About 20 miles north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, a huge pinkish rock protrudes up out of the earth that magically draws visitors to it. Enchanted Rock is a Texas state natural area on more than 1600 acres along the Big Sandy. The rock itself covers 640 acres and rises 425 feet above the surrounding topography. At about a billion years old, it’s one of the oldest exposed rocks on the continent.

Enchanted Rock is a mecca for rock climbers with more than 45 established climbing routes and a 1000 foot long fissure to keep things really interesting. Mountain biking, hiking and picnicking are popular activities and the variety of birds and other wildlife attracts nature lovers by the droves. Spring is particularly stunning, with fields of wildflowers as far as the eye can see. If you’re visiting Central Texas, spend a hour or a day at Enchanted Rock and become enchanted, too.

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Those of us from the more normally sized states have a hard time envisioning the true proportions of Texas. No matter how you try to cross it, it’s an enormously long drive and you can sometimes see the sun rise and set and rise again before you finally get where you’re going. The only way to digest the Lone Star State is in small chunks and one of the tastiest portions is Texas Hill Country.

Just a bit south of the dead center of Texas, this region is dotted with rugged hills, limestone caverns, clear streams, lush orchards and vineyards and stunning fields of bluebonnets. Hill Country’s a cool, welcoming place for a shoulder season Texas family vacation. Here are a few recommendations for kid friendly activities in Central Texas that adults will enjoy, too:

The Bertram Flyer is an historic train that runs 3 hour excursions into the Hill Country on weekends. It’s a cool way to see the country side and you can pack your own picnic for the ride. Holiday tours are available to make Halloween and Christmas extra special for children.

Colorado River Canyon Cruises take you on a two hour ride among the cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife. Take either a scenic dinner or lunch tour and, in the winter and early spring, you’ll see eagles, too.

Longhorn Cavern State Park - there’s no better place to be on those hundred plus degree Texas days than deep in a cool, dark cavern. This one has the expected crystal formations and weird rocks, but it also has an interesting history as a shelter for Native Americans, a hideout for outlaws and a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War.

By Nancy Kinley

Who says that you can go to the beaches only during summer? At Galveston, with its semi-tropical climate, visitors enjoy year-round coastal bliss. Located 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston is an island in the Gulf of Mexico that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, beaches, as well as city ambiance.

On the north end of the island, the restored Victorian Strand district, resort hotels, and beachfront businesses provide a busy, commercial ambiance. If, however, you are seeking solitude and open beach access, then head south where you will find long stretches of private and rental residences.

There are several activity options that will keep you entertained in Galveston. You can shop to your heart’s content, or visit any of the several delightful locations. If architecture and art fascinates you, then structures such as the Bishop’s Palace, the Ashton Villa, the Galveston County Historical Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum and the Moody Mansion are places you might want to include in your agenda. If you are an ocean lover, then Elissa and the Ocean Star may interest you. And if you enjoy spending time in parks, then do visit the Moody Gardens and the Stewart Beach Park. If you want to simply soak in the sun and spend time on the beach, then you can swim, sunbathe, and relax all day.

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