I experienced the Kerrville Folk Fest for the first time this year, and despite the torrential…read moreflooding, a few canceled shows, and my rig getting stuck in the mud - I still had a great time. I can't blame KFF for what Mother Nature did to us over Memorial Weekend. (Lucky for me and my gal pals, Friday's flooding brought Emmylou Harris' show right into the lobby of our hotel for an intimate, unforgettable performance.) This folk fest brings in talented musicians and song writers from all over the country for two-plus weeks, along with headliners like David Crosby and Emmylou Harris, and a TON of resources for said artists. Artists take note: You'll find seminars/workshops, like the songwriter school, ukulele workshop, legal consultation, professional development for teachers, harmonica workshops... For spectators like myself with absolutely no musical talent, there are vendors selling delicious hippie food, jewelry, clothing, massages ... and of course, entertainment. My FAVORITE part of the schedule is catching the New Folk Finalists performances. More than 800 writer-performers apply and only 32 finalists are selected to perform at the festival. Each artists performs about three songs, and with a panel of judges, six winners are announced. There is SO much talent, and I left the festival with a list of new musicians to follow. Camping is the way to go if you want the full experience. After the nightly performances, artists go around and have singalongs and gatherings at different tents/campers. Complete hippie fun. As the website says, "18 days. 100+ performers. Bring a guitar and your tent." Tent I have, talent to play a guitar, I do not ... yet. Things to know: :: Bring your own plastic cup/thermos for water stations, wine, beer, coffee, etc. They don't offer any throw-away cups; so you either have to buy theirs or bring your own. :: Bring rain boots, sandals or shoes you don't mind gettin' icky. Bare feet NOT a good idea due to the nature of the latrines. :: Sunscreen, bug spray, camp chair, and hand fan are highly recommended.

The Kerrville Folk Festival is an experience of a lifetime…read moreI've been going for years and have been lucky enough to move to Kerrville and volunteer at the festival It seems to get better every year and the staff and volunteers are one big family Rock on KFF and hopefully more locals will come out and see what they've been missing

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.

This amazing experience is easily enjoyed by young and old alike. Three generations deep in our car…read moreand we all had a blast. We could not decide which scene was our favorite because all were so delightful. I suggest turning your radio on to the recommended station for a more festive experience. This is totally worth it. All the thrills...all the feels... all the fun!

The Jones CHRISTmas Ranch is a festive drive-through holiday experience known for its millions of…read moresynchronized lights, cheerful music, and family-friendly atmosphere. I enjoy the magical vibe and the option to add indoor activities like photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and crafts on select weekends. It's a fun seasonal outing, especially for families with kids, my family lives in the area so it's a must get to get the season pass and go as many times as you'd like. Overall, it's a charming Christmas tradition if you're looking for an easy, cozy, and colorful holiday activity. I do miss the hot coco nights

Great dance hall and we met lots of nice people. Family friendly, outside seating. No A/C, but you…read morefind a breeze or a fan and stay put. Dance floor is one of the best!

Anhalt is a very nice place to dance the dance floor is large and safe. The staff that works there…read moreis friendly. The times they have served food no matter what it was fresh good and filling. This one of the oldest dance halls in Texas. Love going. Have a good time.

1st Timer. My wife, some friends, and I decided on a whim to visit Luckenbach. It was an immensely…read morepleasant experience. I really had no idea what to expect but it turned into a small piece of Texas locked in time to a wonderful rustic place the oozed hill country and rustic charm. Beers were $6 a piece which was a bit of a drag but everything else was pretty in line with what you would expect. When I went their were two food trucks and Luckenbach's own kitchen where you could purchase food to eat. We tried Luckenbach's kitchen and the food was awesome. I had an excellent hamburger called "the tex" and my wife had a jalapeno cheese sausage taco. We both shared some loaded fries. Our food was ridiculously good. All day they had pretty decent live music. The lone child we had with us enjoyed the outdoor games available. There was literally something for everyone and I would highly recommend checking this off your bucket list.

Luckenbach is a must-see destination for a unique musical experience in the Texas Hill Country!…read more As you enter the "town loop" with the continual population of 3, you have your pick of visiting the wooden dance hall, outdoor stage, general store, post office, or watering hole. "These days Luckenbach Texas is, to paraphrase John Steinbeck, a "State of Mind" - A Texas state of mind, where you can kick back, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life--like a step back in time." You can purchase tickets online or head over to the ticket booth if it isn't a sold out show. The monthly lineup usually includes your favorite local artists & in demand bands, special events, festivals & free shows! Even though Waylon & Willie's Luckenbach Texas wasn't actually based on the dance hall, their iconic lyrics did help make it famous. So turn up the volume and get Back to the Basics of Love as you make the trip out to see a show! You can even arrange a Willie Nelson tour to learn about the historic property If you really do love the Lone Star State, you might want to consider having your wedding or anniversary celebration at Luckenbach!

