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Galvanizing Burnet County, Texas!

Article and photography by Michael Morcos

After a long journey from home that included two flights and a two-hour drive from the airport, the Canyon of the Eagles resort was a sight for sore eyes and sore body. This would be the perfect remedy to recuperate and recharge as we would explore the magnificent Highland Lakes region of Texas.

Canyon of the Eagles

There are so many hidden gems to be discovered, and the Canyon of the Eagles resort is one to be added to the list. It is tucked away in the Upper Highland Lakes region of the Texas Hill Country, and it is a great escape for those who enjoy nature-based adventures. Ideally placed on the northern bank of Lake Buchanan, it has 61 ecofriendly rooms and various spaces for corporate events and family reunions.

In the resort, we enjoyed the swimming pool, movies under the stars, and its full slate of amenities. The resort also presented a show by Robert Lindsay, a Texas snake expert introducing us to the many native snakes. I have always had a disliking to snakes and this show, although educational, made me think of what I would do if I met one in the wild.

At night would feast at the resorts’ wonderful scenic hill-top restaurant ‘The Overlook’. As the name would imply, it offers a fantastic panoramic view of the lake and hills and wonderfully tasty supper coupled with the locally produced Torr Na Lochs wine.

Stargazing at Canyon of the Eagles

The resort is an ideal base to experience the rugged charm of the landscape, the splendor of Lake Buchanan and is also a refuge for several endangered animals, including the American Bald Eagle. After dinner was a special time at the resort, as we would go star gazing a stone’s throw from the resort.

The location is one of the best in Central Texas for viewing the cosmos due to minimal light pollution in the region. With five fully automated telescopes, the guests are offered spectacular views of bright planets, nebulas, and distant galaxies. It put the world into a little perspective, as looking out into the stars made me feel the world’s problems were a little less significant.

Lake Buchanan

The resort has a multiple activities and diversions for all tastes and desires. Right from the Canyon of the Eagles I would take a solo Canoe ride on tranquil Lake Buchanan. A great way to reconnect with nature. The air and water were peaceful with only the sounds of birds and my ore hitting the water. I felt a million miles away from home and loved every minute. I was truly in god’s country here.

The magnificent lake is extremely popular with boaters, kayakers, and swimmers. Fishing enthusiasts will be well served as the lake is filled with Striper Bass. The area also has trailer parks, rental cabins and campgrounds that are popular and have many return clients, which may be due to a catfish-serving cafe and a good old Texas B-B-Q with home style cooking.

Nature Park’s wildlife preserve.

Just off of the resort’s property, I would go trekking at Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park’s wildlife preserve with my guide Willard Horn. He pointed out native plants, the amazing variety of cactus and many different bird species. The preserve is home to many animals, and we caught sight of some eagles but luckily no snakes.

Marble Falls

This is usually a sleepy little town, was packed with visitors exploring wonderful shops for every taste, a multitude of dining options and even some art galleries. At ‘Sugar Mama Cookies’ we would taste lovingly made treats, while at Ms Lolipop’s we would go back to our childhood days in this old fashioned candy store. Lunch was at River City Grille where the portions were Texan huge and wonderfully filling.

We were offered a lunch, tour and tasting at Bear King Brewing Company, named after a folk legend of a half-man, half-bear that roamed the area centuries ago. We enjoyed their shrimp tacos while tasting several specialty beers, like Wandering Blonde, Webster’s Dilemma and Bird’s Word. Not to be outdone, a visit to Save the World brewing company also made for a great afternoon. Greeted by Dave and Quynh Rathkamp, this husband and wife team swapped their jobs as physicians to open America’s first 100% philanthropic production craft brewery in 2012. They have crafted some delicious ale, but you grab a bottle for yourself, knowing that you are helping to Save The World one beer at a time.

Burnet

Burnet County is filled with charming small towns and is surely Texan, but also a unique personality of its own.

When someone says what Texas is known for, the first word might not be wine, but the Lone Star State is starting to cultivate a reputation. After a 2012 wine tour in Australia, owners Blake and Karen DeBerry decided to convert their ranch property into a wine making paradise based on the vineyards they saw. Their Torr Na Lochs Winery planted their first vines in 2014, and the following year opened their tasting room, with an assortment of Tempranillos and Fion Deargs to try.

A few years prior, the Wedding Oak Winery began producing, with viticulturist Mike McHenry began his vineyard with the passion to bring the burgeoning Texas wine industry to the heart of small town Texas. Wedding Oak Winery opened their historic 1926 tasting room and 10,000 case winery on June 1, 2012 and only use Texas grapes in their wines.

Dinner at trailblazer grille

Situated on the square in downtown Burnet, Trailblazer Grille serves traditional Texas cuisine like steak and pot pies. During dinner we were treated to some local music to add to the true Texas experience. This would have to be the quintessionsal small Texas town eatery. Although there were a variety of things to choose from the menu, the beef was the top draw here. I picked the Rib-Eye, and mine was big, juicy and perfect!

To my amazement, just off the main dining area was a cards room. Incredible, I was magnetised to it and found a many locals having a great time socialising. I was not sure what card game they were playing but if I had to guess, I would say: Texas Hold’em”!

www.highlandlakesofburnetcounty.com
www.canyonoftheeagles.com