The Texas Hill Country is home to numerous colleges and universities, public and private, some with a wide variety of curricula, some with specific specialty courses.  Some are oriented toward associate degrees; while some offer bachelor’s degrees or higher; many also offer

TX Higher Education in the Hill Country

continuing education opportunities.  A great place to start researching the wide variety of higher education opportunities in close proximity is the Hill Country Portal.

Let’s look at a few of the most popular and convenient institutions for Belvedere residents:

University of Texas

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most respected research universities in the country, and it is an easy commute from Belvedere to the main campus.  With 17 colleges and schools, UT, as it’s known locally, awards degrees in over 170 fields of study.  Besides, being a “Longhorn” is well respected around here and across the globe.

Austin Community College

If an associate degree, foundation studies (getting ready for transition to a four-year university or college), lifelong learning, or specific courses to prepare for the workplace are your goal, Austin Community College (ACC) might be the best choice.  With eight campuses (and two more coming soon) and 11 centers, ACC offers a broad curriculum at reasonable tuition costs, especially for residents of eight Central Texas counties served by ACC.

St. Edward’s University

Known as one of the most socially responsible schools in the country, St. Edward’s emphasizes liberal arts and preparing undergraduates for lifelong learning.  Their graduate degree programs often involve faculty-led global study trips.

Concordia University

Just a short commute north on Ranch Road 620 sits the 389-acre campus of Concordia University.  Associated with the Lutheran Church, Concordia offers 21 undergraduate degree programs in four colleges.  They also offer master’s degrees in education and business administration.

Southwestern University

Located in Georgetown, less than an hour away is Southwestern University, a nationally-known liberal arts university and the oldest institution of higher learning in Texas.  Relatively small compared to our other local favorites, Southwestern prides itself on a rigorous academic environment where 1,300 students attend small classes taught by a faculty of teacher-scholars.

Texas State University

Texas State University’s main campus is in nearby San Marcos.  Students can attend classes in San Marcos, at least for their first two years and then they can opt to complete their junior and senior years either in San Marcos or at the relatively new Round Rock campus.  In its early days, Texas State was primarily a state teachers college, graduating none other than Lyndon Johnson, who later became President of the United States.  Texas State is a great alternative for those looking for a state-supported university.

Belvedere

All of these represent some of the best of Texas Higher Education while being convenient to Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road.  Belvedere is a community of custom homes on 1-3–acre sites featuring an 80-acre nature preserve, fishing pond, and lazy river pool.  This gated, upscale community offers a state of belonging and cheerful well-being.  Visit Belvedere’s website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest!

Nature Trail Activities

Nature trail activities can be a great way for kids to have fun while learning and discovering.  The Texas Hill Country offers an abundance of natural beauty year round.  It just makes sense to take advantage of the proximity to nature to get your kids off the couch, off the video games and into the great outdoors.

Turn off the TV and discover the world outside.  Take your children on a walk through nature, whether it is through your own neighborhood, one of the many county and state parks in the area, or a guided excursion along a trail.

There is a wide variety of flora and fauna to explore.  Fun can be had simply finding and identifying the leaves of trees and plants in the area.  Discovering fossils in the layers of limestone that line the canyons might be exciting to older children.  Taking a simple bird guide can make watching the birds—some of which might be endangered, such as the Golden Cheeked Warbler—into a game that is a fun nature trail activity.

Making the nature walk into age-appropriate games is a great way to avoid hearing the “are we there yet?” whine.  Younger kids might enjoy a scavenger hunt.  Give them a list of things to find, perhaps “find three things that are blue,” or have them find insects or butterflies.  The Appalachian Mountain Club has listed some great ideas that translate well to our Hill Country terrain.

Ultimately, the idea is to allow kids to explore their natural environment.  You will want to encourage the “discovery” process.  Lead the kids through the process, but allow them to pursue their own level of awareness of the nature around them.  As outdoor-nature-child.com outlines, games and challenges can lead the kids (and adults) to a better understanding and knowledge.

Nature walk activities can be fun as well as educational…much more so than sitting in front of the TV.

Belvedere

Belvedere has miles of nature trails throughout the 80-acre nature preserve.  Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road is ideal for families with children of all ages. Belvedere is a community of custom homes on 1-3–acre sites, featuring an 80-acre nature preserve, fishing pond, and lazy river pool.  This gated, upscale community offers a state of belonging and cheerful well-being.  Visit Belvedere’s website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest!

