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The Texas Hill Nation is the place the Lone Star State actually comes into its personal. Assume rolling hills, wildflower meadows, mild rivers and rural small city attraction.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for two-stepping dance halls, smoked Texas barbecue joints or an opportunity to drift down the Guadalupe with the solar in your shoulders, you’ll discover there aren’t any scarcity of issues to do in Texas Hill Nation.
Texas Hill Nation is a large area that encompasses two main cities, Austin and San Antonio, 12 counties, and meets on the crossroads of South, West, and Central Texas. With an space this huge, it’s no shock that there are limitless points of interest and actions to do.
However if you happen to’re undecided what to do in Texas Hill Nation, then don’t fear, as a result of this information has all one of the best points of interest in Texas Hill Nation in addition to just a few hidden gems.
Fredericksburg, Texas Hill Nation
Fredericksburg, or Fritztown, is a historic German city in Texas in the course of Hill Nation.
Its shut proximity to Austin and San Antonio makes it top-of-the-line first stops to discover THC, and it’s often known as the center of wine nation. Within the spring and summer time, this area can also be identified for its peaches – go decide and eat ’em!
There are fairly just a few issues to do in Fredericksburg, and that is what we loved.
Climb Enchanted Rock
How are you going to ignore one thing referred to as Enchanted Rock? When you around the bend on the way in which in and the vista opens as much as this large pink granite rock jutting out of the valley flooring, you already know you’ve reached a spot that holds non secular energy.
This was as soon as identified to be a magical place for the native Apache and Comanche tribes. It jogged my memory of Uluru in Outback Australia with its magnetic skill to attract you in.
One factor to pay attention to is that Enchanted Rock State Pure Space has restricted parking house. As soon as it’s full, they shut down the park. In case you are fortunate, you’ll obtain a ticket to come back again later within the afternoon when it reopens. It’s assured entry, however they solely give a sure variety of these out. Both means, you’ll find yourself ready in a line of automobiles to get a spot.
We arrived at about 11 am (silly choice on our behalf – dangerous planning and sluggish to get transferring) and after 30-minutes of ready in line, we acquired the ticket to come back again at 3pm. We had one other 30-minute wait then, however we not less than bought into the park. It was completely value it.
The climb up Enchanted Rock is steep however not as dangerous because it seems. It’s simply the primary a part of the graceful rock that’s fairly intense. I discovered it fairly simple and exhilarating.
The women each dealt with the stroll positive (aged 11 and seven) so when you have youngsters they’ll be positive too!
The 360 views from the highest of the encompassing Texas countryside are extraordinary.
Scorching Tip: We didn’t notice, however if you happen to stroll down the opposite facet of the rock there’s a clump of rocks which have hidden caves to discover! We make the errors that can assist you keep away from them!
Learn Extra: Ideas for climbing Enchanted Rock Texas
Discover Downtown Fredericksburg
I wasn’t a raving fan of downtown Fredericksburg, though many individuals are. It nonetheless retains a lot of its German affect, which is a part of its attraction to many.
For me, it felt prefer it had misplaced a little bit of its soul alongside the way in which in its effort to take care of its touristic enchantment, however that’s going to occur in fashionable locations. I a lot most popular Gruene, a city that has managed to maintain its historic soul regardless of its reputation.
It’s simply an power that you simply really feel, which might usually be affected by the power you carry to it. So you can have a totally completely different expertise for me.
Fredericksburg has loads of boutique shops in lots of its outdated sandstone buildings, in truth over 100, so you possibly can think about procuring is a well-liked factor to do in Fredericksburg. The primary avenue may be very large and stuffed with a great deal of folks. There are additionally numerous German eating places and breweries. We stopped in on the Fredericksburg Brewing Firm, the oldest brewpub in Texas, for lunch.
Once more, I wouldn’t rave about it. My German potato skins got here out chilly and the beer was simply okay. We solely had one beer although, so not a good judgment.
