TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

The Texas Hill Country is the HEART of Texas.  It is known as the backyard playground for Texans that like to hang out, have fun, enjoy nature or simply socialize. It is the primary destination for hikers, hunters, fishermen, campers and anyone that just want to relax or spend some time admiring the wild life.  To go horse riding in the early morning up to stargazing at night, the hill country offers the best in natural entertainment.

This terrain of rolling hills and river-cut valleys is surrounded by big cities and small communities.  San Antonio and Austin are at the outskirts, and picturesque little towns like Bandera, Fredericksburg, Boerne,  Gruene, Kerrville, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, New Braunfels and Utopia, with their open-arms sincere friendliness can win your hearts instantly.

My favorite town is Bandera, a little less than one hour from San Antonio.  It is known as the Cowboy Capital of the World.  You’ll find that many cowboys still come to town and tie their horses by the sidewalk, same as it was done a hundred years ago.  There are about a dozen Dude Ranches near town and everyone offers rustic cabin accommodations, horse and hay wagon rides, succulent bar-b-cue and marshmallow roasting in the open-air fireplace.  Rodeos are usually celebrated a few days a week.

Every season, the area provides an unparalleled diversity.  In the spring, the roads become cluttered with wildflowers while the rivers get crammed with rafters and kayaks in the summer.  When the leaves turn yellow and orange in the fall, the access to the State Parks are lined miles long, like the Lost Maples  Park, near Vanderpool.  And Christmas is always a vibrant display of bright lights in most of the towns, especially in Fredericksburg, Marble Falls and Johnson City.

The Guadalupe, Pedernales, Llano, Medina, Frio, Nueces, Sabinal and Colorado Rivers crisscross the Hill Country.  There are also many caves waiting to be explored, like Cascade, Long Horn, Natural Bridge and Cave Without a Name, just to mention a few.

Between Fredericksburg and Llano is the Enchanted Rock, a massive granite mountain that attracts numerous sightseers.   The many wineries usually host tastings of newly released wines with their guided tours. There are festivals in almost every little town, from poetry to apple and lavender yearly events. Possible the smallest of these communities is Luckenbach, south of Fredericksburg on Route 87, but it hosts the Willie Nelson July 4^th picnic.  Don’t miss it.