Central U.S.
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Fall issue 2026
WRITER Karla Walsh
Savor bold flavors, explore scenic landscapes, and dive into rich history in Central Texas. Here, every adventure is shaped by place, culture, and local charm.
Pick Your Perfect Day in Central Texas
Highlight
where to stay
WorldMark New Braunfels (Club Pass)
Fredericksburg blends old-world ancestral heritage with a laid-back wine scene. Start at Old German Bakery & Restaurant, where light and fluffy German pancakes set the tone. One block over, the Pioneer Museum Fredericksburg invites you to explore the town’s German roots through historic artifacts and photographs. From there, Main Street beckons with more than 150 shops and galleries. Duck into Felt Boutique for custom hats and Flying Cow for small-batch skin care.
A short drive east leads to Wildseed Farms, where 200 acres of wildflowers, including vibrant summer bloomers like cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers, create a colorful backdrop. Stretch your legs on short walking trails, then settle in at Brewbonnet Biergarten for a sandwich, maybe cranberry pecan chicken salad or classic pimiento cheese sandwich.
Spend the afternoon exploring the bold, earthy wines of Texas Hill Country. Follow US-290, better known as Wine Road 290, where expansive vineyards stretch across the rolling landscape. Stop at
Safari Winery or Alexander Vineyards for relaxed tastings on outdoor patios, then return to town for pours at Signor Vineyards or Pontotoc Vineyard, both known for producing wines with Texas-grown grapes. As the day winds down, Der Lindenbaum delivers a satisfying finale with bratwurst, sauerkraut, and a cold beer.
Fredericksburg
WorldMark Stablewood Springs Resort (Club Pass)
WorldMark Marble Falls (Club Pass)
where to stay
Club Wyndham Austin
Ease into the day at Eggman in Zilker for New York-style breakfast sandwiches that come hot, wrapped, and ready for whatever comes next. Grab a pastel-color picnic table or take yours to go and wander into the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum. Shaded paths wind through lush greenery, with more than 50 sculptures tucked among the trees. Inside, rotating exhibits feature the works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf and his contemporaries.
Lean into whimsy aboard the Zilker Eagle Mini Train for a 15-minute loop that features children’s playgrounds, tunnels, and skyline views. When hunger calls, follow the smoky scent to The Green Mesquite BBQ & More for tender brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Cool off at
Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed oasis that sits around 70 degrees year-round. Don’t forget water shoes and a towel. The outdoor exhibit, Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer, is part of the Beverly Sheffield Education Center and dives into the history and ecology of the springs.
As the sun dips, cross the river for Corner Restaurant, which brings Texas-inspired favorites to the table, like tuna tostadas, skillet cornbread, and luxardo orange and hibiscus margs. Then there’s live music in downtown’s Red River Cultural District. Think Mohawk for indie rock and punk or hit up Swan Dive for alternative bands and dance parties.
where to stay
Club Wyndham La Cascada
WorldMark Riverside Suites (Club Pass)
Austin
Let morning unfold slowly over a breakfast torta at La Panaderia Bakery and Café on East Houston Street. Then get oriented with a 35-minute Go Rio narrated boat cruise, drifting along the San Antonio River past stone bridges, cypress trees, and the iconic, colorful River Walk umbrellas. As the boat rounds each bend, landmarks like
La Villita (an artist village with shops and galleries) and the Briscoe Western Art Museum come into view.
Back on land, take a short walk to The Alamo and tour the Shrine of Texas Liberty, site of the pivotal 1836 battle. Outside, the grounds come alive as reenactors in period dress fire muskets, explain frontier tools, and recount moments from the Texas Revolution.
For lunch, claim a riverside table at Casa Rio beneath those same colorful umbrellas for Tex-Mex classics and margaritas. Afterward, wander Historic Market Square, where locally owned shops and artisan stalls brim with pottery, paintings, leather goods, and jewelry. Round out the day in the Pearl — Midtown neighborhood. Browse Pullman Market, a 40,000-square-foot food hall, then settle in for dinner at Fife & Farro for wood-fired pizzas or Mezquite for Sonoran-style meats.
San Antonio
Photo Credit: Damon Chamberlain and Jonathan Lipking