Must-do Fall Activities

5 cool ways to celebrate fall in the Texas Hill Country

By most people's standards, triple-digit temperatures, charred grass and ozone action days don't necessarily conjure a Rockwellian vision of autumn. Even so, September is the official start of fall, and there are plenty of ways to exploit the season throughout the great state of Texas.

From sailboat rentals to music festivals and trail rides, here are the top ways to celebrate autumn in the Texas Hill Country.

Texas Trail Rides
Various dates and times
If cowboy culture is sewn into the fabric of Texan identity, then Texas Trail Rides is a steadfast needleworker. The "posse" of ranchers offers guided excursions to suit every skill level and a broad range of tastes. Excursions include ranch trail rides, sunset and romantic rides, a vineyard ride, and special occasion expeditions. For more information, visit the Texas Trail Rides website.

Austin Sailboat Rentals
Various dates and times
When it comes to sailing, Austin isn't anywhere close to Nantucket. In the temperate months of autumn and early winter, however, it may even be a bit better. Austin Sailboat Rentals offers affordable rentals of centerboard dinghy sailboats, a Catalina Capri 14.2, Chrysler Man-O-War, and Glastron Alpha for use on Lady Bird Lake or Lake Austin. Just add wine, wind and a few close friends.

Lost Maples Natural Area
This tiny State Natural Area in Vanderpool (about three hours southwest of Austin) is perched on the banks of the Sabinal River. Lost Maples boasts a rich population of Uvalde Bigtooth Maples, which annually yield a kaleidoscopic display of burnt oranges, reds and yellows. These leaves are best seen along the East Trail of the Natural Area in the late autumn months. Be sure to check foliage reports before heading out.

ACL Music Festival
October 4-6 and 11-13
Anyone with two ears and a heartbeat has heard of the ACL Music Festival. This year, big-name acts such as Depeche Mode, The National, Neko Case, Wilco, Lionel Ritchie, and many more join the roster of performing artists taking over Zilker Park for two weekends. Tickets for the first weekend are sold out; prices for the latter dates, at $225, are hefty but totally worth it.

Wurstfest
November 1-10
Nothing says autumn in the Hill Country like a 10-day celebration of sausage, beer, rickety carnival rides and old men in tiny lederhosen in New Braunfels. Events include daily (and nightly) dances, marathon eating, children's activities and more. For admission information and directions, visit the official Wurstfest website.

Tour the Texas Hill Country on horseback with Texas Trail Rides.

Texas Trail Rides Facebook

Tour the Texas Hill Country on horseback with Texas Trail Rides.

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TRANSPORTATION NEWS

Luxury commuter van startup connects Houston with Austin and San Antonio

Photo courtesy of Shutto.

Shutto's regular routes travel most of the Texas Triangle.

Houstonians now have a new way to hop between cities, and it comes with Wi-Fi, leather seats, and a guaranteed Buc-ee’s stop. On November 17, mobility startup Shutto launched its luxury van service connecting San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, offering travelers a more comfortable alternative to flying or long-haul rideshare.

Bookings are now available Monday through Saturday with departure times in the morning and evening. One-way fares range from $47-$87, positioning Shutto in a similar lane to Dallas-based Vonlane, which also offers routes from Houston to Austin and San Antonio.

Unlike other regional transit options, Shutto builds Texas road-trip culture into every journey. Each route includes a pit stop at Buc-ee’s so riders can stock up on kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, and drinks.

In announcing the launch, founder and CEO Alberto Salcedo called the company a new category in Texas mobility.

“We are bringing true disruptive mobility to Texas: faster and more convenient than flying (no security lines, no delays), more comfortable and exclusive than the bus or train, and up to 70 percent cheaper than private transfers or Uber Black,” Salcedo said in a release. “Whether you’re commuting for business, visiting family, exploring Texas wineries, or doing a taco tour in San Antonio, Shutto makes traveling between these cities as easy and affordable as riding inside the city.”

Shutto enters the market at a time when highway congestion is a hotter topic than ever. With high-speed rail still years in the future, its model aims to provide fast, predictable service at commuter prices. The startup touts an on-time departure guarantee and a relaxed ride. Only 12 passengers fit inside each Mercedes Sprinter van.

Beyond the scheduled routes, Shutto offers private, customizable trips anywhere in the country, a service the company expects will appeal to corporate retreat planners, wedding parties, and tourists wanting to make a day of crawling Hill Country wineries and breweries.

The day-to-day service picks up at the Foam Coffee & Kitchen parking lot at 5819 Richmond Ave. near the Galleria. In San Antonio, it picks up at La Panadería Bakery’s parking lot at 8305 Broadway. In Austin, vans depart from the Pershing East Café parking lot at 2501 E. Fifth St.

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