< Around Town

Top 10Hill Country

TopTen

Bluebonnets in full bloom

Texas Hill Country is renowned for its scenic beauty, charming small towns, and the springtime profusion of wildflowers. The rock-strewn hills are high enough to offer relief from the hot Texan summers, and the sparkling clear rivers make tubing down a cool stream a favorite activity. In April, bluebonnets and other wildflowers blanket the fields in shades of blue, red, and gold. Many of the small towns retain and celebrate their early heritage: New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, and Boerne were settled by German immigrants, Castroville pioneers came from Alsace in France, and Bandera is the center of ranch and cowboy lore. Hill Country is a favorite Texan getaway spot, offering dude ranches, quaint inns, B&Bs in picturesque towns, and large secluded resorts with comfortable amenities. Scenic roads curve around hills and cross streams as they lead to fine wineries, underground caverns, and state parks.




1National Museum of the Pacific War

Housed in the historic Nimitz Hotel, this museum traces US military activities in the South Pacific during World War II. Major exhibits include the hangar deck of an American aircraft carrier and a PT boat base. The Japanese Garden of Peace and the Memorial Wall honor individuals and military units of the Pacific Theater.

2Bandera

The self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World” offers ranches for overnight stays with meals, tours, and horseback riding. Rodeos are held several times a week in the summer, and there are plenty of opportunities to dance the Texas two-step in historic dance halls. It’s a good place to shop for cowboy clothes and saddles.

3Historic Gruene

TopTen

Souvenir shop, Gruene

Buildings from the late 1800s, when cotton was king, have been restored to house charming specialty shops and restaurants. Weekends are bustling when visitors come to raft or tube down the river, shop for antiques, or sample great Texan wines at The Grapevine. The town is on the National Register of Historic Places.

4Gruene Hall

The legendary launchpad for notable musicians such as George Strait and Lyle Lovett, Gruene Hall is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. Famous Texan and national performers continue to grace the stage of this rustic dance hall. Baseball great Nolan Ryan celebrated his 50th birthday here, and the dance scene from the 1996 film Michael, starring John Travolta, was filmed here.

  • 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels
  • 830 606 1281

5Schlitterbahn Water Park

This popular waterpark has wet and wild rides for every age group. There are three uphill water coasters, nine tube chutes, and 17 water slides, as well as the Boogie Bahn body-boarding ride. The six-story Master Blaster uphill water coaster ride has often been voted America’s Best Waterpark Ride.

Wine Country

Scattered across the Hill Country are two dozen fine wineries, which produce many award-winning wines. These wineries also offer wine-tasting opportunities and sponsor related events throughout the year. Maps are available with self-guided driving tours through the beautiful countryside to the wineries for special themed events such as Wine and Wildflowers in April, Harvest in August, and Holiday during December.

6LBJ State and National Historic Parks

The 36th president, Lyndon Baines Johnson, was born here in 1908 and his former residence and ranch are now a National Historical Park. Self-drive tours of the Texas White House provide an in-depth look at the ranch. LBJ was buried here in the Johnson Family Cemetery in 1973.

  • Stonewall, LBJ National Historic Parks at LBJ Ranch
  • 830 868 7128
  • Self-guided tours 5pm-dusk
  • Adm
  • www.nps.gov/lyjo

7Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

This rounded dome of pink granite rock is one of the nation’s largest batholiths. The giant cracks on its surface have been created by the continuous heating and cooling of the rock, which continues today. It is believed that the eerie noises heard from the rock on dark cool nights are the result of the cooling process.

8Castroville

One of the most culturally fascinating towns in Texas, Castroville was settled in 1844. Frenchman Henri Castro was contracted by the Republic of Texas to bring European settlers into Texas, and brought in pioneers from Alsace in France. The historic town still has more than 50 original Alsatian-style buildings housing antique shops, bakeries, and restaurants. The historic Landmark Inn, with its small museum, is a good place to begin exploring the town.

  • Landmark Inn State Historic Site
  • 830 931 2133

9Museum of Western Art

Originally featuring only the works of contemporary Cowboy Artists of America, the museum has expanded to include a wide variety of 20th-century Western art. Rotating exhibits focus on the legends, romance, and reality of historic and present-day cowboys, settlers, and Native Americans. The museum also maintains a Western art and history library. A children’s gallery features an interactive Journey West with hands-on activities and even a Go West wagon to ride in (For further details see Museum of Western Art).

10Schreiner Mansion

Captain Charles Schreiner lived in this mansion built between 1879 and 1896. Schreiner, a Texas Ranger at 16, later became a banker and philanthropist. The two-story intricately carved exterior has graceful arches, curved porches, and twin towers. The house also has a parquet floor made of 10 different hardwoods, and original pocket doors, replicas of those at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia.


