ESCAPES
Marble Falls
HEAD FOR THE QUINTESSENTIAL
Only about an hour’s drive from downtown Austin, west along the Colorado River, lies Marble Falls, where a bucolic Hill Country landscape meets a charming shopping district. The town of 6,000 was founded in 1887 by Confederate General Adam R. ‘Stovepipe’ Johnson, despite being blinded by friendly fire during the Civil War, and today serves as a laid-back destination with more than enough attractions to fill a day trip’s itinerary. If you’re searching for inspiration for your next local getaway, pay some attention to this town with the motto, ‘Lakeside Charm meets Downtown Flair.’
HILL COUNTRY EXPERIENCE
Where to Explore
By Cindy Brzostowski
48 WATERWAYS | October 2020
Covering more than 32,000 acres, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge offers ample space to enjoy the great outdoors. Hiking and hunting are popular, but the refuge is also an excellent place for bird-watching as the area was preserved to protect the habitat of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and blackcapped vireo among other species. For a bit of nature closer to town, unwind at Johnson Park or Lakeside Park. These adjacent green spaces are both on waterways—Johnson Park is next to Backbone Creek and Whitman Branch stream while Lakeside Park is right on the shore of Lake Marble Falls reservoir. With opportunities for swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, beach volleyball and more, there are hours of fun to be had on land and in the water. >>
PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SALLANS; COURTESY OF MARBLE FALLS
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