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Home to over 400 species of fine feathered friends, Hill Country offers both expert birders and bird-watching enthusiasts a rich and fulfilling experience. Many Hill Country birding sites offer traditional birding blinds, enclosed shelters, and observation platforms for the comfort and convenience of our birder buddies, such as the Live Oak Wilderness nature trail in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in nearby Fredericksburg.

The park itself is prime bird-watching territory for spotting species like the yellow-crowned night heron, MacGillivray's warbler, the zone-tailed hawk, and other rare birds. On the endangered species list, the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler, also known as the goldfinch of Texas, have also been sighted in the area. Since they are so well protected, it’s often difficult to get a glimpse of these tiny creatures, making sighting them especially rewarding.

Aside from the array of beautiful and rare birds, you can also enjoy up-close looks at many different species of dragonflies, butterflies, damselflies, native trees, and colorful wildflowers here in Hill Country, rounding out the perfect day in nature.

Although you may be familiar with the original Stonehenge, you might not have heard of the Stonehenge replica, known as Stonehenge II. Set in the Texas Hill country near a bend in the Guadalupe River, it's one of the most unlikely sights you’ll ever come across—and a must-see during your next trip to Texas.

Set between two replicas of the heads of Easter Island, Stonehenge II is only 90 percent of the height, and 60 percent of the width of the original, and is constructed from steel and concrete. Built as an art project more than 20 years ago, Stonehenge II was constructed by Doug Hill and the late Al Shepperd. Shepperd was a Hill Country Arts Foundation patron, and added the Easter Island replicas after the nine months it took to build Stonehenge II. After Shepperd’s death, the monument was relocated to its current location on land owned by the Hill Country Arts Foundation. Stonehenge II has been visited by thousands of tourists, both in its original and current location and is free and open to the public from dawn until nightfall. For details, large group permissions, or more information, call (830) 367-5121.

Everyone knows that Texas is a favorite filming location for the movie industry, but many of these films are shot in larger cities, such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston. However, there are still some movies that include parts filmed right here in the Hill Country. Check out the list below and see if you recognize some of the local and regional locations.

8 Seconds (1994)

Boerne, Helotes, and San Antonio were all locations for this film starring the late Luke Perry as a champion bull rider—watch for the scene at the bar of the John T. Floore Country Store.

All the Pretty Horses (2000)

Billy Bob Thornton’s adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s tale of two Texas cowboys in Mexico was shot in Boerne, Helotes, and parts of San Antonio. Watch for the Cadillac Bar.

Michael (1996)

Angel John Travolta and a bevy of female dance partners cut one groovy rug to the tune of Chain of Fools at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels.

Selena (1997)

This perennially popular biopic features the beloved Tejano star, singing in front of the Alamo, driving on Somerset, and also singing at the Alamodome (a stand-in for the Astrodome) during an arena-venue concert.

Native to Texas, the beautiful bluebonnet is a hardy perennial that blooms throughout the state every year. Although their blooming time doesn’t last long—only about two to four weeks in the spring—they bloom in such glorious and vibrantly blue masses that they are absolutely stunning. It’s no wonder that many people plan their trips to the Hill Country during the time when the bluebonnets will be blooming. One of the most popular excuses for a picnic or road trip in the spring is to see breathtaking views of fields and valleys filled with brilliant bluebonnets.

And, while many folks aren’t familiar with it, there is also a pink bluebonnet. However, these are seen only rarely, and most of the blooms are blue. Most of the pink bluebonnets are found near the San Antonio River, within sight of the Alamo, giving rise to the legend that their color represents the blood that was shed by the heroes who died in the battle for the state’s independence. If you’d like to see the bluebonnets, whether pink or blue, you’ll need to make sure to time your visit with the times they bloom.

Beautifully designed, colorful, and replete with old-world charm, Talavera pottery evokes the culture and heritage of Mexico’s Spanish Colonial period. Varying in design and color, these iconic garden accessories, home décor, art, and tableware items have become hot collectibles and are often decorative and functional items for everyday use. To find some of the best selections of Talavera here in the Hill Country, see the alphabetical list below.

Amaya Pottery Outlet

Located in Boerne, APO carries an enormous selection of ceramic pottery along with handcrafted distressed outdoor and indoor wood furniture and garden décor pieces made on-site.