A Walk Down Main Street Fredericksburg

Morning

Start at historic • Nimitz Hotel • 328 E Main St which hosted stagecoach travelers in the 1860s. Head west along the wide Main Street. The small building at • 242 E Main St, originally the White Elephant Saloon, was a “gentleman’s resort” in 1888. Today, it’s one of the many shops and historical buildings that line the street. At • 115 W Main St, explore the majestic Old Gillespie County Courthouse, built in 1882. Across the street is the Marktplatz, the venue for the Oktoberfest celebrations. Explore the exhibits in the octagonal-shaped Vereins Kirche, one of the first public buildings built in this German town. The west end of Main Street offers a selection of shops and boutiques for browsing. Stop at one of the bakeries, or grab a lunch at • Bejas Grill • 209 E Main St which serves salads and Southwestern entrées.

Afternoon

Two of the most historic buildings in Fredericksburg, the Rudolph Itz Saloon and Home, are located at • 320 W Main St. Spend at least an hour at the • Pioneer Museum • 309 W Main St with its fine collection of old homes, stores, and galleries. Of special interest is The Weber House, built in 1904, an example of the “Sunday houses” built as weekend townhouses by rural German settlers. For dinner, try the Altdorf Biergarten, for German food, or the Cabernet Grill for upscale Texas ranch fare.

< Around Town

Top 10Places to See Wildflowers

1Wildseed Farms

Springtime visitors are more than likely to see Texas blue-bonnets, red corn poppies, phlox, and a gorgeous array of other flowers at the USA’s largest working wildflower farm.

  • 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg
  • 800 848 0078
  • Open 9:30am–5pm daily

2Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The best year-round place to spot and gather information about wildflowers. The spring wildflower displays present a rainbow of colors (For further details see Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center).

3San Antonio Botanical Garden

Walk through fields of spring blooms in the Hill Country section of the Texas Native area. Fall colors are some of the best in the state (For further details see San Antonio Botanical Garden & Lucile Halsell Conservatory).

4Fredericksburg to Enchanted Rock

This breathtaking route is a joy all year round, with masses of wildflowers in spring and great views the rest of the year. The hour-long drive follows Hwy 965 from Fredericksburg past Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to Hwy 16.

5Bandera Scenic Drive

This 85-mile (137-km) loop offers majestic vistas as the road twists up and around the hills, crossing the Medina and Sabinal Rivers many times.

6Willow City Loop

Located between Fredericksburg and Llano off Hwy 16, this 16-mile (26-km) loop drive through unfenced ranch land offers spectacular spring wildflowers, canyon views, and wildlife.

7Devils Backbone, Wimberley to Blanco

One of the most scenic drives in Texas winds for 24 miles (39 km) along Hwy 32 offering stunning Hill Country vistas and fields of bluebonnets in April.

8Riverside Nature Center

A lovely old farm along the sparkling Guadalupe River has been transformed into an urban wildflower and native plant sanctuary. Walking trails meander through fields of vividly-hued wildflowers and local flora and fauna.

  • 150 Francisco Lemos, Kerrville
  • 830 257 4837

9LBJ National Park at LBJ Ranch

An incredible profusion of colorful flowers fills the park in spring (For further details see LBJ State and National Historic Parks).

10Boerne Walk

Cibolo Wilderness Trail in Boerne City Park offers walking trails that wind through natural habitats, including prairie and marshlands. The trails lead past native plants and wildflowers of the Hill Country.

  • Boerne Chamber
  • 830 249 8000

< Around Town

Top 10Places to Eat

1Cypress Grill

This delightful bistro serves carefully crafted Nouveau American cuisine. Try the crispy oysters before one of the signature entrées such as blackened sea scallops; save room for the warm bittersweet chocolate cake.

  • 170 S Main St, Boerne
  • 830 248 1353
  • Closed Mon
  • $40–55

2OST Restaurant

Enjoy good Texan and Tex-Mex country cooking at this restaurant named after the Old Spanish Trail. The decor honors Western movie stars.

  • Bandera
  • 830 796 3836
  • under $20

3Rails – Café at the Depot

One of Hill Country’s finest restaurants serves light lunches and dinners with daily entrée specials. Accompaniments include delectable desserts.

  • 615 Schreiner St, Kerrville
  • 830 257 3877
  • Closed Sun
  • $20–40

4Francisco’s

This cozy restaurant is a very popular lunch spot. Dinner is served only from Thursday to Saturday.

  • 201 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville
  • 830 257 2995
  • Closed Sun
  • $20–40

5Sunset Grille

Classic American diner with great Californian-inspired food and attentive service. Breakfast on Oceanside burrito and eggs Benedict.

  • 902 S Adams St, Fredericksburg
  • 830 997 5904
  • $20–40

6Cabernet Grill

This casual, friendly restaurant offers superb Angus beef, fresh seafood, and Hill Country wild game. Extensive wine list.

