So what exactly do us Texans do to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Where do we go? If you’re a party animal and looking for an all-night celebration then I would suggest Dallas or Austin as my second and third picks. It would take me days to list all of the activities these two fine cities offer but I’ll offer you a small sampling. My top pick? Read on . . .

For Austin, think all day street festivals and hang at places such as the Fado Irish Pub on Fourth Street or B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub on 6^th Street. If Dallas is more your speed then plan on partying at Trinity Hall Irish Pub on Mockingbird Lane or the Greenville Avenue Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and after-party which drew more than 75,000 people last year.

But my top pick for the best St. Patrick’s Day fun would have to be the Panhandle town of Shamrock, Texas. I mean honestly, the name alone should tell you how much fun this is going to be! This year will the 62^nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and will boast everything from parades to a motorcycle rally to lawnmower races to a Donegal Beard Contest . . . need I go on? You won’t find a better place in Texas to “celebrate the green”!

What are your plans for St. Patrick’s Day? It’s fast approaching . . .

Until next time . . .

Paige aka PJsTravelinTexas
For some other great thoughts on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Texas see these blogs:

1. Top 10 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Across the Lone Star State by Danno Wise
2. St. Patrick’s Day Planner by the CitySearch Staff in Austin
3. Houston St. Patrick’s Day Guide from the Houston Press

St. Patrick’s Day is known for wild celebrations and copious beer drinking. However, there are also plenty of tamer, more “kid-friendly” ways to enjoy this holiday. Some great spots exist around Austin to have a green-tinted beer and bring the little ones along as well (by “little ones” I am not referring to Leprechauns). Here are some of the best “family-friendly” picks for an Austin, Texas St. Patrick’s Day:

Visit Things Celtic, a store on 35^th street which is dedicated to (you guessed it) all things Celtic. The Saturday before St. Paddy’s, there will be great Irish bands playing all day. They also offer, Irish language lessons and a supervised children’s activity center with crafts and games. You can stock up on great Irish-themed gifts, trinkets, and CDs inside. This is a great way to celebrate the day with your whole family.

Another event you won’t want to miss is the 6^th Street Festival put on by the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas. This will be several blocks of fun, with authentic Irish bands, food, and merriment. Adult tickets cost $12 and children under 13 are free!

Don’t want to fight the crazy crowds? Why not start a St. Paddy’s Day tradition of your own….buy some spirited Irish music and decorations for your house. Then, get everyone involved in cooking a meal made entirely of green food (feel free to get out the green food dye!). Be creative and have fun!

Does your family have any unique St. Patrick’s Day traditions?

There is no denying that Austin is a wonderful vacation destination. It is a beautiful city with abundant green spaces, a happening nightlife, interesting people, and a funky vibe. However, it doesn’t stop there. Austin also happens to be situated on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, which makes it a great base for exploring the cute towns and lovely scenery in this area.

If you are staying in Austin (I would recommend Hotel San Jose or the Driskill) and feel like taking a drive, one close and particularly charming town to visit is Wimberley. Grab your map, roll down the windows and head west out of town. It will take you about 45 minutes to get to Wimberley, driving on scenic and winding roads. Stop as frequently as you like, taking pictures of the beautiful Texas wildflowers on the side of the road or stopping at a farm stand to buy some fresh peaches.

Once in Wimberley, find a place to park and spend the afternoon strolling it’s picturesque downtown. There are many cute shops selling antiques, clothing, and gifts. Also, be sure to visit Wimberley Glass Works, where you can buy or view beautifully blown glass and even get a working demonstration!

If it is a warm day and you would like to go for a swim, check out the Blue Hole, a beautiful swimming hole tucked among cypress trees, right outside of town and named in the top ten swimming holes of Texas. It has cold clear water and the requisite rope swing. It is a great place to set up a blanket in the sun and just revel in a lovely spring day.

When you are ready to head back into Austin, take a look at your map and drive back through Driftwood on the way. Here, on FM 1826, you will find central Texas’s best BBQ at the Salt Lick (a bold statement, I know, but very true!). The Salt Lick is located in the rolling countryside on several acres of land. There is almost always a wait, but, you can while away the time at a picnic table under a large oak tree and drink your own beer, which you are allowed to bring into the restaurant as well. After a beer or two, your name is sure to be called. The large benched tables inside are situated under whirring ceiling fans and there are pretty views from all of the screened windows. My suggestion is to order “family style”. With a fixed fee, heaping plates of ribs, smoked chicken, brisket, potato salad, coleslaw, and bread are brought out until you can eat no more. All of this is served with the Salt Lick’s secret recipe BBQ sauce which will have you trying to lick your plate! If you have room (I dare you) get some fresh baked pecan pie or blueberry cobbler for dessert. You will be stuffed and happy for the short drive back to Austin.

This trip to Wimberley, through the Texas Hill Country is one of my favorite ways to spend a spring day. What is yours?