DAY 3// HYDE PARK/ HAMILTON SPRINGS POOL/ FNL
Quacks Bakery- 411 E. 43rd Street, Hyde Park Neighborhood
My husband had a business meeting so I decided to check out the neighborhood where are airbnb was located, Hyde Park. Just around the corner from our place were several cute options. Our airbnb host suggested Quack's Bakery so that’s where I headed. Quacks is a quirky, normal-town esque (if you’re from Athens) neighborhood bakery--- great coffee & pastries. It was a quiet and low-key start to the day.
Hamilton Springs-24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping SpringsTX
We hit the road for Dripping Springs mid-day. Hamilton Springs Pool was our grand finale on our Texas get-a-way. I got really excited about this stops months before it became a reality. I am a nature lover and this place has unreal beauty. Think canyon + cave + waterfall with the bluest water you’ve seen and you’ve got a picture of this gem.
Hamilton Springs Pool is an ideal place to swim.
You have to check that it’s open for swimming and during the summer this place
fills up fast. You may be required to
make a reservation so be sure to check the website in advance. The park limits
how many people can enter at a time. 
We had to wait about 45 minutes until we could enter the park on a weekday in early April so timing is everything. You will want to call ahead to check the status of the park. There’s about a ¼ of mile “hike” along the river to the canyon, which is beautiful too. Pack a picnic, sturdy shoes, and your bathing suit and you’ll be happy little camper.
It is truly a serene place that makes you want to pinch yourself just so you can take it all in. I highly recommend a swim to the waterfall if you’re brave enough ;).
Tour De Friday Night Lights
Okay, so this was unplanned and last minute.
BUT… when in Texas… you must investigate where the Friday Night Light magic
took place.
We had NO idea it was just outside of Austin and it worked well to make a pit stop on our way to the airport. Coach Taylor and Tim Riggins even live in the same neighborhood which made it that much more justifiable. When we realized how close everything was we HAD to see where it all went down.
We also stopped at the Alamo Freeze, which is really a DQ that was recently renovated. Our last stop was East Dillon High School, which was very close to the airport.
Had we researched earlier, we would have been sure to include Matt Saracen’s house which is located right downtown Austin near the capitol. There’s always next time… all these stops were worth it though- if you’re a fan of FNL it will take you right back!
Salt Lick BBQ 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood Texas
Confession: we did sacrifice eating at the notorious Salt Lick BBQ joint to make the on the fly, FNL Tour work— it was one or the other. Salt Lick is renowned reputation around Texas. However, we did get a taste—at the airport. It was delicious so I can only imagine what “the real deal” is like so make a note of that piece of advice if you’re headed to the Austin area.
