Top 10 Things Not to Miss in Texas Hill Country
Texas Hill Country: Austin, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Round Rock, San Marcos
1. Austin is bigger and better than ever as a dynamic meeting destination. Among the many hotel openings slated for the next few months is the citizenM Hotel in downtown. The ‘affordable luxury’ hotel will feature 344 rooms in a 17-story tower as well as a rooftop pool and bar.
2. Host an event at one of the outstanding venues in the Live Music Capital of the World for an authentic Austin experience. Once you’ve decided on a venue, the Austin Music Office is there to work with planners to book talented local bands for conferences, events and receptions.
3. Dripping Springs is a short drive from Austin and offers Hill Country beauty, quiet charm, and good old-fashioned hospitality. Old Glory Ranch, with more than 2,200 acres and nearly 2 miles of riverfront, provides outdoor and indoor venues with scenic backdrops and activities and can host any size group up to 500.
4. When attendees are off the clock, they can take a step back in time on Mercer Street downtown. Many of the unique and eclectic businesses are in buildings built between 1870 and 1940. The actual “dripping springs” landmark is located at the west end of Mercer Street.
5. Create memorable meeting experiences in Fredericksburg, just over an hour from Austin and San Antonio. Opening in 2024, the Albert Hotel will be Fredericksburg’s first full-service hotel and have customizable indoor and outdoor spaces for gatherings up to 250 guests. Dining options will range from locally sourced gourmet to bona fide Texas barbecue.
6. Experience Texas Wine Country only a 5-minute drive from downtown. Barelle Vineyards opened its Tasting Room in 2023 with the philosophy of showcasing women wine makers. Private rooms are available for reservation and are a great option after a day of brainstorming.
7. Round Rock has all the bases covered as a premier meeting destination: easy access via nearby Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, event capacities up to 5,000, over 4,000 hotel rooms, and plenty to do during downtime. For an unconventional convention experience, visit Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. The African-themed resort features a state-of-the-art convention center, world-class dining, and many other guest amenities including an indoor waterpark.
8. For a concentrated dose of retail therapy, stroll through beautiful courtyards and check out an array of shopping options at Round Rock Premium Outlets. An impressive variety of merchandise can be found at the 125 designer and brand name outlet stores.
9. San Marcos is proud to provide meetings with more. Hold your next large event of up to 3,000 guests at the beautiful, state-of-the-art San Marcos Conference Center. A quick drive from downtown San Marcos, the center offers 78,800 square feet of conference space and a hotel with 283 two-room suites.
10. The recently completed Kissing Tree Golf Course is sure to please golf aficionados as they engage in some friendly competition with colleagues or unwind during downtime. This Hill Country course is designed to highlight the natural character of the land, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.
Sources: Visit Austin, Destination Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, Round Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit San Marcos
