If writer Teresa Bergen can have a blast in the middle of July in Texas, sounds like anytime of year is the perfect time to visit Canyon of the Eagles Resort.

Sit a spell on your resort hotel room front porch, taking in calming views of the lake at Canyon of the Eagles Resort in Texas.

I was excited to visit the Canyon of the Eagles Resort in Burnet County, Texas, 90 minutes northwest of Austin. But also a tad apprehensive, as my visit was scheduled for the blazing hot days of late July. Was I crazy to go to Texas when the temperature hovered around 100?  

Turns out, the Canyon of the Eagles – a Calibre Resort– is prepared for heat. The pace is slow. Think rocking chairs, not running shoes. In fact, each of the 61 rooms comes equipped with a pair of white rocking chairs on a private porch. There’s a feeling of peace as you slow down and accept the hot, dry summer. 

But you don’t have to stay dry. Take a dip in the swimming pool or wade in the lake. The resort is right on Buchanan Lake, the biggest of seven Highland lakes that stair step their way down to Lake Travis near Austin. Built for flood control starting in the 1930s, they’ve become a recreational mainstay for Texans. 

A swimming pool is always a good idea in Texas, especially at the Canyon of the Eagles Resort.

 The Rooms 

Each room features understated Southwest décor and stained cement floors, which stay cool on your feet. Don’t expect TVs or telephones – these rooms are made for relaxing and admiring lake views from your humongous windows. This is Texas in summer, so of course there’s AC. But I turned mine off first thing, opting for quiet and less shock between indoor and outdoor temperatures. The ceiling fan did a great job of keeping the room 20 degrees cooler than outside, even with my shades up 24/7 to appreciate my lake view. A big, cushioned window seat is made for watching the lake.  

Dinner with a view at the Overlook Restaurant

The Food 

The Overlook Restaurant is absolutely gorgeous, made of stone and wood and set right over the lake. Diners watch sunsets and thunderstorms from their tables. In general, Burnet County is more about chicken fried steak than catering to vegans. But the Overlook staff cares for all its guests. And while there’s plenty of steak and boar on the menu, they’d been warned ahead of my vegan ways, and had a full four-course vegan dinner awaiting me upon my arrival. My dinner started with a delicious and unusual watermelon gazpacho, then homemade hummus with chips. The main course featured mushrooms, farro and a light, citrusy sauce. Cantaloupe sorbet artistically arranged on basil leaves finished the meal. In short, I was well-fed and impressed from my first hour at the resort. Staff also made sure the breakfast buffet included something vegan. One morning, it was apple cinnamon risotto, with apple juice standing in for stock.

Canyon of the Eagle Cruise 

The resort offers an intimate cruise through Lake Buchanan and down the Colorado River on a pontoon boat that seats about 10. This is a real delight. Passengers get close to three waterfalls, dozens of herons and egrets, and usually view a herd of black Spanish goats that graze on hills over the river. Field guides and binoculars provided let you get a better view of wildlife, and the knowledgeable boat captain can answer your questions. Take the cruise in winter, and you’ll likely see the migrating bald eagles the canyon is named for. If you like to steer your own ship, you can rent a kayak at the camp store. 

Take a pontoon boat cruise for beautiful scenery.

Eagle Eye Observatory 

This is dark sky country, and the resort takes advantage of that at its onsite Eagle Eye Observatory. Guests peer through two enormous telescopes to check out constellations. I got a good look at Saturn clad in rings, and Jupiter with its four moons. Jim Sheets, resident astronomer, has run the observatory for eight years. He’s there at least five nights a week and can talk stars all night. He explains astronomical concepts in simple terms, leaving visitors more enlightened and also feeling very, very small in the enormity of space.

Enjoy lake life through kayaking while staying at Canyon of the Eagles Resort.

Other Things to Do in Burnet County 

It would be easy to stay at the resort for a few days and never leave. But guests who venture out will find fun things to do in Burnet County, even on the hottest days. Here are a few highlights: 

Kayak Inks Lake State Park – The next lake over from Buchanan, Inks Lake is much smaller, and easy to navigate in a kayak. You can rent one for a self-guided tour, or join a park interpretive program. Geology fans will enjoy learning about the valley spring gneiss prevalent here, a type of rock named for the German word for sparkly. 

Longhorn Caverns State Park – If you like caves, or are attracted by the opportunity to escape the heat in a place that naturally stays 68 degrees, venture into Longhorn Cavern. You’ll need to join a tour, since the caverns provide way too many places to get lost. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed this park back in the 1930s, emptying the caverns of dirt, debris and bat guano. Since then, the cavern has been a make out spot, speakeasy, restaurant, prom destination and popular tourist spot. It’s full of interesting rock formations and cute, harmless two-inch bats. 

Burnet Sheriff Riddell’s statue outside of the old jail.

Downtown Burnet – Burnet is the county seat of Burnet County. This cute, old-fashioned downtown has a main square surrounded by shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the statue of lawman Wallace Riddell, Texas’ longest-serving sheriff, appropriately located in front of the old jail.—Story and photos by Teresa Bergen, RFT Vegan/Vegetarian Editor  

If You Go 

I was happy to learn that summer heat provided no obstacle to enjoying a few days relaxing in Burnet County. Here are the resources you’ll need: 

Canyon of the Eagles – a Calibre Resort:  http://canyonoftheeagles.com/ 

Inks Lake State Park: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake 

Longhorn Caverns State Park:  http://www.longhorncaverns.com/ 

Burnet Tourism Info:  http://www.highlandlakes.com/burnet/ 

For more articles about Texas, click here.