Farm to Table in the Texas Hill Country

A favorite spot in Bandera

If you enjoy “farm to table” dining, you can find plenty of it in the Texas Hill Country! Here are a few popular spots:

Boerne, Texas: Valeria Ristorante Italiano creates gourmet dishes using fresh ingredients from their farm, located only 3 miles away. They also have a bakery and wine club! The Cypress Grille also has its own herb garden, and uses locally sourced meat and sushi-grade fish. Or try 259 Brantley’s Bistro, a family-owned establishment in the heart of Olde Town. With an emphasis on everything Texan, they also use fresh and local ingredients.

Hunt, Texas (near Kerrville): Bridget’s Basket, LLC is more than a restaurant. Here you’ll also find a market, gardens, live events, a wellness studio (opening this month!) and the work of local artists.

Fredericksburg, Texas: The Farm Haus Bistro at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm is another destination offering multiple options, including a bistro, spa and gift shop (which has many garden and gift items that are created on-site).

These restaurant are a wonderful way to experience the local, fresh and creative cuisine available around the Bandera area. Have you discovered any favorites of your own? Please share in the comments below!

State Parks Near Bandera

View of the Medina River, from our Bandera resort

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 Adventures Around Bandera

Winter may be keeping many of us chilly, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of warmer days to come! Here are a few perfect springtime adventures around the Texas Hill Country:

  • 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!
  • Wildflower Ridge Alpaca Ranch: Just a few miles from Fredericksburg, here you can learn all about the care and ownership of alpacas (and even purchase one to take one home!).
  • 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?

Adventures in San Antonio

Our Bandera resort is a perfect place to escape for a relaxing getaway… but it’s also an easy drive to San Antonio! If you love the cowboy life, and want to cement your cowboy status, head on over to Paris Hatters. The name may sound haute couture, but this world famous business has been making custom cowboy hats since 1917.  It’s located right around the corner from the Alamo, and is the oldest business in the downtown area. The cash register is from the 1930s, and you’ll likely be met by the 3rd generation owners. As they like to say: “If it ain’t from Paris Hatters, you ain’t a real cowboy!”

Or perhaps you’d prefer a trip to the theater… San Antonio’s Majestic & Empire Theaters are located downtown and have a rich history. The Majestic was built in 1929 in a Spanish Mediterranean style. The Empire was built in 1913 in the style of a European plaza. Both venues feature Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and other live events.

And don’t forget, Tuesdays are a wonderful time for some budget-friendly San Antonio fun! You can find our previous post about it here.

What are your favorite things to do in San Antonio?