Renting a Boat in Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country lakes, rivers, streams and some beautiful natural springs are prime getaways for people throughout the Hill Country. Whether you want to fish, water ski, swim or just tube down one of one of the many rivers in the area, cooling off in the summer is just around the corner.

Highland Lakes

The crown jewels of the Texas Hill Country lakes are the “Highland Lakes,” a chain that follows the course of the Lower Colorado River starting with Lake Buchanan, through Inks Lake, and five other lakes ending up at Lady Bird Johnson Lake (formerly known as Town Lake) in downtown Austin.

Marinas, boat ramps, restaurants and fuel stations dot the lakes and make getting on the water available to all. If you have your own boat there are plenty of places to put in into the water. If you want to rent a boat for a day or longer, there plenty of options available. You can rent houseboats, ski boats, fishing boats, jet skis, canoes and kayaks. You can even take a ride that tours some of the coves and wildlife along the shores—there’s nothing like enjoying natural beauty while leaving the driving to someone else.

If you do not have your own boat, renting a boat is easy. The Lakes and Hills website lists several of the places you can find just the boat you need along the Highland Lakes.

Tubing

If floating down the river in an inner tube, kayak or raft is more to your liking, that’s available, too. One of the most popular rivers in the area is the Guadalupe River. The river, downstream from Canyon Dam, is usually a great place for tubing during the mid-summer months. In the spring, depending on the water releases from the dam, it might be more appropriate for shooting the rapids. Nonetheless, the Guadalupe and its neighbor, the spring-fed Comal River, are popular rivers for renting some tubes and cooling off for an afternoon. Before you go, read the checklist Lazy River Ride has on its website.

Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road

Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road is located 15 minutes from the 63-mile long Lake Travis, a popular destination summer resort for outdoor enthusiasts from around the state and the country. Belvedere is a community of custom homes on 1-3–acre sites featuring an 80-acre nature preserve, fishing pond, and lazy river pool. This gated, upscale Texas Hill Country community offers a state of belonging and cheerful well-being. Visit Belvedere’s website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest!

Outside Dining: Best Patio Restaurants

One of the coolest things about living in the Texas Hill Country is the combination of wonderful weather almost all year round and the wide variety of local restaurants offering outside dining.  Taking advantage of that synergism is one of the appeals of living here.

When we visit other areas of the state and country, it seems chain restaurants have taken over feeding Americans.  Not true when eating around Austin and the Hill Country.  Around here we have some of the best locally owned and operated restaurants in the country.  The food is great and many of them offer patio dining that you just have to experience.  And what an experience it can be.

Let’s look at a few of our favorites.

The Salt Lick BBQ

Let’s start with a Texas Hill Country BBQ legend, The Salt Lick.  Walking in the door of this famous restaurant, you know you have arrived at a barbeque like no other (which happens to be their slogan).  The open smoking pit right inside the door is emanating aromas that tell you right away that you will love this experience.  With sausages hanging over the pit, briskets, ribs and turkey on the grill, this Hill Country institution is as picturesque as it is tasty.

Sitting in the screened porch while eating a home-style combination of barbeque, you will soon realize why people from Wall Street to Hollywood take the short drive out to Driftwood for this authentic Hill Country outdoor dining experience.  Only “warning”…if you want to imbibe some adult beverages, you need to bring them with you, as The Salt Lick is BYOB.

The Oasis

Overlooking Lake Travis, The Oasis has been known for years as the best place to watch the sun setting over the water and hills west of Austin.  Beginning in 1982 as a small hamburger joint, The Oasis is located on a high cliff.  By tradition, as the sun sets over the far-off hills, the patrons join in applauding the last tip of the sun as it dips out of sight.

Food and drink abound now that recent reconstruction (after a fire destroyed the old wooden decks a couple of years ago) is in the final stages of completion. There are new steel decks and three different restaurants, several shops and a new parking garage.  This outdoor dining space has the reputation of being the largest in Texas—and possibly in the country.

Verdes

Just down the road, only a couple of minutes away from Belvedere, is this relative newcomer, which opened in 2008. Almost immediately it became a local favorite.  Verdes Mexican Parrilla specializes in grilled Mexican tastes.  A favorite is the Bacon Wrapped Quail; others seem to like the more traditional Mexican plates, but everyone seems to like the option of dining out on the back patio.

