all, the city is the “pie capital of Texas” and home of the Pie in the Sky festival. Naturally, any bakery in town that puts a pie on its counter knows that it’s going to be judged by some pretty pie-savvy customers. With decades of pie baking experience under belt, however, it’s safe to say that Julie Albertson, founder of The Texas Pie Company, knows how to bake an award-worthy pie. 

Julie opened her first bakery in 1986, but was baking long before that. “I started baking with my grandmother in East Texas on her farm,” she told KVUE News. “When I was really little I used to stand on soup cans so I could reach the counter [and help bake].” It was in those formative baking years that she learned the ins and outs of each pie recipe and how to perfect each pie’s unique flavors. 

Shareworthy Pies

Texas Pie Company specializes in creating delicious and unique pies that will satisfy any craving. Julie and her staff take pride in crafting each pie with care to ensure a perfect flavor combination and crust that is buttery, flaky and delicately sweetened. 

You really can’t go wrong with whatever pie you choose but customer favorites include flavors such as Southern Pecan, Lemon Chess, Buttermilk (Julie’s personal fav), Almond Joy, Chocolate Fudge, and Peanut Butter Mousse. The bakery also has an array of fruit pies like Peach, Dutch Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, and Blackberry. 

Now if cream pies are your jam, Texas Pie Company offers Key Lime, Coconut, and Chocolate. And when the fall and winter months roll around, you’ll naturally find Pumpkin and Praline pies waiting to be snatched up by customers. 

More Tasty Options

If you’re looking for an extra treat to go with your slice of pie though, or you’re in the mood for a full meal, the bakery has you covered. A range of cookies, brownies, and dessert bars are available as well as plenty of savory options. Daily lunch specials are offered with items like Meatloaf, Chicken Breast with Cranberry, and King Ranch Chicken, in addition to several sandwiches. 

Now, if you only have time for pie and not a full lunch but want to get something to go, consider picking up a quiche or casserole. The quiches are prepared with fresh eggs, whole milk, and an assortment of fresh veggies, proteins, and shredded cheeses. Casserole dishes include popular comfort foods like Three Cheese Lasagna, Chicken Pot Pie, and Beef Stroganoff. Everything is made in the kitchen daily and can be ordered hot for pick up.

The Texas Pie Company is open Monday through Saturday with lunch items available until 3 PM and pie available until 6:30 PM on weekdays, 4 on Saturdays. Take a tip from us though, if you have your heart set on a particular pie flavor, get there early because when it’s gone it’s gone!

Kyle is full of great local spots and businesses that make it a wonderful place for families of all ages and lifestyles to call home. If you’d like to learn more about making Kyle your home, contact the Crosswinds team.

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Area Attractions Kyle Kyle Texas

Local Business Highlight: Silo Glass Studio

Less than a half hour’s drive from Kyle, you’ll find Silo Glass Studio in San Marcos. Here you’ll discover a community of artists creating some truly stunning pieces of work. Glass is the prominent material of choice, but the artists here also work in both wood and metal. Whether you’re looking to add some locally-created art to your home, or you’re looking to test your skills in glasswork, Silo Glass Studio is the place! 

 

 

Over 30 Years of Creativity

 

Today, the studio is spacious enough to showcase the 3D works of more than two dozen artists, but way back in 1985, the studio founded by Ralph and Jean Petley was much smaller. It specialized in stained glass and for a few years even sold antiques. Chester John and Elissa Beach would eventually buy it in 2014 and with that purchase came a complete overhaul of the space.

 

The old studio was torn down and a new studio was built with upgrades to the property such as a koi pond and two waterfalls outside. The new Silo Glass was also able to expand in size, adding more than 2,000 square feet – making it the largest glass studio in Central Texas. 

 

Not only is the larger studio able to accommodate more visitors, but it allows its artists to spread out and create some incredible works of art. 

 

The Showroom and Exhibits

 

To simply describe the pieces here as “beautiful” or to try to put them into a one-size-fits-all category wouldn’t do them justice. Some pieces are realistic and look like they could come to life, while others are more abstract and serve as an interesting focal point to add to any room. The studio has some pieces that are only for display, but if you’re on the hunt for a glass piece to add to your home or business, some pieces are available to purchase. 

