Summer in Bandera

Poolside in Bandera

Planning a trip to the Texas Hill Country this summer? Here are a few favorite events happening in July and August:

  • For July 4th, check out Robert Earl Keen’s 4th on the River. Located in Kerrville, this all-day event features live music, food and beer, bounce houses and the largest fireworks display in the Texas Hill Country.
  • The 3rd Saturday in July is Night in Old Fredericksburg, a summer evening of food, live music, an evening dance and a chili cook-off.
  • August 26th-29th is the annual Gillespie County Fair, the oldest county fair in Texas.

Or perhaps you’d enjoy tubing and kayaking on the Medina River, a visit to the San Antonio Zoo or the always popular Cowboys on Main in Bandera. How do you like to spend summer in the Hill Country?

Spring in Fredericksburg

While you’re visiting us in Bandera, be sure to check out the sights (and wildflowers) in nearby Fredericksburg. This charming town was founded by German settlers in 1846, and offers all kinds of adventures. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Fredericksburg Nature Center: Explore hiking trails, pollinator gardens and local flora and fauna at this beautiful nature center.
  • National Museum of the Pacific War: Located on Fredericksburg’s Main Street, this 6-acre, 3 museum complex has stunning macro-artifacts and interactive exhibits.
  • Wildflowers: The Texas Hill Country is home to many varieties of wildflowers, including bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, Mexican Hat and many more. Find information about what’s blooming and the best places to view them here.
  • Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm (Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site): This farm offers a chance to experience how the pioneers lived! With seasonal activities such as canning, sheep shearing and sausage making, there’s lots to see at this living history farm.
  • Peach Season: Typically running from mid-May through August, peach season offers roadside markets and orchards full of delicious peaches. Fredericksburg is one of the best places to sample peach cobbles, ice cream and more.
  • The Das Peach Has: Food, wine and a beautiful lake surrounded by trees make this a beautiful and peaceful venue to visit.

Do you have any favorite activities around Fredericksburg? Please share your discoveries!

State Parks in the Texas Hill Country

Medina River

If you love beautiful scenery, it’s hard to beat the state parks located near our Bandera resort. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Lost Maples State Natural Area: It’s known for its fall color, but Lost Maples is spectacular year-round. With abundant wildflowers, the scenic Sabinal River and dramatic canyons, there’s lots to do for the entire family.
  • Garner State Park: Another beautiful area offering hiking, boating, fishing and much more! The park has also hosted summer dancing since the 1940s.
  • Guadalupe River State Park: Featuring the dramatic Guadalupe River, this park offers a beautiful place to swim, fish and canoe, as well as activities further from the river.
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: The massive pink granite dome rising above central Texas gives this park its magical mystique. This is a wonderful area to hike and rock climb.

Of course, the scenery right at the resort is spectacular, too!

 

Spring in Bandera: Start Planning!

Spring is one of the most wonderful times to explore the Texas Hill Country. Here are a few of our favorite adventures:

  • San Antonio Zoo: Open year-round, the San Antonio Zoo has 750 species of animals on 56 acres!
  • Brackenridge Park Conservancy: Also located in San Antonio, the Brackenridge Park Conservancy offers historical sites, biking, hiking, bird watching and eateries, as well as the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden and Botanical Gardens.
  • The Saga at the San Fernando Cathedral Church: This video art installation takes place on the facade of the oldest operating sanctuary in North America, in the heart of historic San Antonio. The 7,000 square foot projection, with custom choreographed music in surround sound, narrates the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio.
  • Fredericksburg Pie Company: Come early for the freshly made pies (once they sell out, they close for the day!), then explore handmade quilts, vintage books and other treasures.
  • Old German Bakery and Restaurant: Also located in Fredericksburg, this family-owned and operated bakery serves breakfast, lunch and fresh bread!
  • Wildseed Farms: This is the nation’s largest working wildflower farm, with over 200 acres in Fredericksburg alone. There is no charge for admission or for use of the beautiful walking trails. They also offer vineyards and a tasting room.

What are your favorite places to explore in the Texas Hill Country?