There are many wine-tasting bars alongside the primary avenue of Fredericksburg as effectively if you happen to can’t get out to the close by wineries.
See the Guitar Choosing Circle at Luckenbach Texas
Regardless of this being a literal three-building city, you’ll have heard of Luckenbach, Texas. It was made well-known by these strains in a Waylon Jennings music Luckenback (Again to the Fundamentals of Love). I had by no means heard of that music till I researched Luckenbach, and it popped up as a singular truth in regards to the place.
One of many high issues to do right here? Guitar selecting and nation music below a 500 12 months outdated oak tree. How may we not go to?
You recognize from our time in Nashville, Memphis and Franklin, that I’m a little bit of a stay music lover, particularly these varieties which might be intimate storytelling periods. You couldn’t get a lot better in Luckenbach.
Go away all of the vacationers behind wandering downtown Fredericksburg and be a part of the handful of individuals standing round in cowboy hats, cracking jokes, ingesting beer, and listening to some good ole Texas Nation.
Luckenbach was established as a buying and selling publish in 1849 by a small creek lined with oak timber. All that’s listed below are just a few wood sheds: the pub, the dance corridor, and the feedlot (the place you should purchase your conventional fried meals!). Carry money as that’s all they settle for on the bar, though there’s an ATM hidden inside a wood field.
The bar jogged my memory of an Outback Australian pub. The entire expertise was very uncooked and genuine cultural, not like what you’d discover in Downtown Fredericksburg.
In Luckenbach everyone is someone. I cherished listening to the outdated timers music, jokes, and tales – and sure, one even concerned a real-life story of an encounter with Willie Nelson.
I may simply see him selecting his guitar below these large oaks. To date, one among my favourite experiences on our America Unplugged RV highway journey.
Spend the day on the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera
Bandera is a small cowboy city situated between Fredericksburg and San Antonio and calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World.
It’s because it seems like a real-life western film, with saloon bars and wagons on the highway – it actually feels such as you’ve stepped right into a John Wayne film.
When in Bandera, the factor to do is try the dude ranches, watch a Saturday afternoon “gunfight”, and catch nightly music within the downtown saloons. You too can try the Bandera ProRodeo.
For these on the lookout for a real Texas cowboy expertise, that is an unmissable factor to do.
High tip: In the event you take pleasure in ranches, try Lyndon B Johnson’s Ranch in Johnston Metropolis (his childhood dwelling). We had so many suggestions for this one, and it’s a part of the San Antonio Explorer Move.
Go to the Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Conflict
The Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Conflict is a museum devoted to the Fleet of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Nimitz, who served as commander in chief of the USA Pacific Fleet. He was additionally a commander in chief of the Pacific Ocean Areas throughout World Conflict II.
Born in Fredericksburg, he’s considerably of an area hero. However the museum isn’t just about him, it additionally tells the story of those that served in his fleet and portrays a human perspective of WWII. Historical past buffs who love visiting world class museums ought to make this a must-see in Texas Hill Nation.
Make a journey to Ingram
Ingram is a small and sleepy city in THC and is only a stone’s throw away from Kerrville, which is stuffed with museums and galleries.
One of many high points of interest in Ingram is to go to Stonehenge II. This can be a distinctive rock formation that appears like Stonehenge in England, besides it’s made from concrete. The Stonehenge, and the reproduction of Easter Island, are artwork installations supplied by Hill Nation Arts Basis.
In the event you’re passing by way of Ingram at any level, then you should definitely make a fast cease by this spectacular monument.
Discover Garner State Park
In Texas Hill Nation, if you wish to get outdoor, the factor to do is go swimming and or tubing, and one place you are able to do that’s in Garner State Park, the place you’ll discover the Frio river. The park additionally has 16 miles of scenic mountaineering trails.
In the event you’re visiting Texas Hill Nation in the summertime, you’ll wish to head right here within the night. Ever for the reason that Forties, the younger people and younger at coronary heart people collect on the park’s concession constructing for a night of dancing. The jukebox is blaring and the locals are pairing as much as swing one another across the dance pavilion.
