Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Ty_ · **Texas Hill Country -** 04-27-2011, 10:09 AM

My wife and I are going for a weekend in the Hill Country on Friday. We are staying in Boerne (Is it true that it is pronounced "Bernie?").

Any suggestions on what we should do? I'm open for about anything but probably won't be able to talk her into rafting or any other water activities.

So far - Plan to go to Enchanted Rock State Park. Natural Bridge Caverns. I think we are going to tour Becker Vineyards. Will probably go to the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. There is a 9 mile drive that is supposed to be great for wildflowers but it might be a few weeks late on that.

Any suggestions? Do you see any dogs in my current plans? I've only lived in TX for about 7 or 8 years and this is my first trip there. I will be taking all of my camera equipment so any photo-op suggestions will be appreciated.

We haven't settled on any restaurants yet. I'm open to suggestions there on places that allow casual dress.

KenJulio · 04-27-2011, 10:12 AM

If you have the time, make a trip for some BBQ in Lockhart at Smitty's.

tomdrink · 04-27-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenJulio

If you have the time, make a trip for some BBQ in Lockhart at Smitty's.

Or the Salt Lick BBQ in Dripping Springs!
TomD

picman · 04-27-2011, 10:27 AM

If going to Enchanted Rock - go early, like when they open. The park frequently fills-up and when it does they close the gate. Plus the hike to the top is much more comfortable. Take water and lunch. Last time I was there there was no food available and you are a ways from town.

deep_creek · 04-27-2011, 10:29 AM

Texas wine trail information: Texas Hill Country Wineries - Texas Wine Trail - HOME

ah, and don't forget about Luckenbach: Luckenbach Texas and Dance Hall, Best Dance Hall in Texas

deep_creek · 04-27-2011, 10:37 AM

Cascade Caverns is also close by: Cascade Caverns

wclavey · 04-27-2011, 10:39 AM

The drive you are talking about is probably the Willow City Loop... was there 2 weeks ago and most of the wildflowers were gone, but some of the scenery is really great! It was well worth the circuit. Some very nice vistas and geography, but there are not many places that you can pull off a car and look...

jeffro20 · 04-27-2011, 10:40 AM

Yep, it's really pronounced "bernie"....very quaint little town, or certainly used to be.

Enchanted Rock and Fredericksburg are two great stops. One for great hiking and vistas and the other for window shopping and strolling Main St. Llano is about 15-20 minutes north of Enchanted Rock. It's a neat little hill country town. It has a beautiful little square and courthouse...and some wonderful BBQ at Coopers. You pick your meat from the outside smokers.

If you like the 'cowboy theme', Bandera is just a short drive on Hwy 46 from Boerne. It's claims to be the "Cowboy Capital of Texas". It's a unique little country town. Kerrville, Ingram & Hunt are just up I-10 and offer some wonder roadside views of the Guadalupe River.

Ty_ · 04-27-2011, 10:40 AM

Here I'm trying to do a healthy trip, hiking and all that, and everyone talks bbq!

I may stop at one (or all) of them..

We are staying near Cascade Caverns but it got some pretty terrible reviews on a couple of places. Kind of scared me off.

Ty_ · 04-27-2011, 10:42 AM

Thanks for all of the advice! Keep it coming!!

lfmerrell · 04-27-2011, 10:58 AM

If Fredricksburg is on your route the National Museum of the Pacific War is a must. When there this past month tickets were good for two days. Most excellent presentations.

National Museum of the Pacific War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The National Museum of the Pacific War

KenJulio · 04-27-2011, 11:07 AM

You never said you were trying to keep it healthy.

While in Lockhart, Kreuz Market, Blacks, and Smitty's are my preferred BBQ stops when travelling anywhere close there.

Buddha · 04-27-2011, 11:44 AM

Considering where you are coming from, I would take 281 south to 46 rather than 35. Prettier and much less traffic. Boerne is a nice town and has an HEB if that matters.
From Boerne, go up I-10 to Comfort, exit on 87 and take 87 to Fredericksburg. Nice open road and a shorter drive.

rhoffart · 04-27-2011, 12:56 PM

Get up early Saturday morning … Grab breakfast at Blue Moon Café in downtown Boerne. Get on I-10 to Comfort at Comfort get on 87 to Fredericksburg. Don’t stop in Fredericksburg just yet. Keep going to E-Rock … go to the top and come back down. Don’t try to do all seven peaks that takes 10-12 hours. Ok now it should be lunch time. Go to Fredericksburg for lunch and a little shopping. Ok, forget Becker … go to Grape Creek Winery do the $20 tour and some wine tasting. It’s about 3ish time to go to Luckenbach Texas and look around. Ok keep driving to Sisterdale … to Sister Creek Winery. Just enough time for a tasting, and time to go. Just outside of Sisterdale you will cross the Guadalupe River. Cross the bridge get off and go down to the river, cool your feet off and if you bought some wine, have a glass by the river. Ok your about 15 min from Boerne. After you hit the hotel and freashen up … go have a nice dinner at the Tin Roof in Boerne.
Have Fun

brewercm · 04-27-2011, 01:01 PM

I lived in Bandera for years and would make the drive from their through Boerne, Bergheim (kind of qualifies as a town), Bulverde, then New Braunfels to drop my kids off with their mother on her weekends to have them.
I alwas called it the B road trip. Lots of good stuff all around the area, just do a good search on anywhere you might be going or lots of good info coming from here.