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.