Tarpley

We’ve got some great vacation homes in Tarpley! Check out this link for detailed information.

The majority of visitors to central Texas tend to focus on the larger cities along the I-35 corridor, simply because there’s more to do in those major population centers. There are hundreds of venues to choose from, no matter what interests you; the pace is faster; something’s going on no matter the time of day or night. That's well and good for those who crave a packed and busy itinerary, but what about those of us who'd like a relaxed and recharging retreat or romantic getaway? What is there for the stop-and-smell-the-roses kind of people?

Just to the west of that stretch of interstate, there lies the sprawling and beautiful Texas Hill Country. It's a forested greenbelt that offers some of the most spectacular views the Lone Star State has to offer. The Hill Country offers a slower pace and a more picturesque setting, a peaceful landscape in which you can decompress and recover from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Regrettably, there are even locals who, for one reason or another, have never been able to take the time to really appreciate what they have right under their noses. We here at Backroads Hill Country think that's a shame! We live in the Hill Country, and we love it here. Join us as we take the opportunity to highlight one of the prettiest little towns in the Hill Country region: Tarpley!

A small village was founded in 1878 along the banks of Williams Creek, and was named Hondo Canon (Spanish for “deep canyon”), after the valley the creek cut through the countryside. John Prickett was Hondo Canon’s postmaster, and when the town moved downstream to its current location in 1899, the new settlement was named Tarpley. The origin of the town’s name is clouded by history; some sources claim it was named after the postmaster’s son, Tarpley Prickett, but others say it was named after a Prickett family friend. Either way, Hondo Canon’s name was changed to avoid confusion with the nearby town of Hondo, which was founded in 1881.

Tarpley has since grown to its current population of about 200, and is nestled in south-central Bandera County, at the intersection of FM 462 and FM 470. Initially, it was little more than a wide spot in the road, a way station and inn that housed travelers passing through. As the decades passed, however, a blacksmith shop, general store, church, and school fleshed it out into a proper community with its own heritage and identity. Like many of its neighboring Hill Country towns, Tarpley built its reputation and fiscal well-being on the prime ranching and farming land available in the area. Tarpley itself was well-known for the mules raised there, and fine goat wool. Another boost to Tarpley’s growth occurred in the 1930s and1940s, when a productive oil line built by the Umble Oil Company ran through town.

Both Tarpley and Bandera (14 miles east of Tarpley) are in Bandera County, and Bandera’s growth and establishment as a Hill Country tourist attraction (known as the Cowboy Capital of the World) has aided the growth and well-being of both towns. As a result, we’ve found that many of our visitors like to explore both towns in the same visit! They’re conveniently close to one another, and feature some of the best natural and man-made attractions in the region.

Tarpley’s claim to national fame came with TV exposure in recent years. Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery was once a humble roadside shack which slowly but surely expanded over the years. They’ve been featured on two Food Network shows: “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and “Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.” Their eclectic menu features a grilled pork tenderloin with sweet-tart Vietnamese dipping sauce, ancho chile honey-basted quail, and their famous Cabrito burger.

Explore Tarpley like a boss! At the bottom of this page you’ll find listings of all the businesses and attractions in the area who cater to the specific interests of visitors to the region. We’re proud to provide this information to our guests, conveniently sorted by clearly-defined categories.

If you're planning a Hill Country trip and want to go deeper than this article — finding the right small towns, lining up a route, picking lodging that fits how you actually like to travel — we've built a few places that can help.

The Hill Country App covers 40+ towns and 3,000+ local businesses across wineries, swimming holes, restaurants, lodging, and events. Easy to use on the road, useful for planning before you leave.

For something more personalized — recommendations tailored to your timing, your interests, and the kind of trip you want — explore the Hill Country for routes, picks, and trip ideas built around what you're actually looking for.

And if you want to swap stories, hidden gems, and local recommendations with people who know the area, join our Texas Hill Country Facebook Group — that's where the conversation happens.