Everyone is already aware of Buc-ee’s gas stations, but in-the-know road-trippers are passing by the famous beaver in favor of nine destination gas stations<\/a> that make Buc-ee’s look basic. Some have been converted into trendy cafes, some are protected historical sites, and others sit empty but make for a great opportunity to practice road trip photography. <\/p>\n In Central Texas<\/strong><\/p>\n The 27th annual<\/a> Red Poppy Festival <\/strong>is returning to the charming city of Georgetown<\/strong>, a suburb north of Austin, from April 24-26. The annual extravaganza celebrates the city’s blossoming poppy season and will feature a special music performance by country duo Maddie & Tae. Visitors can gather around the historic downtown square to check out a classic car show, an artisan vendor market, and more. The festival is free to the public.<\/p>\n Texas-made spirits brand Senza Maeso<\/strong> is commemorating two years since the opening of its San Marcos<\/strong> taproom with an all-day party on Saturday, April 4. Attendees can expect a local art market, nine live music performances, a photo booth with portraits by Eric Morales, food trucks, and specialty cocktails featuring Senza Maeso Hybrid Spirit.<\/p>\n In the Hill Country<\/strong><\/p>\n Fredericksburg’s <\/strong>award-winning<\/a> The Albert Hotel <\/strong>has recently opened The Wellhouse<\/strong>, a new restaurant offering a rotating menu of seasonal Southern comfort dishes, cocktails, and (of course) plenty of wine. A few highlights of the current menu include the garlic and brown butter crab claws, the truffle mac and cheese, the Verlasso salmon with roasted smashed Brussels sprouts, and more.<\/p>\n Blanco<\/strong>-based brewery Real Ale Brewing Co.<\/strong> is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a big bash<\/a> on Saturday, April 18 from 12-7 pm. The brewery will have 40 beers on tap for guests; numerous new releases, including surprise casks; cocktails; food from Hill Country vendors; and four live music performances. Basic tickets<\/a> are $11.66 per person, and come with one token for a beer or a non-alcoholic beverage.<\/p>\n At home in Dallas-Fort Worth<\/strong><\/p>\n The new restaurant at the Hall Arts Hotel<\/strong> in Dallas<\/strong>, Astra Kitchen + Lounge<\/a>, will debut its new “Astra Hour” starting on Thursday, April 9. The new happy hour will serve as a high energy transition “from the office to the weekend” with live DJs and “fun surprises” every week on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30-8 pm.<\/p>\n Along the Gulf Coast<\/strong><\/p>\n Texas birders are flocking to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center<\/strong> in Corpus Christi<\/strong> from April 22-26 for the annual In the Texas Panhandle<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Senza](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775490377_473_senza-maeso-san-marcos-tasting-room.jpg\")