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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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Area Attractions

Take a Day Trip to Lockhart, TX

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.