2. Container City At Spider Mountain

One of the newest lodging options is Container City at Spider Mountain, an enclave of six short-term rentals constructed entirely from shipping containers. The cabins, each one differently configured and smartly decorated, are appointed with modern amenities including full kitchens and baths, living rooms, televisions, internet, central air conditioning and heat, patios, picnic areas, and parking for two vehicles. Depending on which one you choose, they can accommodate as many as 5–10 guests. A couple of sleeping nooks are a mite cozy, sized specially for kids.

On the premises is the outdoor Templeton’s Tavern, another shipping container creation, which serves wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages beneath a covered patio — or under the stars, if you prefer. Also on the menu are wood-fired pizzas and grab-and-go grub. Local entertainers take the stage to perform live music, or you can share your own talents on open mic nights.

3. Longhorn Cavern State Park

Formed eons ago by the rushing waters of an ancient river, Longhorn Cavern is a natural underground landmark of geologic wonders. Chamber after chamber reveals striated walls, curvaceous rock formations, growing stalactites and stalagmites, gleaming crystals, and a few tiny bats.

To explore the cavern, you must sign up for a guided tour, given daily except on Christmas Day. The 1.1-mile trek descends 130 feet below the earth’s surface and lasts 90 minutes. Your tour begins atop a dramatic stone staircase leading to the cavern entrance, actually a giant sinkhole. From there, your guide points out the cavern’s unique features while relaying fun facts and colorful legends. I was most dazzled by Crystal City, an area adorned with wall-to-wall calcite crystals created by pools of calcium-laden water.

The passageway is mostly smooth but not wheelchair accessible. In a couple of areas, the ceiling is lower than 5 feet, so you have to duck to get through.

If you dare, which I didn’t, take the Wild Cave Tour. It’s a primitive caving adventure that takes you wriggling, climbing, and crawling through the narrow passageways of the raw lower level. The tour lasts 2–3 hours, during which you will get dirty and wet.

The park was developed in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. While you’re on-site, take in the historic architecture of the original buildings, hike along the nature trail system, and photograph the panoramic views from the observation tower.