This blog post is sponsored by Visit Boerne. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Boerne, TX is my favorite Hill Country city in Texas. There are so many fun things to do in Boerne! Boerne is located just 35 minutes from the middle of San Antonio and less than 2 hours from South Austin. Here is a roundup of the top 10 fun things you should do when you visit.
Explore the Cibolo Nature Center
The Cibolo Center for Conservation covers over 160 acres in the heart of Boerne, TX and is divided into two “campuses.” The first being the Cibolo Nature Center which has miles of hiking trails taking you around the beautiful Cibolo Creek. I could spend an entire day exploring, taking photos, and dipping my toes in the crystal clear water of the creek. The second half of the Cibolo Nature Center is Heff Farm. The farm offers a space for special events and exhibits, nature trails, sustainable living education programs, community gardens, and the weekly Farmer’s Market. Be sure to check out the events calendar when you visit so that you can take advantage of these programs. I’m most impressed that access to this gorgeous space is completely free to the public (there is a small fee if you intend on shooting professional photography).
Shop on the Hill Country Mile
The Hill Country Mile is a mile long stretch along Main Street in downtown Boerne of locally owned shops and galleries in beautiful historic buildings. Make sure you stop by the Boerne Visitors Center and pick up a “Bird’s Eye View” map so you don’t miss any of the shops, especially the ones tucked away on the side streets – don’t want to miss these gems. There are cute clothing boutiques, home goods, and some excellent antiques to be found here. It never fails that I leave Boerne bringing home multiple shopping bags of unique treasures. This street is also home to some of Boerne’s excellent restaurants – more on that later!
Every time I visit I make sure to stop by Handmade on Main to support local makers. Some of my favorite items to stock up on are the From Scratch Farm natural bath goodies, the chocolate-covered almond toffee from Doubleside Toffee Company, and soy wax candles from Bear & Roo Candle Company (currently burning Tobacco Flower). They also have an online shop to hold me over between visits to their brick and mortar.
Tour Cave Without a Name
Make sure you pull yourself off of Main Street and explore the area surrounding downtown Boerne. Just a bit out of town is Cave Without a Name. 80 feet below the ground is another world that you cannot miss! Cave Without a Name is going to be a highlight of your trip. The natural beauty of this cave is unmatched and the tour is so much fun. You’ll even have the chance to sit in complete darkness. The cave is excellent for photos, they have installed some stellar lighting and it highlights the beautiful formations. Stop by the gift shop to buy a bag of dirt for gem panning. I know it sounds silly, but it is a ton of fun finding hidden gems in the dirt.
Wine Tasting at Saint Tryphon
Another spot that is a quick and beautiful drive from downtown Boerne is Saint Tryphon Farm and Vineyards. This little slice of Texas Hill Country heaven is the perfect spot to indulge in an afternoon wine tasting. Because of how popular Saint Tryphon is, you will want to make a reservation. If they are booked up, consider picking up a bottle (or case!) curbside or having it shipped directly to you. Order bottles on the Saint Tryphon website.
Take a Sailing Lesson on Boerne Lake with Trisum Sailing
Adventure is calling your name and the best way to answer is by signing up for a sailing lesson with Trisum Sailing. Boerne Lake is the perfect place for beginners to learn all about the joy of sailing. Because there are no motorized vessels on Boerne lake, it is a calm and peaceful environment to practice your sailing skills. Let Captain Chapa, a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed 100 Ton Master, with Sailing and Towing endorsements and a US Sailing Certified Sailing Instructor, share his knowledge and love of sailing with you!
Go on a Self-guided Historic Walking Tour
Stop by the Visitor’s Center and grab yourself a guide for the Historic Walking Tour. You’ll be able to read about the unique and colorful history of Boerne and see just how much this city has grown and changed over the years. While you are at the Visitor’s Center be sure to ask any questions you have about Boerne, they are experts on this city and can help you have the best visit!
Visit the Old Jail Museum
The Kendall County Historic Jail was constructed in 1887 and served for a century as the county jail. It now houses the Old Jail Museum, a small space with a big history! Learn all about Kendall country through expertly curated exhibits and exciting artifacts. Upstairs are the original jail cells where you can have a taste of Texas outlaw life. Texas has some of the most spectacular history in the country and Kendall county is no exception. You are sure to walk away from your tour of the Old Jail Museum with a better understanding of the exciting history of Kendall County.
Stroll Through River Road Park
This is one of my favorite spots in Boerne. The River Road Park is close to downtown and runs along Cibolo Creek. It’s a beautiful green space where you can enjoy a picnic, watch the geese, or even go fishing. There is a trailhead for the Cibolo Trail which extends beyond the park and wraps it’s way around Borne following the Cibolo Creek eventually bringing you to Main Plaza Park.
Stay in a Beautiful Room at The Kendall Inn
Luxury has a name and that name is The Kendall Inn. I am once again blown away by what Boerne has to offer when it comes to accommodations. The Kendall Inn is a beautiful boutique hotel and event space located perfectly in downtown Boerne. From The Kendall Inn you can walk to anywhere downtown. My favorite part about The Kendall Inn is that each room is unique. You are not just picking a place to rest your head, you are picking an experience. If you are looking for a glamorous suit you have your choice between the dark and moody Erastus Reed or the light and airy Sarah Reed – both have bathrooms I would trade a vital organ to have in my house. But maybe you want something truly spectacular, then you need to take a look at the St. John’s Suite. You have the opportunity to stay in an entire chapel. There are also historic cabins and cottages that you stay in – all beautifully appointed with unique decor. The variety of rooms will have you coming back again and again to The Kendall Inn just so you can enjoy them all.
Enjoy the Restaurants
I haven’t had a bad meal in Boerne, and you won’t either. It would be easy to spend a few days eating your way through this Texas Hill Country city, there are so many restaurants to choose from. Everything from date night spots to coffee shops with the best baked goodies to burgers so big you’ll struggle to get that first bite. I’ve put together a quick list of some of my favorite spots along with what I think you should try while you are there.
Breakfast and Coffee
The Dienger Trading Co. – Ham and cheese croissant
Richter Bakhaus – Chocolate chip cookie and Cinnamon roll
Little Gretel – Hansel kisses and the lox
Black Rifle Coffee – Nitro cold brew
Lunch
259 Brantley’s Bistro – Lamb sliders and homemade lemonade
Cibolo Creek Brewing – Chicken fried chicken sandwich and a five beer flight
Richter – Richter burger
Compadres Hill Country Cocina – Smoked beef fajita tacos
Salty and Sweet – Philly soft pretzels
Dinner
Peggy’s on the Green – Crab cakes and chicken fried quail
The Creek Restaurant – Snapper a la creek and chocolate mousse cake
Cypress Grille – Blackened sea scallops
If you love Boerne, TX as much as I do – be sure to check out the blog post from my first visit. This Texas Hill Country city is packed full of fun activities and is the perfect place to escape to for a few days. Boerne is so close to Austin and San Antonio so you don’t have an excuse not to drive out there and experience Boerne, TX for yourself!
For more information and to plan your trip to Boerne check out VisitBoerne.org.
This blog post is sponsored by Visit Boerne. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