COSAS

Featuring hand-crafted textiles and art from both Mexico and Guatemala, they buy direct from the artists and craftspeople. Located in Boerne, they offer a large selection of folk art, textiles, Mexican silver jewelry, accessories, David Marsh furniture, and more.

Pottery Ranch 290

Head over to Fredericksburg’s Main Street for terrific Talavera, pottery, indoor and outdoor décor, furniture, and food items. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

One of the most rewarding road trips anyone can take from Kerrville is to Luckenbach, Texas. Just a little over half an hour up the road, Luckenbach has been around for quite a spell, but gained renown in the 1970s, first via a song from Jerry Jeff Walker, and next when the song “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” was recorded and released by famed country and western singer Waylon Jennings. Ironically, Jennings had never set foot in the small Texas hamlet before the song became a hit, but that changed soon thereafter.

Known throughout the Hill Country for its iconic dance hall and combination bar and general store, Luckenbach’s founders (with self-proclaimed, made-up titles) created such memorable events as “hug-ins,” the Mud Dauber Festival, and the Luckenbach World’s Fair. Soon, a trickle of tourists grew to a gusher of thousands, and the Luckenbach of today is one of the most popular entertainment and tourist draws in the country. It’s a place to pull up a chair, drink beer, dance, listen to music, and to find out for themselves that “Everybody’s Somebody" in Luckenbach.

Glassware, jewelry, art, books, vintage clothing, and more! For lovers of antiques and collectibles, bargain hunters, and lookie-loos, the Sunrise Antique Mall is a “real deal” shopping destination. Located in downtown Kerrville, they offer 20,000 square feet filled with a variety of vendors who have just what you’re looking for. This year-round shopper’s paradise is a terrific spot to search for that perfect piece of home décor or find the ideal gift for those hard-to-please friends and loved ones. The SAM carries dozens of items you won’t be aware you need until you spot them—hanging out, just waiting for you.

Vinyl collectors can groove on the 4,000+ selection of records and albums from days gone by, while souvenir hunters can find Texas wildflower jellies, classic road signs hawking soda pop, and a variety of knick-knacks. Serious collectors will appreciate the rare stamp vendors and framed art, while antique mavens can lose themselves in the generous selections of furniture, glassware, and kitchen and household items. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and clothing, as you’ll want to spend some serious shopping time here.

For many of our guests and visitors, it often comes as a bit of a surprise to find that Kerrville and the surrounding area has so much to offer in the way of cultural events and activities. One of the best examples of this is the Fredericksburg Theater Company (FTC). Voted Best Theatre in the San Antonio Region for the past three years by BroadwayWorld.com, the company produces and performs a full season of superior theatrical productions for an audience of around 13,000 annually.

One of the many assets of attending a performance here is that all FTC shows are held at the 250-seat Steve W. Shepherd Theater, and the intimate setting means there’s not a bad seat in the house. Previous performances have included such smash Broadway hits as 12 Angry Men, Nunsense, Young Frankenstein, Harvey, Guys and Dolls, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and The Music Man, among many others. In addition to world-class performances, the FTC is also proud of its theatrical art education programs, encouraging an ongoing interest in theater, music, and dance.

Located in the heart of downtown Kerrville, the Schreiner Mansion stands as a tribute to our city’s proud heritage and culture and is one heck of an impressive tourist stop. Originally the Schreiner family home, it was built in 1878 by Charles Schreiner, who was a Confederate Army veteran and a Texas Ranger before launching a mercantile business and becoming quite a successful businessman. In time, he achieved extreme wealth and decided to give back to the community by becoming a philanthropist.

Along with the Mansion, the Schreiner fortune is also responsible for various structures and institutions in Kerrville and the surrounding region, including the founding of Schreiner University. The Mansion is currently operated by the Cailloux Foundation and used as a historic community event center for special occasion rentals, for which it is ideally suited. In fact, the Schreiner Mansion’s admirable architectural detailing and delightful antique furnishings, artifacts, and memorabilia have kept it at the top of the list as a venue for weddings and other notable events.