High tip: Arrive early, as parking tons get full and gates can shut as early as 8:30 p.m.
Go to the wineries
There are greater than 75 wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards off-the-beaten-path in Fredericksburg and the encompassing Gillespie County. I positively wish to come again for that sans youngsters.
The area has been a high winemaking space for the reason that mid-Nineteenth century when German immigrants got here to settle right here and tailored their traditions to the native local weather and soil.
In the event you’re undecided what vineyard to attempt, head to the aptly named Wine Street 290, which is a freeway between Johnson Metropolis and Fredericksburg that has 50 wineries and tasting rooms.
New Braunfels, Texas Hill Nation
New Braunfels was based in 1845 by a German prince trying to begin a colony within the Republic of Texas. It didn’t occur, however we now have a cute small city with German heritage paired with genuine Texas to take pleasure in – what a combination!
We didn’t discover an excessive amount of of the downtown space. It’s a lot smaller than Fredericksburg and doesn’t have fairly historic buildings, however I believe it’s extra about visiting for the encompassing space, particularly close by Gruene!
Gruene is registered on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. In Gruene, all three roads result in the Water Tower, which is the place you discover custom, historical past, and homegrown Texas enjoyable.
Right here is our information on issues to do in Gruene, a bona fide Lone Star State city.
Get pleasure from a scenic drive
That is Hill Nation! There are many fairly drives to take pleasure in, particularly within the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Listed here are a few of our favorites:
The River Street
The River Street is a picturesque drive alongside the Guadalupe river. The one disappointment is which you could’t cease alongside the way in which to soak it in and take images. So benefit from the view from the automobile window. The colour of the water will entice you to come back again.
Satan’s Spine
Go straight from The River Street previous Canyon Lake to get to the Satan’s Spine scenic drive on R.M. 32. Whenever you see an indication that states picnic space, pull over because it’s additionally a viewing level.
I’m undecided why they don’t denote it as being that so that you’ll know to drag over and look. As a result of a picnic is probably not of curiosity however a spectacular view will likely be.
Willow Metropolis Loop
The Willow Metropolis Loop is a surprising and historic 13-mile scenic drive that’s well-known for its show of wildflowers – particularly the Texas bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush.
The loop drive is state-owned, which implies you can’t cease at any level on the journey, however you possibly can nonetheless drive slowly and admire the Hill Nation views. You’ll discover the doorway to the highway from Willow Metropolis simply off Farm Street 1323 close to Willow Metropolis Cemetery.
Have a espresso and cake at 2tarts, New Braunfels
The women and I began our day exploring along with espresso and cake at 2Tarts.
I’m beginning to drink extra black espresso as I discover principally it’s tough to get a very good latte – I take far fewer dangers and until I can work out from opinions that it is going to be an expert barista-made espresso like I may from Kona Kona under, then I am going black. I’m glad I did.
It was a premium drip espresso and bloody scrumptious. Made me assume black espresso is the way in which to go to any extent further. It’s positively less expensive and higher for the waistline. Besides maybe once you pair it with a cashew nut milk peppermint patty.
The women cherished their cupcakes too!
Have lunch on the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, Gruene
The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar has been serving meals since 1977 within the three-story boiler room of the outdated cotton gin.
Its location on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River and shaded by towering oak timber makes it a restaurant arduous to move up. It’s proper below the water tower within the historic district and simply behind Gruene Corridor.
As soon as I knew we had been staying in New Braunfels for an additional three days over New Yr, I introduced we’d be all having fun with a New Yr’s Eve lunch right here to have a good time the previous 12 months.
On the Gristmill, you’ll discover South Texas fares like fried catfish and tomatillo rooster, and if you happen to can match it in, a signature Jack Daniels Pecan pie. I’m guessing you received’t have room for dessert as a result of the serving sizes right here had been a few of the greatest I’ve ever seen. That’s simply how they do it in Texas.
