Different from the rest of Texas!
Written: Oct 22 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Interesting people and different. Good German food.
Cons: Too hot in summer time and some parts are becoming too commercial.
The Bottom Line: Take a weekend or a week and spend some time there to see a different culture, different landscape and get away from it all.
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| dlantz's Full Review: Texas Hill Country |
The Texas Hill country is unlike any other part of Texas. It has rolling hills, fall foliage and is a tourist trap. But then again, it is worth a drive over from Austin or San Antonio. The two main cities are Fredericksburg and Kerrville. This area was settled by German farms in the 1840s and their heritage is reflected in some of the older buildings there.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is now known for its antique shops, bed and breakfasts and German restaurants. Most of the shops are designed to attract tourists and the prices may be a little high. Nearby Bourne and Johnson city may be a better deal for bargain conscious shoppers. However, the Admiral Nimitz museum is a must see for World War II or historical buffs.
East of time on Highway 290 is the Wildseed Farms. This is a working farm for the development of wild flowers. It also contains a butterfly garden where customers can walk through and see a number of different species of butterfly. According to the brochure the garden “is designed to create a biological system or habitat that attracts, protects, and nourishes the butterfly through all four stages of its life.”
Further east is the LBJ ranch national park. The tour is free, but there is a limit on the number of people who can take the tour so go early during peak season to get a token. One will tour the ranch and. Because Lady Bird still lives there, most of the buildings can be seen from the outside. But again for someone like me who likes History, this is still a worthwhile tour.
North of Fredericksburg is a state park known as Enchanted Rock. It is the largest granite dome west of the Mississippi. It can be climbed without special tools, which are not allowed. Please note, this should be done only on the Fall, Winter or Spring. Summertime is too hot for a normal person to attempt this. Also, on peak weekends and holidays, the park may close early. One time during Spring Break, we were turned away at 8:30 in the morning.
Kerrville
Kerrville is located at Interstate 10 and Highway 16, about an hour’s drive from San Antonio or about 30 minutes from Fredericksburg. It’s location along the Guadalupe River makes it attractive for camp grounds, lodges and similar places to stay. It too is loaded with antique shops along the main downtown area. My wife also likes the large number of consignment stores in city. Compared to our home town store, the quality of clothes and goods there seems to be much better.
The Cowboy Artist Museum of America is what one might expect in Texas. It is a decent collection of paintings by artist related to the American west. They also have a changing exhibit so no telling what might be showing when you get there.
Related to that just north of town is the James Avery jewelry shop. They specialize is silver but can make different types of jewelry.
West of town are tow popular state parks. Lost Maples SP is best seen in November for its changing maple leaves. It is one of the few areas in Texas to have maple trees. The other is Garner State park. Like Enchanted rock, these places can fill up in the peak season and a long drive may result in being turned away.
Conclusion
Overall, the Hill country is a different type of place. We go in the Spring or Fall. The summer heat is too much for those of us use to Air Conditioning.
Favorite places to eat:
Fredericksburg Brewery and Wheelers (in Fredericksburg). No place in particular in Kerrville. It has most of the chain places. Pompelli’s drug store use to be, but it is closed.
Places to stay:
Inn of the Hills on Junction Highway. (Kerrville)
A La Quinta Inn and Suites is under construction at our last visit. (Both cities)
**Please note that my wife’s employers has a lodge near Kerrville and the price is right there. (Free)
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
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Epinions.com ID:
dlantz
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Reviews written: 29
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