Or just get away from it all and Relax on the porch of your private cabin and watch the sunset.
About 15 miles north of San Marcos on scenic Ranch Road 12 is Wimberley, a growing arts-and-crafts community at the confluence of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek. The village is known around Texas for its monthly Wimberley Market Day the first Saturday of each month from April through December on Ranch Road 2325 just north of downtown. This is the second-largest outdoor flea market in the state, after Canton's, with more than 450 booths selling everything from junk to art to jams and jellies, from antiques to cactus to handcrafted furniture. Barbecue and live entertainment are served up at lunchtime. Call the chamber of commerce at (512) 847-2201 for more information.
A large number of artists call Wimberley home, and their work can be seen all over town. Downtown around The Square, you'll find a number of arts-and-crafts galleries, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, and a few restaurants where you can get everything from chicken-fried steaks to barbecue to Navajo tacos.
To cool off, head to Blue Hole, rated one of the best old-fashioned swimming holes in Texas thanks to its shaded banks and the cool, clear waters of Cypress Creek. It's just east of The Square off Kyle Road. Look for the small sign on your left as you leave town. Call (512) 847-9127.
Kids love watching first-run movies under the stars at the Corral Theater, on Flite Acres Road at Ranch Road 3237. The Corral is an outdoor theater, where you can either bring your own chairs, use one of theirs, or sit in the bleachers. The films are always limited to family fare, and the popcorn has been rated the best in the state. Films begin at dusk every Friday and Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Phone (512) 847-2513.
You and the kids will be mesmerized at the Medore/von Koffler Gallery just a couple miles farther along Ranch Road 3237. Glassblowers Jay von Koffler and Melissa Medore put on public demonstrations in the cool of the evening at their modern studio, maneuvering liquid fire on giant poles to create impressive art. Visitors sit on outdoor bleachers while the couple work from several white-hot vats and furnaces. Finished work is available next door in their showroom. Call (512) 847-7072.
Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch Resort can be a fun place for kids to roam around. An Old West village is re-created on the grounds, including an old fort, chapel and popular glass-bottle house. There are an ice cream parlor, gift shop, and video arcade. Your family can also tour the grounds on a train. In summer the Opry House presents musicals and plays. Call (512) 847-2517.
