Raeona

We'll be making a long-awaited trip to the Texas Hill Country next March. I'm familiar with some of the attractions (and we've been to San Antonio several times), but would be interested in personal input on what to see/do. Noteworthy towns/restaurants, etc. Also - does anyone have some idea what weather we can expect in mid-March? Thanks!

Linda

Fredricksburg has become very touristy but still nice. The Willow City Loop near the city is beautiful with wild flowers about that time of year (depending on the end of winter). Down the road about 15 miles is LBJ home on the Perdenales. Gruene, near New Braunfels, is like Fredricksburg used to be. The German influence is very strong as people from different regions settled in towns near the area. Kerrville has James Avery jewelry & a number of great places to stay.

Raeona

Thanks, Linda for the information. I appreciate it. I'd thought we would be too early for the wildflowers...that we might be on time is exciting!

Paul Rabe

The Texas Hill Country is where we honeymooned, so it is place I have found memories of. March could be a bit early for the best of the wildflowers; but, then again, it may be just right.

Some other ideas:
Admiral Nimitz State Park if the Pacific War interests you.
The real of "town" of Luckenbach if you're a country fan (get a map or ask for directions, the sign is always stolen).
*IF* you hit a hot spell, canoeing down the Guadalupe River can be nice (will probably be a bit early for tubing, even for the warmest weather).

Sorry I have to keep saying "if", but I don't want to suggest something that may be of no interest to you, or promise something will be good when it may not be.

Sandy

Be sure to eat at the Hilltop Cafe located a few miles outside of Fredericksburg - the Chamber of Commerce has a brochure on it. You may need to make reservations if you go there on a weekend. Delicious innovative food and wonderful atmosphere. Also the ranch and wildlife tour at the YO Ranch outside of Kerrville (and the meal in the ranchhands cookhouse which is included with the tour) is great, particularly if the weather is cool and the animals are moving around a lot more. The Kerrville Chamber should have information on the YO Ranch. Actually, I think it's closer to a tiny town called Mt. Home but there's no Chamber there. Enjoy yourselves!

Raeona

We will Sandy, and thanks to you and Paul for the info. It's the kind of stuff I was hoping for. I know it could still be a little cool, but fer sure it'll beat northern wisconsin at that time of year!

Kathy

Not too far out of Kerrville--about an hour's drive--is Lost Maples State Park which is a very lovely spot, geologically typical of the limestone in that area. Also complete with crystal clear springs (it's known as the "country of 1100 springs"!). It's on Hwy. 187 which is a pretty drive in itself, as is the area outside of Kerrville in Hunt. In Kerrville be sure and try the Cypress Grill--excellent! And in Fredricksburg the Peach Tree Tea Room is very good. You also might want to check out Bandera (about 30 min. from Kerrville) known as the Cowboy Capital, it has a lovely courthouse and other old, limestone buildings. If you go there, try the very typical chicken fried chicken or chicken fried steak at Billy Gene's or Harvey's Bank House. Both are sure to be full of lots of genuine cowboys at lunchtime! Have fun!

Kathy

Almost forgot! You can make a great scenic loop by going from Kerrville to Lost Maples and then, after stopping there, continue on to Vanderpool. Take a left there on 337 to Medina (only 20 min. or so) and stop there at the Love Creek Apple Orchard store--WONDERFUL apple ice cream and lots of other interesting things. From Medina it's only another 12 miles or so into Bandera, and after stopping there you can take a completely different road from Bandera back to Kerrville--you wouldn't have to repeat any scenery, and the drive on 337 from Vanderpool to Medina is gorgeous!

Brandi

Wow do I miss living in that area If you like B&B's and antiques, you should stay a night in Salado, about 1 hour north of Austin. Very quaint and pretty. Also, if you go to Fredericksburg, you MUST go to Enchanted Rock, and hike or picnic a little. It's really a sight! Also, a lot of people forget about Pedernales Falls. It's very lovely, especially on a sunny day where you can hop from miniature rock island to rock island in the middle of this cool stream, and sun yourself while water gurgles around you (a little prosey sounding, but no exaggeration!) And last but not least, an afternoon of canoing Town Lake in Austin. I hope you have a great time!

raeona

You guys are great...exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping for. Too bad March is five months away..!