Award-winning craft beer? Check. World-class restaurants that range from the elegant to the funky? Check. Small-town Texas charm coupled with high-end shopping worthy of a major metropolis? Check. Natural beauty to reinvigorate the soul? Check. All the Hill Country essentials are on full display in Boerne. Is it any wonder Boerne was chosen for our team’s big Hill Country adventure? Join this writer (Managing Editor Max McNabb) and Creative Director Tony Maples on their Boerne adventure, exploring this unique Hill Country town!
We kickstarted our second day in Boerne with a little help from Bear Moon Bakery. This is how the locals get their morning off to the right start. Bear Moon Bakery is a Boerne staple, and all it takes is one taste to discover why. It’s a reminder of Boerne’s varied and ever-growing dining scene. Traveling foodies, take note—Have fork and spoon will travel! A little espresso and a breakfast sandwich later, and we were ready to explore Boerne’s hidden underworld—Cave Without a Name!
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Located just a short drive outside of town, the cave was a highlight of our trip. One of the best show caves in Texas, it was discovered by three local children in the 1930s. Amid the steady drip-drip of stalactites, a wide-variety of stunning formations were on displayed, such as “Mary with Christ,” the cave’s own naturally-formed nativity scene. Ancient whirlpools had caused three great domes to form in the ceiling of one chamber, giving that area incredible acoustics. Live concerts are held there at least once a month. The cave is even home to an underground river. Tony and I agreed the cave was a stand-out among the many activities on our Boerne adventure, and we can’t recommend it highly enough.
After working up quite an appetite exploring the cave, we headed to lunch at The Dienger Trading Co. Home to an incredible restaurant as well as a charming boutique, The Dienger is a hallmark of any trip to Boerne. If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, their John Wayne espresso shooter is just what the doctor ordered. The John Wayne moniker comes from the fact it’s an espresso shooter, meant to be enjoyed as a shot, so that you taste all of the layered ingredients as one. I satisfied my appetite and then some on the delicious bacon cheddar cheeseburger, while Tony enjoyed the Gourmet Chicken Salad Croissant. After lunch, patrons will want to shop their hearts out in the boutique, featuring a wide variety of custom and specialty clothing for women and men. Calling all shopaholics—the Dienger is bucket list-worthy!
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Energized with coffee, we set out on the Art Al Fresco walking tour. Get up close and personal with large-scale sculptures that you’re encouraged to touch and enjoy on a tactile level, a rare opportunity with such world-class artwork. Snap a selfie with Wild Bill Hickock! A bronze sculpture of the legendary lawman sits on a plaza bench, thanks to the fact that the sculptor, Erik Christianson, is a resident of Boerne and a fan of the lawman.
The famous Hill Country Mile calls Boerne home. This plethora of shopping and dining opportunities is located amid historic buildings. We explored the Hill Country Mile in all its glory, grabbing tasty snacks along the way from Bear Moon Bakery and Sugar Shack. The sweet treats at Sugar Shack are sure to give you that extra “umpf” for the walking tour. This retro ‘50s-style hangout is a Boerne favorite for visitors and locals alike, and it’s the perfect spot for some prime people-watching.
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Stopping along the Mile, we were welcomed to the chef’s table at the Cypress Grille. Owner and Sommelier Paul Thompson and Executive Chef Kevin Babbit provided an exquisite culinary experience. They demonstrated making ravioli, then performed a special mozzarella pulling. We were lucky enough to get a sample of their creations minutes after they made them, and words can’t describe the amazing taste. We enjoyed our experience at the chef’s table so much that we returned to the Cypress Grille for dinner that night, and you can be sure we stuffed ourselves. If you’re looking for a scrumptious meal, your search is over—just be prepared to let out your belt a notch or two when you’re finished!
Then it was time to step back into the Roaring ‘20s (those days have come around again, haven’t they?) and visit Boerne’s very own speakeasy, Salvador Dobbs. Near the bar, you’ll notice a large bookshelf, but would you guess it’s really a secret passage to the champagne room? We enjoyed drinks and lively conversation with some of the friendly people we’d met during our time exploring Boerne.
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Regardless of whether you’re spending your Boerne adventure solo, as a couple, or one big, happy family, you’ll find no shortage of great activities and attractions. In Boerne, you can count on being treated like an old friend and showered with Hill Country hospitality.
Read about Day 1 of our Boerne adventure here!
Read Day 3 of our Boerne adventure here!