4 years ago when I was in Austin for my grandson's High School graduation my daughter suggested we…read morego to the Blanco Lavender Festival since she knows I love lavender, the color and the fragrance. A group of us went including two children and 5 adults. We all had a great time. There were lots of Booths to look at selling lots of products. My daughter and I both bought products from a man selling lotions and soaps made from goat milk in 2013 and were disappointed when we went back in 2017 and he was nowhere to be found, either physically or online. We had both hoped to buy more to replace what we had used up. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I came back in June of 2017 for my grandson's college graduation and asked my daughter if she would like to go to the Lavender Festival again. She said yes because she hadn't been since the last time I was in town so the two of us went and as before mentioned were disappointed not to find the goat milk guy. I was also keeping an eye out for the booth of Imagine Lavender Farm which had been there four years ago but never did find any sign of them this trip. I even asked at the information booth and neither name came up on their list of participators. I found a t-shirt for the festival last trip that was on sale because it was a shirt from a previous year but did not find anything like that this time. It would have been fun to buy a lavender t-shirt at the Lavender Festival if they had had one I liked for a good price. I usually try to go through the Lavender Festival twice, the first time quickly and the second time more slowly. I might have bought some lavender lotion or other products from a different vendor since the one I was looking for was not there but my daughter was getting hot, and it certainly was an extremely hot day, so I didn't want to ask her if we could take the time for me to go through again. We had both hoped to find lavender ice cream but did not see any at this year's Festival either. There was lavender lemonade but an extremely long line so we didn't end up getting any. I did get 3 or 4 things when I had the opportunity including some lavender cuticle oil, a jar of spice and s small bag of lavender coffee. If I come back to town in 4 years I'll probably want to come to it again in the hopes that I would find new booths to make up for the old favorites being gone.

Another great year at The Lavender Festival a bit warm so make sure you drink liquids. Lots of…read morefolks on opening day at the festival so vendors seemed busy. Several new booths. One was a guy who makes cigar box guitars very cool and another who makes hiking staffs or walking sticks. Of course lots and lots of Lavender booths to shop for soaps, lotion, sachets, bug spray and more...

What a great time! Ride the Austin Steam Train to have a hassle free ride, and enjoy the craft…read morebooths, diners and especially the parade and the shoot out! There was also live music and carnival rides for the kiddos.

Two tickets aboard the Austin Steam Train (the steam locomotive is in for restoration), pulled by a…read moresixties era diesel engine, and nearly a two hour relaxing trip on board the City of Chicago sleeper/dinner car, brought us to the annual Bluebonnet Festival in the "hill country " of central Texas ' historic town of Burnett. A town founded as the county seat in 1852, built on cattle and quarries, steeped in Republic of Texas history pre and post civil war. The field of Bluebonnets viewed from the train were out of sight while at the festival, however rows of giant corn dog, funnel cake and craft stands lined the streets and city square. Cloudy skies did not slow the doghouse or weinerdog races, and the local country and western bands (both kinds) played on through the light showers. A small carnival added entertainment and a few thrills, along with a few entertaining "carnies ". Beautiful Bluebonnets, tastes of Texas BBQ and country culture made for a great day trip, and a drousy train ride back to Austin.

i was bored, scavenger hunt was the only thing keeping me from not falling asleep. if i were you,…read moreid go to the one right before this location

This is the Crumbling Castle's first year, and I believe a trip to the Castle will become a holiday…read moretradition for many in the years to come. Located off I-10, it's easy to find and access. For our visit, we took a leisurely and scenic drive through the backroads rather than the more direct and less scenic highway route. Set in a forested area, thousands (millions??) of lights and decorations draw you through a driving trail that will garner your Ooohs and Aaahs, with some Wows along the way. There's a story to follow, too, so be sure to pause and read the story along the way. There are characters and critters playing out various activities throughout the story, too. Super fun and well done! I would prefer that the story was introduced earlier, but it's a great display regardless. Tickets can easily be purchased online on their website. Cost is per vehicle, so grab your family and friends, and get away from holiday stress and add some holiday magic to your life!

