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Info for Visiting the Texas Hill Country
The Heart of Texas
This spot is part of the Southwest, a Texan area that includes San Antonio and Austin, plus surrounding small towns. One of the best things about Hill Country is the same thing that is one of the best things about Texas in general - the reason I keep on coming back here... This is the part of the United States where the Southern charm and manners of the Deep South meets the open-mindedness of the West Coast. Truly a Southwestern state, it has as many gun-toting citizens walking the streets as flower-carrying hippies and they all get along just fine, thank you!
Texas Hill Country - Activities
The majestic beauty of the rolling hills of Hill Country changes with the seasons, a faded burnt-butter color in Austin during summertime and alive with the lush greenery of Bandera County in the spring. Known for the regional native plant-life of yucca and cacti varieties, the Hill Country is also known for clean, spring water. People of the outdoors unite here to hunt, fish, swim and hike. There are ranchers raising cattle and urban dwellers, commuting from their suburban homes to the major cities and their air-conditioned offices.
Here are some enjoyable outdoor activities offered in Hill Country:
- Hill Country Equestrian Lodge - a place you can ride all day and sleep all night!
- Bar M Guest Ranch - more riding for your equestrian pleasure
- Hill Country Shooting Sports Center - for your gun shooting practice needs
- Quiet Hill Ranch - for the bird-watcher in you!
- Greenhill Guide to Hiking Texas Hill Country - all kind of hikes, from easy to strenuous
If outdoor pursuits aren't your cup of tea, try some indoor shopping for your afternoon - yet, air-conditioned - walk:
- Rolling Oaks Mall - in San Antonio
- The Forum - at Olympia Parkway
- Rivercenter Mall - at Rivercenter
- North Star Shopping - in San Antonio
Hike In Beautiful Texas Hill Country State Park
The Caverns of the Hill Country
Many natural caverns exist in this area. Some of these caves lead to underground aquifers. Clear and clean water can still be found in this part of the United States. Be sure that the cavern you visit is open to the public and available for tours because some caves here are located on private property. Please note that purple paint on a fence or tree means "no trespassing" in Texas and is equal to a sign that says so, in the eyes of the law. Here are a few caving sites you may enjoy while visiting:
- Natural Bridge Caverns - near Canyon Lake, Texas
- Longhorn Cavern State Park - in Burnet, Texas
- Cascade Caverns - just outside San Antonio, Texas
To learn more about preparing for cave exploration, here's an article I wrote on visiting caverns.
Where There Are Caves, There Are Bats!
No longer a secret, many people are relocating to live in the Hill Country, prized for its clean environment and affordability, proximity to a stable work economy, and for the good family values promoted by the communities here - as opposed to what some might not define as good family values or as a state of "community-disconnect" in other parts of the United States.
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In The Southwest
There is more to do, see, and experience in the Southwest:
California - Celebrate on the California Coast
Nevada - Sin City! Free Las Vegas!
Colorado - Grand Canyon West & The Skywalk
New Mexico - Art & Nature Await in New Mexico
Texas - Top 5 Things To Do in San Antonio
Arizona/Utah - Monument Valley Tribal Park
Southwest - An Overview of the Southwest Region of the USA
