For all the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country, some of the best attractions in the area are quite unnatural.
From an oasis of large-mouth bass to one of fine dining, from fields of miraculous wildflowers to some of the finest bed and breakfasts of the Lone Star State, it doesn’t get much better than the Highland Lakes in late spring and early summer.
“The Highland Lakes area is a special part of the scenic Texas Hill Country,” says Brad Smyth, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Office of Economic Development and Tourism in Texas. “It attracts families, couples and friends looking to enjoy outdoor activities in a unique and beautiful Texas setting.”
He adds that while boating, water skiing and jet skiing immediately come to mind as activities to pursue for a weekend on the lake, in this region people also can expect to enjoy resorts, festivals, golf, ranches, regional food, wineries and communing with nature.

Lay of the Land
Jim Leavell of HillCountryVisitor.com describes the six lakes that make up the Highland Lakes as “distinct water playgrounds.” The key word for all the lakes is indeed play, yet each lake has its own variation on the vibe, he notes.  
A favorite of fishermen, the clear water and rose-quartz-granite scenery of Lake Buchanan (a 16-mile expanse) is also a place to partake of water sports, swimming, sailing, boating and skiing.
Inks Lake, Buchanan’s sister lake, is considered a cozy, quiet enclave for camping and canoeing.
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, where boating and family water sports abound, provides excellent condos, cottages and other facilities for a taste of “aquatic” ranch life.
Like to drag race boats? It doesn’t get better than the narrow, calm waters of Lake Marble Falls.
More than 60 miles of water encompass Lake Travis, home of marinas, eateries, luxury homes, and plenty of parties.
Lake Austin, a slow-paced valley packed with scenery, is a great place for jogging and rowing.
Although not considered one of the Highland Lakes, Lady Bird Lake (also known as Town Lake) is a great place for hiking, biking and canoeing. It runs six miles from South Austin to the downtown of our state’s capitol.

Of Eagles and Wildflowers
A Hill Country native may know about Enchanted Rock and the bats under the Congress Bridge at Lady Bird Lake, but each location also holds its own hidden treasures.
Eaglets hatch annually at the Eagle Eye Observatory, 15 miles west of Lake Buchanan, which also features golf and the award-winning Lost Creek Vineyard, says Ann Drain, board member of the Lake Buchanan-Inks Chamber of Commerce.” Of course, our wildflowers are absolutely the most beautiful you’ll find anywhere,” she adds.
Tom Hall, of Sunshine Machine boat tours at Town Lake, describes weekdays as relaxing and weekends bustling at Emma Long Metropolitan Park, where water skiers, jet skiers and wake boarders thrive.
Other Activities*:  Hill Country Train Ride (Cedar Park to Burnet); Denny Ranch 2 (Burnet); July 4 fireworks (Kingsland); arts and crafts (Kingsland/Marble Falls); Longhorn Caverns (Lake LBJ); tour of LBJ’s childhood home (Johnson City); Austin Road Riders’ Hill Country Tour (Burnet, Memorial Day weekend); shopping; antiquing; museums; and the LlanoWalking Tour
 
Gone Fishin’
Guide Ken Milam has been running his fishing boat tours for more than 29 years. When he’s not running to Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que for a quick bite, he’s looking for largemouth bass to bite in Lake Buchanan, also home to strappers, hybrids and catfish.
“We have a white bass run like nowhere else,” he says. “It’s an awfully good lake for black bass and crappie. We also have a great variety of jigs and, of course, minnows.” Visitors include “people who have been fishing all their life to people who have been fishing for the first time. Looks like we’re going to have a great season for the next couple of years.”
Drain adds that resorts, cabins, vacation home rentals and camping at the renowned Inks Lake State Park are available for fishermen at rest. “Because of the enormity of our lake, water sports enthusiasts love it here because the lake never seems crowded. There are several breathtaking waterfalls at the north end of the lake, seen only by boat.”

