FUN ACTIVITIES

We know how important it is to you to balance relaxation and fun activities, and that is just what Sandy Road Guest Haus provides.

Enjoy picnicking under huge oaks, play a game of horseshoes, spend time laying around enjoying a nice quiet day under the shade trees or our spacious covered porch. Or, take a hike on our ranch. Nearby creeks have fish and we can lend you with a fishing rod and some good luck.

And with cities like Austin, San Antonio, Blanco, and historical Johnson City so near, you can pack up and take a day trip and get back to Johnson City in time for a great meal at a nearby restaurant.

There is so much to do and see while staying at Sandy Road Guest Haus near Johnson City.

Our extensive ranch makes a great place to walk and observe nature at the same time. We often see deer, rabbits, and a variety of birds. Occasionally we will see turkeys and armadillos and a fox. Take a hike further out on the ranch and see nature unspoiled.

We have an outdoor picnic table and a campfire ring for you to enjoy and have your own cook-out in the shade of our huge oak trees. Or stargaze at night with our uncluttered sky and low-light conditions. Listen at night to the world of county life, with crickets, birds chirping and other sounds of nature that most folks don't get a chance to hear at home. Relax and enjoy!

Our Guest Haus is in a great central location for visiting all the Texas Hill Country attractions! Hiking in nearby parks is very popular, as is the amazing and very nearby Hill Country wine trail centered between Johnson City and Fredericksburg.

UNSCHEDULED FUN THINGS ON AND NEAR THE RANCH:

FishingBorrow our fishing poles and walk down to the Spring Creek or Hickory Creek or Grape Creek low water crossing areas
(all within a mile of your deck) and enjoy some quiet fish'n. Maybe take a picnic basket and relax.

If there isn't a burn ban in place, use our fire ring and free firewood to have an old-time campfire, and enjoy the stars . . .
And yes, you can see them from here in our clear sky.

Bring your bow and go bow hunting in season (special rates apply, please contact us). Deer, turkey, and a variety of wild life.

Walk the ranch and see unspoiled nature. Moderate, hilly terrain and grassy pastures. Take your time. You won't see any city sites.

Enjoy the swing, outdoor table and chairs, and oak grove right next to your guest house.

Portal Calendar: Local events/meetings in Johnson City area: www.hillcountryportal.com/johnsoncity-recurringevents.html

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING HILL COUNTRY AREA EVENTS:

Portal Calendar: Major events/festivals in the Hill Country: www.hillcountryportal.com/hillcountryfestivals.html

FAVORITE LOCAL AREA DAY TRIPS:

Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail: The Texas Hill Country is renowned worldwide for its annual wildflower display. Blanco and Johnson City are among the nine Central Texas communities to create the Texas Hill Country Wildflower Trail.
Click: www.HillCountryPortal.com/hillcountrytourism.html and www.HillCountryPortal.com/hillcountrywildflowers.html

Hill Country Lavender Farms: With more than 10 Lavender farms in the immediate area, there is much to see. On Saturdays, during blooming season which usually lasts from mid-May until the end of June, many of the farms are open to the public. In addition, visitors can buy such items as dried lavender buds, lavender plants, lavender books, sachets and soap. Click: www.blancolavenderfestival.com and www.HillCountryPortal.com/hillcountrylavender.html

Hill Country Wineries: Visit the many wonderful local vineyards located in the Texas Hill Country. Experience exquisite wines right here in the Lone Star state! Click: www.HillCountryPortal.com/hillcountrywine.html

River Tubing & Rafting: Nearby in the Guadalupe River area (South Blanco to Canyon Lake) as well as the Frio River area (Medina, Frio, Vanderpool, Leakey, and Garden State Park).

Hill Country Motorcycling: We have some of the best riding in the Hill Country right here in our back yard of the Sandy Road Guest Haus. RR-1320, RR-1323, Willow City Loop, and more country roads and back areas make our Guest Haus an ideal location to anchor your motorcycling trip. More helpful info about Hill Country riding at: www.HillCountryPortal.com/hillcountrymotorcycling.html

Fredericksburg Trade Days: www.fbgtradedays.com. One of the best recurring trade day events in Texas.

Perdernales Falls State Park: 5212 acres opened in 1971. Located along the banks of scenic Pedernales River and features picturesque waterfalls, abundant animal and bird life, fishing, swimming, tubing, camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The park's main attraction is the set of waterfalls carved out of the limestone terrain that can be viewed from a scenic overlook at the north end of the park. In this area, the elevation of the river drops about 50 feet over a distance of 3000 feet, and the cascading falls are formed by the flow of water over the tilted, stair-step effect of layered limestone.