While Kerrville and the surrounding areas have much to offer visitors at any time of the year, many of our own guests may be unaware that a wildlife refuge is located right here in Kerrville, at the Y.O. Ranch. Over 10,000 acres hosts several species of wildlife, many of which are critically endangered, or even extinct in their native countries. At the ranch, they’ll be happy to show you around on one of their daily wildlife tours, during which you can get a closer look at these animals, and even photograph them.

As giraffe populations around the globe have suffered declines of around 80 percent for the past 15 years, Y.O. Ranch is particularly proud that their giraffe population increased on April 27, 2019, when a female giraffe named Bella birthed a lovely little female calf. The folks at the ranch were savvy enough to not only record the birth but also upload the film to their YouTube channel, where it is available for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re frustrated because you can’t tell the Lyrids from the Leonids and want to learn more, or you’re a seasoned stargazer, you’ll find the stars at night really are big and bright at Enchanted Rock State Park. Located just north of Fredericksburg, this mystical and popular landmark has been officially designated as a Dark Sky Park and has also been awarded “Gold Tier” night sky status by the International Dark Sky Association. Due to the increase in light pollution, this untouched area offers prime viewing at any time of the year, weather permitting.

The park has become the “go to” site for everyone from amateur astronomers to occasional star watchers and curiosity seekers, and has played host to stargazing events and parties since 2011. Research has shown that almost 80 percent of the country’s population has never seen the Milky Way, which is clearly visible from Enchanted Rock, along with most of the nearby constellations. Park authorities advise stargazers to bring along food and drink, as it’s essential to stay hydrated. Happy star watching!

For a small town, Kerrville is big on entertainment. From our quaint and charming Main Street, it’s easy to access an amazing array of art, some pretty terrific shopping, and more. For those who are unfamiliar with our town, we are offering this list of four must-dos. First, head over to the Museum of Western Art. You’ll find an array of themed exhibits featuring Native Americans, women of the west, cowboys, mountain men, and settlers, all representing the diversity of our Western heritage. Next, continue your art exploration with a visit to River’s Edge Gallery and Slate Gray Gallery, both in the heart of downtown.

Featuring dozens of artists under one roof working in a myriad of media, they also offer artisan jewelry and one-of-a-kind home items. Afterward, indulge yourself in some retail therapy at the Sunrise Antique Mall. They offer two floors chock-full of rare vintage collectibles, including toys, coins, vinyl records, and locally made products. Lastly, be sure to stop by the Kerrville Farmers Market, open every Friday afternoon from April-October. This is a growers and producers only market, offering locally sourced cheese, meats, eggs, produce, beer, wine, and much more.  

When visiting Kerrville and the surrounding area, some folks don’t expect to find a theater company with a reputation for theatrical excellence. It may come as a surprise to our visitors to find that the Fredericksburg Theater Company boasts consistently stellar performances on a regular basis throughout the seasons. The 250-seat Steve W. Shepherd Theater offers an intimate venue and the company usually plays to full houses. Anticipating their 23rd season, they have deservedly acquired a reputation for professional-quality performances and have been voted as the "Best Theater in the San Antonio Region" for the past three years by BroadwayWorld.com.

A varied repertoire over the years has included such Broadway favorites as Fiddler on the Roof, Evita, The Miracle Worker, and William Inge’s Bus Stop, while younger folk have been charmed by performances of Frozen and Annie. Future shows will include such perennial favorites as Nunsense, The Sound of Music, 12 Angry Men, and Harvey. The Fredericksburg Theater Company also features special productions throughout the year, including upcoming holiday performances of The Nutcracker and Coppelia, and A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.

If you’ve never shopped downtown Kerrville before, you’ll find our local merchants have much to offer. Shopping in downtown is an ideal combination of unique and savvy, the latest trends, and vintage items. Included here is a list of some of downtown’s best stores and shops, and we encourage our guests to discover downtown Kerrville and all it has to offer. First, browse gifts, housewares, and specialty items at Crickets and Hill Country Living. Schreiner’s Store offers designer label clothing and handmade items, while Ravished by Design carries fun fashion, lingerie, and bath and body selections.

