The '''Hill Country''' is a region of the state of Texas in the United States of America. It has some of the most interesting history of the state. The cities here date to Spanish and Mexican days, with many beautiful Spanish missions dotting the area. The terrain is hilly and dry, cut by spring-fed rivers, with the beautiful Texas live oak providing occasional shade.
Regions
German Hill Country - A region with German heritage, large lakes, and on its eastern edge, the state's capital.
River Region - The region between San Antonio and Big Bend Country, full of soft, green canyons carved by the Sabinal, Leona, Frio, Dry Frio, and Nueces Rivers.
West Hill Country - Grassy breaks which step down from the Edwards Plateau.
Cities
Austin, capital of the state with plenty of things to keep a traveler interested. Gateway into the Hill Country.
Fredericksburg, about 1.5 hours west of Austin and 1 hour north of San Antonio.
Stonewall, about 15 miles East of Fredericksburg on Highway 290.
San Marcos, about half an hour south of Austin.
New Braunfels, about one and a half hours south of Austin.
Kerrville, the Heart of the Hills. One hour northwest of San Antonio on Interstate 10.
Bandera, self-proclaimed "cowboy capital" on Hwy 16.
Luckenbach, very small town known for legend in music.
Burnet, Nestled at the edge of the spectacular Texas Hill Country about 50 miles northwest of Austin, in the Highland Lakes.
Other destinations
'''Bastrop State Park''', Bastrop, ''+1 512'' 321-2101, [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/bastrop/]. Has camping (dormitories and shelters are available by reservation), a swimming pool, golf, fishing, and bike trails. Full shower and restroom facilities are on site.
'''Pedernales Falls State Park''', offers picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and bird watching.
'''Hill Country State Natural Area''', A rugged park that offers wilderness, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, camping, swimming, and fishing. It is a primitive park with no amenities provided - no drinking water or restroom facilites.
'''Enchanted Rock State Natural Area''', 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, ''+1 325'' 247-3903, [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock/]. A huge park on Big Sandy creek near Enchanted Rock. Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, birdwatching, stargazing, rock climbing, and geography research. Restroom and shower facilities are available for a fee.
Understand
The Texas Hill Country is an area around Edwards Aquifer that demonstrates karst topography and a wide range of wildlife. It was originally settled by Mexican and German immigrants, and a visitor will note the distinct influence of both cultures in the local life. Most cities and towns are small, there are many parks and open areas, and an endless list of local experiences.
Get in
The easiest access to the area from a distance is through Austin's '''Austin Bergstrom International Airport''' (AUS) [http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport] or through San Antonio's "San Antonio International Airport". The most practical means of travel from the airport is by car. Travel by road from other major cities in Texas is also easy. From Houston, take US290 north to Austin (3 hours) or IH-10 west to San Antonio (3 hours). From Dallas, take IH-35 south to Austin (3and 1/2 hours).
Get around
Public transportation is not available between most destinations. Bus and airport service is similarly sparse. The tourist's best option is to bring their own car or rent one at the airport. The many small scenic highways in this area also make motorcycling and bicycle riding very popular.
See
Do
Visit Schlitterbahn, a water park in New Braunfels.
Blisswood Bed and Breakfast. ehmann Legacy Ranch. 3300 Lehmann Legacy Lane. ff the I-10 corridor from Houston. 13-301-3235. ww.Blisswood.net. This is an out-of-this world bed and breakfast and wedding destination! There are TONS of animals of all types running over this 650-acre property and working cattle ranch. Private houses dot the property and you can go horseback riding and fishing in the lake for bass. Really unbelievable place!
Buy
Eat
'''German headcheese''', produced in South Texas, is nothing like the standard American kind - it contains chunks of meat rather than fat and offal. It's available at supermarkets only in the Hill Country and surrounding areas.
Drink
Tito's brand Vodka. Locally produced in Austin. Tours are offered as well as a free sample!
Carol's at Cat Spring. 0745 FM 949, Cat Spring, Texas. rom Houston, take I-10 west. Exit 720. North on 36 for 1.3 miles. Left on 1094 for 12 miles. Left on 949 for one mile to Carol_fs at Cat Spring.. 13-301-3235. ttp://www.blisswood.net/hillcountryrestaurant/index.htm. riday, Saturday, Sunday. This place has Texas favorites as well as fine cuisine. They will even do a big 6-course dinner with wine pairings. However, it remains a casual dining experience, as it is way out in the countryside. They also have quite and extensive list of decent wines for a tiny country restaurant.
Stay safe
Get out