The Amazing Little Town of Bee Cave, Texas
There’s Much to Do and See in Your Hill Country Backyard
Bee Cave is a small city by any estimate, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel to Austin or beyond for great food, entertainment, shopping, and other fun activities. Our own “heart of Hill Country” has plenty to offer for people from all walks of life. Here are the top five things to experience in Bee Cave, as rated by residents and visitors alike.
#1. Visit the Bee Cave Central Park
A city public park doesn’t usually bring the wow factor, but the Bee Cave Central Park made #1 on our list for some great reasons. First, at 50 acres, the park is pretty huge for a town the size of Bee Cave. Second, Central Park has plenty of amenities for kids including two playgrounds, a basketball court, and a soccer field.
Also, this park is very dog-friendly and is a perfect place to walk your canine or even let them run free if they’re well-behaved. Concrete walking trails meander through the park, and there are pavilions for picnics, parties, or shelter from a sudden rainstorm.
Reviewers have remarked that the Bee Cave Central Park is well-maintained and features restrooms that are consistently clean. Plenty of parking is always available, so bring your friends and family and make a day of it. Did we mention the park is free?
#2. Enjoy Fine Dining for a Special Occasion
Austin is known for some outstanding restaurants, but Bee Cave has a dining option that can go toe-to-toe against the best that big cities have to offer. Meridian 98 is the restaurant at the Sonesta Bee Cave Austin hotel, but it’s open to the general public and hotel guests alike. Live music is presented on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and seating is available both inside and outdoors on the rooftop terrace.
The seasonal menu is impressive and relies on local produce. A daily buffet breakfast is offered along with a tapas menu in the evenings. Meridian 98 features a full bar along with a well-rounded wine list. The custom cocktails carry local appellations like the beehive, pollinator, buzz, and apiary aperitif. You have many choices for dessert, but we recommend the blackberry crisp with vanilla ice cream. Scrumptious!
#3. Indulge in Pastries Just Because You Can
You never need a special occasion for a strawberry tart or slice of chocolate cake. Baguette et Chocolat is Bee Cave’s own piece of Europe, a French artisan bakery where every treat is handmade on the premises. They carry just about every type of confection, pastry, and baked treat item you can imagine.
Baguette et Chocolat also offers breakfast items such as French omelets and croissants along with salad options if you’re watching your waistline. Walnut bread, custom cakes, French sourdough, and dessert bars round out the menu. Why not splurge? Just don’t neglect your regular exam and cleaning at Tomasik Family Dental after all that sweetness.
#4. Take in Some Art at the Bee Cave Sculpture Park
There’s another great park in Bee Cave, but it’s not the ideal place for a soccer game or kite flying. Instead, the Bee Cave Sculpture Park offers seven acres of sculptures along a meandering path. The sculptures range from the abstract to the realistic and from monochromatic to colorful, but everyone will find something to appreciate.
Residents can be proud of this local contribution to the arts. Most of the artists are from the surrounding area, and many have gone on to teach at nearby universities. There is even a sculpture named “The Beehive,” which gives tribute to our city. Also, if you see a piece that catches your eye, it just may be available for purchase.
#5. Spend an Afternoon Shopping
There’s no need to travel beyond Bee Cave to find shops both quaint and luxurious. The Hill Country Galleria has over 60 stores as well as numerous dining options. You’ll find well-known chains as well as local favorites here.
To highlight just a few, we have Con’Olio right across highway 71 from the Galleria. This shop features fine olive oils and vinegar products for the gourmand in your life. They also carry baking accessories and barbequing tools and accessories. You can even take cooking classes here.
The local James Avery Jewelry is located in the Galleria itself. This store has a reputation for excellent service and for carrying hard-to-find artisan pieces. As a gift to a loved one or a treat for yourself, any selection from this jeweler is sure to please.
What do you need after hours of shopping? A massage, of course. The Milk and Honey Spa is an Austin area chain renowned for massage treatments. But they also offer so much more, including facials, waxing, eyelash extensions, and manicures. There’s even a hair salon on site if you need a trim or highlights—a perfect end to a fun day in Bee Cave.