A smarter way to spend a long weekend at Lake Travis — this is Hill Country, handled.
Just outside Austin, where the Texas Hill Country begins to roll into limestone cliffs and wide water views, Lake Travis has long been a favorite escape for Texans who know how to do a weekend properly. The lake itself was created in 1942 as part of the Highland Lakes chain, but over the years it has become something else entirely—a place where boating days stretch into sunset dinners and the pace of Austin softens into something slower.
Now, Inspirato is introducing three new homes in the area—each designed for long weekends, family gatherings, and the kind of easy lake living that makes Hill Country such a reliable retreat.
On the water
Life here tends to orbit the lake.
Start the morning with coffee on your deck before heading out for a day on the water—wake surfing, paddleboarding, or cruising past the pale limestone cliffs that define this stretch of the Colorado River. Locals often point boats toward Devil’s Cove, a well-known gathering spot where swimmers float in the clear water and afternoons unfold without much urgency.
For a little more adrenaline, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures offers sweeping views across the lake, while nearby Pace Bend Park provides miles of shoreline where the cliffs drop sharply into deep blue water—a favorite place for sunset swims.
Wineries, views, and open roads
Texas Hill Country may surprise first-time visitors with its wine scene. In fact, the region is now the second-largest wine-producing area in the United States, and the vineyards scattered across the hills make for an easy afternoon drive.
Fall Creek Vineyards, founded in 1975, helped pioneer Texas winemaking and still pours classic varietals with sweeping Hill Country views. A bit farther out, William Chris Vineyards has built a reputation for producing some of the state’s most respected bottles, particularly from Texas-grown grapes.
Other nearby stops worth adding to the itinerary include Texas Wine Collective, where several Hill Country winemakers collaborate under one roof, Rhinory—part winery, part wildlife sanctuary—and Buli Limestone, a small producer known for relaxed tastings and sweeping vineyard views.
Most tasting rooms here favor shaded patios and long conversations—no rush required.
A short drive to Austin
Part of Lake Travis’s appeal is how quickly the quiet of the hills gives way to Austin’s unmistakable energy.
Spend an afternoon wandering South Congress Avenue, where independent shops, vintage stores, and cafés keep the street lively. When evening arrives, the city leans into its “Live Music Capital of the World” reputation. The Continental Club, open since 1955, remains one of Austin’s most respected venues for everything from blues to rock.
And if you want a taste of old Texas dancehall culture, the Broken Spoke has been hosting two-step lessons and honky-tonk bands since 1964.
When it comes to dining, Austin rewards curiosity. Start with modern small plates at Swift’s Attic downtown, classic Shanghai-style soup dumplings at Wu Chow, or a famously satisfying breakfast at Paperboy—an Austin favorite known for its hearty morning plates and easy neighborhood atmosphere.
A few good stops
A handful of Austin classics worth knowing.
Barton Springs Pool – Fed by underground springs and sitting at a steady 68–70 degrees year-round, this swimming hole in Zilker Park has been an Austin institution for generations. On hot Texas afternoons, there may be no better place in the city.
Rainey Street – Once a quiet residential street of 1930s bungalows, Rainey has evolved into one of Austin’s most distinctive nightlife pockets. The old houses remain, now converted into laid-back bars and patios. Start at Half Step for one of the city’s best cocktails.
South Congress Avenue – Boot shops, vintage stores, and easy cafés line the street locals simply call SoCo. It’s the kind of place where you wander for an hour and somehow leave with a pair of cowboy boots.
Franklin Barbecue – The line starts early, the brisket sells out daily, and locals still swear it’s worth the wait. Arrive hungry.
Fredericksburg – Take a quick day trip to the charming and historic German settlement of Fredericksburg. Considered the gateway to Texas wine country, you can sniff, swirl, and sip at more than 30 area wineries that dot the rolling landscape.
Where you’ll stay
Inspirato Members now have three new ways to settle into Hill Country life.
Vista Landing | 12 occ | 5 br | 5 ba
Vista Landing blends contemporary Hill Country style with effortless lake living. Enjoy a private pool, hot tub, barrel sauna, and expansive terraces designed for outdoor relaxation, plus open living spaces and a chef’s kitchen perfect for gathering after a day on Lake Travis.
Creek Hollow 14 occ | 6 br | 6.5 ba
Set on five private acres overlooking Lake Travis, Creek Hollow offers a secluded Hill Country retreat designed for gathering. Expansive living spaces, a pool with sunset views, and room for large groups make it an ideal home base for lake days, wine country drives, and relaxed evenings together.
Canyon House 12 occ | 5 br | 5 ba
Designed for play as much as relaxation, Canyon House is an entertainment-driven Hill Country retreat. A pickleball court, putting green, private theater, and spacious gathering areas create the perfect setting for family competitions, group getaways, and memorable nights near Lake Travis.
Home is where the heart is
For evenings when staying in sounds better than heading out, Inspirato can also arrange private in-home chefs—from Texas comfort cooking to Italian dinners. Local options include Daybreak Hospitality Chefs from Paperboy, known for their crowd-pleasing American breakfast and brunch menus, as well as Hill & Vine, whose Texas comfort-style cooking is well-suited for relaxed group dinners at home.
In-home massage and spa services can also be arranged, turning the homes into a full Hill Country retreat without ever leaving the property.
Together, the homes offer something Lake Travis has always done well—space to gather, easy access to the water, and front-row seats to those long Texas sunsets that seem to stretch just a little longer over the hills.
