A Naturalist's Guide to Central Texas
Austin, Balcones Canyonlands, San Antonio and Gruene
Dec 19, 2008
Enjoy the funky atmosphere of Austin, the quaintness of Gruene (say it like the color), and the historic-meets-modern feel of San Antonio, and that’s all in under a 2 hour drive!
Austin
March is a great time to visit, when the Mexican free-tailed bats are starting to arrive at the Congress Avenue Bridge after a long winter. A pier just south of the bridge on Town Lake affords an excellent view of the spectacle. Approximately 30 minutes before sunset, as though an unheard alarm sounds, a plume of bats rises from beneath the bridge. Steady they come, in two surges, for about 20 minutes. The bats roosting under the bridge are pregnant females, and at some point when they give birth the colony doubles, with the numbers peaking at 1.5 million bats by August! From the bridge it is a short walk to Congress Avenue and ultimately to 6th Street to enjoy some of the music Austin has become known for. There one will find quite an eclectic mix, from bluegrass to rock to rap and everything in between.
Balcones Canyonlands
A short 20 minute drive from Austin is Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. The country is beautiful, especially as you pass from flat terrain into, yes, canyons. This side trip is strongly recommended for anyone in Austin, as there is a strong dichotomy between the crowded grungy rock scene of the city and the beautiful open hills of the canyonlands, providing a nice contrast for a day’s time spent. Birds flit in and out of the stunted evergreen vegetation of the refuge, which plays host to two notables during the breeding season: Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.
San Antonio
San Antonio provides quite a different feel altogether. History permeates the culture of the city. A Texas Ranger is on guard 24/7 on the grounds of the Alamo to answer any questions one might have regarding the historic battle that led up to the US’s procurement of the Lone Star state. Adjacent is the Menger Hotel, built in 1859, which has preserved pieces of the culture of San Antonio and displays photos on its walls. It’s a great place to stay, as it’s conveniently situated nearby to not only the Alamo but the popular Riverwalk. For a small fee you can take a boat ride on the San Antonio River, which snakes between walls of shops, outdoor restaurants, and even an outdoor amphitheater, and comes with a tour guide who provides interesting information on the architecture, river, city, and prolific Great-tailed Grackles cackling in the trees overhead.
Gruene
No matter which city you begin and end your weekend with, a stop in Gruene, an historic German town located just 32 miles from San Antonio, can’t be missed. This picturesque berg is much slower-paced than the larger cities, with unique shops, German fare, and a music hall downtown where people pile in to drink cold beer and listen to local bands. Another place to get a cold drink and a great meal is at the Gristmill, with prime seats overlooking the Guadalupe River and a biergarten outside.
This three town Texas tour has something to offer a traveler of any background with varying interests. You can spend your time being as active or leisurely as you’d like to be, finding ample opportunities for either amongst all three locales. Piece together the perfect getaway!
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