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Man, even I am tired of lamenting these stories of showing my friend around Texas. It's time - the finale of the series!
Day 6
We're still in the Texas Hill Country y'all!
(For an overview of our first day in the Hill Country, click here.)
On Saturday during our grand tour of Texas, with both my Belgian friend Isabelle and local friend Sara in tow, we were staying on Lake Travis at the Lakeway Resort and Spa. While I love many things about this resort and it's competitively priced, their spa is a different matter altogether. Luckily, through some research I stumbled across Spa at the Lake, which was nearby and on the resort's shuttle route. As we boarded the Lakeway bus, the sweet old gentleman driver even said he would stop at a little bakery for us to grab some breakfast on the way. Perfect!
Isabelle and I were scheduled back to back for facials, while our
friend Sara decided to sit this one out and relax at the resort. At Spa at the Lake, our technician was Anna, and we had each booked the European facial. This was probably only the second facial I have had in my life, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was relaxing, and my face felt totally clean and toned afterwards. Anna was extremely interesting, and I found myself drawn to her story of how her family came to American from Poland. After my treatment, it was Isabelle's turn, and I decided to wait on their beautiful back deck and read while I waited for Isabelle. The deck is one of the nicest things about Spa the Lake. There's an area in the sun, where you can catch some rays in a lounge chair, and there's also a large shaded portion with picnic tables. The spa backs up to a golf course, and occasionally you'll see a foursome come along in a golf cart. Ahh..relaxation with no children screaming or people needing something from you.
Nice view from the deck at Spa at the Lake
After spa treatments, we went back to the resort for some pool time. Lakeway has a great pool area, with an adults only pool, a hot tub and a separate pool with a slide for families. The also have pool service including food and drinks. It was a perfect day, surprisingly warm even though it was just a few days into May. I could have stayed there for hours, but my companions are not sun worshipers like I am! (Sorry, no swimsuit photos!)
The famous Sixth Street in Austin
For the evening, we had planned to drive into downtown Austin and hit Sixth Street for the Pecan Street Festival. I had heard this was a huge arts and crafts festival, and we were really looking forward to it. But because of our already full day, we didn't make it downtown until about 7:00 PM. And boy were we surprised at the people who were checking out the arts and crafts! My assumption now (in hindsight) is the true arts and craft seekers hit this festival during the day, and the crazies come out at night. The festival-goers at this time of night were... downright scary. Let's just say they were probably hitting Sixth Street for the biker bars and not for the handmade soaps. Speaking of soaps, that's all we bought as we took a look around and decided it probably wasn't safe to remain after dark. So we hit the road again, looking for a place to eat.
Some of the not-so-scary patrons at the Pecan Street Festival
For Saturday night's dinner, I have to admit, I neglected to research. We were literally driving down the street looking up restaurants we passed on the TripAdvisor app. Then, we saw Second Bar & Kitchen and honestly, their signage drew me in. (Hey, I'm an advertising gal so I notice that stuff!). After some quick research on the phone, we decided to give it a try. Upon walking in the door, we were told there would be an hour wait (OMG). But, after sitting down at the bar next door, suddenly our table was ready. (Perhaps the fictitious wait was just for an exclusivity feel?) We were seated on the outdoor upper patio, which by this time provided a really nice evening view of downtown Austin. Seated to our right was a huge table full of girls who were obviously kicking off a bachelorette party, and to our left were two older couples enjoying a double date night. I thought to myself at the time, "Ok, so people of all ages enjoy this restaurant. Good." The three of us shared an appetizer and two pizzas. It was all excellent. I wish I remembered exactly what we had, but I'm pretty sure they've updated the menu since then anyway. I totally recommend this place, so when you're in Austin be sure to check it out! (And sit on the patio!)
The next morning, as fun as it all was, it was time to load up and head back to Dallas. We made one stop on the way home in West, Texas. You may remember West as the little town where the huge chemical plant explosion recently happened. Well, we wanted to give West a little support, and what better way than to stop in at one of THE most famous kolache bakeries in the world? (Ok, maybe not in the world but definitely in Texas!) Everything they sell is yummy. So just do it people. And get the jalapeno cheese biscuits too.
Best kolaches ever right here in West, Texas
What a fun girls adventure we had in the Texas Hill Country! There is SO much to see and do in that beautiful part of our great state. I want to go back with hubby for a couple's weekend very soon. In fact, I think our alma mater has a football game in San Marcos this year. Hmmm....I sense another trip coming on!
