You don't like Houston traffic, imagine that. Austin can be a little bad as well during peak times, but once through it's not bad. Dripping Springs (where I am) is west of Austin on Hwy 290 west. If you come through, I want to buy you dinner at the Salt Lick BBQ, it is where I take my crews to before the Tx200 and has really good BBQ. We'll go sailing if you need a break from driving, especially after dealing with Houston.
When you head west again, you can take Hwy 290 through Johnson City and Fredricksburg. It connects to IH-10 which is the road to take west. If interested, just before you get to IH-10 is the town of Harper where Duckworks is located.
John