With daytime temperatures significantly lower than most people expect in Central Texas and evenings that are high desert cool, Texas Hill Country has developed into a region renown for artistic, musical and culinary creativity, history, and easily accessible outdoor adventure. Its three largest communities are each unique, but are all extremely welcoming and easy to settle into and enjoy.
Fredericksburg
Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, the settlers of Fredericksburg found an abundant land that responded well to their hard work. In an effort to protect themselves and to live responsibly and peacefully alongside the indigenous peoples, these first residents signed a treaty with the Comanche Indians. To this day it remains the only treaty unbroken by either the Indians or the settlers.
With a wide variety of accommodations and nearly 60 restaurants in town, Fredericksburg is the perfect base camp for a range of outdoor adventures. Numerous rivers, creeks and streams around Fredericksburg offer the possibility of guided and unguided rafting, paddling, and fly-fishing trips. The gentle rolling hills in and around Fredericksburg make for easy to moderate hiking or biking on a wide variety of trails.
Known for its unique place in history, fine dining and outdoor activities, Fredericksburg has become the hot place to visit for a “something different” getaway in Texas.
San Antonio
With its dynamic and turbulent past and numerous historic sites, San San Antonio is the wise elder sister of Texas Hill Country. Yet the food, arts, culture, and the ambiance of the Riverwalk give the city a modern vibe all its own.
For anyone with even a passing interest in history, Mission San Antonio de Valero is a must see. Popularly known as the Alamo, this mission was the location of the fateful battle in the Texas Revolution. Additionally, the San Antonio Mission Trail, which begins at the Alamo, winds southward along a nine-mile stretch of the San Antonio River and provides a glimpse into both the religious and cultural struggles to settle the area.
Beyond just seeing the missions, visitors to San Antonio can take advantage of numerous other off-the-beaten-path arts and culture offerings. Some of these include the Market Square, La Villita Historic District, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, the Mexican Cultural Institute, and the Fort Sam Houston Museum.
Though it’s open all day long, in the evenings, San Antonio’s Riverwalk is the ideal spot for enjoying the cool shade of a riverside café with a chilled margarita and a plate of spicy Tex-Mex. To see the Riverwalk from a different perspective, book a carriage ride or riverboat cruise.
Austin
Austin’s food, music and film scene mark it as the undisputed hip, high-energy, younger brother of Texas Hill Country.
Home to the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) film and music festival, Austin has attracted a young and vibrant community of filmmakers and musicians who live and work year-round in the comfortable climate of Texas Hill Country. The result is a city filled with reportedly the best music, film and food scenes in the U.S.
With so much to see, do, and hear, many Austin visitors find themselves starving by day’s end. With the influx of musical and film talent, the city has found itself awash in kitchen talent as well. Long known as a haven for Tex-Mex food and barbecue, Austin also boasts a growing number of gourmet restaurants.
Austin’s creativity, San Antonio’s connection to its past, and Fredericksburg’s connection to the outdoors are all symbols of one thing – strong communities committed to living well.
Rather than keeping this high quality of life a secret, people in Texas Hill Country take the time to welcome their guests with southern hospitality and Texas charm without the Texas bluster. Perhaps it’s their way of continuing to honor the Fredericksburg peace treaty.
