First time to Austin-San Antonio area
 

My wife and I are planning a trip here around the 2nd week in January..we'll have about 7-10 days, and are wondering how to split our time between the 2 areas, places to stay etc. Enjoy history, scenery....not really into night life, but not opposed to a night or 2 listening to music, love a good barbque and tex mex. Any suggestions welcome, thanks! l

Based on your interests, I would consider adding a night or two in Fredericksburg if you will be in Texas for 10 days. There's great scenery at Enchanted Rock; the National Museum of the Pacific War is top-notch; and there's fun music at Rockbox on the weekends. Also, if you have an interest in 1960's history, you can visit the LBJ National Historic Site and the LBJ State Park between F'burg and Austin.

Great, thanks longhorn. I think I'll take you up on the F'burg suggestion. Approx how long does it take for the LBJ historic site and State Park?

The San ANtonio Missions National Historical Park
http://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin
http://www.thestoryoftexas.com

Spend a few hours in Gruene (pronounced "Green") between Austin and San Antonio
http://www.gruenetexas.com

Lots of BBQ in Lockhart, between Austin and San Antonio (although a little off the direct route)
See http://www.epicurious.com/articlesgu...-of-texas.html for reviews of some of the BBQ joins

Beatle, you will want to start your visit at the LBJ State Park in order to pick up the required driving pass for the LBJ National Historic Site. I would "guesstimate" that you could see the State Park exhibits in 1 hour or less. I would allow at least 2 - 3 hours to see the exhibits & films, do the self-drive tour and take the ranch house tour at the National Historic Site.

The following information should help you plan your visit:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-pa...ndon-b-johnson

http://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/visitlbjranch.htm

Thanks Cranachin....I'll be making a stop in Gruene...

Ok, great longhorn...I think 7-10 days will be a good amount of time without being rushed to see the San Antonio/Austin area...

If you like B&Bs, here is one I like in SA: http://www.ruckmanhaus.com/default.asp

I like to stroll the SA River Walk. A fav restaurant is http://www.biga.com/

In Austin, I like Ruby's BBQ (http://rubysbbq.com/) - not to be confused with Rudy's, a chain, that I avoid. Also to avoid, the Bill Miller chain.

If like me, you are interested in this kind of history, Austin has a Gutenberg Bible (http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/).

Note that I-35 connecting SA and the Capital is a very busy road and is frequently congested at peak traffic times. Use care and plan accordingly.

If you are really interested in LBJ, visit his presidential library in Austin as well.
http://www.lbjlibrary.org

Many thanks for the help! We're actually going to have 8 days. Thanks volcrew, will check out those links. Now working on an itinerary and places to stay..

Bookmarking. My wife and I have considered a winter getaway to that area as well.

Glad to hear that the National Museum of the Pacific War is considered top-notch. I made a donation of a WWII artifact to them a couple of years ago.

Nelson, since I am sure you will want to go to the National Museum of the Pacific War, I suggest you allow yourself a full day to see it if possible. My son, a military officer who majored in history in college, has been 3 times (for several hours each time) and tells me that he still hasn't seen all.

One more question.....We are going from Jan 7- Jan 15th, should I make reservations??..I'd like to just go and play it by ear, but will make reservations if necessary. Thanks!

And while you are in SA, check out the newly opened Briscoe Western Art museum www.briscoemuseum.org

That's not usually a busy time, Beatle, so reservations probably will not be difficult to obtain. Weather can be cool to cold so pack a few layers.

Thanks Seamus...Unless I see something I really like, I don't think I'll make reservations in advance.

Beatle, I would sign up for Groupon and/or Living Social for San Antonio. I see a lot of deals for lodging and there will probably be more in January, seeing as it's such a slow time here.

Thanks follow...I will check into those. Since I'll be landing in San Antonio, I may make reservations for lodging in SA, and then just wing it the rest of the way.

When in Fredericksburg, you should really stay in a B&B instead of a hotel. The reservation service I recommend is: http://www.fbglodging.com I have stayed in several of their properties, and I can recommend the Angel Inn as a great one for a couple's getaway. It's right on Main Street, so you cannot beat the location! I would not recommend just showing up without reservations. They do have a storefront with available properties for that night, but the best ones do book in advance.

If you like wine at all, Fredericksburg and the surrounding area is the nation's second largest wine destination. There are many nice wineries in the area! http://www.wineroad290.com

Thanks Christie....I think I will stay a night in F'burg, may stay 2 nights if required and will check out the Angel Inn. I've been looking at Riverwalk hotels in SA, 2 that seem interesting are the Drury Plaza Riverwalk and Drury Inn & Suites Riverwalk.

Wondering why no one recommended a visit to Lockhart, near Austin, for BBQ? I've not been to Texas in years, but am following this as I would like to re-visit in future..

http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98/vis...taloftexas.asp