Things to Do

There’s Just a Little Something for Everyone in Sonora

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Nestled between central Texas and the Big Bend region, lies beautiful Sonora, Texas. A town rich in history offering the best of the Texas Hill Country and West Texas. It’s the perfect spot to get away for a weekend and enjoy nature at its finest. Below you will find some unique and interesting places to dine, shop, explore, and more.

Lodging

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Photo: sonoratexas.org

Imagine sipping on your tea in a rocking chair surrounded in solitude with nothing but the beautiful landscape of the surrounding Hill Country as your companion, while you enjoy an afternoon on the porch. The X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat is that one of kind lodging experience you will enjoy while in Sonora.

“At just under three hours from San Antonio and around three and a half hours from Austin, the X Bar offers the best of both regions it sits astride – the heritage and ruggedness of West Texas and the lush rolling vegetation of the Texas Hill Country,” states its website. “With six well-appointed private cabins, and the solitude of the grand and aptly named Round House,” the X Bar is the perfect place to not only stop and rest but also to host your next big celebration.

Dining and More!

JBAR

Photo: jbar.com

Sonora offers a variety of dining options to choose from, but if you’re looking for an adventure where you can not only dine, but relax, and maybe even enjoy a little hunting extravaganza, then the JL Bar Ranch and Resort is your place.

According to their website, the menu is reflective of the season, offering dishes sure to inspire the taste buds. They use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and dishes created by their renowned chef, Jon Walter, can include anything from Asian, to South American and classic French cuisine, states its site.

If that weren’t enough, there is even an airport on site to accommodate those wanting to fly in. A once in a lifetime experience you’re sure to never forget.

Attractions

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Photo: sonoratexas.org

Looking to find some interesting things to do in Sonora is in itself an adventure. With plenty to visit and learn from, Sonora offers some of the most unique attractions. The awe-inspiring Caverns of Sonora are a sight to see. “They are known as a National Natural Landmark where more than 95% of the formations in the cave are still ‘growing'”, mentions its website. The tour is about one hour and 45 minutes. The Caverns also have a Discovery Challenge Adventure Tour, where the last hour you will spend doing a 43 foot repel into “Devil’s Pit.”

There is also the John & Mildred Cauthorn Memorial Depot built in 1930. “In 1977, the last Sonora train whistled itself into History and the depot remained vacant until 1986 when the Sutton County Historical Society received the old building as a donation,” states its website. There is even an outdoor amphitheater behind the depot where you can sit and imagine what the town was like once upon a time.

Make sure to the visit the Old Ice House Ranch Museum. Full of history and stories of outlaws. “The museum’s hallmark exhibit is dedicated to the legacy of Will Carver, a member of Butch Cassidy’s famous Wild Bunch gang, who found himself on the losing end of a shootout on the streets of Sonora in 1901,” shares its site.

Shopping

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Photo: sonoratexas.org

Need a little window shopping therapy? Look no further! The heart of historic downtown Sonora is rich in history, one of kind gifts, and much more to lose yourself for a day in.

Visit Eaton Hill Nature Center, where you can not only learn about area wildlife, fossils, geology and more, but enjoy the various exhibits on display. You will also find quaint little shops to stop in for gifts to take back home from shops like Ole Creation. Pick up some flowers at Rosey Bud Florist, or for that hunter in your life there’s Rafter W. Feed, stocked with hunting supplies.

5. Tranquility

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Photo: sonoratexas.org

To round out your trip, make sure to stop at the Community Prayer Garden. Need a little tranquility and time to meditate, this is the perfect spot. “Built by the loving people of this town and with the funding assistance of many local businesses,” states its website.

Take in the sights and sounds, and bring your camera to take those majestic shots of the beautiful landscape and surroundings. Make sure to visit Sonora’s calendar of events at sonoratexas.org to keep up with all the exciting things they have to offer, and add Sonora to your bucket list of towns to make sure to visit in the near future!

Reference:

sonoratexas.org