 

Many of the artists also work with customers on specially commissioned products that can bring a truly unique and customized touch to your office space or home. Ranging from small to big and bold, each piece of art is a one-of-a-kind creation that you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Classes

 

One of our favorite things about Silo Glass Studio is that it’s not just a place to admire the works of local artists, but it offers visitors a chance to get in touch with their inner artists. 

 

The studio offers a range of classes focused on a variety of projects for both beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. In one of the two-hour beginner classes, for example, participants will learn to make a glass coaster dish. More advanced and intermediate classes focus on skills such as fusing and open-faced casting that can be used in jewelry making and creating hand-crafted ornaments. 

 

Whether you want to embrace your artistic spirit, shop for a special gift, or simply check out some local art, a visit to Silo Glass Studio is an opportunity to see some of the area’s most talented artists at work. 

 

Silo Glass Studio in nearby San Marcos is one of the many places that make for a fun afternoon day trip for Kyle residents. To learn more about Kyle and finding a home here, contact the Crosswinds team. 

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Area Attractions

Take a Day Trip to Lockhart, TX

Photo by Aleksomber: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Lockhart_W_San_Antonio_Street.jpg

There’s no shortage of awesome places and communities to explore in Central Texas, many of them less than an hour from Kyle. Just a half hour’s drive from Kyle, you’ll find Lockhart, a town of around 14,000 people that makes for a perfect day trip. 

 

If you’re looking for an easy out-of-town adventure, here are a few reasons Lockhart might just be the ideal destination. 

 

Byrd Lockhart – A Man with a Vision

 

Lockhart is named after Byrd Lockhart, a land surveyor who built the town’s first roads back in the 1830s. The area was soon developed for growing cotton, and according to city records, a strain of cotton developed in Lockhart is still used today. 

 

In the 20th century, Lockhart played a role in Texas’ development of the oil industry. And while Lockhart is still a small Texas town, it offers much of the same natural beauty today. 

 

One of the best ways to enjoy that natural beauty is with a visit to Lockhart State Park. Adults can enjoy a full day at the park for just $3 and children under 12 are free. The park has miles of hiking trails as well as a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, and camping sites should you decide to stay the night and do a little stargazing. 

 

Guests can also check out the park’s calendar for a variety of events ranging from ancient spear-throwing lessons to moonlight hikes and nature talks. 

 

Chow Down in the BBQ Capital of Texas

 

After a round of golf or a hike at Lockhart State Park, you’re bound to have an appetite. Luckily, Lockhart happens to be the barbecue capital of Texas, and boy do they mean it! Just about every restaurant in town has some sort of barbecue plate on the menu, but if you want a bite of history with your lunch or dinner, we suggest hitting up Kreuz Market. 

 

The restaurant has had its hand in the barbecue biz since 1875 and while it’s certainly seen its share of pitmasters since then, it continues to offer some of the best brisket, smoked sausage, and pork ribs in the state. The restaurant also has live music on the weekends, and if you can’t resist sharing with your out-of-state friends what they’re missing, Kreuz Market does ship its meat. 

 

While there’s no wrong time to eat barbecue in Lockhart, one of the best weekends to do so is arguably in November during Texas Monthly’s BBQ Fest (Nov 5-6 2022). There will be 47 barbecue vendors cooking up a smorgasbord of mouthwatering food at this year’s event. 

 

Got the Time?

 

Consider dropping into the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches before heading out of town. It’s open Friday through Sunday, but this quirky museum is worth a visit. As you might expect from the title, it’s all about the history of clocks and watches from the tiny to the giant grandfather clock. 

 

Along with most cities surrounding Austin, Lockhart is booming with economic growth. Several large companies have recently announced plans to expand or build in the area, bringing jobs, retail, and more growth to Caldwell County. As it grows, Lockhart will continue to be a great day trip destination for residents of Kyle, and it’s located only 17 miles away!

 

Nothing caps off a fun day trip like coming back to a home you love. With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why residents love Crosswinds, a master-planned community in Kyle. If you’d like to explore finding a home here, contact us today. 

Photo by Aleksomber.  

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