Austin, Texas, is such a vibrant, active city, that leaving it might be difficult for some, but everyone needs to get away from time to time. Even a last minute short trip away can rejuvenate the spirit. With its array of music venues and entertainment options, it's difficult to find something Austin doesn't offer.
Hop in your car and just six-and-a-half hours from Austin, Texas, you will arrive at the Gulf of Mexico and South Padre Island for fun in the sun. Hosting more than 5 million visitors annually, it has become a hot spot for college students at spring break as well as companies hosting conferences.
If it's relaxation you crave, the island is home to many white sandy beaches where you can enjoy a dip in the Gulf or catch up on your reading. Bird watching is quite popular on the island with the best viewing at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
22817 Ocelot Road
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
956-748-3607
With Southwest Airlines flying non-stop out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Las Vegas is just three hours away. Whether you want to gamble, take in a show or enjoy a luxurious spa, Las Vegas is for you. Most of the hotels and casinos offer spectacular shows, along with fine-dining, which feature celebrity chefs such as Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck.
When it comes to the spa treatment, The Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian gets high marks. It won the Reader's Choice Award in 2009 for Best Fitness Program. Surrounded by five acres of gardens, this is one of the largest spas on the Strip. Here you can experience relaxing facials and massages as well as a full-service gym and salon. There is everything here to pamper you for a night or weekend on the town.
Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
866-942-3430
Canyonranchspaclub.com
Denver, Colorado, is another quick hop from Austin with non-stop service on Southwest Airlines, you'll be in the mile-high city in just a bit more than two hours.
Denver offers a vacation for the nature lover with more than 200 city and mountain parks. In addition there are several river and trail areas in the metropolitan area. Cherry Creek Trail is one of the most popular trails, leading Bicycling Magazine to declare Denver as one of the top cities for cycling.
Cherry Creek Trail is centrally located and paved for a smooth ride. The trail begins at Confluence Park, in downtown Denver, where Cherry Creek empties into the South Platte River. From there, the trail meanders along the creek. The trail continues through the suburbs, and past the popular Cherry Creek Reservoir. From downtown to the reservoir it's 10 miles.
After a day on the trails, check out of the local micro-breweries, since Colorado is one of the largest beer producers. One of the local favorites is the Wynkoop Brewing Company.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
1634 18th St.
Denver, CO 80202
303-297-2700
Wynkoop.com
