Not all college students are dripping in money for summer trips to Cancun. As a matter of fact, most of us aren't. That doesn’t mean that summer has to be any less fun or memorable. Summer break is the perfect time to grab some friends and hit the road on an adventure. This week we are shining the spotlight on two Texas towns that are sure to impress and are fit for a college budget.
There really is no place like Fredericksburg, TX. It was settled by German immigrants in the 1800s and proudly held onto it’s heritage. Fredericksburg is an interesting mesh of family friendly and party friendly as many locations allow customers to leave with alcoholic beverages. It still remains a very friendly and safe destination spot. Lodging is inexpensive and can be even cheaper when splitting a room with friends.
Where to eat: Cultures Grill & Bar is where the Tex meets the Mex meets the German meets the American. It is the best place to sample creative spins on classic German dishes. With great food, a laid-back atmosphere and forty beers on tap, you can’t go wrong. Nothing beats sitting out on the patio in the evening and listening to some local music talent with an Austin-esque vibe. Beer enthusiasts must stop by Fredericksburg Brewing Co. to enjoy lunch in the same room that the brewing process takes place. Beers hold namesakes of local influences, such as Enchanted Red Rock Ale.
What to see: Take
a walk down Main Street and see all that the local shops have to offer. You can find everything from local boutiques,
to German antiques, to hipster décor. To
feel like a kid in a candy store and sample over forty flavors of amazing fudge
combinations, stop by Lone Star Candy Bar.
If you have $60 to spare, you can spend an afternoon on a scenic bus
tour of two local wineries and sample so
much wine and get to know some interesting people. For a spectacular view, take a hike up Enchanted
Rock and witness of the natural beauty of the Hill Country.
Wimberly has been a popular weekend destination for students in the Austin, College Station, and San Marcos area for some time. It is a very laid back town with lots to offer, the perfect place to get away from it all.
Where to eat: Ino’z Brew and Chew has great food, great beer and a weekend music scene with no cover charge, ever. My favorite quirky decoration hangs over the back door patio, saying, “Life is too short to live in Houston.” It reminds us all to get out of the city every now and then to experience all that Texas has to offer.
What to see: Walk
around and experience the one-of-a-kind small town charm with quirky shops,
unique art galleries and old fashioned ice cream parlors. Wimberly also boasts two prime swimming
spots, Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well.
$9 will get you admission to Blue Hole’s swimming area that stays a
refreshing 64 degrees year-round. Jacob’s
Well has also become a renown swimming destination, now requiring reservations
for coveted swim times. Bring your own inner tube and, for a small fee, you can float down the Blanco River outside the 7A Resort. What better way to spend a hot summer day?
Fredericksburg and Wimberly are two Texas towns with much to entertain. Inexpensive lodging and attractions make them prime destinations for budget-conscious college students. Get out there and make your own discoveries!