Second year! Went last year when it was super cold! This…read moreyear we went on a Friday at around 6 pm! We enjoyed all the activities! A lot of space for a toddler to run around too - not sure if bigger kids/teens will enjoy it, but they added laser tag and bullride for extra $$$ Santa and Grinch photos were free! Plus we found an Elf on the Shelf! We did grab some food to eat before coming in which I would recommend if you want to save some money. Overall, planning to check it again next year! Dont forget to keep an eye on their discounted tickets online and on IG!

This was such a cute even to visit! We had an amazing time looking at all the lights. They had so…read moremany great amenities including a petting zoo, small light maze, bar, food trucks, and more. They had opportunities to take photos with both Santa and the Grinch. Our favorite part about it was that it was pup friendly.

Wurstfest is one of my favorite festivals to attend each year! The food, drinks and entertainment…read moreare always awesome. Pro tip- go on a week night because it's free entry. Weekends require purchased tickets. There's a little something for everyone, food galore, adult beverages, shopping, live music, a carnival, indoor and outdoor seating, etc. Do yourself a favor and get a pork chop on a stick. It's the most popular food item- you can tell by the constant line of people at their booth. My one disappointment is that beer prices continually rise every year. There was a point in time that you could get a domestic beer pitcher for $15-17, now a pitcher (import) is over $30! Although I wish the prices would decline, I know that I'm going to return each year because I always have the best time!

Quick historical tidbit: Of all the settlers that came to…read moreTexas only the German Immigrants did not break treaties with Indians. Which became the basis in the creation of New Braunfels. Why did I add this? Well, as a newbie to Wurstfest the friendliness by the community is abundant. I have been meaning to do it for years but that day never came, until now. I am not a fan of crowds even though I'm front and center for Fiesta San Antonio. In Texas we love to party. Which brings me back to my historical tidbit. All immigrants, settlers that have come(and still do) from other countries have contributed to the genesis of our state. Be it by culture, food and music. Wurstfest is a reaffirmation of the influence German Immigrants has had in the creation of a Texas identity. An event that unabashedly celebrates both sausage and beer, which is a match made in heaven. Firstly, I implore you to buy tickets online. It's five bucks lesser and will alleviate potential entrance headaches. As I get older I find myself opting to go early or when an event opens. If you're an introvert like as me I highly recommend this. Wurstfest offers a shuttle service that is minutes away. I encourage you to utilize this. For about ten bucks you park in a separate area away from the event. The shuttle buses run every few minutes. And they run extremely efficiently. When I arrived here I was struck by how vast it is. I have never been to the October Fest in Germany. But as big as Texas Events are this one is really on an epic scale. You can sense what this event means to this community. Before you even enter you see masses of men wearing Alpine Hats and lederhosen. And the women rocking dirndl dresses. Entering and walking on the grounds you are surrounded by beer, food and music. Pretzels. Schnitzel. Bratwurst. Sauerkraut. In all directions there are beer stations everywhere. You can buy beer by the cup, plastic stein or the pitcher. There is a small list of beers on tap: Spoetzl Brewery and Hofbrau, from Germany. Brace yourself for the lines. You won't find a Hazy IPA, Trappist ALE nor any other style of beer for that matter. All beer and food is meant to aggrandize German culture, heritage and traditions. Thus it is mainly German styles. In addition there are pockets of small and large areas with picnic style seating and music. It is a communal affair. In Wursthalle Oompah Bands are playing with festivalgoers steins hoisted in the air, in unison with the music. The dance floor is filled with couples and that odd single dude doing the "Chicken Dance." For a second I closed my eyes and could hear the similarities between Mexican and Conjunto music. Thus the German Culture is monumental. In contrast in San Antonio when events where food and drinks collide there is a rowdy crowd. It often leads to grandstanding or hot-headed patrons. All throughout the day everyone was extremely friendly. It is a party vibe but my summation is that festivalgoers want to have a good time without incident. People have commented on how expensive this event is. Food items are reasonably priced but the beer is where the brunt of your money will go to. Pitchers were $40 bucks and I saw people walking around with three or more empty vessels. My suggestion is to stick with the German beers. They go perfectly with the food and are more full bodied. Especially with the brezel wurst I had. I know this used to be a ticketed event for everything here. Food and beer are by credit or debit card only. Before I do a terrible, awkward and awful interpretation of a "Chicken Dance" to cap this review let me add this. The Wurstfest is an awesome event that celebrates German Heritage. It fits in with the historical narrative that all immigrants contribute and still continue to our mosaic. If you've never gone before I highly recommend it. Next year I'm going to rock an Alpine Hat but I'm leaving the lederhosen home.