A Road Trip Is The Best Way To See All The Hidden Gems This Southern State Has To Offer
With spring officially in full bloom, there's no better way to welcome the warm breeze than road-tripping through Texas. The perfect Texas road trip weaves in and out of charming, vintage towns and through the untamed wilderness of this state's natural parks. The long, winding trip from Brenham to Fredericksburg is flanked on either side by a scattered assortment of unique roadside attractions that will have you on the edge of your seat at every turn. Cutting through the backcountry between the vibrant urban city centers of San Antonio and Austin, Texas, this nearly five-hour road trip showcases some of the best of this southern state. From stunning natural pools and live music venues to local foodie favorites, you're in for a wild ride along this Central Texas road trip.
Spring is consistently named the favorite time of year for a trip to Texas. Known for its dramatic climate conditions and hot, humid summers, March and April provide the most ideal temperatures for basking in the comfortable warmth of this southern state. A visit in spring also means you're guaranteed to catch a glimpse of wildflower fields — a picturesque sight to relieve the never-ending miles that loom ahead in front of you. Stretching 237 miles, this route can be completed as a day trip if you find yourself in a hurry. However, it's highly recommended to spend at least a few days taking in the sights, sounds, and scents to receive the full experience of Texan lifestyle.
Brenham to Round Top
Beginning in Brenham, located 72 miles outside Houston, this road trip starts strong with an indulgent sweet treat travelers won't be able to resist. Blue Bell Creameries is a local Texas favorite when it comes to ice cream, and this adorable parlor received its moniker from the state's springtime bluebell wildflowers. According to Southern Living Magazine, strawberry cheesecake, peachy peach, and southern blackberry cobbler are among the top-rated seasonal flavors this creamery sells. Nestled in the historic downtown district of Brenham, Book Nook is this town's largest (and only) little bookstore. Selling new and used books, it's worth spending at least a good chunk of time perusing the aisles, with an oat milk latte in hand from their next-door neighbor, Mescalito Coffee.
Continuing west on Highway 237, head toward Round Top, Texas, an antique-loving town known for its obsession with vintage finds. Round Top even holds an annual Original Round Top Antiques Fair every spring. This vibrant market features a unique spread of antique gems foraged from all across the globe. You can't leave town without grabbing a pie for the road from Royers Pie Haven on Henkel Square. This cottage-style pie house bakes all its pies from scratch, resulting in a heavenly sweet-smelling sanctuary. They even have an outdoor terrace adorned with festoon lighting and rustic patio seating. Guests are invited to indulge in the warm southern sunlight with their chilled cup of coffee and a piece (or two) of pie.
Round Top to Fredericksburg
It wouldn't be a classic Texas road trip without some old-fashioned Southern Texas BBQ. Nearly 80 miles west of Round Top in Lockhart, Texas, Kreuz Market delivers perfectly smoked, seasoned-to-perfection quality meats. The iconic road-tripping landmark capitalizes on this southern specialty in a cafeteria-like setting. Live music accompanies diners as they sample their way through Kreuz Market's beef, pork, sausage, and poultry offerings. With all the proper fixin's to elevate your plate, you won't set out on the road hungry after a visit to this local market.
Just as ingrained into Texan culture, locals eat, sleep, and breathe live music entertainment. Continuing west and situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country on the Guadalupe River, Whitewater Amphitheater is an iconic outdoor live music venue in New Braunfels, Texas. Hosting some of country music's hottest star names, like Miranda Lambert and Bailey Zimmerman, be sure to check the show schedule to secure your tickets beforehand.
Heading north, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic natural swimming hole, fed by a breathtaking 50-foot waterfall that receives its freshwater supply from the Pedernales River and Hamilton Creek — the perfect resting point to cool off in the refreshing water. Finally, the road trip ends further west in Fredericksburg. What better way to cap off a Texas road trip than in the wildflower fields of Wildseed Farms? This 200-acre property is the nation's largest working flower field farm, situated in the heart of a migratory butterfly path — a peaceful conclusion to a well-traveled road trip.