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4 THINGS TO DO THIS WINTER IN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

I don't know about you, but I LOVE cozy winter vibes. Having time to slow down, sip a hot drink, cuddle and watch movies, is my idea of a good night. However, once I feel myself getting a little stir crazy, it's time to get outside! That inspired this list of COVID friendly winter activities. Get out, be safe and ENJOY!

A family posing with their shadows projected on a rock near Mystic Quarry.
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If you are looking to get in the holiday spirit, then you've gotta check out one of these drive through trail of lights! Now until January 3rd you can hit Santa's Ranch in New Braunfels, open every day 6pm-10pm, with extended hours on Friday & Saturday until 11pm. This slice of the North Pole is only 30 minutes from Mystic Quarry. When you arrive be sure to snag a hot cocoa & bag of kettle corn! Even Austin’s Trail of Lights has become a drive-thru event this year, but it is no less impressive with a 3-mile route and over 2 million lights. We recommend buying your tickets ahead online and going on a weekday night.

Tis the season...for trout fishing! Located only 1.5 miles down the road from Mystic Quarry, is the mouth of the Guadalupe River. This is a free public access point! Further down river, about one mile in the opposite direction, is another free access point to the river at the horseshoe. Did you know the Guadalupe is actually the southernmost trout stocked river in the US? The river is regularly stocked from now until the end of January. Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced angler, this is a beautiful river to fish! If you need gear or are looking for a guide, Reel Fly is the place to go!

A beautiful rainbow trout in a dip net.
A group of people horseback riding in Texas Hill Country.

Maybe fishing isn't your thing but you still want to enjoy nature, how about horseback riding? We have two options close to Mystic Quarry. Southern Trail located right in New Braunfels, offers not only horseback trail riding, but skeet shooting and axe throwing. Hollow Tree Ranch offers trail rides right in Canyon Lake. Be sure to make a reservation!

The cooler temps can be great for walks & hikes. A nearby favorite is Madrone Trail, great for walks and mountain biking. It is a secluded, meandering trail around Canyon Lake. If you are out and about in Wimberley, be sure to check out the Blue Hole Park Trail which is an easy 1.6 mile loop. Panther Canyon Nature Trail in New Braunfels is 1.7 miles and good for all skill levels. A bit further away, but nothing can beat a day spent at Enchanted Rock, with many different trail systems and beautiful views. Maybe stop in Fredericksburg for a bite on the way home! If you just want to stay on property, you can also use Mystic Quarry's 1 mile nature trail to enjoy some mountain biking or hiking.

A guy mountain biking in the Texas Hill Country area.

Mystic Quarry is the perfect place to lay your head after a day full of adventuring. Book your stay today!