1. Davis Mountains State Park	» Map It!   » Find Hotels
	Davis Mountains Park About a 7.5 hour drive from Austin, this park is well worth the drive. An untouched landscape beneath the clear blue sky, it offers around twenty miles of hiking trails. One in particular, is the Limpia Creek Trail, with the choice of a climb to capture the view, or a descent into a deep canyon. It is a good idea to camp overnight; the historic Indian Lodge is worth a look, but be warned… sounds from the road or the hum of the A/C compressors can give a whole new meaning to "tranquility in the great outdoors." Also, be prepared to share your campsite with your wilder neighbors; the deer, buck, and skunks. The next day you can explore Fort Davis nearby, to give you a blast from the past, or the must-see McDonald Observatory. You may also want to drive to Carlsbad Caverns (New Mexico), about 2.5 - 3 hours from the park. To get into the cave, be there by 2:00 pm and don’t forget the time zone change!

	2. Seminole Canyon State Park	» Map It!   » Find Hotels
	Seminole Canyon Park Seminole Canyon, an oasis in a dessert, is about a 4 1/2 hour drive from Austin. Fate Bell Shelter, in the canyon, is one of the oldest caves in North America. It’s well known for its spectacular Indian rock art, the exact meanings went to the grave with the prehistoric people who painted them. You can opt for the Fate Bell Shelter Tour to explore the canyon, or the Presa Canyon Tour if you prefer to stay off the beaten track. The latter is a seven-hour plus challenge with a lot of rock climbing, water crossing, and Indian pictograph sites; a good value for the money and definitely a test of stamina. Well outfitted campgrounds, varied flora and fauna, rocky terrain, and yawning canyons make this place a Mecca for any adventurous romantic. Be sure to call ahead and find out about dates and timings, and remember,” The early bird…”

	3. Fredericksburg	» Map It!   » Find Hotels
	Fredericksburg If your idea of romance is not a test of endurance, but you still want to make it home with the prize, then Fredericksburg has a bounty waiting for you. Deep in the heart of Texas, this quaint town has a rich German heritage that lends a "certain something" to the already inviting atmosphere. About 70-90 minutes from Austin, it tops the list of romantic getaways. You can choose from scores of Bed and Breakfasts, making it a great place to "call it a night." The day brings with it tons of great food and a surfeit of shops and restaurants to explore. The old, idyllic charm lures many a smitten couple to its embrace. A town that boasts of all things German puts on a fine show during Oktoberfest, with countless beer bellies attempting the polka. There are museums, spas, and the Fredericksburg Herb Farm – a total feast for the senses. You can even tie the knot at the farm amidst the flitting butterflies and wildflowers that create the ideal backdrop. So if you have the inclination… Fredericksburg can show you a good time!

	4. Corpus Christi	» Map It!   » Find Hotels
	Corpus Christi Known as "Sparkling City by the Sea," Corpus Christi makes for a great romantic weekend, complete with sun and surf. The Padre Island National Seashore, 15-minutes from Downtown Corpus Christi by car, is an exceptional expanse of white sand dunes and inviting water. This 70-mile stretch provides visitors with a choice of windsurfing, camping, or even nature watching. Another great drive that affords a brilliant view of the bay is the Beach Loop, stretching from the downtown area along Ocean Drive. Apart from the allure of the dazzling waterfronts, the bustling downtown displays an assortment of stores, restaurants, and evening recreation. One place, in particular that flaunts theses wares is the Water Street Market. For the history buffs there is always the tour of The USS Lexington, a legendary U.S. navy aircraft carrier, or a visit to the Museum of Science and History that houses the recreated Pinta and Santa Maria-- two of Columbus’ ships that he used to find the new world. So set out on your own path to discovery and ride the waves!

	5. Houston	» Map It!   » Find Hotels
	Downtown Houston If you’d like to get your love starry-eyed, a visit to Space Center Houston might be the answer. You’ll be propelled into the great "out there" through simulations, leaving your sweet over-the-moon about the experience. Back on the ground, again you see an uncanny trend of buildings reaching for the sky. The city itself is all too familiar with the ugly ducking syndrome, where this once swampland blossomed into the fourth-largest city in the U.S. From architecture to oil, this epicenter of business has opened its doors to an increasing number of diverse people and cultures. This diversity has brought with it a growing interest in the arts, from theater and ballet, to opera and symphony. For those that want to turn down the heat, there is always the underground city. This world of shopping and countless other attractions is a pedestrian’s 6.5 mile paradise that affords respite from the angry midday sun. So in the words of Neil Armstrong himself, “That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

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