Easy Like Sunday Morning in West Lake Hills

Pick up a favorite coffee or tea drink and head to the hills.

Fall is the perfect time for a leisurely drive through West Lake Hills’ small, winding roads. Beautiful Hill Country views, picturesque natural landscapes and impressive custom homes reveal themselves among the rugged terrain.

Though a relatively small area — about four square miles — West Lake Hills feels big because of its curvaceous topography. Consider entering from the scenic RR 2244 or Loop 360 if you’re arriving from out of the area, but be sure to take some of the lesser known roads once you get there.

Coast along on Westlake Drive and roll the windows down along the smaller routes, such as Skyline Drive and Redbud Trail. Or, sometimes, it’s best to just get a little lost and explore hidden neighborhoods and vistas. They’re plentiful.

Though many homes are hidden in the trees, you’ll see some of Austin’s finest real estate, including many $1 million-plus estates.

But, by now, you may have worked up an appetite and be ready for some lunch.

Near the intersection of RR 2244 (Bee Caves Road) and Westlake Drive is a neighborhood gem called Blue Dahlia Bistro. It’s a cute, French bistro with tasty sandwiches, such as the Blue Dahlia Brie with walnuts and homemade jam from Bolo Patisserie or the smoked salmon tartine.

Or kick back on the patio at the Grove Wine Bar on RR 2244 just west of Loop 360. It’s cozy and slightly upscale vibe are perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Casually sample a flight of wines or pick out the perfect bottle and consider a customized plate of bruschetta, the redfish ceviche or one of their delicious pizzas.

Still have a little get up and go? Consider putting all of those tasty calories to good use.

At the edge of West Lake Hills lies one of Travis County’s most magnificent nature preserves, the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. The 227-acre woodland has a few miles of trails and a research center where you can learn more about the surrounding habitat, including the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler.

Happy trails!