We went to the farmers market there. It was fun with a different vendors, music, good choices of…read morebeer and places to sit while listening to the music.

This is a well thought out public space smack in the middle of the tourist strip of historic…read moredowntown marble Falls. If you've walked around this town long enough, you'll notice most businesses do not have public restrooms. If you're at 3rd and Main Street, you'll find public restrooms here along with a couple of benches and a strip of green space. The really interesting thing about this piece of property is the ensemble of musical instruments for the public play on. These instruments are very nicely tuned and sound great. Behind the instruments is a parking lot for about a dozen cars (free parking). The public bathrooms also have two water fountains and each bathroom has a changing table. Definitely a nice addition to downtown marble Falls.

This is the best place in the world, but don't tell anyone ok?…read more Great lake for skiing, fishing, swimming etc. Good place to live, everyone knows you. Very safe.

Good view that could have been better if it were not for a significant amount of overgrowth beyond…read morethe fence. We were driving from New Braunfels to Marble Falls via 281. We decided to take a quick detour and check out a couple of stops along the famous Devil's Backbone. This scenic overlook was our first stop. If it's your first time here, be aware that this is a picnic area that you can very quickly pass if you aren't keeping a keen eye for it. I definitely agree with the review that the view likely depends on the time of year that you're visiting. The overgrowth really obstructs the view. Even if you stand on one of the picnic tables, you're getting a partial view at best. The fence that lines the overlook is now more of a memorial from what it seems. There does seem to be a better view further east of the overlook. Though we had already passed it. I'd recommend the unofficial view if you're here for a good sight of Devil's Backbone.

Special moment while cruising Texas Hill Country…read more Honored by late little brother by leaving some memorabilia. Didn't realize how much the moment would mean to me but it was powerful. This is a breathtaking view of not only Devil's Backbone but Texas Hill Country as a whole

This is easily one of the best art shows I've ever been to and I look forward to each new iteration…read moreevery year. The basic idea is that they take over part of the Zilker Botanical Gardens, which is already one of the best places in Austin, and set up unique pieces of neon art around every corner as you stroll the grounds. Things turn pretty magical after sunset with all the neon pieces glowing brightly, reflected in the koi ponds, presiding over waterfalls, making you stop and stare at every new visual treat. The displays are endlessly inventive too, adding neon cowboy boots to the dinosaur statue or perhaps the huge cloud of neon bats that tilt mechanically on their axis for constant motion. There's also live music, go-go dancers, food and drink for purchase, and remarkable costumes worn by fellow visitors making a visually interesting event just from that alone. There are also more photo opportunities than you can count if you need more selfies for Instagram. But really, the world-class neon art is worth it just by itself. There are themes like ocean life, jungle animals, desert flora and fauna, and then there are plenty of abstract or whimsical things too. And there's always something new around every bend. Each year loses a few pieces from the last show but adds many more completely new ones. And this year has dozens more, some of which are truly spectacular. One of the best pieces to look out for is the giant octopus. It's designed to look like it's coming out of the water holding pieces of a wrecked sailing ship and even the moon in its tentacles. And the most amazing part is that all the tentacles are connected by gears to a single stationary bicycle so someone can pedal to make the whole massive installation move, bringing it all to life. Chances are you've never seen anything like this before!

Our first time at the annual Ion Art's Surreal Garden neon art extravanganza at Zilker Park…read moreBotanical Garden. Didn't know what to expect, and ended up having a great time! Many people dressed up for it, adding to the fun atmosphere. We waited until dark to arrive in order to get the full effect of bright light against the night sky. So glad we did. The contrast was stunning. I especially loved the interactive exhibits, which told a story in neon. Example exhibit: the watering can--tilted a watering can, water flowed out, which then caused a flower to grow. We were gifted with complimentary tickets, otherwise it would have been a bit spendy as prices ranged from $40-$200 plus tax per person.

The question posed, "What went well with my visit to The Empty Cross? My answer is, it was beyond…read morewhat I could've imagined and honestly speaking, everything went well. I wish I would've had more time to spend taking in the beauty of nature and meditating. Visiting The Empty Cross in Kerrville, Texas, was a breathtaking, awe-inspiring experience that deeply touched my soul. Standing in its presence, I found myself drawn into a profound journey of reflection--walking the grounds, reading the inscriptions, and simply sitting in the stillness to meditate. In that quiet, sacred space, the sheer weight and beauty of the moment moved me to tears, offering a powerful sense of release and spiritual connection. My only regret was that time seemed to move far too quickly; I left feeling as though I had only just begun to absorb the peace of the sanctuary. It was an unforgettable encounter that nourished my spirit, and I already feel a deep, undeniable pull to go back, linger longer, and sit with the presence there once again.

