Two years ago, the last couple of weeks in November were busy. And I mean CRAZY busy. Thing 1 was prepping to leave on an 18-month mission for our church to Antofagasta Chile. Thing 2 was about to be celebrated for earning his Eagle. Things 3 and 4 had STUFF like all tweens and teens do.
I was heading up the neighborhood Holiday party. My parents and in-laws visited to celebrate these big events. I loved it all, but it was Cray-Cray.
When people come to town, I love to show them the town. Central Texas is beautiful this time of year and activities abound. Finding activities all in the same vicinity as each other, however, is quite another story. Every time family comes to visit, I find us dragging them an hour and a half one-way Tuesday to Waco, then an hour and 45 minutes to Fredericksburg on Wednesday. It leaves us all kind of pooped.
In November of 2018, no one had time to be pooped. Or to drive that far.
Hats off to my friend Debra, who came up with the PERFECT Austin half-day trip! This one is particularly great over the holidays, which is why I am sharing it with you today.
What do I love about this excursion? Let me count the ways!
First off, your excursion will be a maximum of 6 hours round-trip (from the front door to front door). In that timeframe, you will experience 4 uniquely Austin activities. Four!!!
Secondly, ½ of these activities are 100% FREE! Yes, you heard that correctly! Most years, 3 out of 4 of these activities can be free. I will explain more later.
Third, (and this is a biggie in my world), these activities are fun for ALL AGES. That right there may be the real miracle. As someone who’s youngest and oldest children are 10 years apart in age, activities everyone loves are hard to come by. Not to mention, throwing grandparents into the mix. Miracle, I tell you!
Ready to hear about it? Ok, here we GO!
- Visit the Texas Military Forces Museum. Located near downtown Austin at Camp Mabry, this museum is a 45,000 square foot historical gem!
Awarded TripAdvisor’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice, this museum houses tanks, helicopters, photos, and other Texas military artifacts dating from 1823 to the present.
History buffs are happy. Kids who love climbing on big weapons are happy. It is not a bad set up.
The museum is open from 8 am – 4 pm Tuesday-Sunday. For the purposes of our plan, I recommend arriving around 2:30-3:00, depending upon the attention spans of your crew.
For more details about the Texas Military Forces Museum, go to www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org
2. Leave the museum around closing (4 pm) and travel to Mt. Bonnell for a leisurely hike and view of Lake Austin. 
Technically, Mt. Bonell is Covert Park. It is less than a 10-minute drive from Camp Mabry to this destination. You may opt to “hike” the approximately 200 steps to the top, or you can go up a gradual slope. Your family can enjoy pictures with a gorgeous view of Austin in the background. You may also be wowed by the bougie homes surround Lake Austin. It’s a great view and with beautiful weather so much of the year, odds are good for this being a nice way to stretch your legs.
There is a lovely, covered pavilion where you could in theory enjoy a picnic. We are going to make another suggestion next, but to keep this excursion low in cost, this is a fantastic option.
For more information about Mt. Bonnell, go to https://www.austintexas.org/austin-insider-blog/post/mount-bonnell-for-beginners/ The park is open every day from 5 am to 10 pm.
3. Snag an early dinner at Hula Hut. 
What is Hula Hut you ask? In short, it is an Austin treasure. Located on Lake Travis, Hula Hut boasts fare that can be described as “Tex-Mex with a Hawaiian Twist”. Are you familiar with Chuy’s? The same owners run Hula Hut. Consequently, you will find similar favorites, like creamy jalapeno on the menu.
Hula hut is delicious, in a beautiful location and as far as sit-down food goes, will not break the bank.
For menu, hours of operation, and other details, go to www.hulahut.com
4. Head across the parking lot to Mozart Coffee Roasters and enjoy their fantastic light show. 
What a fun finale to your evening! Historically, Mozart Coffee Roasters puts on an outdoor light and music show from Thanksgiving to after the New Year. Once you arrive, simply look for an open table, pull up a chair, and enjoy for zero dollars. Feel free to purchase a piping hot cup of cocoa (I recommend this. The weather at night by the lake in December is surprisingly chilly. Not to mention you will be supporting a small business that is providing a happy tradition).
This year, thanks to Covid-19, Mozart Coffee Roasters is operating a little differently. Instead of finding an open spot to enjoy the light and music show, you will need to go onto the website and reserve a 1-hour slot for a table. A table for 4 will run you around $10.
Spots are currently limited, but more available after 9 pm. You can get a slot as late as 11 pm.
To make a reservation, go to https://mozartscoffee.com
Assuming you were able to score a decent time slot, arrive home around 8 pm. Change into your flannel pj’s, put on your favorite fuzzy socks, kick your feet up, and watch a cheesy Hallmark movie. Pat yourself on the back for showing everyone the town with little cash and driving time.
You got this! You are a wonder of a host! Not to mention, you are not pooped. Bravo and happy holidays!