  • 2805 S Hwy 16, Fredericksburg
  • 830 990 5734
  • $55–80

7Altdorf Biergarten

Housed in a historic lime-stone building on Main Street, the Altdorf’s menu ranges from sausage and schnitzel to Tex-Mex and burgers. A large selection of beers is available.

  • Fredericksburg
  • 830 997 7865
  • Closed Tue
  • $20–40

8Gruene River Grill

Enjoy made-from-scratch soups and salads, and ribs, fish, and steak from the grill at this relaxed restaurant. Desserts are home-made too. Good wine list.

  • 1259 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels
  • 830 624 2300
  • $40–55

9Huisache Grill

Classic and upscale American cuisine with a choice of affordable wine and beer is on offer at this modern restaurant.

  • 303 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels
  • 830 620 9001
  • $40–55

10Centerpoint Station

This Texan hamburger eatery is tucked away in an antique shop. Soups, salads, baked potatoes, and sandwiches, along with great ice-cream shakes are also available here.

  • 3946 IH-35 S, San Marcos
  • 512 392 1103
  • under $20

< Around Town

Top 10New Braunfels



1Sophienburg Museum and Archives

An excellent place to learn about the history of New Braunfels and its early German settlers.

  • 401 W Coll St
  • 830 629 1572
  • Open 10am–4pm Tue–Sat
  • Adm

2Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture

This 1859 home has a unique collection of furniture made by early German settlers.

  • 1370 Church Hill Dr
  • 830 629 6504
  • Open early Feb–late Nov 1–4pm Tue–Sun
  • Adm

3Conservation Plaza

A village of 14 restored mid-1800s buildings includes a school, barn, and garden with 50 varieties of antique roses.

  • 1300 Church Hill Dr
  • 830 629 2943
  • Open 10am–2:30pm Tue–Fri, 2–5pm Sat & Sun

4Lindheimer House

One of the oldest houses in New Braunfels belonged to renowned botanist Ferdinand J. Lindheimer. It contains memorabilia and a garden filled with his plant discoveries.

  • 491 Comal Ave
  • 830 629 2943

5Landa Park

A recreation park that includes a spring-fed pool, a miniature train, paddle-boats, and tubing down the river.

  • 110 Golf Course Rd
  • 830 608 2160

6Schlitterbahn Water Park

Located on the beautiful Comal River, this seasonal waterpark features 40 fun-filled and action-packed rides (For further details see Schlitterbahn Water Park).

7Texas Ski Ranch

Water skiing, wake boarding, motocross, and skate boarding facilities are on offer here.

  • 6700 I-35 N
  • 830 627 2843
  • Open daily (hours vary for different activities)
  • Adm

8Gruene Hall

One of the best known performance halls, local singers and touring acts stage live shows here (For further details see Gruene Hall).

9Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo

A unique park with 500 animals and native venomous snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles.

10The Grapevine

This charming wine-tasting room is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and a plate of cheese after shopping.

< Around Town

Top 10Fredericksburg

1National Museum of the Pacific War

The museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and Japanese air-craft, tanks, and artifacts in use during the Pacific War (For further details see National Museum of the Pacific War).

2Main Street

More than 100 specialty shops, bakeries, and restaurants are housed in historic buildings. Attractions include the historic Pioneer Museum.

3Vereins Kirche Museum

This octagonal structure is a replica of the 1847 Society Hall used as a church, fort, and school. Exhibits tell the story of the German settlers.

  • Center of Markplatz, 100 W Main St
  • 830 997 7832
  • Open 10am–4:30pm Mon–Sat
  • Adm

4Pioneer Museum Complex

This complex of historic buildings includes the 1849 eight-room, furnished Henry Kammlah home and an old Methodist Church.

  • 309 W Main St
  • 830 990 8441
  • Open 10am– 5pm Tue–Sat. Mon-Sat in summer
  • Adm

5Country Schools Driving Trail

A self-drive tour of over a dozen historic schools in Gillespie County, where the children of German immigrants were taught.

6LBJ State and National Historical Parks

Self-drive tours offer insights into President Johnson’s working ranch and Texas White House (For further details see LBJ State and National Historic Parks).

7Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area

Over a million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from a railroad tunnel, spiral upward, soaring over the Hill Country to feed on insects. Rangers offer nightly educational programs about the bats.

  • South of Fredericksburg, Old Santonio Rd
  • 866 978 2287
  • Open year-round sunrise to sunset; bat viewing May–Oct
  • www.tpwd.state.tx.us

8Wildseed Farms

A chance to walk through wildflower fields and browse over 90 types of seed (For further details see Wildseed Farms).

9Wineries

Nearby wineries offer a broad selection of Texan wines.

10Fredericksburg Herb Farm

Stroll through the herb gardens filled with flowering, culinary, and ornamental herbs. The gift shop offers herbal products.