The restaurant is equally as huge with a number of eating rooms with native stone fireplaces, an indoor bar, and an outside deck with river views, which might be good within the hotter months. Plus, there’s additionally a beer backyard with fireplace pits that always hosts stay music!
Go dancing on the iconic Gruene Corridor
Gruene Corridor is nice ole Texas enjoyable and a particular spotlight on our journey to Texas Hill Nation. It’s a spot for the neighborhood to collect, and top-of-the-line locations to go to in Texas to hearken to music and dance. It jogged my memory a lot of the barn dances Australians as soon as had within the nation.
For households, I believe the free afternoon session on the oldest dance corridor in Texas is your only option.
There may be loads of house for the children to play within the timber outdoors, or up the again with their toys. I’m positive they’ll even love to bounce with you and hearken to the superior stay music from the big variety of kinds the enduring Gruene Corridor places on daily. There may be a night ticketed occasion as effectively.
Carry your cowboy hat and boots and relaxed character. You’ll want money to seize a drink on the bar. In the event you’re fortunate you’ll discover house at one of many wood picnic tables with the gang up the entrance, or house on the dance flooring on the again.
Provided that you promise to bounce although. Even when it’s just a bit shuffle. The 2 step is welcome.
Style native wine at Grapevine Vineyard, Gruene
There are a number of wineries in Texas Hill Nation, however sadly as we had been touring with youngsters, we couldn’t make it work for us to go wine tasting. However, I used to be pleased to style a few native wines on the Grapevine Vineyard in historic Gruene. Craig was pleased together with his native Austin porter beer too.
The Grapevine is a cool spot, particularly its fireplace pits within the outside backyard, which frequently hosts stay music. There’s a homely neighborhood really feel right here and be ready to speak with an area or two.
Watching the colours mild up behind the water tower and sundown out of your fireplace pit seat is one thing particular to take pleasure in. Sadly we had a lot rain throughout our time in Texas Hill Nation that we didn’t see too many sunsets.
Go tubing on the Guadalupe or Comal River (seasonal)
The spotlight of New Braunfels is the 2 rivers, Guadalupe and the Comal. Each provide all kinds of water actions – in the precise season. This can be a factor to do in New Braunfels in case you are visiting within the hotter months.
Sadly, for us, it wasn’t, so I’m placing this down on my checklist for once I return.
The Comal is a brief trip that takes you previous Schlitterbahn if you wish to go to there as effectively. Schlitterbahn is a 70-acre water park located alongside the Comal River and close to Landry Park.
The Guadalupe is called the get together float with rapids, booze, and music and may go for so long as six hours!
Chow down a Brisket Burger at San Marcos (if within the space)
It’s most likely adequate to make the detour out to San Marcos, however I’m undecided you’ll actually wish to try this. Nevertheless, in case you are within the faculty city of San Marcos you should definitely cease in at CraftHouse Kitchen and Faucet for a Brisket burger – at a very good worth too.
You’re in Texas now, which is all about beef, and it’s the state that supposedly does brisket one of the best.
I’m not an enormous beef eater, however I made a decision to offer this brisket burger a go as a result of effectively, Texas. It was positively my beef quota for the week and I’m glad I spent it on this tender, fatty, and scrumptious brisket burger.
Discover the Pure Bridge Caverns
Maybe one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Texas Hill Nation is to discover its cave community. The Pure Bridge Caverns had been present in 1960 by a gaggle of school college students and have since been explored again to 60 ft.
This large cave is stuffed with magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, which proceed to develop to this present day. On the floor, you’ll discover a zip rails impediment course, and there’s even a small one for youngsters to take pleasure in too.
Study President Lyndon B. Johnson at LBJ Nationwide Historic Park
The LBJ Nationwide Historic Park is a museum situated on LBJ ranch, the previous dwelling of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The LBJ ranch tells the story of LBJ and even has the lovingly preserved “Texas White Home,” the place the place he usually labored from dwelling whereas in workplace.
