This year, instead of making a bunch of resolutions you most likely won’t keep, why not make it a point to get out and enjoy some of what the Texas hill country has to offer. Maybe you’ve never done some of these, or maybe you have but it’s been a while… either way, putting the following experiences on this year’s Bucket List will ensure you have a fun and adventurous 2023!
Explore the world down under:
The hill country has several magnificent caves to explore. There is Cascade Caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns, Longhorn Cavern State Park, and Cave Without a Name just to mention a few. The sights of the stalactites, stalagmites and soda straws are impressive and the natural acoustics of the caverns are incredible too. Several of the caves even host regular concerts! Caves in our area also keep a constant temperature of around 65 degrees, so keep that in mind when you are looking for a cool summer excursion.
Attend a small town rodeo:
For a true Texas experience, why not load up your family and friends and head out to a small town rodeo? If you are not sure where to go, why not try out Crider’s Rodeo in Hunt, Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde, the Mansfield Park Rodeo arena in Bandera or the Lester Meier Rodeo Company hosts a handful of rodeos around the hill country each year and many of the county fair’s in our area have a rodeo or two to attend!
Go Tubing:
Nothing gives off that lazy summertime vibe quite like a leisurely float down the Guadalupe, Frio, Comal or South Llano. There are multiple places with shuttle services to drop you off and pick you up, rent you a tube and pack your cooler full of ice-cold drinks. We suggest you go earlier in the summer when the rivers are more likely to be flowing!
Drive Willow City Loop:
This iconic scenic drive will impress you all year round, but during a good wildflower season (March-May), you will find its beauty even more abundant as the vibrant colors from Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, Mexican Poppies, Sunflowers, Winecups, Verbena and more, light up the landscape with a host of beautiful colors. The narrow, two-lane road is 13 miles of some very unique geology – deep canyons, amazing views and spectacular meadows are sure delight the senses!
Watch a Play at the Point Theatre:
The summer productions at The Hill Country Arts Foundation Point Theatre in Ingram are not to be missed. Located on the banks of the Guadalupe, the outdoor theatre is truly spectacular and offers 520 seats and two skyboxes. Watching a quality production under the Texas night sky is an experience to be had.
Horse Races in Fredericksburg
The Gillespie County Summer Horse Races are four big weekends of exciting, live Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing. Attendees can pick their favorites to win, place their bets and cheer from the stands as the horses and jockeys race around the track! These events usually take place during the months of July – August and are HOT… but oh-so-much fun!
Explore a Small Town or Two:
The hill country is full of small towns with big character! You never know what you might find if you take some time to prowl around in a town that is just a short drive from your own. Make a fun day of it or even better, why not a weekend getaway?
Winery, Distillery or
Brewery Tour:
This area of Texas has become a hot spot for wineries, distilleries and breweries. It seems that there has been an absolute explosion of these establishments in the past few years. Visit them on your own or take a tour with one of the many shuttle-based services that will take you and your friends around for tastings at multiple locations!
There is certainly more fun to be had, but we’ll stop here… this is sure to keep you busy for a while!
