Texas Hill Country and Great Barbecue

My first weekend out of school I went with Richard to Austin.  It was a quick getaway but just what I needed after Meg's graduation, entertaining out of town guests, and attempting to keep excited second graders from totally losing it before the last day of school.  I was exhausted and in need of some relaxation!  While there we took half a day and headed for the Texas the hill country.

How do you know you're in hill country?  Well, if you find yourself on a country road outside of Austin surrounded by rolling green hills and the occasional rocky cliffs then you are probably there! 

There is also a change in vegetation.  You will find a variety of cacti, mesquite and pecan trees and some of the most beautiful wildflowers you've ever seen, especially in the spring.

Our winding hill country road lead us to here...

Salt Lick Barbecue!

Salt Lick had been featured on some of our favorite "foodie" shows so we were intrigued to visit our first time (several years ago) on a trip to Austin.  Our recent trip was due only to the food, which was delicious, that we enjoyed during our first trip.

Above is the outdoor courtyard area where you can eat. 

We chose to eat in the main dinning hall area.  It's bring your own beverage (alcohol) and we did.  Here's Richard bringing in our cooler.

This is the barbecue pit that you see right upon entering Salt Lick.

The views from our picnic table once seated.

Richard's arm and our cooler....

My food (above) and his (below).  It was just as delicious the second time as the first!

As we walked back to our car with full tummies this is the sign we passed on our way out.  We will be back...