6 Activities
Castles and Comfort Food En Route to Lake Somerville
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
6
Duration
10 hours
Length
120 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hours
Length
120 mi
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Play a game of backgammon at Villa de Austin's tavern.
- Climb each of the three towers at Newman's Castle.
- Search for bald eagles at Lake Somerville's Eagle Point.
Hop off the beaten path on your way to Lake Somerville, a nature and wildlife escape close to 100 miles away from Houston. On this day trip, you'll veer off Interstate 10 and find yourself immersed in Villa de Austin, an eight structure recreation of life in Texas' pre-revolutionary colonial capitol where the Mexican flag still flies.
Then, head to Newman's Castle, one of the only medieval castles in America with an operating drawbridge and 360-degree moat. You'll forget that you're in the Texas countryside as you marvel at the structure's turrets, great hall, chapel, and much more. At Newman's Castle, you'll be inspired by what's possible with a little (or a lot!) of hard work and determination. If you're looking to learn, marvel, and relax, this day trip to Lake Somerville is the route for you.
Categories
Hop off the beaten path on your way to Lake Somerville, a nature and wildlife escape close to 100 miles away from Houston. On this day trip, you'll veer off Interstate 10 and find yourself immersed in Villa de Austin, an eight structure recreation of life in Texas' pre-revolutionary colonial capitol where the Mexican flag still flies.
Then, head to Newman's Castle, one of the only medieval castles in America with an operating drawbridge and 360-degree moat. You'll forget that you're in the Texas countryside as you marvel at the structure's turrets, great hall, chapel, and much more. At Newman's Castle, you'll be inspired by what's possible with a little (or a lot!) of hard work and determination. If you're looking to learn, marvel, and relax, this day trip to Lake Somerville is the route for you.
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Play a game of backgammon at Villa de Austin's tavern.
- Climb each of the three towers at Newman's Castle.
- Search for bald eagles at Lake Somerville's Eagle Point.
Day Itinerary
6 Activities
Day 1
120 mi
Storied BBQ & Castle Living East of Houston
This day trip will redefine what you think of when you hear "Texas tough." Go back in time to the state's earliest pioneers at the San Felipe de Austin State Historic State, a hidden gem and immersive, interactive museum just north of Interstate 10. Then, head to Bellville to explore a truly one-of-a-kind castle tucked away in the countryside.
09:0045 min
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
Museum
Open Details
San Felipe de Austin is a hidden gem of a museum that memorializes life for some of Mexican Texas' earliest settlers. While this hidden gem of a museum features old-time relics, like a replica 1830s printing press, it's also highly interactive thanks to the museum's innovative use of technology that allows visitors to engage in history like never before. Texas history buffs and first-timers, you do not want to miss this.
18.2 mi
30 min
10:2030 min
Newman’s Castle & Bakery
Bakery
Open Details
Head north on Texas State Highway 36 to Newman's Bakery, a Bellville staple that serves as your one-stop shop for pastries, light bites, and entry to a one-of-a-kind Texas castle. Yep, you read that right. The bakery's founder, Mike Newman, built and lives in a castle tucked away in Bellville's countryside. At Newman's Bakery, you can pick up a treat and a ticket to explore Newman's handiwork.
4.6 mi
10 min
11:001 hr
Newman’s Castle
Castle
Open Details
Inspired by the grandeur of European castles, Mike Newman set out to build his own. It took twenty years, but the Texas native realized his fortress dreams. Newman's Castle is more than a monument to hard work and dedication; it's also the place Newman calls home. Complete with an alligator-filled moat, 3,000-pound drawbridge, a chapel, and much more, you’ll forget that you’re in the Texas countryside at Newman’s Castle.
18.6 mi
25 min
12:302 hrs
Truth BBQ
BBQ Joint
Open Details
Recently named the third-best BBQ join in the state by Texas Monthly, Truth BBQ is a must-stop on your way to Lake Somerville. This humble shack located off Highway 290 is where this Texas smokehouse staple got its start. Crowd favorites include Truth BBQ's brisket, sausage, and macaroni and cheese.
Be prepared for a line at Truth BBQ. Hint: there's free cold beer and water for those in the queue; just leave a tip in the jar!
23.3 mi
30 min
15:002 hrs
Lake Somerville Trailway (Nails Creek Trailhead)
Lake
Open Details
Swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking – Lake Somerville has it all along its 85-mile shoreline. Grab a map and head out to your retreat for the day. Points of interest at Lake Somerville include Eagle Point, where bald eagles have been sighted from time to time, and Flag Pond, a 300-acre oasis for migrating birds. Head to Rocky Point or the scenic overlook by Nails Creek Loop for some of the park's best views.
55.5 mi
1 hr
18:3045 min
Hedgehog Grill
Grilled Meat Restaurant
Open Details
Stop at Hedgehog Grill for dinner on your way back to Houston. This local outpost offers 20 Texas craft beers on tap, including local brews and rotating special releases too. Every item on the menu is handmade fresh, daily. Try one of their burgers or specialty sandwiches, you'll need it after the day you've had!