When it’s cold in Texas…
January is a weird and wonderful month. It’s full of fresh starts, new habits, big dreams, hope, and goals. It can also be long, normal, disappointing, dark, and cold. Instead of letting the chill of the month get you down, you can set a goal of trying new things to create more space and room for more joy and adventure to get through these longer, colder, darker months.
Central Texas may not have the harsh winters of other regions, but when the chill sets in, it creates a perfect opportunity to explore the area's unique blend of indoor and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a cozy escape, there’s plenty to enjoy even on the coldest days.
Discover Local Coffee Shops and Bakeries
Cold weather calls for a warm drink and a cozy atmosphere. Central Texas is home to an array of charming coffee shops and bakeries. Enjoy a latte with freshly baked pastries at spots like Summer Moon Coffee (several locations) or Little Tart Bakeshop in New Braunfels.
One of my favorites is Meridian on Main Street in Buda that offers a variety of specialty coffees, teas, tinctures, mocktails, and cocktails. You can find Teal House Bakery in Meridian which offers baked goods and delicious hot breakfast. Dos Gatos in San Marcos offers authentic kolaches and locally sourced coffees.
Explore Indoor Attractions
Take advantage of Central Texas' vibrant arts and history scene:
Museums and Galleries: Visit the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin or the San Marcos TX History Museum for engaging exhibitions.
If you want to go a bit further, the Museum of Ice Cream and the Museum of Illusion is fun for the whole family!
Indoor Markets: Check out the local artisans and unique finds at places like Ellipsis, Mercantile, and Buda’s Red Door all on Main Street Buda or The Mercantile at Gruene, and other local shops from Buda to New Braunfels.
Soak in Hot Springs
If you’re up for a short road trip, visit nearby natural hot springs for a relaxing soak. Krause Springs, while not geothermal, is still a gorgeous place for warm mineral-rich relaxation, even in winter.
Cozy Up with Comfort Food
Nothing beats hearty meals on a cold day. Central Texas offers everything from BBQ to Tex-Mex with wintery twists. Try the brisket chili at a local barbecue spot or indulge in queso and enchiladas at beloved spots like Torchy’s Tacos, Macoco’s, or Z Tejas. Shrimp and Grits at Mudbugs, Truffle Mac n Cheese at Dos Olivos, or Pho at Pho You or Pho with Us never fails me. And don’t forget to check out one of our newest restaurants - Whiskey Ridge which has high level food and drink options and a cozy, cool vibe with lots of outdoor spaces with a fireplace and heaters. Don’t want to head outside? There is nothing like a homecooked chili, taco soup, tortilla soup, or chicken n dumplings on these colder days.
Warm Up with Texas Wines
Visit one of the many wineries in the Texas Hill Country for tastings of bold reds that pair perfectly with cooler weather. Many wineries offer heated outdoor seating or fireplaces for a cozy wine experience. You don’t even need to drive to Fredericksburg - although that would be a cozy get away - for a winery adventure. You have several choices right here in Hays County, such as Water2Wine Buda, Driftwood Estate Winery, Wimberley Valley Winery, Duchman Family Winery, Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood, and Paradis Vineyard and Winery. Don’t want to go out? You can order wine for pick up at any of our local wineries to enjoy in the comfort of your cozy home.
Embrace Outdoor Adventures
If you don’t mind bundling up, winter is a great time to explore the outdoors without the scorching Texas heat:
Take a brisk hike at Pedernales Falls State Park, Purgatory Creek Trail in San Marcos, or Old Baldy in Wimberley.
Enjoy birdwatching or quiet picnics at Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, or Blue Hole Regional Park - maybe you are brave enough to kayak, paddle board, or even do a natural cold plunge!
Enjoy Live Music Indoors
Central Texas is famous for its music scene, and cold weather won’t stop the tunes. Head to local venues like Meridian in Buda or the Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos for live performances in a cozy setting - almost every bar or winery has live music events.
Host a Game or Movie Night at Home
For a quieter option, embrace the chill by staying in. Gather friends or family for a game night or binge movies while sipping on homemade hot cocoa or mulled wine. A movie night with a fire going, cuddled under cozy blankets, with my family and pup, is one of my favorite ways to spend a cold night.
Get Hot
Enjoy a hot yoga class at one of our many local yoga and pilates studios such as, Willowgardens in Buda and Lockhart, Hot Yoga San Marcos and Wild Rice in San Marcos, and The Ripple Effect in Wimberely. There’s not quite as invigorating and satisfying as a hot yoga class on a cold day.
Plan for Spring
Cold weather is a perfect time to look ahead. Use the downtime to plan spring adventures, garden projects, or outdoor gatherings. Dreaming about what’s to come makes the cold days feel more purposeful. They say having something to look forward to keeps us on track and helps us enjoy the process more - knowing there is something we are excited for is coming. Maybe it’s the perfect time to plan your summer vacation?!
I am writing this, under a cozy blanket with my pup, sipping on a hot cup of tea, watching the glow of the fire, with a hearty homemade spaghetti squash lasagna on the menu, and making fun plans with loved ones over the next few months.
Even when it’s cold outside, Central Texas has a way of staying warm with its vibrant culture, comfort food, and creative activities. Whether you're braving the outdoors or enjoying the comforts of indoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of winter here. And remember…it doesn’t last very long, Summer will be here before you know it, so enjoy the cooler temps while they’re here.