Guests can take guided excursions of the Texas White Home, his Boyhood House, and the Junction College. The park can also be situated in a naturally lovely space, so be sure that to wander the grounds in addition to the buildings.
Get a tour of LJB Ranch with a wine tasting cease right here!
Austin
Austin is a cool metropolis. It’s generally known as the “Stay Music Capital of the World,” and can also be an up and coming metropolis because of the growth of tech corporations.
It’s value spending a day or two in Austin earlier than heading again out to rural Texas Hill Nation, however you can additionally use it as a base and discover the next locations…
Westcave Waterfall
The Texas Hill Nation is just not wanting spectacular waterfalls, however maybe one among our favorites is the Westcave Waterfall, situated within the Westcave Outside Discovery Middle in Spicewood.
You’ll be able to solely go to this waterfall on weekends and on a guided tour solely, nevertheless it’s positively well worth the go to.
The park spans for 76-acres, and has a various panorama, from dry and arid savanna to overgrown canyons and forest. Beneath Westcave Waterfall is a vibrant emerald pool. Behind the waterfall, guests will see a formidable limestone cave.
The hike is a reasonable to tough hike, so you should definitely come along with your mountaineering boots and a can-do angle. It’ll solely take 1.5 – 2 hours to finish the entire hike.
Swim within the river at Pedernales Falls State Park
This large 5,200-acre park is among the greatest points of interest in Texas Hill Nation outdoors Austin and is one of the best place to go mountaineering, horseback driving, mountain biking, or tenting.
The park is the place you’ll discover the Pedernales River, which is a good place to go swimming, tubing or fishing.
It’s not really helpful to swim close to the Pedernales Falls space because the river is kind of turbulent on this space, however do be sure that to take a look at the falls, as a result of they’re magnificent!
Go to Colorado Bend State Park
On the northern facet of Texas Hill Nation is town of Bend, which meets with the Colorado River – one of many principal rivers within the U.S. and well-known for its canyons and rapids.
The Colorado Bend State Park is a two hour drive out of Austin and a great place to spend a few days. The park has a number of tenting spots, waterfalls and comes, and caves. It’s most well-known for its waterfall, Gorman Falls, which is a 70-foot spring-fed waterfall that’s merely spectacular.
You’ll discover loads of mountaineering and biking trails within the park. In truth, there are over 35 miles of mountaineering trails! So you actually do want a full day to discover this unimaginable park.
Go to the ranching village of Wimberley
Wimberley is a ranching village in Texas Hill Nation and has a sleepy kind of vibe, however the village is the right base to discover some incredible nature spots in THC.
One such spot is Jacob’s Properly, a 12ft large spring that has grow to be a well-known swimming spot in Texas Hill Nation. It’s just like a cenote in Mexico in some methods, because the spring descends vertically for about 30 ft, earlier than turning right into a cave filled with silted chambers and slender passages. The whole depth is about 120 ft.
One more reason to go to Wimberley is to swim within the Blue Gap. Nestled in a lush forested park is thought for its pure, spring-fed swimming gap lined with rope swings and a grassy garden to sunbathe on.
If you wish to swim at Blue Gap Regional Park it’s good to make a reservation on-line. Nevertheless, you possibly can hike or bike the paths or go to the playground at any time.
Word: Generally, the swimming gap at Blue Gap is closed on account of unsafe swimming circumstances, so it’s greatest to verify the web site earlier than visiting to be sure to’re not disenchanted.
Get misplaced in Inks Lake State Park
If you wish to see nature however you don’t wish to enterprise too far-off from Austin, then Inks Lake is a incredible day journey.
You’ll be able to go mountaineering by way of the park’s 9 miles of trails, which come alive in Spring when the meadows are alive with shade and wildflowers.
The park can also be a fantastic place to spend time within the water, as Inks Lake is a large lake to discover. You’ll be able to lease paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks, or simply go swimming within the designated swimming zone. You too can do extra journey water sports activities akin to water ski or scuba dive.
