4. Vanishing Texas River Cruises

For a leisurely cruise of Lake Buchanan, hop aboard the Texas Eagle II with Vanishing Texas River Cruises. The 70-foot, 150-passenger, double-decker excursion vessel meanders through calm waters while a congenial deckhand narrates the voyage.

During the 2-hour cruise, you’re sure to spot an abundance of regional and visiting birds such as osprey, herons, and egrets as well as native Texas wildlife including wild hogs and white-tail deer. You might even catch glimpses of migrating bald eagles or cliff-dwelling Spanish goats. The scenery is spectacular and varied, from tree-lined shores to steep travertine cliffs. A highlight is Fall Creek Waterfall, which spills and sprays 50 feet into the lake and is only accessible by boat.

5. Spider Mountain Bike Park Chairlift

Whether you’re a biker or not, the chairlift at Spider Mountain Bike Park is an enthralling ride. (I am not a biker, and it was.) The Texas Eagle, as the lift is named, gently glides 350 vertical feet to the top, where views of Lake Buchanan and beyond are impressive. Bikers can hook their bikes on the back of the chair.

Ride the lift down, or take one of the nine trails designated for hiking or biking. Bike trails are ranked according to difficulty, from “Itsy Bitsy” to “Stinger,” just like ski slopes. The park claims to be Texas’s first and only lift-served mountain bike park, and the only lift-served, year-round mountain bike park in the country.

Exceptional Wines And Brews

You may have heard about the surge in Texas wineries, and the Highland Lakes region boasts some of the finest. What impresses me — in addition to the delectable tastes — is how each one has a different ambiance and a different story. All of the following are award winners.