On the banks of the Colorado River, right outside of Bastrop, Texas, sits a wonderful place to spend an autumn weekend....Barton Hill Farms. We took a short road trip (25 minutes east of Austin) this past weekend out to the Farm and loved it! Here's why:
Barton Hill Farms, newly developed and opened, is dedicated to bring outdoor fun and educational events to families in Central Texas. The history of the farm is fascinating, dating back to the 1830s, when it was first settled by Josiah Wilbarger, a survivor of an Indian ambush that left him scalped (read the whole story
here). I loved reading about the history of the land and area on the historical signs that are peppered throughout the farm.
The "play" area is hidden by the massive corn stalks when you first arrive. Once you go through the entrance, you are welcomed to the farm with this huge open area filled with fun things to do with the family. We had arrived early, so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. And the first place the kids ran to......
These amazing swings! The farm has several of these wonderful hay-bale swings hanging from these massive oak trees that kids and adults alike enjoy swinging on.
There are so many fun things to do at the Farm as a family - throw washers, play in the massive pirate ship/sand box, run around like frontier men in the Fort, hula hoop, and take tons and tons of pictures. Picnic tables are scattered around with great big shade awnings to sit under. There are a few drink & food tents as well (kettle korn anyone?).
But we were there to accomplish the maze. The 5-acre maze was created in the shape of Texas. There are themed sets of clues (we chose Halloween History) to help you through the maze. I had never worked my way through a corn maze before and was overwhelmed with how tall all the stalks were. It was extremely well done, with just the perfect amount of difficulty to make it challenging. We never got lost and we never wanted to give up. It was a ton of fun.
But the best part of the farm for mom? Enjoying live music while rewarding ourselves with a cold drink and warm kettle korn. The farm has live music all day, which makes for a fun and relaxed atmosphere. After getting their fill of popcorn, the kids ran off to swing some more (shocker) and allowed us parents to relax and enjoy the farm. It was wonderful.
Barton Hill Farms is open on the weekends thru
November 24th. On Saturday nights, they will be showing movies on the lawn and offering "flashlight maze runs". This Saturday, Nov 10, they are showing "Elf"at 6:30, Saturday, Nov 17, it will be "Polar Express" and Friday, Nov 23 "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation". So fun!!
It is a perfect way to spend a fall day. Get on out there and enjoy a relaxed day away from the hustle & bustle.
Texas Travel Facts for Barton Hill Farms:
Location: 1115 Farm to Market 969 Bastrop, TX
Hours: Saturday: 9 am - 9 pm Sunday: 9 am - Dusk (Open until November 24)
Admission: 13 and up: $10
3 - 12: $7
2 and under: free
Recommended Time: 2+ hours
Good to know: All ages welcome, lots of walking, bring a picnic lunch (tables are available), no pets, bring your camera - lots of fun pictures to be taken!
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