You’ll Love This Texas Day Trip That Starts With A Swim In The Springs And Ends With Mouthwatering BBQ

Swimming holes and BBQ - nothing defines summer in Texas quite like those two things. This quick trip can be done in just one day, but still lets you enjoy the best aspects of the Hill Country. Splashing the morning away in the Barton Creek Greenbelt before grabbing lunch at Franklin Barbecue is the absolute best way to spend your next day off.

There are actually several greenbelts in Austin, but most people have no idea because this one is so popular. With multiple access points and numerous swimming holes throughout its 13 miles of trails, there's no shortage of fun to be had.

Parking at 1601 Spyglass Dr. and heading left from the trailhead will take you to Campbell Falls, an expansive swimming area with beautiful green water. Bring your tubes, kayaks, or canoes and get ready for a day full of soaking up the sun.

Easily the most well-known swimming area in the Greenbelt, Sculpture Falls is almost always packed - even though it's pretty tricky to access. You'll remain on the frontage road of Capital of Texas Highway and look for a row of parked cars just past the on ramp.

Your furry friends can join in the fun, too! The Greenbelt is extremely pet-friendly and guaranteed to be much more fun for them than a dog park.

No matter how many times you've been here, there's bound to be an area you have yet to explore. It's a good thing swimming works up quite the appetite, because you'll need lots of room in your stomach for the feast you're about to indulge in!

Y'all know a Hill Country trip isn't complete without some BBQ. Just 15 minutes from the Greenbelt, Franklin is one of the most iconic restaurants in the state.

Open from 11 a.m. until sold out on Tuesday-Sunday, you'll want to get there as early as possible. You wouldn't believe how long the lines can get!

This is where all the magic happens. What, you didn't think such a high demand could be met with just one smoker, did you? (Oh, and if you want a chance to win one of these babies for your own backyard, click here.)

Served either by the pound...

...or on a sandwich, the meat options include brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage. Good luck fitting your mouth around that...I think a fork is in order!

The restaurant is located at 900 E. 11th Austin, TX 78702. If your mouth isn't watering uncontrollably yet, it definitely will be as soon as you get in line and smell the undeniable aroma of good Texas BBQ.

Want a longer Hill Country road trip? Check out our previous article: The Best Texas Hill Country Road Trip You'll Ever Take.

Have you ever swam in the Greenbelt or eaten at Franklin? Let us know about your experiences!