If you go through Marble Falls, don’t leave before stopping at Blue Bonnet Cafe. This small-town diner has grown into a world-famous institution for one reason and one alone: the best pie in Texas. It’s so good, their happy hour is for pies! We love their Chocolate Cream or Lemon Meringue, but you might want to try the Cherry, Fudge or Peanut Butter Cream!

You know the story; we hiked to the top of Cadillac Mountain at dawn outside of Bar Harbor, Maine where Jake dropped to a knee! Although not Maine, the Texas Hill Country boasts some of the best trails in Texas! Check out trails in the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge or Inks Lake State Park in Burnet. Or better yet, join us on Saturday for Camp Smith Day and hike around The Retreat at Balcones Springs!

The Texas Hill Country is known for its dozens of fine vineyards, and they certainly live up to the hype. But don't sleep on the craft brew scene. Great breweries are right in town! Our favorite is Bear King Brewing. Check out all the wineries and breweries here!

The end of September could possibly be the best time of the year to golf in Texas. You’ll find great golf in and around Marble Falls, particularly at Horseshoe Bay. If you’re more inclined to golf closer to Austin, check out Lagovista Golf Course.

If you like to be on and in the water as much as we do, then Marble Falls is a great area for you! From Lake LBJ to Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake or even nearby Lake Marble Falls, there is not a lack of boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, Fun fact: the 10-acre lake at The Retreat at Balcones Springs is named after the original ranch owner, Ted Hiney, when his daughter asked for a swimming hole and got out the dynamite! Check out all the water activities in the area here!

One of our favorite dates is to go on a picnic. Jake has been known to pack a basket and schedule a hike before enjoying a picnic! If you want a romantic picnic for two, a family lunch in the sun, or a solo adventure, you can pack a picnic and head to several vibrant green parks with beautiful views. So grab a blanket, cheese, drinks, and charcuterie for an al fresco meal at one of the following parks: Johnson Park, Pace Bend Park, Krause Springs, Blanco State Park or The Kingsland Slab.