San Angelo Nature Center: 7409 Knickerbocker Road, 942-0121. The center includes a museum with changing displays to show the ‘‘hidden wonders of West Texas,’’ including live animals and an interpretive garden. The museum’s Discovery Room allows children to feel and play with the exhibits. The center also features a nature trail, located on Spillway Road, which is open free to the public during daylight hours. It includes three different ecosystems found in West Texas—semi-arid, wooded and wetlands. Spring Creek Wetlands is a 260-acre property developed as a recreational and educational area. More than seven miles of trails lead visitors through terrain that changes from a semi-arid environment to a freshwater marsh. Open noon–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday all year. Museum admission: $2 for ages 3 and older. Nature Trail at Spillway Road: Off…

Dry Hollow Hideaway: Hwy 380 in Paint Rock, 732- 4272, www.dryhollowhideaway.com. 700-acre ranch with two private lakes and a cabin above Dry Hollow Creek. Concho River forms the northern boundary of the property. Overnight accommodations available. Visitors welcome by appointment.  Harkey Ranch: 2600 acres nestled in West Texas just southeast of Christoval, Texas. Chase Akin, 325-650-8389 www.harkeyranch.net The ranch is a rare combination of natural beauty, exceptional facilities, and friendly folks where you will find one of the best collections of native and exotic game. The ranch includes a mixture of low rolling hills, live oaks, Texas prairie grasses and mesquites. With all of its natural beauty and the ultimate in lodging, the Harkey Ranch is something you won’t find anywhere else when looking to escape to…