While it’s easy to get caught up in all Austin has to offer, it’s also important to make time for exploring the rest of Texas. And because we don’t have an infinite amount of time {and I’m guessing that you don’t either}, we’ve made a commitment to get out there and experience things together. Even if it’s just a day trip. Because, most likely, there’s only time for a day trip.

The formula for our day trips are a pretty simple: within a few hours from Austin, must include nature, must include food. Kingsland made for a pretty perfect day trip from Austin because it was only an hour drive, is the home of Longhorn Cavern State Park, and also has a restaurant that is in the house from Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

I wasn’t expecting much from Grand Central Cafe because, from a distance, it seemed like it was going to be super touristy. But other than a few themed cocktails on the bar menu and some movie memorabilia scattered about, it felt like a cozy local spot. The menu was giant and included your typical American staples: burgers, sandwiches, salads. I ordered the chicken fried chicken and Kody ordered the reuben. And we both Leatherface lemonaded it up because… When in Rome.

And while nothing on the menu blew my mind, that wasn’t why we were there nor was that the expectation. But everything about our time at Grand Central Cafe was pleasant. The green beans that were served with the chicken fried chicken brought back happy memories of when my great grandmother would spend winters with us in Florida {big positive!}. And I can’t recall a time in Austin where a boozy lunch for two was under $35.

After lunch, we traveled about ten minutes down the road to Longhorn Cavern Sate Park. We both looked at pictures earlier in the week, but the park was immediately cooler than we were expecting. There were a few buildings/structures to gaze at before entering the cave. And the entrance to the cave itself was pretty grand.

There were quite a bit of stairs that led to the cave entrance. And sink holes created tunnels of light that illuminated rock, while allowing greens to grow. Per the website, we intended to do a self-guided tour. But when we arrived at the entrance we were greeted with a locked gate.

So heads up, the only way to enter the cave is through a guided tour which costs $16 per adult and about 90 minutes of your time. Both important things to note before making the trip.

But it was apparent as the tour began that the caves would be difficult to navigate on your own. Not only was it very dark and sometimes slippery, but there were a ton of details that we would have missed had we walked around solo.

All said and done, we were away from home for about five hours and spent under $75 – a total win in my book! Regarding kids, Kody and I both agreed that this tour might be a little long for Haven {age 4}, but we still could have managed had she been there.

What to bring?

• Closed toed shoes that have a decent grip. We wore Vans and Converse and were totally fine, but I was so thankful I didn’t wear boots.
• Layers, especially in cooler temps. The cave was much warmer than we expected.
• Water bottle. The tour is between 60 and 90 minutes with no access to water. There’s a gift shop, but a reusable water bottle is the way to go!
• A fun playlist. Fresh out of tunes? Click here for one of my go-to lists!