Landing at Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport in Killeen puts you right in the middle of things, with places like Temple, Salado, and Belton Lake all close by. Killeen is the city next to Fort Cavazos, one of the largest military bases in the world, and it has the diverse, come-and-go energy of a town where people from everywhere end up. Korean restaurants, Texas barbecue, and lake country all share the same zip code.

Standout things to do around Killeen: - Visit the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and the 3rd Cavalry Museum on Fort Cavazos - Swim, boat, or fish at Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake - Hike the Chalk Ridge Falls trail below the Stillhouse dam - Order bulgogi or bibimbap at one of the many Korean restaurants in Killeen - Catch a play at Vive Les Arts Theatre - Mountain bike the trails at Dana Peak Park on the lake - Browse the artisans, antique shops, and creekside patios of Salado - Take the kids to the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College

Killeen is central to the edge of the Hill Country and the I-35 corridor. Salado, with its old Stagecoach Inn and glassblowers, is 25 minutes southeast, Belton and Temple are 20 to 30 minutes east, and Lampasas and its historic springs are 40 minutes west. Georgetown and its spring poppies are about 50 minutes south, Waco and its Dr Pepper Museum are an hour north, and Austin is roughly an hour and 15 minutes. Spring wildflowers color the roadsides and fall brings football to every field. Grab a kolache for the road and let Killeen be your base.