The owners designed the casual covered patio and large grassy area to cater to families.  The kids can safely kick a soccer ball around the back area while mom and dad are sipping margaritas.  When the food arrives, all can sit down and enjoy an excellent meal in a comfortable setting.

County Line on the Hill

There are a couple of County Line locations in town, but the one closest one to Belvedere is the “original” County Line on the Hill. Their patio is another of those great places for viewing the sunset, with vistas ranging up to 20 miles.  Through the years the menu, anchored by some great barbeque, has expanded with some great salads, steaks, and fish.  Truly a Texas original and closest to town, this is the place we take visitors to Austin from all over the country or the world.  They all enjoy it… as will you.

Hudson’s on the Bend

If you want an exceptional outdoor dining experience, you will want to visit Hudson’s on the Bend.  Here you will find a tasty menu of locally produced meats, fish, fruits and vegetables, including some great “game” like wild boar and venison.

Sitting on the covered patio, eating a scrumptious meal with someone special, you can see the herb garden where the proprietors grow their own ingredients.  This truly is a special place that is frequented by many locals and visitors, including a few well-known people.

Those are some of our favorites, but there are many more around the area.  Most of the outdoor dining areas are open year-round.  If the weather gets a little too hot, mist systems help to keep you cool; if the weather gets a little too cool, heaters help keep you warm.

Belvedere

These favorites are convenient to Belvedere, offer great food and unique outdoor dining experiences.  Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road is ideal for families with children of all ages. Belvedere is a community of custom homes on 1- 3–acre sites, featuring an 80-acre nature preserve, fishing pond, and lazy river pool.  This gated, upscale community offers a state of belonging and cheerful well-being.  Visit Belvedere’s website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest!

Hill Country Barbecue

In the Texas Hill Country, barbeque might mean smoking meats or grilling over charcoal, wood or even propane.  Whichever method excites you, cooking out is a great way to keep the kitchen and inside of the house cooler during the summer.

Around here barbequing is not limited to a few steaks, burgers or chicken; expand your horizons and try seafood, turkey and some veggies.  It might be interesting to try as many local ingredients as you can find.  A trip to one of the local farmers markets could introduce you to some interesting fresh ingredients while supporting local producers.  In fact, many of the locals might suggest creative meals you can cook on your own patio.

You might try some “theme” meals.  How about a Hawaiian theme with some teriyaki beef with peanutty noodles or some coconut-crusted shrimp right out of the gulf?  A simple grilled ham steak with pineapple might be just the ticket.  Move your menu down to “The Valley” (meaning the Rio Grande Valley) by preparing some beef and chicken fajitas.

Not everything needs to be touched by the flame of your grill.  Grilling doesn’t mean you can’t make some roasts or baked potatoes.  For example, try a rosemary pork roast…and the rosemary grows like weeds around the Texas Hill Country.  Your Hill Country barbeque might include some chicken leg quarters braised in locally made ketchup wrapped in foil over an indirect heat from your grill.

The point is, with a little imagination and perhaps a little online research for ideas from places like Disney Family Fun or from local suppliers, you can create some great family meals in the great outdoors.

Belvedere

Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road is a great place to have your Hill Country Barbeque. Belvedere is a community of custom homes on 1-3–acre sites featuring an 80-acre nature preserve, fishing pond, and lazy river pool.  This gated, upscale community offers a state of belonging and cheerful well being.  Visit Belvedere’s website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest!

Before long, the kids will begin feeling constrained by their classrooms, longing to get outside and into summer. Here are some of Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road’s favorite places for the whole family to enjoy, and they may just serve as wonderful classrooms on their own accord. Nature can be an excellent teacher, and we have some great places for the whole family to take her courses. Of course, these classes are also a great deal of fun, with swimming, spelunking and birdwatching all on the syllabus.

Texas Hill Country Summer Fun!

Summer Camp for Kids in Texas Hill Country

If you haven’t looked into summer camps for kids yet, now is the time.  And living in the Texas Hill Country puts you within a short distance to some of the best summer camps in the state.

No matter what interests your son, daughter, niece or nephew, there is a camp for them.

