Texas Hill Counrty

The Hill Country is sacred territory to every Texan. It's where we keep our legends, our wildflowers, and our dreams of a second home intact. A day trip from Austin to Fredericksburg on Hwy 290 is a must. From late March to mid April, you are welcomed by pastures and hillsides of bluebonnets in full bloom. The extended wildflower season lasts through mid May.

DESTINATIONS


Dripping Springs
Population 1,989

Your first stop heading west on U.S.Hwy 290 will be Dripping Springs. (Don’t ask your yuppie parents too many questions about how they spent their weekends here while attending the University of Texas in the sixties. They won’t stop talking until you get to Fredericksburg!)

POINTS OF INTEREST
Cowgirls and Lace
1111 Highway 290 West
512.894.0350
You’ll find some unique home accessories here. Lots of pine, iron and western furniture and some wonderful fabrics! It’s a must see!

PIT STOP
Salt Lick Barbeque
18300 Fm 1826
Driftwood, Texas 78619
512.858.4959
If you’re already hungry at this point, take a quick trip south on Hwy 12. Veer left on Hwy 150 to Driftwood. This is home to SALT LICK BARBEQUE (All you can eat. Bring your own beer.)

DIVERSIONS
Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, Texas 78636
830.868.7309
As you continue west on 290, it is well worth your time to take 3232 North to the Pedernales Falls State Park. You’ll find breathtaking waterfalls rumbling over enormous limestone boulders.

Johnson City
Population 1,197
25.9 Miles from Dripping Springs

Home of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and the official gateway to the fabled Texas Hill Country. The LBJ National Historical Park is divided into two districts: The Johnson City District at G Street and Ladybird Lane includes the boyhood home of LBJ, and the LBJ Ranch District (near Stonewall on Highway 290).

In the fall, the Monarch Butterflies migrate south through this area. It is a sight to see!


POINTS OF INTEREST
The LBJ Ranch District
Near Stonewall on Hwy 290, the Ranch is open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Here you’ll find the Johnson Ranch, family cemetery and “Texas White House”. There is an excellent website to guide you through the LBJ Ranch with lots of tips about how to plan your trip. Check it out before you travel: www.nps.gov

DINING
While in Johnson City check out the Feed Mill, a mill and cotton gin transformed by a local artist into a shopping area, winery and café.
Hill County Cupboard, best fried chicken in the world!
Hill County Cupboard

DIVERSIONS
The road from Stonewall into Fredericksburg is “Peach Heaven”. There are plenty of peach stands along the highway plus a number of “pick your own” orchards. You can check the peach hotline during growing season at Texas Peaches.

back to top
Luckenbach
Population 3

If you’ve felt the need to go to Luckenbach, Texas with Willie and Waylon and the boys, this is your chance! Take a left on Hwy 1376. You’ll find 500 year old oak trees, a dance hall, a beer joint, a general store (open daily) and three people. However, 45 weekends a year there’s a party goin’ on! Fourth of July weekend Willie Nelson’s Annual Picnic takes the town from population 3 to 15,000! You may call the mayor of Luckenbach at 830.997.3224 or visit the website at Luckenbach Texas.

 

Fredericksburg
Population 10,752
29 Miles from Johnson City

Continuing on U.S. Hwy. 290 to Fredericksburg, make a quick stop at the Wildseed Farm (7 miles east of Fredericksburg on 290). This is the nation’s largest working wildflower seed farm where you can purchase wildflower seeds direct from the grower. The farm offers a self guided walking tour, a biergarten and Market Center with a nice spread of interesting things to purchase.

Fredericksburg offers plenty of hotels and bed and breakfast/guesthouses. It’s the perfect spot to spend the night after a day of scenic traveling. Check fredericksburg-texas.com for help with reservations and accommodations.


DINING
For dinner you should take U.S. 87 North (9 miles) to Hilltop and the much loved Hilltop Café. This quasi gourmet dining experience is in an old gas station owned by Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel fame. For reservations call 830.997.8922.

Another Favorite:

The Nest |  Visit The Nest Restaurant
607 S.Washington St.
830.990.8383

SHOPPING
Das Peach House | Visit Das Peach House
1406 S Highway 87
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
866.997.8969
Home of Fischer & Wieser’s famous Rasberry Chipotle sauce! Serve it at home with Beef Tenderloin and make your dinner guests moan! Tasty selection of unique sauces and jellies!

Homestead
230 East Main Street
Fredericksburg , TX 78624
830.997.5551
The original Fredericksburg Homestead store, with big, overstuffed upholstery, antiques to match, fabrics, antique smalls, rugs and lighting.

Jabberwocky
105 North Llano
Fredericksburg , TX 78624
830.997.7071 ? ?
Timeless heirlooms, quilts, clothing, bed and table linens.

The Peach Tree | Visit The Peach Tree
210 South Adams
Fredericksburg , TX 78624
830.997.9527
Gift shop and boutique featuring women's apparel and home furnishings.

The Secret Garden | Visit The Secret Garden
102 East Main Street
Fredericksburg , TX 78624
830.997.5507
You're always going to discover a unique gift at The Secret Garden and it will usually be exclusive to the store.

Hill Country Outfitters  | Visit Hill Country Outfitters
115 East Main
Fredericksburg , TX 78624
830.997.3761
A licensed Orvis dealer with everything from outdoor apparel to fly fishing rods.

POINTS OF INTEREST
National Museum of the Pacific War
311 East Austin
Formerly the Nimitz Museum, this WWII museum was named for Fleet Admiral Nimitz who was born in Fredericksburg in 1885.

Enchanted Rock State Park
18 miles north off of RM 965. This massive granite dome is a famed Indian legend.

back to top