Travisso’s convenient North Lake Travis location is more beautiful than you ever imagined and closer than you think to a multitude of fall day-trips perfect for the entire family or a girl’s day out. Exploring the splendor and views of the Texas Hill Country doesn’t have to be a weekend affair when your starting point is your Travisso backdoor. Within just minutes from the Travisso community you’ll discover a treasure trove of recreational possibilities, delicious wineries, festivals, eateries, and open space just a short drive from your home.
Here’s five destinations to explore this fall.
- Frost – A Gelato Shoppe: At Frost, located in the confines of the Hill Country Galleria, it’s all about gelato, an Italian-rooted confectionary similar to ice cream with a few minor differences—it’s made with milk and is churned less than a typical ice cream giving it a light and airy consistency. Yes, it’s fall, but in Austin, this
Italian-inspired shoppe is serving up over 54 creamy flavors and yummy coffees perfect for the area’s semi-tempered fall chill. The menu includes fall favorites such as Cinnamon Apple Pie, Alpencaramel, Eggnog, Cappuccino, Espresso, Pumpkin, Roasted Almond, and more. An array of coffees, lattes, hot and iced gelattes, expresso, and hot chocolate rounds out the drink menu. Or, try an affogato, this coffee-based dessert is made with a scoop of vanilla gelato then “drowned” with a shot of hot espresso. For a tasty affogato variation try drowning your gelato with amaretto, also available at Frost. - Flat Creek Estate Winery and Vineyard: Whether you are with a group of friends tasting the latest vintages or out for a romantic dinner with your significant other Flat Creek Estate Winery and Vineyard is a Texas Hill Country destination. It is just a quick 25 minute drive down FM 1431 to Marble Falls. The draw here is wining and dining along with beautiful background views of the Hill Country. The vineyard offers a multitude of activities including educational wine tastings, wine walks, live music, dinner, and fabulous wines. Before you head home, don’t forget to pick up a few bottles of reds or whites to compliment your Thanksgiving holiday dinner or Christmas get together with friends. The vineyard also offers two restaurants—bistro dining at the Vineyard Estate and causal fare at Enoteca, an urban wine bar located on U.S. Highway 281.
- Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge: For a peaceful respite from everyday life visit Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. This nature nirvana located in Marble Falls sits on 27,500 acres of the Edwards Plateau of Central and West Texas. Originally, it was established in 1991 to preserve the breeding habitat of two endangered songbirds—the golden-cheeked warbler and black capped vireo. Today, in addition to bird watching, visitors can take advantage of its hiking trails, wildlife photography opportunities, special events, and environmental educational seminars offered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Take a guided nature walk, attend a workshop, or participate in one of the many festivals. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is a 12-mile car drive from Travisso on FM 1431 and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The refuge itself is open for visitors seven days a week from sunrise to sunset and is free.
- Austin Steam Train Association Pumpkin Express: All aboard the Pumpkin Express. This annual fall tradition is sponsored by the Austin Steam Train Association. The approximate three-hour round trip excursion travels to the small town of Betram for pumpkin picking, a chat with farmer Brown, a tour of the organization’s 1912 historic train depot, and apple cider sipping. This year’s trips are scheduled to leave October 16 and 23 at 11 a.m. Best of all you can reach the depot located in Cedar Park in less than 15 minutes from Travisso. Pricing and additional information is available on their website.
- Oktoberfests: Celebrate Texas’ German heritage with one of the many Oktoberfests in the Austin area or slightly beyond. In October there’s no better place to lift your stein filled with a cold one than the many festivals of the Texas Hill Country. From Fredricksburg to Llano to Johnson City to Lampasas, craft beers, oompah bands, lederhosen, and sausages take center stage. Oktoberfest season officially starts in September and runs through the end of October so you’ll have plenty of time to explore and map your course for some of the finest German festivals of the Hill Country. Check out a list of area Okotberfests on do512.com.
Wherever your fall destination takes you, remember Travisso is just a short distance home from all your day-tripping adventures. Travisso, Italian inspired. Hill Country made.
