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18 Reasons the Texas Hill Country Needs to Be on Your Bucket List
Heaven on earth does exist.
If you’re planning a trip for one of the best weekend getaways in the South, you’ve got to have Texas Hill Country on your list. Because of its massive expanse—stretching from Austin to San Antonio—there’s a huge array of activities, sights, and much more to keep you busy for a good amount of time. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly trip, an excursion with your best friends, or a stay at one of the most romantic hotels in the US, there’s something in the famous Hill Country for everyone. Take a hike at the Hamilton Pool Preserve, see a sunset over a endless field of bluebonnets, and nosh on some of the greatest barbecue the South has to offer.
And, if you’re looking for one of the best road trip destinations in the US, you’ll find it in the Texas Hill Country. Over the 80 mile stretch of land, you’ll see fields that never end, swimming holes to picnic beside, and quaint small towns for some genuine Lone Star hospitality. Not to mention that the area is famous for its dozens of wineries, so you can spend a couple days sampling the country’s finest. Whether you already call it home or you’re looking for a new place to explore, check out all the reasons why the Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places in the US.
There’s no shortage of wineries.
This area of Texas is second to Napa Valley when it comes to the most popular wine destinations in the country. Check out some of the best wineries as outlined by Austin Monthly, showcasing plenty of stunning views.
There are fields of bluebonnets as far as the eye can see.
During the spring there are countless opportunities throughout the Hill Country to see fields full of gorgeous bluebonnets, the Texas state flower. Check out Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg for a beautiful display.
RELATED: 18 Fascinating Facts Every Bluebonnet Enthusiast Needs to Know
The small towns are as charming as can be.
The Gruene General Store (pictured) located within the community of New Braunfels is a must-visit for fans of old-school Americana. Other towns worth a visit: Mason, which has what is considered to have one of the most beautiful town squares in Texas, Round Top, which is worth a visit any time of year, and Fredericksburg, which is home to wineries, antiques shops, and more.
It has the most beautiful sunsets.
You can catch dazzling sunsets throughout most of the area, most notably in Blanco, Kyle, and San Marcos.
You‘ll spot longhorns grazing.
You won’t believe the massive horns on these cattle, which can extend up to 70 inches long. See them enjoying an afternoon snack in the hills, perhaps among a field of bluebonnets.
The Frio River is a beautiful place for a walk.
Families flock to Frio River in the spring and summer for a refreshing dip along its meandering path throughout the beautiful countryside.
While the Guadalupe River looks like something out of a movie.
Running from Kerr County to San Antonio Bay, the river is known as a common place for visitors to canoe and fish.
Lyndon B. Johnson’s famous ranch is open for tours.
There’s a reason the 36th president called it the Texas White House. Over the 674 acres, you’ll come across LBJ’s reconstructed birthplace, the one-room schoolhouse he attended, and his final resting place.
If in Austin, be sure to also visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
You won‘t find better BBQ.
There are tons of opportunities to indulge on some mind-blowing barbecue on your journey. Take a pit stop at Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ in Llano, for instance, or try Opie’s BBQ in Spicewood.
Enchanted Rock is, well, pretty darn enchanting.
The enormous granite rock is a popular attraction for residents and visitors of Texas Hill Country. You can hike and stargaze from atop of it, while more adventurous visitors may rock climb or backpack up.
The antiquing can‘t be beat.
Shopping the Round Top Antiques Fair is a must for design junkies and collectors, as more than 100,000 people travel far and wide to attend the popular event each spring and fall.
RELATED: The Essential Insider’s Guide to the Famous Round Top Antiques Shows
There are so many winding country roads.
Perfect for cruising on Sunday with the radio turned up, these serpentine roads are ideal for days where you’ve got no plans.
The architecture is positively regal.
Take a moment and admire the Llano County Courthouse which was built in the late 1800s and made of sandstone, marble, and granite.
You can swim under a waterfall.
At Austin’s Hamilton Pool Preserve, the waterfall is always flowing—even if only a small trickle at times, depending on rainfall. You can hike around the pool and even swim depending on the water conditions.
Don’t even get us started on the music.
A must-visit stop is Luckenbach to check out their old-fashioned dance hall, which features a stacked schedule of local musicians as well as a general store and delicious southern eats.
Wildlife is abundant.
You’ll see white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and, if you like to fish, the native Guadalupe bass.
You can spend the afternoon at a swimming hole.
The popular swimming hole Jacob’s Well is considered one of the longest underwater caves in Texas, and is often called “The Gem of Texas Hill Country.”
Sometimes, you feel like you are the only person on the planet.
The dry, flat lands of Texas Hill Country extend for miles with nothing to see but open space in some areas.
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
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