My sister lives in San Marcos, about half an hour south I think. When I visited I was amazed at what a fun area it is. They don't spend too much time in Austin, but they do spend a lot of time exploring different little towns around the area. I went there for a visit last spring and I was amazed at all the fun places there are in a day trip distance. We went somewhere every day looking for quilt shops and just fun historic places. There is a little town south of Austin, but not far, called Wimberley. I fell in love with that little town at first sight. They have the cutest little touristy shopping area. We went there twice but I still don't think we saw everything. We also went to the Market days that they have there. It was amazing ! It is so big you could get lost there. But there is food and a big covered place with tables and bands or singers all the time. So a good place to rest and get your bearings.
Another place we went to was Gruen. It has a dance hall that is supposedly one of the oldest in the country. Lots of famous people have been there and it has even been in movies. There are lots of cute shops and antique places around there as well.
My sister has made a project of learning about all the little towns and their histories. She is not very good at exploring by herself, but with me for support we had a great time and found lots to do. Plus we could go at our own pace. She does not like driving on the freeway too much either, so she took me on a lot of back roads, thorugh out of the way places most people would never see.
I think the thing I loved most about the area was how friendly everyone was. It took a bit to get used to being called Ma'am but otherwise it was great. Every one says hi when you walk into a store, and you never feel ignored. But in a welcoming way, not in a "are you going to steal something?" sort of way.
Oh and don't be surprised if you find the best barbecue in crazy out of the way places you would never expect. My BIL kept saying that my sister had to take me to Rudy's for barbecue. I think we went to the one in New Braunfels, but I am not sure. Anyway we pulled into a gas station called Rudy's and I thought we were getting gas, but nope, lunch. I don't think I ever ate at a gas station before. We walked through the minimart part and into a huge room full of the most wonderful aroma and lots of tables covered with red check table clothes. It was a great experience, and the food was great too. We went to lots of other barbecue places but that was the best.
I found several great quilt shops too, and spent a fortune. I would move there in a heart beat if it was closer to my kids. I live 8 hours away now and that would be much farther. But maybe if I could talk them into coming with, hmmm, idea.