Texas Road Trip Stops On the Way to Austin

Buc-ee’s — This is the quintessential stop on any Texas road trip. Buc-cee’s has several stops throughout the state, plus the best (“World’s Cleanest”) restrooms, food for every appetite (the ever-popular Beaver Nuggets, sandwiches, barbecue, a huge snack and candy selection) and Texas memorabilia. Need to fuel up near Dallas? Do it at the Buc-ee’s just south of Denton — and clean your car, while you’re at it.

Magnolia Market & Silos Baking Co. — Two city blocks are dedicated to this world-famous market owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame. Make this stop not only to experience the market and garden, but also to enjoy the bakery featuring Joanna’s handcrafted recipes. Seasonal cupcake flavors come and go, while Magnolia’s classic versions include the Silobration (vanilla cake and chocolate buttercream icing with sprinkles) and Lemon Lavender (simply divine).

Round Rock Donuts — World-famous handmade donuts since 1926, these signature orange-yellow donuts are perfect to start (or end) a road trip with. Texas-sized donuts and assorted varieties are on the menu, while glazed donuts are served warm all day. Kolaches come plain (and delicious), with cheese or with jalapeño and cheese.

Weikel’s Bakery — On your way to Houston via 71, pop in at Weikel’s Bakery in La Grange. They’re famous for Texas-size kolaches; try the blueberry, chocolate cream, cottage cheese or poppyseed. Need more sustenance for the road? Order a breakfast taco or sandwich before 10:30 AM or a sandwich, soup or salad after. And by all means, grab a treat or two for the trip while refueling at their gas station.

Blue Bell Creamery — Right off U.S. Highway 290 in Brenham, Texas, the original Blue Bell factory has been a staple for over 100 years. Visit the Ice Cream Parlor and Country Store to take a break on a road trip and grab a scoop (or two — who’s counting?). The biggest challenge? Deciding which flavors try this visit.

Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company — Drive east on Highway 71 and you’ll come across Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift company. You know it’s special when you see Ms. Pearl, the largest squirrel statue in the world, outside the store. Pecan pies, oil and treats, seasonal fruits, candy, coffee, souvenirs — it’s a country store with Texas essentials all in one place. You can even purchase a pecan tree. In a hurry and need a pecan pie? Choose one from the one-of-a-kind pie vending machine.

Natural Bridge Caverns — Between New Braunfels and San Antonio are the Natural Bridge Caverns, discovered by college students in 1960. This is a refreshing stop in the heat of Texas summer, as the cavern temperature hovers around 70?. See the 60-foot natural limestone bridge, Emerald Lake and the rooms of the Castle of the White Giants. More adventure awaits on the surface, with several Twisted Trails challenges, a 5,000-square-foot maze, a gem and fossil mining opportunity and (yes!) food and refreshments.

Spoetzl Brewery — South of Interstate 10 between San Antonio and Houston is the little town of Shiner, Texas. Spoetzl Brewery has been brewing Shiner Beer here for over 100 years. A $10 tour is available Monday through Saturday for the whole family; ages 10 and under are free. It includes interactive experiences, multimedia exhibits and a honky-tonk bar — plus a complimentary cold one (age-appropriate, of course) and a parting gift.

Krause Springs — Less than an hour northwest of Archer Hotel Austin in Spicewood, Krause Springs is a beautiful camping and swimming site. It has 32 springs that flow constantly, around 68? F, several of which feed the manmade and natural pools. Take your own sustenance, but please no glass containers. Listed on the National Registry of Historical Sites, it’s a great destination for a road trip or a midway overnight camping spot on your way to another Texas adventure.

Blue Bonnet Café — Since 1929, the storied Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls has served breakfast all day and a variety of “pies with Texas pride.” Down-home daily and house specials, made-from-scratch soup, salads, sandwiches, burgers and Mexican food round out the menu. Don’t forget a slice (or a whole pie to enjoy later on down the road). And pick up your new-favorite cookbook, a new T-shirt or a classic coffee mug.