GIFT GUIDE: No need to leave Highland Lakes to check off Christmas list
FROM STAFF REPORTS
LLANO — When you head out for your Christmas shopping safari this year, before pointing your car toward Austin or San Antonio, consider another option: shopping the Highland Lakes.
While the major metro areas definitely boast some great shopping opportunities, if you’ve never checked out the Llano Rail Yard District just north of the Llano River, you’re missing out. The district, along with the entire city of Llano, has some great shops that you won’t find anywhere else.
A brief walk around the Llano square, after fully exploring the Rail Yard District, will introduce you to a bevy of specialty stores from jewelry to treasure hunting that you can “discover.” Think of it as your own little treasure hunt.
And don’t forget to head east across Texas 16 on Main Street. You’ll uncover another line of shops. If you need to rest a beat, kick back at Fuel Coffee House, 106 E. Main St., for some coffee or another hot (or cold) beverage.
Each Highland Lakes town offers some great shops with their own wonderful personalities. The key is getting out and giving them a chance.
In Burnet, you can check out the courthouse square for a handful of places. But don’t forget to venture off the square a little and look around.
Half the fun of shopping is finding that undiscovered shop you can’t wait to tell your friends about. And be sure you do. The more people who shop local, the stronger the community becomes.
Over in Kingsland, since it doesn’t have a square or true Main Street, you might have to do a little more work to find the shops, or just hit a couple and come back next week to shop a few more.
You also can spend an afternoon learning why Marble Falls has just about everything you need for Christmas. The Main Street District includes a bevy of wonderful shops, typically owned and operated by the person behind the register.
A walk along Main Street and nearby streets will introduce you to great restaurants, a wonderful book store, several boutiques and a uniquely fudgey store. If you need a spot to rest your Hush Puppies, stop in at Main Street Coffee, 108 Main Street, for some refreshments (ask about the quiche) and strategize for the next shopping excursion.
While you don’t have to do all your shopping locally, we bet you’ll be glad you started in the Highland Lakes once you get to know all the great places it offers.
editor@thepicayune.com