Days 1 and 2 | Fort Worth

In Fort Worth, a.k.a. Cowtown, you’ll want to be on hand as the daily cattle drive leaves from the Stockyards National Historical District, signaling that the spirit of the Old West is still very much alive. Visit Log Cabin Village—six cabins built in the 1850s that contain original furnishings—for a taste of history, then take in an equestrian show at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Another fun excursion is to catch the Grapevine Vintage Railroad at Stockyards Station for a ride to nearby Grapevine, where you can sample the fruit of the vine from various wineries. When you return, hit the shops along Exchange Avenue and then have dinner in the revitalized Sundance Square entertainment district.

Fort Worth is acclaimed for its art and cultural attractions. Get an early start the next day to explore the Kimbell Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum, the Fort Worth Water Gardens (breathtaking with its waterfalls, cascading fountains, and sculpture garden), the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, and the Fort Worth Zoo. As you might expect, there are also several museums dedicated to cowboys (National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame, Stockyards Museum, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame) and even cowgirls (National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame).

The famous Six Flags Over Texas is a guaranteed hit with families, as is the Ballpark in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers.

Days 3 and 4 | Glen Rose

Four miles from Glen Rose is Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can see real dinosaur tracks and then go for a swim in the clear waters of the Paluxy River. In town, tour the Somervell County Courthouse, a two-story Romanesque Revival structure that is both a Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fossil Rim Park and Wildlife Center is just three miles southwest of Glen Rose, on U.S. 67. It’s the home of endangered animals like the white rhino and cheetah, plus about 30 other species that roam free on 2,900 acres of valleys and savannahs. Amenities include petting pasture, restaurant, nature store, picnic area, nature trail, and education center.

Days 5 and 6 | Burnet, Marble Falls

Burnet is close to many area attractions that epitomize the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, like the Canyon of the Eagles Lodge and Nature Park on the shores of serene Lake Buchanan. Explore its hiking trails, relax on its beaches, or take a ride on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise, which covers the ecological history of the area. In the afternoon, stop in at Fall Creek Vineyards and sample the award-winning Chenin Blanc.

Board the Hill Country Flyer in Cedar Park for a round-trip journey and firsthand look at Burnet’s rolling hills. After exploring and hiking in the prehistoric caves at Longhorn Cavern State Park, spend a pleasant evening at a bed-and-breakfast in Marble Falls, then explore Marble Falls Lake the next morning.

Days 7, 8, and 9 | Johnson City, Stonewall, Fredericksburg, Luckenbach

In Johnson City, you’ll discover the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Visit the former president’s childhood home and the old cabin and buildings of the Johnson family settlement.

In Stonewall, a short drive from Johnson City, you’ll find the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site, where you can easily hop on a bus and be whisked away on a guided tour of the LBJ Ranch and the so-called Texas White House. Situated on the picturesque Pedernales River, it’s a great place for a picnic. If it’s early summer, be on the lookout for roadside stands selling the area’s best-known crop: the glorious peach. Several notable wineries are located nearby; take a lazy tour to Grape Creek, Woodrose, or Becker. At Becker, sample the Viognier–the winery is famous for its version of this classic sipper.

Fredericksburg offers an embarrassment of riches, starting with charming bed-and-breakfasts for every budget. Before you go, log on to fredericksburg-lodging.com and book your stay for a festival weekend (like Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest, Oktoberfest Fredericksburg, or Fredericksburg Trade Days). The town’s Main Street has shops brimming with antiques, crafts, gifts, and much more; it’s easy to devote a whole day to shopping here. Be sure to refuel with a sweet treat or delectable muffin at Rather Sweet Bakery and Café. Learn about Fredericksburg’s German history at the Pioneer Museum Complex (frontier artifacts), the circa 1849 Vereins Kirche Museum (Paleo-Indian history), and the National Museum of the Pacific War (World War II history).

On the way out of town, pause at Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest working wildflower seed farm, where you can pick up some seeds to plant in your own garden. And oh, yes, you mustn’t leave without stopping at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area; here you can hike up to the top of a 640-acre pink granite dome. And finally, find the famous little burg of Luckenbach and dance to a few tunes by Waylon, Willie, and the boys.