We travel a lot but have never really spent any time in Texas. We did a quick trip to Houston and San Antonio previously but this time we decided it was time to get off the beaten track. Our Texas traveling took us to Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is about half way between Austin and San Antonio and a place we never even knew existed. I’m so glad we found it because we love it and can’t wait to get back. Here’s what we discovered.

Getting To Canyon Lake

Texas traveling can be a bit of a challenge. This is a very large State and sometimes you will be on main freeways and other times smaller more local type of roads. Getting to Canyon Lake wasn’t hard but it did take a bit to get there from the Austin Airport. First you deal with the large amounts of traffic out of the airport and through Austin to get to San Marcos where you catch FM306 and FM 2673. It’s really beautiful country but don’t get too caught up in the scenery or you will miss your turn off! Sometimes it felt like we were never going to get there and then there you are!

Canyon Lake

We had decided to stay at the Holiday Inn Hill Country Resort at Canyon Lake. It was a very large property with an amazing view of the lake from our room. The town is a little spread out but there is so many great place to eat and explore right around the resort. We decided to explore the property in hopes of seeing some deers, did a little mini golf and sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather. The resorts has a lot to offer including 3 pools, 3 hot tubs, play area for kids, mini-golf, outdoor chess and connect 4. For me, it is all about the local cuisine, beer, activities and the people.

Canyon Lake Food

Goofy’s Bar & Grill

First stop after getting settled was to find dinner options. The resort had given us a list of places to eat upon our arrival and after looking over everything, decided to try Goofy’s Bar and Grill. Stepping into the building was like stepping back in time. Rustic floors, tables and a welcoming bar reminded me of growing up in South Dakota. We grabbed a table, watched the game and ordered a burger and a beer. It seemed quiet when we walked in but the longer we sat there, the busier it got to not only those who stayed but those and picked up to-go orders. Food and atmosphere were great! What a great place to kick off our stay in Canyon Lake.

Baja Icehouse & Grill

While we were here, we had a chance to visit a couple of other great places to eat. One of them was right out at the Marina — Baja Icehouse & Grill. When in Texas you have got to have BBQ and that’s what drew us to this place. The building was warm, welcoming and located overlooking the marina. Since craft beer wasn’t on the menu and I guess I’m a bit of a beer snob these days, a margarita on the rocks was the order. The menu had a lot of great items to choose from but the first thing that caught my eye was Brisket! I was not disappointed — brisket was melt in your mouth and of course, traditional sides rounded out the meal. Dave had a taco salad — he’s not a brisket fan! Between the food and the view — this is definitely a place to stop for some BBQ in Canyon Lake. The size of the building tells me that this place is packed in the summer!

Cafe Guadalajara

There’s always room for a good margarita, chips/salsa and awesome Mexican food. This place was packed continuously while we were here. We had breakfast one day and the tacos and omelets was amazing! Of course, margaritas are perfect and the salsa was spicy just like I like it. Plus, if you stay long enough you get one of the most incredible sunsets from the back deck.

Granny D’s

If you are ready for breakfast you have got to try Granny D’s. Let me warn you if you order a pancake — do a single and be hungry. That pancake is bigger than the plate it is served on and more than enough for 2 people to enjoy. We were warned so we stuck to omelets and french toast, but the guy behind me was giving the warning. When that plate showed up, I heard a groan and a gasp. I did have to chuckle and then take a photo of his shoulder as he was trying to figure out how to eat this massive pancake. Great food and service — more than you can eat in a setting, so come hungry and go home with a box for tomorrow!

Texas traveling is now in my blood. We spent 7 nights and 8 days exploring the area around Canyon Lake. Stay tuned as our Texas traveling adventures take us to Gruene and New Braunfels on the next installment of our great adventure!