Such peace in this place! I love this scripture/sculpture garden with rows of prayer rocks and…read morebeautiful walkways and so many quiet corners. You can feel all the love from the prayers and well wishes of people who have left a rock here. I especially loved the "Don't give up" and "Love conquers all" rocks. The white horse placed perfectly under the giant cross was just breath taking! It made me think of the scripture of the King returning on a white horse called "Faithful and True." On one of the pathways, I could hear two guys praying and one was crying tears of joy. I walked a bit further and saw many of the beautiful names of God including one of my favorite El Shaddai (also a beautiful song). On another wall were lists of events and volunteer opportunities. On another path I found a shaded spot with something called "the Hope statue". It was Jesus sitting and listening to a lady which may have been the lady by the well who felt alone and ostracized until Jesus showed her how He really sees her and taught her about the living water.In these stressful ,busy times it feels good to sit still in a beautiful place like this and really be present. I will definitely check into donating to this spot and getting out this way more often.

Musical Entertainment varies in genre. Great event for the whole family. Limited tickets sold,…read morekeeps crowd to a minimum, easy to navigate. Excellent viewing, no matter where you setup your seating. Free camping onsite included with ticket....bonus! I'm a Utopian and always will be!

The perfect music festival! I tuned out all mega-fests years ago in search of those with no…read morepretensions and 10 yrs later UtopiaFest is still my thing.

Population: 40ish, according to the 2000 census (no 2010 census data found)…read more A long history dating back to the late 1800s. Named after the latest family to own the majority of the property in this tiny 76501 Bell County "community" east of Temple, TX on SH-53 at FM 437. According to the TSHA (https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hnz01), Zabcikville was founded by Czechs in the late nineteenth century and was originally named Marekville after the Marek family who owned a store in the area. When members of the Zapcik family married into the Marek family In the early 1900s members of the Zabcik family, the community store changed hands. The sign bearing the town's name--Marekville--posted on the store, was changed to Zabcikville. It may be that Green's Sausage House is the only remaining business in Zabcikville, from a high count of four businesses in the 1940s. What's not to love, just not much to see except fabulous rural Texas countryside. Road trip it and be a legit Zabcikville visitor.

Day trips to Fredericksburg are the best. I'm half German…read moreand half Italian (quite the combo, eh?) and I love being surrounded by all of these German heritage. Founded in 1846 by German settlers, it's become quite the tourist town. So many great German establishments: Restaurants Bakeries Shops Multiple museums in town like the Pioneer Museum and Pacific War Museum. Japanese Peace Garden as well. Lots of wineries and spots with live music. Enchanted Rock is great for views and hiking.

Fredericksburg is a charming and quaint city filled with German culture and history. There are…read moreplenty of local mom and pop shops and attractions such as their numerous wineries. A couple that I've enjoyed in the past are Alexander vineyard and wildseed farms (they have beautiful flowers, plants, an area where butterflies roam and wine tastings). I recommend sunset grill for brunch and fredericksburg pie company for tasty pies and for beautiful views hike enchanted rock.

If you time it right, this little 13 mile loop is just heaven - carpets of wildflowers in reds,…read morewhites, blues and yellows on all sides in the spring, alongside the quaint little ranches and creeks. It's absolutely lovely!! The drive is a two lane ranch road and is technically private property - but you're allowed to drive it and there are a few, very small pull offs where you can briefly stop to grab some photos. But the vast majority is fenced off ranches. Still very much worth the drive in the spring - I've never seen so many magnificent flowers in one place in my life! There are some lovely creeks and so much wildlife!! Tons of birds and I even saw a gorgeous fox and a HUGE armadillo!! This loop used to be a hidden local gem but has recently blown up and my understanding is that the narrow road gets packed and absolutely crazy on weekends during wildflower season so be aware. I came midday on a weekday and only saw 2-3 cars the whole time - it was perfect! The location is fairly remote - but there was an excellent BBQ cafe right at the entrance called Mikes On The Loop (see my review) - it's a perfect way to end the drive! And pretty much the only place to stop for bathrooms too lol!

Beautiful drive in April. I think we timed it just right, there were flowers everywhere. Not sure…read morewhat it would look like outside of spring flower season. Lots of photo ops right next to the road. A sign says "no parking" but basically everyone we saw pulled over in different spots to take pictures. I think this is ok, as long as you don't block the road or trespass on private property. In our visit to Texas Hill Country, this loop was easily the most picturesque area.