Hi, we have lived in Houston for a long time, but usually do most of our traveling outside the state. Can you recommend fun things to do in the Hill Country or similar areas? Have been to San Antonio, of course Galveston and Corpus. Any Texas suggestions would help. We have a week the first of June.

How 'bout New Braunfels? You could go tubing on the river, experience some German culture, and even day trip to nearby areas.

When I lived in Houston, we would go camping on River Road every year and do day trips to Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio. There is also the Schliterbaughn (sp?) water park in New Braunfels.

Another idea is to go to traveltex.com (I think that's the site) and request their free Texas guide. It's quite large and has TONS of ideas and info for Texas travel. My husband likes to read thru it to plan side trips for when we visit Houston.

Good luck!

Austin and the Hill Country is a great area to visit! If you want a lot of fun, stay in Bed & Breakfasts in the Hill Country. There are SO many neat ones to choose from! If you like antiques and shopping, each little town has lots of shops downtown. There are also lots of good golf courses, and pletny of state parks and lakes.

Also, Padre Island and far south Texas can be a good getaway. I'd recommend flying on SWA since the drive from Houston can be LOOONG and boring.

Fredricksburg is a nice little German town. Lots of cute little shops. Also has a WWII museum--Adm. Nimitz was from Fredricksburg.

I do agree with the suggestion about tubing if you are there in the summer.

If you are into history, do not miss the LBJ Library in Austin and his birthplace and the infamous ranch. All these sites are within easy distance from Austin or anywhere you would stay in The Hill Country.

What about Big Bend National Park? We were there last spring when the cactus were blooming. I wish the smog hadn't been so bad because I'm sure the place is beautiful without it.

Utahtea