stop and smell the bluebonnets

CNN Travel lauds the Hill Country as one of the best places to visit in the world

"Frequently overlooked" might be a stretch as the Hill Country keeps making these big lists.

A new report says that one of the best places to visit in the entire world is right here in Central Texas.

CNN Travel named the Texas Hill Country one of the best places to visit in the world in 2024. The region was included alongside 23 other destinations, including Greece, Morocco, Panama and Greenland.

CNN Travel said the intention of the report was to highlight "places that are still largely undiscovered, or alluring in the offseason, or frequently overlooked for their larger first cities or neighbors." It also includes locales that it says are "making it easier for tourists to visit and those that pay close attention to encouraging tourism that's sustainable."

The Central Texas area is one of only three destinations in the U.S. featured in the report. The others are northwest Michigan and Florida's freshwater springs.

In the report, CNN Travel cited the Hill Country's springs, trails, wineries, dance halls and more as reasons for globetrotters to make a stop. Below is the full entry on the region:

"In the heart of Texas, Hill Country boasts its own natural springs. One prime spot, Krause Springs in Spicewood, lures visitors with more than its spring-fed pool and natural swimming hole — there’s also a butterfly garden full of magical wind chimes. And the Blue Bonnet Cafe — home to some of the world’s most divine cream pies — is just a short drive away in Marble Falls. [...]

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

hill country kvue nature sustainability

DESTINATION DINNER

8 day trips with restaurant recs just a short drive from Austin

Burnt Bean Co./ Facebook

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As Austin sizzles this summer, escape the heat and embark on a flavor-filled field trip. We've handpicked eight delicious foodie destinations in or near Central Texas that promise local tastes and ice-cold air-conditioning. Pack your appetite, fill your gas tank, and hit the road to explore charming towns, scenic routes, and unforgettable culinary experiences just outside the city limits.

Castroville
This bedroom community west of San Antonio is home to hiking trails, a regional park, the chic Elsass district, antique shops, and rotating events marking holidays and history. A smoked brisket detour is mandatory before heading off to your next destination.
Distance from Austin: 100 miles
Best bets for dinner: Castroville BBQ Company, Sammy's Restaurant, La Colline, Julianna's Restaurant.
Best bets for drinks: The Elsass Wine Bar, The Rusty Rooster, Elevate on Fiorella.

Driftwood
This charming Texas town just outside Austin is best known for its world-famous barbecue spot, the Salt Lick BBQ, but there’s plenty to explore getting your fill of smoked meats. After enjoying a hearty feast, visitors can unwind at one of Driftwood's many wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Day trippers can walk off a hearty meal by taking a stroll through Charro Ranch Park, a 64-acre nature preserve.
Distance from Austin: 25 miles
Best bets for dinner: The Salt Lick BBQ, Whiskey Ridge, Trattoria Lisina.
Best bets for drinks: Duchman Family Winery, Desert Door Texas Sotol, Vista Brewing.

Enjoy light bites and award-winning beer at Driftwood's Vista Brewing.Vista Brewing/Facebook

Fredericksburg
Known for its summer peaches, this Hill Country hamlet is also a wine lover's paradise, sitting along the grape-lined Wine Road 290. The weekend hotspot also boasts charming wedding venues, German-inspired restaurants, and cozy, romantic boutique hotels. Make sure to shop Main Street, where visitors can snag Texas-chic clothing, one-of-a-kind home finds, and artisan candies.
Distance from Austin: 80 miles
Best bets for dinner: Nury's on Main, Junebug's Barbecue, Sunset Gril l, Otto's German Bistro.
Best bets for drinks: The Saloon, Chase's Place Cocktails, Brooke's Bubble Bar, and over 75 wineries.

Gruene
Technically part of New Braunfels, Gruene is another charming German-Texan town with its own identity. Packed with restaurants and bars within easy walking distance, it’s especially famous for its vibrant live music scene. Be sure to check out the new Pat Molak Wall at Gruene Hall before or after catching a show — the memorial honors the visionary behind the beloved Gruene we know today.
Distance from San Antonio: 45 miles
Best bets for dinner: Gruene River Gril l, Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, The Gruene Door, The Birdhouse.
Best bets for drinks: Gruene Hall, Goodwins Speakeasy, The Villa, Gruene Grove.

Commerce Cafe Lockhart Always order the biscuits at Lockhart's Commerce Cafe.Commerce Cafe/Facebook

Lockhart
This historic town square has cinematic appeal, having been used as a filming location for famous films like What's Eating Gilbert Grape. Today, it’s lined with shops selling hip vintage clothing and contemporary art. Home to the original Black's Barbecue, Lockhart is also an essential stop for barbecue history enthusiasts, with legendary spots like Kreuz Market and Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Que and upstarts like Barbs B Q.
Distance from Austin: 30 miles
Best bets for dinner: Little Trouble, Loop & Lil’s Pizza, Commerce Cafe.
Best bets for drinks: The Case Room, Old Pal Texas Tavern, The Pearl, Best Little Wine & Book Shop.

Marble Falls
Ideal for nature lovers and wine connoisseurs alike, Marble Falls' picturesque lakeside views and walkable downtown area act as a refreshing escape from the relentless Texas heat. Lake Marble Falls, just a short jaunt from downtown, is a hub of summer activities like boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.
Distance from Austin: 50 miles
Best bets for dinner: Adele's, Blue Bonnet Cafe, Agustino's Mexican Cafe, Ginger & Spice.
Best bets for drinks: Flat Creek Estate, Bear King Brewing Company, Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery.

Muck & Fuss combines craft beer with gourmet burgers. Muck & Fuss/Facebook

New Braunfels
With every chime of the bells in New Braunfels, another speakeasy seems to spring to life. Perfectly positioned between San Antonio and Austin, this vibrant town has carved out its own identity as a rising food and drink destination. Best of all, most of its gems are clustered near downtown. Plus, it's the home of Schlitterbahn water park, one of Texas’ most cherished summer destinations.
Distance from Austin: 50 miles
Best bets for dinner: Black's BBQ, Alpine Haus Restaurant, Muck & Fuss Craft Beer & Burgers
Best bets for drinks: Sidecar, Black Whale Pub, Pour Haus

Seguin
Home to Burnt Bean Co., Texas Monthly’s newly crowned top Texas barbecue spot, Seguin is well worth a day trip for the food alone. This family-friendly city also offers plenty of quirky appeal, from an old-school amusement park to a larger-than-life statue celebrating its claim to the world’s largest pecan. With a variety of restaurants, breweries, and bars, the town has something to keep everyone entertained all day long.
Distance from Austin: 50 miles
Best bets for dinner: The Brick Seguin, Schulze's Pit Room, Cactus Bloom Cocina, El Olvida Hacienda.
Best bets for drinks: The 1908, 1916 Bar & Bistro, Schultz Saloon, Johnny Pickles Distillery.

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