Get boozy at Dripping Springs
Tasting rooms are an effective way to pattern a few of the native boozy produce, from native wines to whiskeys to craft beers.
One place to go for many who love a tipple or two is Dripping Springs, aptly named for a city identified for its wineries, breweries and distilleries.
If you wish to go sipping in Dripping, then be sure that to take a look at one among a number of tasting rooms. You’ll be able to even do distillery excursions or winery excursions.
The way to get round Texas Hill Nation
As with most locations within the USA, a automobile will likely be required to get round Texas Hill Nation. It’s an enormous space and public transport is just about non-existent as a result of it’s so rural.
One can find loads of taxi driver companies and naturally, Uber is accessible too, for many who don’t drive.
There’s a bus service referred to as The Hop, which connects every city, however you’ll must get a taxi to extra rural points of interest.
In the event you’re visiting from overseas and don’t have your personal automobile, you will discover rental automobiles by clicking the button under.
The place to remain in Texas Hill Nation
San Antonio is tremendous near New Braunfels in Texas Hill Nation. It may very well be a fantastic base so that you can discover Texas Hill Nation and it’s value trying out for a day or two.
San Antonio is the eighth greatest metropolis within the nation and fairly sprawling. The spotlight of San Antonio for us are The Alamo and the San Antonio River Stroll, that are each locations we love and advocate you go to!
Don’t neglect the San Antonio Explorer Move. It’ll prevent as much as 45% on mixed admission costs in your alternative of three or 5 high San Antonio points of interest. You’ll be able to create your itinerary from 15 decisions, which features a San Antonio River Cruise, Six Flags, San Antonio Museum of Artwork, and the Texas Hill Nation, and JBJ Ranch Tour. Purchase your move right here!
One other place to base your self for exploring Texas Hill Nation is alongside the River Street. In the event you’re coming in the summertime, I’d advocate tenting right here or pulling up in an RV park. It seems so fairly and is numerous enjoyable.
We stayed on the Solar Retreats Resort & RV Park, which had a whole lot of facilities like a playground, video games room, indoor and outside swimming pools, and health facilities.
This did make the price a bit of greater than some others. You will get reductions for a week-long keep, they usually even have Good Sam and Passport America reductions.
In any other case, I’d use the New Braunfels space as your base as a result of there’s extra to do within the space. Listed here are some resorts that come extremely really helpful:
Ultimate ideas
I forgot that Texas is big! So be aware that you could be must drive a good distance to get to all these THC points of interest.
In truth, on our first day exploring the Texas Hill Nation, we had a two-hour drive from our RV Park at New Braunfels simply to get to Fredericksburg TX!
I knew then it was time to vary our schedule a bit of and focus extra on the area close to New Braunfels. It’s not very best to spend a lot time within the automobile every day on exploration journeys.
The primary time we went, we didn’t know this, which meant I needed to scrap Bandera Cowboy Nation and the Highland Lakes Chain close to Austin.
With so many issues to do in Texas Hill Nation, it’s a good suggestion to have a precedence checklist of points of interest you wish to see. I penciled in these locations on my “must-return and discover additional checklist.”
And I added a facet observe to make it both spring for the wildflower explosion, or summer time so we may partake in one among my favourite summer time actions – tube floating down the rivers.
Oh, and for the unicorn lovers, we observed an enormous water tower on the outskirts of Landry Park in New Braunfels that stated “Unicorn Nation”.
Savannah is obsessive about unicorns and so this was her favourite factor to see in Texas Hill Nation. In fact, we whipped out her The Magical Unicorn Society Official Handbook later that night to see if it bought a point out. It didn’t.
We didn’t see a unicorn whereas within the Texas Hill Nation. Please, when you have insider information of why the Texas Hill Nation is called Unicorn Nation, tell us within the feedback!
Extra Texas Journey Ideas
Visiting different elements of Texas? Then you definitely would possibly discover these different sources helpful:
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