Combining two of Central Texas’ most vibrant cities, Fort Worth and Austin, with the natural beauty of Hill Country, this luxury Texas itinerary delivers a diverse experience of the Lone Star State. In Fort Worth, you’ll connect with cowboy culture at its finest, with bespoke boot fittings, front row seats at the rodeo, and a NASCAR driving experience at the Texas Motor Speedway. In Austin, you’ll make the most of the cultural capital with two-step lessons and mouth watering barbeque. Ending at your own private ranch in Hill Country, you’ll enjoy Texas’ natural side with river float fly-fishing and tailored tastings at the local distilleries.
Fort Worth
Day 1-3
Buckle up, because Fort Worth is as quintessentially cowboy as it gets. Your base, the newly opened Bowie House, is the perfect blend of Texan soul and modern luxury, with its location in the heart of Fort Worth’s cultural district. Drop into Leddy’s to get fitted for your own pair of custom, handmade cowboy boots. As you walk through the iconic store, you’ll pass walls of bespoke boots, rare Clint Orms’ buckles and all manner of high-end Western wear. The craftsman will take your precise measurements and work with you to dream up a boot to match your style– the perfect fashion statement and memento of your trip through cowboy country.
Later, gain a different perspective on Western history with a visit to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame with a bona fide, modern-day cowgirl as your guide. Celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in the American West, this is an entertaining and immersive experience for all ages.
For those feeling the need for speed, you’ll drive a real NASCAR race car around the 1.5-mile oval track at the iconic Texas Motor Speedway, stopping for pit stops, and passing slower cars along the way– just like the real deal.
And of course, did you really visit Fort Worth if you don’t witness the infamous cattle drive through the Stockyards and the rodeo? We’ll make sure you have a front row seat for both.
Austin
Day 4-6
Next, it’s a road trip to Texas’ cultural, artistic and state capital: Austin. On the way in from DFW, make a pitstop at Schoepf’s Old Time Pit BBQ in Belton or Louie Mueller Barbeque for a taste of Texas’ most famous cuisine. Try a pulled pork sandwich or brisket, smothered with barbecue sauce of course. Austin is a spunky mecca of live music and has a vibrant food culture. One of the city’s most captivating natural spectacles is the sight of bats emerging from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Each evening, from spring to early fall, hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats take flight as the light slowly seeps from the sky. We’ll make sure you see the best of it from a private boat ride along Lady Bird Lake.
Your Austin stay at Commodore Perry Estate offers ultimate Texan hospitality and a dash of that whimsical character that Austin is known so well for. The property is a reimagined 1920’s historic mansion on ten acres of well-kept gardens, fountains and old oak trees.
Before you leave the city, we’ll pair you up with the owner of Austin’s most iconic honky-tonk for a two-step lesson. Along to the rhythm of the fiddle, you’ll be twirling around the dance floor in no time to the tune of Cotton-Eyed Joe and whatever other Western Swing ditties that float your way.
Hill Country
Day 7-10
Next, you’ll leave the city to dive into the surrounding Texas Hill Country, where rolling hills, clear rivers and natural swimming holes abound. Your home base at Madrone Springs Ranch will expertly introduce you to this haven of natural beauty. The ranch covers nearly two hundred acres, and it’s all yours to explore. The main Ranch House is perched on the edge of the canyon overlooking Flat Creek, complete with upscale furnishings, wood-burning fireplaces, and an outdoor shower. Spend your days exploring the many hiking trails, picnicking in a secluded corner, bird watching, making friends with the resident alpacas, or taking a plunge into the stream of natural pools.
When you’re ready to explore further afield, we’ll set you up on one of Texas’ most beautiful rivers for a half day fly-fishing. Floating along the San Marcos River, we’ll ensure you’re paired with an expert guide that will cater to your skill level, whether a novice or a well-seasoned fisher. As you drift down the slow-moving waters along to the sound of birdsong, you’ll experience several miles of scenery while casting for trout and bass.
Hill Country is a hotbed for distilleries, both well-established and newly emerging. We’ll guide you towards one of our favorites for some excellent Texas whiskey and gin. You’ll get a behind the scenes look at the true craftsmanship that goes into creating these spirits, before enjoying a tasting of their wares.
End your luxury Texas journey back with a drive back to Dallas or extend it with a few days in San Antonio, with its rich history and proudly Hispanic culture.