Location: In Blanco County, 8 mi E of Johnson City on FM-2766 at 2585 Park Road 6026.
830-868-7304; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/pedernales_falls

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Located on the SE margin of the large Enchanted Rock Batholith, the granite exposed is one of the Town Mountain Granite suite and is of Precambrian age (6 million years old). Part of the Llano Uplift. There are several large exfoliation domes and castle tops in the park. The largest top (Enchanted Rock itself) rises 122 m. above the surrounding landscape. This is the best place to look at granite in Texas. 1644 acres, opened 1984.

The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome, that rises 425 feet above ground, 1825 feet above sea level, and covers 640 acres. It is one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formation uncovered by erosion) in the United States. Activities include primitive backpacking, camping, hiking, technical and rock climbing, picnicking, geological study, bird watching, and star gazing (minimal light pollution). No vehicular camping. Facilities include Park Store.

Location: In Gillespie County, on 16710 RR-965, Fredericksburg TX 78624; 830-685-3636; www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock

Pedernales River Nature Park: Owned and managed by LCRA, this new river-front park is located in Johnson City. Park has 222 acres and is scheduled for a May 2009 opening. It will be offering public recreational day use, including fishing and picnicking. Plans are underway for more extensive development of outdoor facilities and activities. During this interim period, LCRA access and facility use fees will be temporarily waived. See www.lcra.org/parks/pedernales-river-nature-park

Location: In Johnson City in mid-Blanco County. On E side of US-281 at the Pedernales river bridge. Entrance just S of Town Creek and a few blocks N of the US-290 intersection at Davis Street.

Profiles Of All Nearby Parks: Parks

AND OUR NEARBY HILL COUNTRY TOWNS:

Austin: Known for its casual and playful nature. Austin is not only the capital but is also the playground of Texas and the "Live Music Capital" great music and entertainment on 6th Street. Situated at the center of the Lone Star State, it stands as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country and the Highland Lakes.

Visit: Texas State Capital, Governor's Mansion, Texas State Historical Museum, University of Texas and the National Wildflower Research Center. www.ci.austin.tx.us, and See Austin

Blanco: Truly a place to experience... Visit the Blanco State Park, just a stroll away from downtown Blanco. It is the smallest state park in Texas, as well as the only one situated within a city limit. Visit: Historical District, Town Creek Nature Trail, Old Blanco County Courthouse, Blanco State Park and the many lavender farms and stores. www.HillCountryPortal.com, www.BlancoChamber.com and See Blanco

Johnson City: Enjoy your visit to Johnson City, Texas, Heart of the Hill Country Arts with several galleries. It's even more fun and beautiful in person! Visit: LBJ National Historical Park, LBJ Boyhood Home, LBJ Ranch (a working ranch), The Texas Ranger Museum, the Exotic Zoo, Texas Hills Vineyard, Pedernales Falls State Park, Wildflower Loop, and 4 lavender farms. www.HillCountryPortal.com/johnsoncity.html

Luckenbach: 830-997-3224. 1-888-311-8990; 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Stonewall, TX 78624. The history of Luckenbach, along with events that are happening and their favorite pickers, are included on their web site, including Willie, Waylon, and many more. Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach". Web: www.luckenbachtexas.com, and Luckenbach

Fredericksburg: German heritage and architecture, many excellent restaurants and shops, wineries, Enchanted Rock State Park, Admiral Nimitz Museum, Texas Wildflower Center, and Wildflower Seed Farm. See Fredericksburg

New Braunfels: Schlitterbahn Water Park, Natural bridge caverns, river tubing. New Braunfels

San Antonio: Now the eighth largest city in the United States, the city has retained its sense of history and tradition, while carefully blending in cosmopolitan progress yet captures the spirit of Texas. Visit: The Alamo, River Walk, Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Zoo, Spanish Governor's Palace and The Mission Trail. www.sanantoniocvb.com, and San Antonio

And More! You sure don't want to forget Marble Falls, The Highland Lakes area, Llano, Stonewall, Albert, Canyon Lake, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Wimberley, Comfort, Kerrville, Boerne, Gruene, Bandera, Medina, Leakey, and more! This is a truly beautiful area. Be sure to check out www.HillCountryPortal.com for lots of info and ideas.

OUR SPECIAL PETS AT THE RANCH:

Blanco Charlie

CHARLIE, BLANCO & THE BARN CATS:

Charlie is number one dog on the ranch, a gorgeous Sheltie who is our Assistant Manager, greeter, and the most loving animal you will meet. He welcomes your attention and petting. Watch him use is instinctive skills to herd the longhorn cattle . . . what a sight and sound! If you are not comfortable with a ranch dog, let us know and we will try to keep him at a social distance.

Blanco is our pure while, blue-eyed, beautiful but privileged cat, who roams and reports to us what he finds, and sometimes even brings it to our back door. And, we have three semi-feral barn cats (Cheddar, Sambo, and Gracie) who think they own the place. Maybe they do.

And, of course, our Longhorns:




Cows

Come Relax & Enjoy!

A perfect getaway vacation rental with lots of beautiful outdoor space.

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