The Texas Hill Country is a gorgeous 14 thousand square mile area in the heart of Texas with 45 cities/areas.
New Braunfels - County seat of Comal County, established 1845 on the Comal River by German settlers led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. German influence is still prominent; famous for sausages, breads, and popular river resorts. Mill Store Plaza is one of state's largest factory direct stores with 50 manufacturers. Plaza is open at 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. daily except 6 p.m. Sunday. Exit I87 or I89 on Interstate-35. Wurstfest (Sausage Festival), 10 days early Nov., salutes the best of the wurst. Features singing societies, traditional German bands, dancing groups and sausage of every description. Historical exhibits, art shows and special events.
Gruene - German immigrants,established this village before 1850;now part of New Braunfels. Historic structures include old homes, stores, art galleries, winery, ice cream parlor, and rustic beer hall, Gruene Hall circa 1880, the oldest dance hall in Texas, still popular for weekend dances. On Guadalupe River, Gruene Rd. off N. Loop 337.
Guadalupe Valley Winery - No vineyard; grapes purchased from Texas vineyards and brought to winery in restored cotton gin, listed on National Register of Historic Places. Tasting room and gift shop open Mon.- Fri. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. Noon- 5 p.m. Tours of winery offered during summer months Sat., Sun. Noon- 4 p.m.; Sept.- May, third Sat. of month. Group tours of 10 or more year round by appointment. Tour fee. 1720 Hunter Road in Gruene. 512/629-2351.
Natural Bridge Caverns - Vast subterranean maze on ranch land 17 miles west, designated a U.S. Natural Landmark. Huge rooms and corridors stretch more than a mile, leading to underground "Purgatory Creek" and awesome cave formations. 12 miles west via Texas Hwy 46 & F.M. 1863. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Tours every 1/2 hour.
Scenic Drives - Any of several highways into the Hill Country are scenic. R.M. 32, the "Devils Backbone," northwest of Canyon Reservoir is exceptionally beautiful, as is county road from New Braunfels to Sattler along Guadalupe River.
Schlitterbahn - (Slippery Road) Water Amusement park in New Braunfels is highlighted by water slides from German-style castle tower. Tube chutes, swimming lagoon, sand beach, bumper boats, giant hot tub, and water play areas are also available. Open weekends in May and Sept., daily Memorial Day- Labor Day, 400 N. Liberty Street.
Fredricksburg - Settled by German immigrant families in 1846, led by John O. Meusebauch. Meusebach-Comanche Treaty of following year established lasting peace even though settlement was on the Comanche frontier. Many older buildings retain their traditional German styles; and several units compromise the National Historic District. German is still spoken here occasionally, and old customs are regularly observed: Easter Fires, Schuetzenfests (marksmanship tournaments), Oktoberfest, Kristkindl Markt, and Kinderfest. Visitors attracted by scenic beauty, European atmosphere, historic landmarks, excellent fall and winter hunting, and famous bread and pastries. highlights the birthplace of Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet during World War II.
National Museum of the Pacific War - Formerly the Admiral Nimitz Museum,highlights the birthplace of Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet during World War II. This museum consists of 1. the restored Nimitz Steamboat Hotel, housing the Museum of the Pacific War; 2 Garden of Peace, a gift from Japan; 3 The History Walk, lined with rare aircraft, tanks and guns. 304 E. Main St., Open daily 10. - 5. (except Christmas)
Enchanted Rock State Park- Massive dome of solid granite famed in Indian legend; said to be site of human sacrifices, some tribes feared to set foot on it; others used height as rallying point; all held it in awe and reverence. Indians believed ghost fires flickered on crest on moonlit nights. A National Natural Landmark, the dome about 640 acres; 500 feet high. Open year round. Hiking, rock climbing and rappelling, picnicking, primitive camping in designated areas (reservations accepted). 18 miles north off R.M.965. Admission.
Fredricksburg Sunday Houses- houses built by early settlers for use on weekends. From their farm and ranch homes miles away from town, early residents would stay in the attic room on their journeys in to Fredericksburg for Saturday marketing and church on Sunday. Several of the small houses remain today, marked by historical medallions.
San Marcos
Aquarena Springs - situated along the headwaters of the San Marcos River, along the foothills of the Texas Hill Country and the Black Prairie lands. This environmental education center teaches people about the importance of water systems through their connection to people and the environment. Exhibits regarding the Edwards Aquifer, endangered and native species and springs can be viewed in the Natural Aquarium. . Native plants and historical sites grace the hillside but perhaps the most enduring experience is viewing the San Marcos Springs through glass bottom boats!
Wonder World - eartquake-formed cave, wildlife park, observation tower and gift shop. The Cave tours are every 15 minutes; The elevator from cave to Tejas Tower that offers impressive overlook of town and Hill Country. Miniature train through wildlife park; animal feeding and petting areas. Open daily; summer 8 - 8 .; winter 9-5 --Bishop St. within city.
Johnson City Birthplace of L.B.J.
When Lyndon Baines Johnson's Grandfather, Sam Ealy Johnson, Sr., gave up his cattle-driving business (driving cattle up the Chisholm Trail ), he and his brother, Tom Johnson, sold out their interests to their nephew, James Polk Johnson.
In 1879, a barbecue was held at the springs on Town Creek located on the Johnson Ranch. At this meeting a 320 acre plot of land on the Pedernales River was offered by James Polk Johnson. After accepting his offer, his many friends took him up on their shoulders and cheered him for his victory and for the decision by the residents to name the new town after him.
Bandera area Scenic Drives - Beautiful landscapes in almost any direction: Texas Hwy 173 north winds through scenic views to Camp Verde and Kerrville. Texas Hwy 173 south rolls to southern edge of hills and enters the South Texas Plains. Texas Hwy 46 east boasts scenery through the community of Pipe Creek to the German-accented town of Boerne. Texas Hwy 16 and F.M. 470 west is one of the best -- dramatic hills and small green valleys
