Hill Country Travel Blog
TEXAS' OWN UTOPIA
Utopia: the perfect society. Loosely translated from the Greek, the word itself means “no place” or “not a place,” in essence, a society too good to really exist. Though the word was coined by Sir Thomas More in 1516, the concept of a Utopian society dates all the way back to Plato's Republic, written around 375 BC.
Read MoreROLLIN' ON THE RIVERS, HILL COUNTRY STYLE
Several beautiful rivers wind their way through the Texas Hill Country, and there's plenty to do both on their waters and along their shores for our guests! Here are some helpful ideas for what you can do on these winding waters, to maximize the adventure of your Hill Country river vacation.
Read MoreTAKE A PEEK AT THE HILL COUNTRY'S PIPE CREEK
Small-town Texas is a culture all its own. It's more laid back; there's none of that big-city rush or pressure to do and see everything all at once. With that said, we're not saying there nothing to do in the little towns of the scenic Texas Hill Country.
Read MoreGOVERNMENT CANYON STATE NATURAL AREA
In northwest Bexar County, just north of San Antonio, lie the 12,244 naturally-preserved acres of the Government Canyon State Natural Area. Folks sometimes refer to it as “Government Canyon State Park,” or just “Government Canyon Park,” though officially it's a Natural Area, where the chief focus is on environmental restoration and stability.
Read MoreCASTROVILLE, TEXAS: THE FRANCE OF TEXAS
In Castroville, you're just as likely to be greeted by a “bonjour” as you are to hear “howdy!” Texas hospitality blends perfectly with European charm in this beautiful little Hill Country town just west of San Antonio. Founded and populated by immigrants from the Alsace region of France (in the northeastern part of the country, bordering Germany and Switzerland), Castroville takes pride in its rich history, while having played its own part in the formation of the Lone Star State.
Read MoreHealth-Safe Getaway
Recent global events have made many of us much more health-conscious in our day-to-day lives. Understandably, cabin fever has set in for a lot of people, and the urge to plan a vacation is growing. In these trying times, where is it safe to plan a vacation or getaway, while still guarding our personal health? This article sorts out the facts, and offers pointers for your great escape!
Read MoreTOP CAR SHOWS & ATTRACTIONS IN THE HILL COUNTRY
The Hill Country has something to offer folks of many varying interests and passions, and fans of fine four-wheeled craftsmanship are no exception! Whether you're here to admire the work and care of fellow enthusiasts, or you have a car you'd like to show off, there are plenty of opportunities for both in the Hill Country. This article is dedicated to those who celebrate the automobile, and will serve as a guide to car-focused events and locations in this beautiful region of the Lone Star State.
Read MoreMEDINA, TEXAS: THE APPLE OF THE HILL COUNTRY'S EYE
New York state has its Big Apple, and that's fine as far as that goes; a lot of hustle-bustle in a crowded and fast-paced atmosphere. In the Texas Hill Country, they do things in a more laid-back style, and nowhere is it as true as in Medina (pronounced Muh-DEE-nuh), a tiny town of just over 500 souls in northern Bandera County.
Read MoreTHE TOAST OF TEXAS: HILL COUNTRY WINERIES AND TOURS
Take aside any random stranger on the street, inside or outside of Texas, and ask them what comes to mind when you mention the Lone Star State. They'll mention the Alamo for sure, maybe the oil industry, and the rich history of cowboys and cattle drives. Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex cuisine will probably pop up on their lists, and those with their finger on the pulse of business might mention the growing tech sector in the “Silicon Hills.” And these are all famous and true things about Texas. Fair enough.
Read MoreLOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA: PRISTINE HILL COUNTRY
Anthropological and historical records show that the Lost Maples area had been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times. Luckily, however, throughout its history, the human habitation that took place had been low-impact—that is to say, no irreversible harm was done to the land, wildlife, or plant life indigenous to what we now know as the Texas Hill Country. Small Spanish colonies, Native American settlements, and ranching were prominent in the area during its more modern history (from the 17th century forward), leaving it more or less untouched and in its natural state.
Read MoreGARNER STATE PARK—OLD BALDY AND MORE!
In north-central Uvalde County, Texas, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, lies Garner State Park, one of the Lone Star State's most popular camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and nature-viewing spots. Backroads Reservations is proud to present a brief history and overview of this enormous and awe-inspiring park.
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