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Austin, Texas

Family Fun in the Heart of Texas

By Donna Smith

For more information, visit www.GlidingRevolution.com.

Beautiful only begins to describe the surroundings at the Horseshoe Bay Resort, located on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. The new 349-room Marriott hotel fits perfectly into the picturesque setting, and boasts a AAA Four Diamond rating. Guests at the hotel enjoy temporary membership at the Horseshoe Bay Resort, and we took full advantage of it.

We wasted no time donning our bathing suits and heading down to the Yacht Club. After showing our room key, we were given towels and walked into our tropical oasis. The club's pool, which is one of four pools at the Horseshoe Bay Resort, sits near a white sand beach and overlooks the lake. With a poolside bar and incredible volcanic hot tub, we were content for quite a while before we headed down to explore the beach. The club has sectioned off a small area for kids to play in, which makes it more relaxing for parents.

Before heading to dinner, we explored the beautiful 18-hole Whitewater Putting Course, which is billed as the most expensive putting course in the country. With tropical plants, flamingos, exotic parrots and waterfalls, it's the perfect spot for a Kodak moment or for family entertainment. After a stroll through the hotel's oriental gardens located behind the clay tennis courts, we headed to dinner at the Lantana Grill & Bar inside the hotel.

Elegant, but family-friendly, the Lantana Grill & Bar offers upscale dining and celebrates Texas cuisine. We started with Salt and Pepper Calamari with Chipotle Aioli while we scoured the menu. Our friendly waiter recommended the Black Angus Filet of Beef with Onion Jam for me, while two of my kids ordered hamburgers from the kid's menu and one tortilla soup from the adult menu. The 8-ounce filet was served with Branson Dutch Oven Potatoes and Panko-crusted Fried Asparagus – and was incredible. The burgers were a hit, and even came with a scoop of ice cream at the end. My son loved his tortilla soup, which featured jumbo lump crabmeat.

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