Staycation

Staycation

By Sara Aleman Friday, 05 June 2009

Some families have decided not to go on expensive vacations this summer, but that does not mean the season will be free from fun. The staff at Community Impact Newspaper put together a collection of places to go in the area to encourage residents to take advantage of the many enriching destinations available right here at home.

Lone Star Bakery

The famous Round Rock Donut is easily considered a local icon. Its distinctive yellow-orange color is a result of the original recipe that called for farm-fresh eggs, an element that helped the pastry earn its fame. The bakery opens at 4 a.m. daily and the drive-thru stays open until 9 p.m. Call 255-3629.

620 Café and Bakery

The décor is modest and the exterior is quaint, but the service at the locally owned 620 Café and Bakery is accommodating and the menu offers items that are both traditional and unique for breakfast and lunch. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.620cafeandbakery.com or call 244-1009.

El Rincon

A long-standing Pflugerville tradition, El Rincon offers an authentic Mexican experience any time of day, but the breakfast is an attention grabber; it will please both taste buds and wallets. Visit www.elrincon.biz or call 990-0250.

The round rock and the Crossing at Chisholm Trail

The life-size bronze statues in Chisholm Trail park serve as a reminder of Round Rock’s cattle drive history. From there it is only a short walk down to see the historic round rock for which the city is named. Early settlers knew when to not cross the creek when the water reached a certain place on the rock. The rock and The Crossing at Chisholm Trail Park remain visible reminders of Round Rock’s cattle drive heritage.

Sam Bass cemetery

Visit the grave of Sam Bass for a wilder piece of Round Rock history. An uneducated Indiana orphan who drifted to Texas as a youth, Bass won fame racing his swift “Denton Mare,” gambling, and robbing trains. Killed in Round Rock by Texas Rangers in 1878, Bass became a hero in 19th century ballads and a popular character in Western movies.

Pfluger Park hike and bike trail

The Pflugerville trail is a series of paved paths that wanders along the banks of Gilleland Creek, through the city and to Pfluger Park, which features the Gilleland Creek Pool, shaded picnic tables, playground equipment and basketball courts.

Johnny T’s BBQ

Johnny T’s BBQ is not just a favorite lunchtime spot for locals, but a delicious treat for out-of-towners, too. The menu is basic, but the food is a smoky, mouthwatering winner. For a savory sandwich, try the pulled pork and add the potato salad for a fresh twist on an old classic. Call 255-7447.

Pecan Street Deli

For a quick and traditional breakfast or lunch, visit this locally famous deli. The menu features a variety of sandwiches and other lunch favorites. The restaurant is also known for its fresh salad bar, which offers a variety of veggies and salad toppers. Call 251-0296.

Main Street Grill

This lunch destination in the heart of downtown Round Rock offers delicious and impressive presentations of hill country classics. The building, built in 1920, has housed the grill for 10 years. Open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended. Call 244-7525 or visit www.mainstreetgrillrr.com.

Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center

The community pool in Old Settlers Park offers a collection of family friendly water amenities including water slides and a lazy river. The aquatic center is an affordable alternative to larger water parks with a shorter drive. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and children under 18. Non-residents pay an extra dollar for admission. Call 671-2737 or visit www.roundrocktexas.gov/pools.

Tour the Heritage House

Learn about Pflugerville’s heritage at the Bohls House, the home of one of the city’s original families. The Heritage House Museum is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. Call 251-4362.

Louisiana Longhorn

The restaurant serves Cajun and American classics, but with its own original style. Try the shrimp, crawfish, blackened or fried catfish served over rice with a unique creamy etouffee sauce. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and is closed Mondays. Call 248-2900 or visit www.louisianalonghorn cafe.com.

Gino’s

Gino’s Italian Restaurant originally opened as a pizzeria, but now offers a full lunch and dinner menu and original family recipes. Gino’s is open for lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner from 5-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 218-9922 or visit www.ginosroundrock.net.

European Bistro

Intent on replanting the sturdy German roots from which Pflugerville was founded, the family owned and operated eatery provides a rare gateway to the city’s past. Schnitzels, crepes, and potato dumplings are a few of the bistro’s signature dishes. Hours vary. Call 835-1919 or visit www.european-bistro.com.

Round Rock Express baseball games

An American tradition is embraced in Central Texas, and for local residents, summer is not summer without a few trips to the ballpark. Tickets range between $6 and $13 each, which make an evening of baseball, fresh air, hot dogs, cotton candy and beer a memorable and affordable family outing. Watch the Triple-A division Round Rock Express play in their 10th season at Dell Diamond. Visit www.roundrockexpress.com.

Austin’s Park ‘N Pizza

Visit Austin’s Park ‘N Pizza for an evening of family fun. A pizza buffet is available, but the attractions are what draw crowds. Take advantage of the indoor climbing wall, video arcade or laser tag on a rainy evening. On summer nights, enjoy go-karts, miniature golf or bumper boats. Pricing varies. Visit www.austinspark.com.

Junior’s Grill and Icehouse

Spend the evening at Junior’s Grill and Icehouse in downtown Round Rock for an exciting end to the evening. With a monumental beer selection, award-winning burgers and toe-tapping live music on their patio, Junior’s is an easy winner for both old and young adults. Call 310-7777.

Hanover’s Draught Haus

Beer and live music meet sand volleyball at this downtown Pflugerville bar. Noted for the 80 beers on tap and loud atmosphere, Hanovers is a great destination for people looking for a home-style bar close to home. Call 670-9617.

Gumbo’s

Gumbos offers original, distinctive and flavorful recipes that are indicative of the Louisiana cuisine. Enjoy an upscale dining experience in the heart of Round Rock and see live music on the patio Fridays and Saturdays. The dining room is available for private events on Mondays when the restaurant is normally closed. Visit www.gumbosroundrock.com or call 671-7925.