A true Spring Break in the Texas Hill Country.

It’s been a couple of weeks since I last posted, and honestly, I needed the pause. Spring Break with my kids was a much-needed reset, not just from work but also from the rhythm of writing and posting every week. While I had fallen into a great routine, I realized at some point that it started feeling like an obligation rather than a joy. And the beauty of this space—this digital diary of mine—is that I don’t have to do it at all. I write because I want to, and this post is a return to that mindset.

The very first spark of A Glittering came after a family trip to Italy last summer, where I felt compelled to reflect and share. So, this week, I’m sharing another family adventure—our road trip through the Texas Hill Country.

A Standstill on I-35

We left for the Hill Country on Saturday, kicking off our trip with a stay at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort outside of San Antonio. Thanks to some travel points, we got to enjoy a couple of nights at this beautiful spot—a total luxury. But first, we had to get there.

An hour into our drive, around Waxahachie, we hit a complete standstill on I-35. And when I say standstill, I mean parked on the highway. No inching forward. No side exits. Just us, thousands of cars, and the open road turned into a parking lot. At first, it was frustrating—watching the minutes tick by, realizing we’d be late, adjusting plans on the fly. But then, I had a moment of perspective shift. A reframe.

For a highway like I-35 to shut down completely, something tragic had likely happened. And sure enough, we later learned that severe early-morning storms had caused six 18-wheelers to overturn, leaving at least one person dead and many injured. In that moment, the frustration faded, replaced by gratitude. We were safe. We were together. We could endure a couple of hours of stillness.

So, we made the best of it. I got silly and did jumping jacks in front of the car! We also pulled out a new card game, Sussed, and we played for an hour. An hour! A miracle in itself—playing a game with both kids in the car without a single argument. And by the time we were able to maneuver our way off the highway (via a barely-there dirt road), we had embraced the unexpected detour rather than resenting it.

San Antonio Adventures

By the time we reached the resort, we were ready to relax. The kids loved the pools, even though the weather wasn’t quite warm enough for full-on summer vibes. Friends from Austin met us for a night, making the stay even sweeter.

Monday morning, we checked out and headed to The Alamo, which was an absolute hit with both kids. We took it all in, explored the grounds, and even picked up a graphic novel about the Alamo that Vivian was beyond excited about! The gift shop battles are real, but that was a purchase I was happy to make.

Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Tito’s, a classic San Antonio spot, then spent the afternoon wandering the Pearl District—one of my favorite areas in the city. It was a laid-back afternoon of shopping, playing, and just soaking up the energy of the place. Owen kicked around the soccer ball, Vivian found an ice cream shop, and we simply were.

That evening, we went to a Mavs vs. Spurs game. The game itself? Meh. Luka was out, and the Mavs aren’t exactly in top form right now. But the experience of seeing our team in another city? Worth it.

Natural Bridge Caverns & Gruene

Tuesday, we drove about an hour outside of San Antonio to Natural Bridge Caverns, and oh my gosh, it took me straight back to my childhood! I had been here as a kid, but this time we did the Discovery Tour and it was pure magic. We descended 180 feet into the earth, surrounded by stalagmites, stalactites, “cave bacon”, and “soda straws” (delicate calcite straws that drip from the cave ceiling). It was a geology lover’s dream, and I couldn’t help but think of my dad and our family’s geology roots.

Vivian, in particular, was completely enthralled—declaring it the best day ever and insisting we had to come back. It was incredible to see that spark of curiosity and joy in her, and who knows, maybe we’ve got a little geologist in the making.

After the caverns, we stopped in Gruene, Texas, had lunch at The Grist Mill, and wandered the adorable little town.

Fredericksburg & The Riddle Haus

Wednesday, we made our way to Fredericksburg, stopping for lunch in Johnson Cityat Picnic’d, a charming little spot. The owner and a friendly guest told us about the Science Mill, a hands-on science museum housed in an old mill, which we planned to visit later in the trip, and about restaurants and wineries in the area! 

In Fredericksburg, we checked into our Airbnb, The Riddle Haus, which was an absolute gem. The home featured a five-clue riddle that led us to a hidden wine cellar, making our stay feel extra special. The decor was impeccable—antique pieces mixed with modern comfort, luxurious linens, and a cozy, welcoming vibe that made it feel like staying in a friend’s home. And best of all, we were just two blocks from Main Street, so we could walk everywhere.

That evening, we had dinner at Hill & Vine, an outstanding spot that doesn’t take reservations or large parties—ensuring a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. While we waited, we played cards outside, which has become a staple of our family outings.

Pedernales Falls, Science Mill & Lockhart

On Wednesday and Thursday we also explored Pedernales Falls, “sipped wine and saved rhinos” at the Rhinory, and headed back to Johnson City for the Science Mill. This place was fantastic—interactive, beautifully designed, and tons of fun!

Friday, we began our drive home, making a few final stops. We had breakfast at Twisted Sisters Bake Shop, then headed to Lockhart to see our friend Kyle Steed’s art show at The Commerce Gallery. His work is incredible. Lucky for me, Jim also loves it, so maybe we’ll be lucky enough to buy one of our very own! We also discovered Kelsey Wickwire, an artist out of Montana whose pieces were stunning (yes, I want one of hers, too!) Lockhart, with the mix of small-town Texas charm and this hip art gallery, was such a cool juxtaposition.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Lockhart without stopping for BBQ at Smitty’s Market—a Texas classic.

Our final stop was at The Painted Porch bookstore in Bastrop, Texas, owned by Ryan Holiday, a modern Stoic writer my husband follows closely. The bookstore was a work of art itself, with a massive book-built fireplace and even a tree inside the store.

And with that, our Texas road trip came to an end—a beautiful, memory-filled week that reminded me why I love the freedom to step away, unplug, and truly be with my family. Until the next adventure!

And that's a wrap, folks!