Article featured on MySA and written by StoryStudio
For centuries, people throughout Texas and the United States have journeyed to the serene hills and tranquil waters of Texas Hill Country to relax, unwind, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. As our modern world moves at its frenetic pace, the region’s natural beauty, rich history, and friendly people all make for an ideal weekend getaway destination. Located in the heart of Hill Country, the town of Kerrville embodies the best qualities this rugged, yet captivating corner of the world has to offer.
Kerrville’s location in central Texas makes it easily accessible for those living in or visiting the Lone Star State. Nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River, this quaint town provides a superb setting for those seeking respite from the breakneck pace of big cities or refuge from the crush of tourists along the Gulf Coast. Kerrville’s year-round temperate climate allows everyone to enjoy countless outdoor activities, excellent dining, and unique shopping experiences this holiday season.
If you love to lose yourself in marvelous displays of fall foliage, Kerrville’s magnificent parks provide an immersive adventure into autumn’s brilliance. Kerrville-Schreiner Park, Louise Hays Park, and Flat Rock Park all line the alluring Guadalupe River. These parks run through the heart of town and are beloved by those who reside and visit there. The Kerrville River Trail is another excellent way to absorb the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows of the season. The trail is a six-mile paved path with multiple access points. For the more adventurous, Lost Maples State Natural Area is only an hour’s drive from Kerrville. This pristine wilderness showcases some of the most dramatic arrays of fall colors in Texas.
Among this stunning backdrop of natural beauty is a lively community with charming shops, spectacular wineries, inviting restaurants, and enticing lodging accommodations. Historic Downtown Kerrville is a whimsical melding of past and present, making for an enchanting shopping experience this holiday season. Around every corner, you’ll find splendid boutiques for clothing, books, antiques, jewelry, home goods, and more. For those looking to surprise a special someone with a sentimental gift, Kerrville is home to James Avery Artisan Jewelry’s flagship store. A family-owned company with humble beginnings, James Avery’s skillful artisans utilize the most superb materials from around the world to craft exquisite jewelry. Its reputation for outstanding jewelry and customer service has flourished over the decades.
Wine lovers will find that the surrounding hills pair perfectly with some of the most exceptional wines in Texas. Two must-visit wineries are Kerrville Hills Winery, home of the award-winning 2017 Tannat, and Turtle Creek Olives & Vines, located right in downtown. If it’s a beer you prefer, Basement Brews in downtown Kerrville offers refreshing pints of local craft beer, yard games, and live music. Pint and Plow also offers exceptional craft beers, as well as a full menu of locally sourced ingredients.
For those in need of a hearty meal, Rails Cafe is your ticket to a gratifying feast. The restaurant, located in a fully restored historic train depot, offers a cozy place to relish a tasty spread and take in some of the local history. For fine dining and breathtaking views, 1101 Bistro on the river is perfect for any date night. Lastly, Grape Juice is an eccentric eatery offering a little bit of everything and is known by the locals as “Kerrville’s living room.”
"Grape Juice is where locals take their guests to show them a little bit of Kerrville life. Like we are an extension of their own home. And it’s right in the heart of our refurbished downtown, the Guadalupe River and the river trail, all places locals show off with pride. "
-Keri Wilt
Co-Owner of Grape Juice
With everything this wonderful place provides, it’s challenging to enjoy all of it in one day, so finding one of Kerrville’s many pleasant lodging options is highly recommended. The rustic, yet ornate Y.O. Ranch Hotel is a top choice for those looking for a hotel with a western spin. Named after the historic ranch that once spanned over 600,000 acres, the hotel embraces the spirit of the old West by breathing life into the legends of cowboys and frontiersmen with its impressive decor. If you yearn for a true cowboy experience, saddle up and take a thrilling horseback ride at the
Y.O. Ranch Headquarters. The ride is an exciting opportunity to see the area’s exotic wildlife and lose yourself in the majesty of the hill country. To transport back to the nostalgia of mid-century road trips, visit the retro motor court
River Trail Cottages featuring comfortable, modern amenities. And for a lush escape, consider the
Inn of the Hills to indulge in the tropical courtyard. If you’re looking for a more private spot to call home for the weekend, Kerrville has abundant Airbnb and Vrbo options, with plenty of homes available downtown, tucked away along the river, or in the surrounding hills. And of course, Kerrville offers numerous other hotel options allowing you to create just the experience you need.
To witness the magic that makes Kerrville a truly extraordinary place and kick off the holiday season right, the annual Holiday Lighted Parade is a worthwhile spectacle. Every November, this incredible community comes together to welcome the holiday season with a dazzling procession of floats, music, and the arrival of Santa Claus. This enthralling tradition is capped off with the lighting of both the town Christmas tree and Tranquility Island, a seven-acre island in the middle of the river the town periodically dusts with snow throughout the season. This year’s Holiday Light Parade is being held on Saturday, November 20.
From its unlimited outdoor activities to its boutique shopping and authentic Texas dining, Kerrville is a fantastic place to retreat, relax, and have a wonderful time this holiday season. Come and discover how easy it is to fall in love with this country paradise and lose your heart to the hills.