There’s more to San Antonio than meets the eye. Maybe you have attended Fiesta San Antonio, which brings brightly-colored parades, carnival-like festivities and the celebration of San Antonio’s diversity and rich history.
Alternatively, maybe you were a festival-goer to the city’s own music festivals such as Mala Luna or Maverick Music Festival that brought Texans to celebrate the talents of both large-scale and local performers. Incredible things are happening right here in this city.
However, San Antonio possesses yet another charming feature – its proximity to the Texas Hill Country. With about 95 cities that each retain their own unique history and qualities, there are countless day-trips and exploration excursions waiting to happen! Here are a few of the most noteworthy towns:
Situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River, smack dab between Kerrville and Hunt, lies little Ingram. The town’s access to the sunny waters of the Guadalupe is attractive, but it is also home to the non-profit Hill Country Arts Foundation (HCAF).
HCAF is a place bubbling with creativity, containing visual art exhibitions, art education opportunities and live theatrical performances conducted in the outdoor amphitheater along the river.
The property is also home to Stonehenge II, an art project replicating the original Stonehenge monument in England, originally created by an Ingram resident and later moved from their private ranch to its current home.
Located about 70 miles north of San Antonio lies Fredericksburg, a town notorious for its extraordinary German history and delicious peaches. Peppered with galleries, studios, exhibitions, museums and historic sites, the town truly lives up to its artsy and culturally-rich reputation.
Moreover, at the core of the Texas Hill Country wine region, the town boasts over two dozen wineries and tasting locations. You might want to save a few extra bucks when you visit the 150+ shops ranging from clothing boutiques to artwork vendors lining the town’s streets.
A particularly notable artisan shop worth visiting is Old Thyme Fun Shop, a specialty mask shop. For nature lovers, making the 18-mile drive from the town to hike, picnic or just observe nature and wildlife at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is another option for visitors to the little German town.
Rich in German culture and located 30 miles northwest of San Antonio is Boerne. Home of the Hill Country Mile, shopping for treasures along this stretch of specialty stores is essential to your visit. For those seeking adventure, consider visiting Cascade Caverns where underground tours make for the perfect day time adventure.
Consider visiting the Cibolo Nature Center, which is great for hiking, bird-watching or just enjoying the outdoors. For spelunking fun, consider traveling to Cave Without a Name, where the incredible acoustics of occasional musical performances charm cave-goers. For musical attraction consider attending Dead Folk Festival on June 28, this event showcases emerging artists from Houston, San Antonio and Austin.
Other notable towns and attractions:
- Dripping Springs – Located 10 miles from the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve swimming attraction
- Gruene – Home to the oldest (and still very active) dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall
- Kerrville – Home to the famous Museum of Western Art, celebrating the artifacts and history of Western American heritage
- New Braunfels – Home of Schlitterbahn and Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo
- San Marcos – Perfect for tubing in the San Marcos River
Although these are just a few of many of the hidden treasures of the Texas Hill Country, take an active role in exploring and uncovering everything that this beautiful region has to offer. Safe travels.