LuluBelle’s Pirates & Pretties stocks clothing, toys, books, and more for children, while Bohéme Nouveau offers creative handmade items, along with an art studio inside just for kids! For the finest jewelry, a visit to Jim Morris Designer, Inc. and Baublit’s Jewelry is a must. Book lovers will find a haven at Wolfmueller’s Books, while the Fairy Moon Emporium features an eclectic selection of handcrafted textiles, art, unique home goods, and more. Lastly, collectors and antique aficionados will want to check out the Sunrise Antique Mall, Estate Antiques, and Fitch Estate Sales for those vintage and hard-to-find relics and curios.

Many of the Hill Country’s finest treasures consist of a collection of historic, interesting and unique towns, all of which offer our visitors a fun, fascinating experience, along with some of the country’s most magnificent natural scenery. From Luckenbach to Boerne, New Braufels to Blanco, Kerrville to Fredericksburg - just take off on almost any of our area’s two-lane roads and, before you know it, you’ll be up to your ears in rustic, small-town charm. Depending on the time of year, you’ll enjoy stunning views of farm country, sparkling rivers, or an abundant assortment of wildflowers.

The events and activities will vary, and you can either seek out what you like, or go with the flow and make it a true adventure. Go two-stepping and boot-scooting at the dance halls of Kerrville or Luckenbach, hunt for topaz in Mason County, climb Enchanted Rock, hike to Gorman Falls, or just enjoy the view from the comfort of your car during the stretch of highway between Kerrville and Medina. No matter which direction you choose, if you’re in the Hill County, you’re always in the right place.

If there’s one thing Texans know all about, other than barbecue, hats, and two-stepping, of course, it’s cowboy boots. That’s why you’ll hear so many folks talk about “The Boot Whisperer.” This sounds like one of Texas’ bigger-than-life legends, but she actually exists and is located only a quick day trip away in Wimberley, Texas. Located about an hour and a half drive from here, Wimberley is surrounded by Lady Bird Johnson’s wildflower region, and over the years has become a popular location for retirees, as well as a retreat for writers, musicians, and artists.

It’s also home to the Wild West Store, and to Ulli Johnson, known as “The Boot Whisperer.” Satisfied shoppers swear her knack for selecting just the right boots for them after only a glance or two at their bare feet is more than a gift – it’s genuine magic. With over 500 pairs of boots in stock, and Ulli’s assistance, you’re sure to find a great pair of boots that fit you better than Cinderella’s slipper. Along with boots, the shop carries western goods and collectibles, including saddles, chaps, hats, and more. Currently open by appointment only, so call (512) 847-1219 before you hit the road.  

Texans love Texas, but they are especially devoted to the Hill Country. Part of the reason is that the Hill Country offers so-gorgeous-it’s-almost-unbelievable natural scenery – so much so that the Hill Country has been named a #1 summer destination by the New York Times. Additionally, we offer a plethora of fun and fascinating attractions and activities, and we’re some pretty darn friendly folks. Ya’ll know we are the biggest fans of Kerrville, but we also have to give kudos to some of the towns in the surrounding area.

Here are just two of our favorites for short visits, or for day trips. First, check out the uniquely German heritage of Fredericksburg. Even though it’s in Texas, this town retains the cultural heritage of its founders, and offers visitors a German small-town vibe, along with some of the regions best food, wine, and fun times. Next, step out one evening for two-stepping at the Gruene Dance Hall. Located just outside of San Antonio in the Gruene Historic District, it’s one of the oldest and most famous dance halls in the state and features some of the best live music.

Long before Spanish priests gathered and planted bluebonnet seeds around their missions, this exquisite blue flower, native to Texas, was a hardy perennial that bloomed every year, and to this day the sight of masses of bluebonnets continue to captivate tourists and locals alike. This colorful wildflower has become a symbol of the state, and many road trips are taken with no other reason than to see fields and valleys full of bright blue blooms. Although there is also a pink bluebonnet, they are seldom seen, and most of the blooms are blue.

There are many legends associated with the bluebonnet, and perhaps the most popular one is that the rare pink bluebonnets are found near the San Antonio River, within sight of the Alamo, and that their color represents the blood that was shed by those who died in the battle for Texas’ independence. To see the bluebonnets in all their glory, you’ll need to plan your visit. Although the Hill Country is chock full of lovely flora at all times of the year, bluebonnets bloom only for a short time in the spring – anywhere between two-four weeks.