When most parents think of camps they picture their kids living in a cabin in the woods, next to a lake for swimming and canoeing, as well as doing arts, crafts and maybe a little trail riding.   And, in fact, many of the summer camps for kids throughout the Hill Country offer just that.  These are camps where your kids can learn a variety of skills, meet new friends and develop a sense of self-sufficiency.  There are many of this type of camp out there, but one of the oldest and most popular camps is Camp Longhorn, less than an hour from Belvedere.

Many parents attended similar camps during their youth.  In today’s world, summer camps like this still exist, but they have been joined by summer camps that add their own unique focus to the summer experience. Here are some of the options available for summer camps for kids in the Texas Hill Country:

• Academic skills.
• Arts or music.
• Computer camps – Campers learn about programming, gaming, robotics, or website programming. Some of these also focus on writing apps for iPhones or Android smartphones.
• Science Camps – Campers spend more time looking through a microscope than riding a horse.
• Horse Camps – Students can ride to their hearts’ content and also spend ample time in the tack room.
• Special Needs Camps – These focus on campers who may have a physical or mental disability, or other special conditions. Some camps even provide special diets and activities for those campers who need to manage their weight.
• Religious Orientation Camps.
• Teen Camps – These camps focus on community service, leadership, or various internships.

Some summer camps for kids accept only boys, some accept only girls, and many are co-ed.  There are even “family camps” where you can enjoy the experience with the kids.  There are day camps and there are overnight camps.  The accommodations vary, too; from tents and cabins to dorms.

Simply stated, there are camps for everyone where they can learn new skills or further develop existing talents—all while having lots of fun.  In any case, meeting new friends, developing life skills and discovering new things are characteristics of all summer camps.

There are several resources for finding the summer camp that best suits your kids. Camp Page has a brief description of several area camps.  River Oaks Lodge has several camps listed on their website. The Hill County Portal lists camps by the nearest city.  The Lakes and Hills website lists the camps located in the Highland Lakes area.  Touring Texas has a list of camps throughout the state.  And Kids Camps .Com has a great search capability to aid in finding just the right camp for your kids.

Belvedere

Located within easy driving to a wide variety of camps for the kids, Belvedere on Hamilton Pool Road is ideal for families with children of all ages. Belvedere is a community of custom homes on 1-3–acre sites featuring an 80-acre nature preserve, fishing pond, and lazy river pool.  This gated, upscale community offers a state of belonging and cheerful well-being.  Visit Belvedere’s website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Pinterest!

History of Austin

The history of Austin, Texas, is rich and beautiful. A culturally diverse city with plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike, Austin has always been a jewel in Texas’s crown. The natural beauty of its surroundings, paired with the creativity and work ethic of its inhabitants, has made Austin an excellent place to live, and it has long been considered the cultural, political, environmental, and educational center of Texas. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Austin, two local opportunities for discovery are not to be missed.

• “The First Picture Shows: Historic Austin Movie Houses” is an exhibit currently hosted by the Austin History Center. Exploring film venues throughout the history of Austin, this exhibit goes all the way back to 1896, and takes visitors through the progression of Austin movie houses, from the early Nickelodeons, to the grand movie palaces, all the way up to the rise of the multiplexes. The exhibit, which features hundreds of historic photographs, documents, and architectural drawings, runs through August 19. Admission is free.
• The Historic Churches of Austin Walking Tour is part of the University of Texas’s Continuing and Innovative Education program. This historical walking tour showcases the history of Austin by visiting some of its most beautiful churches and telling of their unique and colorful pasts. Starting on the north steps of the Capitol, participants make their way through the Downtown District, stopping at noteworthy churches and landmarks, including St. Mary’s, St. David’s, First United Methodist and the Governor’s Mansion.

From its early days as a French diplomatic outpost, to its current position as a thriving and vibrant community, Austin has always been an impressive place to call home. If you are interested in becoming part of the future history of Austin, consider a move to Belvedere. Belvedere offers luxury homes on one- to three-acre homesites, close to natural beauty and convenient to shopping and well-respected schools. For more information, visit the website, or join the online community by visiting Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Belvedere’s blog.

Shopping in Austin TX

When it comes to food and shopping, Austin, Texas, offers some unique experiences. A multicultural city with a rich and diverse background, Austin is also forward-thinking and progressive. This deep connection to both the past and the future creates the perfect atmosphere for visitors and residents who want to kick back and experience all the city has to offer. This spring, why not try some of these fun opportunities for food and shopping Austin, Texas, has on the calendar?

