(512) 793-2223

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake

Entrance fees: Adults $6.00/Kids 12 & under free

Located an hour northwest of Austin, Inks Lake is a gem worth visiting in the Hill Country. Whether it is on water or on land, Inks Lake State Park offers family fun for everyone. Visitors can enjoy its sparkling blue water, color rock formations, and beautiful sun sets.

Things to Do at Inks Lake

There are numerous activities that you or your family can enjoy:

• land activities such as backpacking, observing nature, picnicking, or geocaching.
• water activities like swimming, boating, water skiing, scuba diving, fishing, renting paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks.
• For as as low as $55 per day, you can enjoy one of the parks 22 cabins on the lake. Or if you want to rough it, the park has numerous campsites starting around $11 per day.
• hike one of its many trails, such as the Valley Spring Creek Trail, all ranging from easy to hard.

Devils Waterhole is secluded area off of the Valley Creek Spring Trail. Locals swim or take a short hike to Spring Creek.

I’m always looking for unique cacti pieces. This one was perfect-  heart shaped! Always looking for the beauty in things. Nature is beauty.

Inks Lake was such a beautiful park. Filled with families hiking trails, camping at one their many sites, fishing, kayaking and other water activities. During this trip, I visited Devil’s Waterhole and hiked two of the easy trails- Devils Waterhole Nature Trail (.2 mi) and the Valley Spring Creek Trail (.9 mi). Figured that was a good intro to hiking. Hiking has definitely become an interest after visiting this park.  I am always looking for beautiful park. What’s your favorite park? Let me know in the comments.

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Located in Asheville, NC, the Biltmore Estate and Gardens is a marvel of excellence and charm. This luxurious home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, is as magnificent today as it was over a century ago.  Visitors can partake in self-guided tours of the home that spans 3 floors including the basement. Displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more are available that tell stories and illustrate the lives of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees. The Biltmore Garden is comprised of acres of formal and informal gardens. The grounds of the property can be observed at your own pace through their extensive network of trails. The Biltmore also has a winery, unique shops, and restaurants for your enjoyment. It is worth noting that photography of any kind is not allowed inside the Biltmore while touring.

Even though I could not take pictures of the inside of the home, I enjoyed exploring every room that the public where able to visit. In the rooms, you will find extravagant window coverings and walls covered in silk or velvet. My favorite rooms were the elaborate dining room with a massive library, kitchen, and washroom which held a large washer and space for dyeing and weaving their own textiles. The Gardens allows for beautiful views. You can see views of the Smoky Mountains in the distance. The Vanderbilt’s were truly living back in their time.

A massive greenhouse sits on the property filled with unique and exotic plants.  It was a little chilly outside, so a lot of the flowers were not in bloom.

I found this cute guy guarding the entrance of the greenhouse. Due to the season, none of the flowers were in bloom in the rose and sculpture gardens. This trip was my first trip that involved a heavy dose of nature and it would not be my last. If you are into history then I recommend adding this stop to your trip to Asheville.

The post VBN Explorations: Biltmore Estate appeared first on Nadia Nelson.

Recommendations:

• Bring your camera- The views allow for numerous portraits and opportunities for photo-ops, as you will see many with their cameras or cell phones snapping up the perfect selfie with an awesome view in the background.
• Wear safe, sturdy shoes- Its a steep climb up and down. It is worth nothing that even though the hike is short, it is uneven and filled with rocks, with uneven steps. If your require some degree of assistance when walking, I do not recommend this spot.
• Spend some time up there- The views are amazing! Soak it all in. Take a second to breathe and appreciate all the beauty and nature around you.

Getting there:

If heading downtown from Austin, head North to FM 2222 on Loop-1. Head South on 360 Loop/Capital of Texas Highway. Pass W Courtyard Dr. and before making it to the bridge, you will see parking on the right side of the road along a cliff. Be sure to park where the cars are. The entrance is located in the middle of the parking lot.

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