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With George Strait crooning in the background, the honeyed glow of the Texas sunset streamed through Hambone and Hillarys’ living room window, casting long shadows across a worn leather couch.
Ever the picture of domestic bliss, Hillary swirled her glass of cabernet, the ruby liquid catching the glowing light. “Alright, fellas,” she announced, a playful glint in her eye, “enough reminiscing about George Strait’s younger days.”
“What’s on the agenda for our next adventure? It’s fall, and nature’s colors sing a different tune this time of year. I’m thinking Hill Country fall foliage.”
Where Should We Wander?
Mullethead‘s eyes snapped open, a flicker of mischief igniting within them. “Now you’re talkin’, Millie! Hambone’s been buried in spreadsheets all week; he needs some nature therapy before he sprouts digital roots.”
Hambone, defending his digital empire, bristled playfully. “Hey, I gotta keep the website hustle humming, Mullethead! But yeah, a little escape from the pixelated world sounds mighty fine.”
Millie, the resident trip coordinator with a Cabernet swirling strategically in her glass, took charge. “Well, fellas, lucky for us, we live in Texas! The Hill Country puts on a pretty good fall foliage show this time of year, and believe you me, we have options!”
If you fall in love with the Texas Hill Country like we did you can’t go wrong with this beautiful wall art, available on Amazon!
The Great Hill Country Debate: Leaves & Lodging
“First up,” Millie announced, tapping her phone map app, “Lost Maples State Natural Area! About a 90-mile drive northwest of San Antonio it screams Hill Country fall foliage!.”
Mullethead, ever the literalist, furrowed his brow. “Lost Maples? Sounds ominous. Like a place where leaves go to die lonely deaths.”
Hambone, the analyst, chuckled. “Not ominous, Mullethead, just aptly named. This park is known for its stunning display of crimson maples in late October.”
“During the Ice Age, Texas was colder and wetter, allowing maple trees to grow further south. When the climate warmed, only the Bigtooth Maples in protected canyons survived. And when you see this canyon, you will know God waved his hand over it.”
“If we time it right, we’ll see a fiery explosion of color against an awesome, clear Texas sky. Timing is the key with fall foliage; we’ll have to do the necessary research to make sure we hit it right.”
Lost Maples State Natural Area?
“And,” Millie added, smiling, “they offer campsites, some with and some without electricity and water. We could make a weekend of it and rough it… kinda.”
“Or, if we’re not keen on the roughing part after hiking amongst the maples, more comfortable options are available nearby.”
Mullethead’s face contorted in mock horror. “Rough it? Millie, honey, you know my definition of roughing it is being on a ‘Naked and Afraid’ reality TV episode.”
Hillary, stifling a laugh, jumped in. “Cool your heels, cowboy! Millie meant a ‘rustic’ experience, Mullethead. Think campfires and stargazing.”
Mullethead’s expression softened. “Campfires AND stargazing? Now that’s a different story. We could grill some steaks under the stars and tell ghost stories…” His voice trailed off, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
Hambone, sensing a storytelling ambush brewing, cleared his throat. “Alright, alright, alright, let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.”
“If we choose Lost Maples, a guide like the following would be very useful; Lost Maples State Natural Area: Half day hikes (or less) with trail maps, directions, photos and tips for day visitors, campers and backpackers (Texas State Parks Hiking Series).”
“Lost Maples might be a great option, but remember, campsites get booked fast during peak season.”
“In case they’re full, we have a backup plan—Trip.com, everyone’s favorite travel website,” he said, winking at the camera. “Trip.com is a registered trademark.”
Millie nodded in agreement. “Nice product placement. Trip.com has some fantastic deals on cabins near the park, so we’ll have a cozy spot to rest our weary bones after a day of leaf peeping.”
Guadalupe River State Park: Fall Colors & Fishing Dreams
Millie continued, her finger scrolling across the map. “Next on the list: Guadalupe River State Park, roughly 38 miles north of San Antonio. The cypress trees along the Guadalupe River are a sight to behold.”
Mullethead’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Now we’re talkin’! River, fall foliage, maybe some fishin’? Sounds like a win-win to me.”
Mullethead would love this awesome T-shirt to remind him of his visit to the park.
Hambone, our current planner, raised an eyebrow. “It is a win-win, Mullethead, and the park offers campsites with different features, some with electricity and water, some without.”
“Or we could book a cabin nearby using Trip.com or find a cool B&B in Fredericksburg (55 miles) for the night. Imagine sipping wine on a porch swing, surrounded by fall foliage—pure bliss.”
Millie chimed in, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Speaking of Fredericksburg, it’s a charming town with a rich German heritage. They have these amazing fall festivals, and let’s be honest, who can resist a good bratwurst and beer after a day of outdoor adventure?”
Hillary’s eyes sparkled at the mention of festivals. “Don’t forget the adorable shops and wineries! But remember folks, Fredericksburg’s a popular fall destination, so booking lodging early is crucial. Trip.com can be your best friend in that department.”
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: A Rocky Adventure
“Another option to consider,” Hambone added, “is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s about 87 miles northwest of San Antonio and while the foliage might not be as dense, the views from the top of the rock are incredible, especially with fall colors in the background.”
Mullethead’s eyes widened. “Enchanted Rock? That sounds like a fantasy world.”
If you go, get into the spirit with this ultra-cool Hiking Frog T-Shirt!
Hillary chuckled. “Not quite, but it’s pretty close. Many say it’s haunted, while others claim it can heal due to its vibrational frequency.”
“It’s a massive pink granite dome with stunning views of the surrounding Hill Country. And of course, there’s the bonus of climbing to the top for a panoramic view of the fall foliage.”
Millie raised an eyebrow. “Just be warned, Mullethead, it’s a pretty steep climb. No shame in taking it slow to enjoy the scenery.”
Mullethead, ever the competitor, scoffed. “Take it slow? Me? Never!” He paused, then added with a playful wink, “Then again, taking it slow is why we’re going, right? I don’t want to miss what we’re there for. Got to take it all in.”
Blanco River State Park: A Watery Retreat
“And finally,” Hambone continued, “we have Blanco State Park on the Blanco River, about 50 miles north of San Antonio.”
“Although the fall foliage in Blanco State Park may not be as intense as in some other locations, it still provides a picturesque backdrop for hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors.”
Millie nodded thoughtfully. “Blanco State Park is a great option for a relaxing day trip. You can hike the scenic trails, have a picnic lunch by the river, and soak in the colorful foliage. Plus, it’s next to the town of Blanco, which has some great food, including awesome bakeries and antique stores. (Tip: The food at the local bowling alley gets rave reviews!)
Mullethead’s eyes lit up. “Picnic? River? I’m in!”
Hillary smiled. “And if needed, different levels of camping are available, but if we don’t want to camp in the park, Blanco has many lodging options.”
The Texas Hill Country Awaits
With some possibilities laid out, a wave of excitement washed over the group. The Hill Country, with its vibrant fall colors, charming towns, and outdoor adventures, was calling their names.
So, which Hill Country gem will they conquer first? Stay tuned for the next chapter in the Mullethead and Hambone saga, where the fall foliage, friendly feuding, and Texas-sized laughter are guaranteed!
In the meantime, have you ever taken a fall foliage road trip? Share your favorite spots in the comments below!
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