• The Blanton Presents Art on Tap: Craft Beer and Local Fare: Recently, the Blanton Museum offered an opportunity for patrons to experience beer and food related to the art selections on display. The featured exhibit was “American Scenery: Different Views of Hudson River School Painting” and “Go West: Representations of the American Frontier,” the beer tasting was organized by a local beer expert, and the food pairings were selected by a local chef. This is just one example of the kind of unique opportunities you will find in Austin.
• Texas VegFest: For those interested in learning how to eat to take care of the planet, or those who simply want to try some tasty vegetarian fare, Texas VegFest is a great opportunity for family fun. For only a $5 entry fee, families can relax by the lake and play games, watch cooking videos, learn more about protecting their health, and eat delicious food while listening to local bands. There are also opportunities for meditation and exercise, and the cuisine is varied, ranging from tamales, to ice cream, to Indian curries, to satisfy every palate.
• Gruene Market Days: From February through the first week of December, Gruene Market Days offer an opportunity for people to experience food, fun and shopping, Austin, Texas-style. With free admission, this is a great chance to learn more about this interesting and thriving little town and purchase unique items created by local vendors and artisans.
• Heart O’ Texas Orchid Society’s 41st Annual Show & Sale: “Orchid Heaven”: On April 28-29, the Heart O’ Texas Orchid Society will hold its 41st annual show and sale. Aptly entitled “Orchid Heaven,” this event will showcase hundreds of beautiful blooms, and local vendors will be on hand to talk about the orchids and the orchid shopping Austin, Texas, has to offer. Admission is free, parking costs $2, and the public is encouraged to come and learn more about one of the most popular flowers in the United States.

If you are interested in taking part in all the culture, community, and shopping Austin Texas has to offer, consider a move to Belvedere. Belvedere offers luxury homes on one- to three-acre homesites, close to natural beauty and convenient to shopping. For more information, visit the website, or join the online community by visiting Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Belvedere’s blog.

Spring and Summer Day Trips in Austin

There are plenty of things to do in town, but when it comes to day trips, Austin has that covered, too! With so much natural beauty in the surrounding areas, it is no wonder that the day trips Austin residents enjoy are varied and breathtaking. Whether you are a resident, visitor, or someone looking for Texas Hill Country land for sale, it pays to visit the areas around Austin. Here are a few memorable excursions, near the capital city.

• Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is a beautiful, scenic site. With 227 acres of forest and trails that are open to the public, it also provides opportunities for students of St. Edward’s University by serving as a living laboratory. Bicycles and pets are prohibited, but admission is free.
• Cypress Valley Canopy Tours is a thrilling eco-adventure! Visitors fly through a canopy of old growth cypress trees, as they glide on zip lines from platform to platform. Harnessed in climbing gear, individuals, groups, company employees, and families can enjoy adventures while observing some of the prettiest land of Texas, from a bird’s-eye view. Afterward, picnic and swimming areas are available at a private lake.
• Canyon of the Eagles is a Texas Hill Country resort. Some of the day trips Austin has to offer combine natural beauty with human hospitality. Sitting on 940 acres of Hill Country, Texas, Canyon is a Calibre resort, combining the beauty of nature with the best of warm and friendly hospitality.
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has over 1600 square acres on Big Sandy Creek, north of Fredericksburg. A restful place that people have visited for over 11,000 years, it features Enchanted Rock, a National Natural Landmark. Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink exfoliation dome towering 425 feet above the ground and covering 640 acres. When looking for day trips, Austin visitors should not miss this natural wonder. Full of Texas flora and fauna, this natural area offers opportunities for backpacking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, geological study, bird watching, and stargazing.
• West Cave Preserve features unique natural beauty and ecological diversity. Just 27 miles from Austin, this preserve is located adjacent to the Pedernales River in southwestern Travis County. Covering 75 acres, it offers an opportunity to study nature with two distinct ecosystems in play, and an excellent, inspirational learning facility for children and adults.

If you are interested in taking part in all the culture, community, and day trips Austin has to offer, consider a move to Belvedere. Belvedere offers luxury homes on one- to three-acre homesites, close to spectacular natural beauty. For more information, visit the website, or join the online community by visiting Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Belvedere’s blog.