Leave the Laptop at Home
From luxurious resorts to eclectic B&Bs, there is no shortage of places to stretch out and zone out in the Highland Lakes.
Yoga, cooking classes and the ultimate spa treatment are some of the perks you can find at Lake Austin Spa Resort, in addition to the usual lake activities. The resort serves three healthy meals daily, and an average stay lasts three to seven days.
“Our guests are all ages and come from all around the country; one thing they all have in common is that they lead very busy lives,” says the resort’s Darlene Fiske. “They come to the spa to ‘stop’ and take time for themselves. The spa is very much like Austin itself; very friendly, welcoming, casual and comforting.”

Robin’s Nest on Lake Travis offers vistas among fragrant blooms and private swimming coves, as well as water sports and nearby shopping. The food and hospitality are the most heavily lauded features of this B&B, if the guest books are any indication.
Sometimes, life surprises Hill Country dwellers at this pet-friendly collection of romantic cottages. “I was enjoying morning coffee on the patio when a hummingbird got face-to-face with me and even got into my coffee. That hasn’t ever happened [to me] before,” said Robin’s Nest visitor Gail Blackwell of Austin.
Other B&Bs*: Southwind Log Cabin (Horseshoe Bay); Lago Vida (Kingsland); and Rainbow Hearth (Lake Buchanan)

Texas Hills, Texas Flavor
Fish, barbecue and Texas country classics await diners who visit the Hill Country Lakes, many eateries being the result of mom-and-pop entrepreneurs with a dream. Take Beau Theriot, for instance, who opened a small burger joint on Lake Travis in the early 1980s. Now considered the “sunset capital of Texas,” the fine dining establishment is a favorite among Austinites and visitors from near and far.
“Be sure to notice the marble hands with the fingers pointing skyward, which is the symbol for a ‘Texas Howdy,’” Theriot says of a sculpture at the entrance. “It was my goal to open a restaurant that was inviting and comfortable for everyone,” he adds, also mentioning the day and night waterfront views, gardens, and music five nights a week “rain or shine.”
For another take on Hill Country dining, top off a scenic drive among the wildflowers with the aptly named Bluebonnet Café. The down-home establishment is a favorite for neighbors and friends to shoot the breeze, and the staff has that Texas warmth we’re known for worldwide. From sandwiches to pot roast and daylong breakfasts, there’s something for everyone.
And don’t forget the best part…the pies. “If you like meringue, you’re in for a treat,” says Texas Christian University grad Emily Allen, a guest at the café while on a choir trip. “The music department secretary promised me they had amazing desserts and, sure enough, they have delicious pies.”
Other Restaurants*: Bluebonnet Café (Marble Falls): Russo’s Texitally Café (Marble Falls); Storms Restaurant (Burnet, Kingsland and Marble Falls); Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que (Llano); Granite Beach Grill (Horseshoe Bay); and Big John’s Barbeque and Steak House (Lake Buchanan)

Scenes From a Painting
Whatever you decided to do in the Highland Lakes, you’d be well advised to bring binoculars and cameras.
”The lake is populated by many different kinds of birds, including kingfishers, great blue herons, night herons, green herons, yellow-breasted cormorants, pied-billed grebes, American grebes, ospreys and red-tailed hawks,” Hall says.
“Off-the-beaten-path natural wonders include the waterfalls of Lake Buchanan, The Devil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake, Packsaddle Mountain viewed from Lake LBJ, lakeside dining and wildflower viewing at Marble Falls, and the tranquility of Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake,” offers Leavell.
“Scenic drives are essential,” adds Smyth. “A great way to experience this region is just to get out and explore it while enjoying the scenery. There are many great scenic drives in the Highland Lakes area and spring is a perfect time to enjoy them,” he says. ”One popular driving route is R.M. 1431. People should really take the time stop in the towns and attractions of the area to get to know its history, culture and local flavor.”

Time to Book It
Before you book your trip, be sure to make a few considerations, such as how everyone you’re taking along fits in the profiles of each lake. For example, placid wallflowers may not be fulfilled at the higher-paced lakes, and outgoing types may not appreciate the more quiet and secluded spots.
The good news is there’s a lake for every lifestyle. In addition, be aware of the timing of the trip; many lake natives recommend visitors visit during off-peak, middle-of-the-week times to get the full experience.
Fiske had a few more words of advice: “Leave your makeup and dress clothes at home. Come ready to relax and get inspired about living a healthier lifestyle.”
 *Recommendations courtesy of HighlandLakes.com.