Hill Country Travel Information
The picturesque Hill Country of Texas is made up of roughly 14
towns. Rolling hills and valleys mark the landscape, and many, many
trees line the rivers and lakes. Those who expect a flat, barren
countryside may be surprised to find this green oasis, and an oasis it
is. Some of the state's best wines come from wineries in the Hill
Country. The towns are peaceful, small and charming, each with
unique characteristics. Fredericksburg and Kerrville are two of the
larger towns, and many tourists sleep within one or the other while
taking day trips to smaller towns or the big cities of Austin and San
Antonio. These towns aren’t alone in offering nice lodging, though . .
. throughout all Hill Country are comfortable bed and breakfast
inns. With a population of close to 7,000, Fredericksburg was
settled by Germans, and German influences are still present in the
food, buildings and shops. In a different cultural vein, hiking and
rock climbing are available at Enchanted Rock State Park, a legendary
Native American place of reverence. The valleys of Kerrville,
the seat of Kerr County, are home to numerous dude ranches and nearly
two dozen camps for boys and girls. Cypress trees edge the Guadalupe
River in 500-acre Kerrville State Park. Kerrville is natural, but not
all natural. For example, you won’t want to miss the Cowboy Artists of
America Museum, displaying the work of contemporary cowboy
artists. San Marcos revels in its Spanish character and its
college-town ways and is located along the San Marcos and Blanco
Rivers. Walk its scenic River Walkway, lushly vegetated and threading
through five city parks. Sportsmen enjoy hunting and fishing in the
San Marcos vicinity. New Braunfels has a German influence, and is home
to the famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. River trips, natural
caverns and scenic drives round out the activities and attractions of
the area. Hill Country is located between Austin and San
Antonio. I-35 runs north-south along its east side and US 83 runs
along the western edge.
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