With so much to do in Austin, it is easy to overlook what lies outside this dynamic city.  But to the west of Austin lies a vast region of broken escarpments and valleys known as the Hill Country or Edwards Plateau that can make for an enchanting Texas excursion. 

One of the first noteworthy things to encounter on a trip into the Hill Country is Lake Travis.  This large impoundment of the Colorado River has a very picturesque appearance with its aquamarine color and limestone bluff surroundings.  One good way to see Lake Travis is to take FM 2769 (off of FM 620) to Volente, but be prepared for a little hair-raising mountain driving!  There is a dining landmark up here called the Oasis that repeatedly gets raves for its sunset views.  Besides the restaurant, numerous parks along the lake such as Mansfield Dam and Pace Bend offer some rather exquisite swimming and boating recreation.

After checking out Lake Travis, a good way to continue your exploration of the Hill Country is along scenic FM 1620.  This will bring you past Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Region, a habitat for the endangered golden cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo.  FM 1620 winds around juniper-covered hills and pastoral settings.  Continuing west  beyond Marble Falls, you encroach upon another  picturesque and recreationally charged area known as Inks Lake State Park.  Inks Lake, like so many bodies of water emerging from the Edwards Aquifer, is incredibly clear.  Yet another Hill Country lake, and a big one at that, in the vicinity worth visiting is Lake Buchanan.

Down highway 29 a piece is a town called, Llano, which fames itself as being "The Deer Capital of Texas."  Doubtless, your chances of coming across some deer in this region are pretty good.  In fact, some communities such as Sunrise Beach and Horseshoe Bay to the southeast of Llano almost seem to be blanketed by the little beasties. Llano is also highly regarded for its barbeque.  One eatery in particular, Cooper's, has made itself widely known, and may be worth a try if you don't mind spending a fair amount.  While in Llano,  you can also stop at the park along the Llano River for an engaging a view of an iron trestle bridge crossing the river.

To the south of Llano, more delights are in store for the outdoor enthusiast.  Before you even arrive, you will likely visualize the large dome of rock that makes up the key component of Enchanted Rock State Recreation Area.  What is so exciting about this attraction, besides just the fact that there is a huge rock sticking up out of the earth, is that you can climb to the top of this mound for some unimpeded 360 degree views of the surrounding environs. 

Continuing south on highway 16, you will soon find yourself approaching the fine community of Fredericksburg. You could probably find enough diversions alone here to keep you busy for a day, but the defining feature of Fredericksburg is its German heritage. From Oktoberfests to schnitzels to Bavarian architecture, this place seems to exude all things German. Some other noteable entities worth checking out here include the Admirial Nimitz State Historic Site, which has become quite a center for history on engagements in the Pacific theater during World War II; gardens showcasing herbs, wildflowers, and butterflies; wineries; and some kitschy museums about pioneers and the Old West.

From here, you could begin a homeward course back to Austin on highway 290 that would take you past many more engaging if not exhilirating points of interest. For starters, a stop in Luckenbach would allow a firsthand glimpse of this very significant place in the heritage of country western music. Returning to highway 290 near Stonewall, you will find yourself in the heart of Texas' peach country. Also here is the tribute to former President LBJ at the LBJ National Historical Park, with recreations and dioramas of this historical figure's life in Texas and beyond. Nearby Johnson City is the home to a wild animal park, and not far to the south you will find the pristine waters of the Blanco River preserved in a state park in the comely town of Blanco. But for the sake of time, you could just continue to head east on FM 2766 to Pedernales State Park and enjoy a stimulating hike along the Wolf Mountain Trail that skirts Twin Falls.

If you continue travelling east on FM 2766 (which becomes Fitzhugh Road), then north on FM 12, and finally west on Hamilton Pool Road, you will be in store for perhaps the most aesthetic points of interest of all along this meaty Texas excursion. Out here lies Hamilton Pool and Westcave Reserves, places that will likely open your eyes a little. Here, the effect of erosion on the limestone in both places has created a breathtaking backdrop of alcoves, pools, and balconies draped in uncommonly lush vegetation.

It is not easy to appreciate how something could surpass this array of highlights heading east of Fredericksburg, but be assured that you could find quite a contention of robust delights further south of Fredericksburg such as Garner and Lost Maples State Parks, the "cowboy" town of Bandera, and Lake Medina as well. Unfortunately (or fortunately maybe, depending on how you look at it), there is probably too much to see in this area for the time-constrained tourist. However, any diversion into the Texas Hill Country is likely to leave you with unique memories not soon to be forgotten.