Imagine the charming Hill Country town of Boerne like a pie—but not just any pie. The kind your grandma used to make, the kind you just can’t find anywhere else. Grandma’s pies were so good, you could eat up the whole thing without a trace of guilt, all for the simple reason that every piece was a fresh delight. That’s Boerne. Every piece of this unique town opens up a sweet new experience on your Hill Country getaway.
That’s why Boerne was chosen was for our team’s big Hill Country adventure, and now we’re sharing it with you! From scrumptious meals sure to spoil even the most jaded foodie to high-end shopping that’s always on-point, there’s something for everyone. Thanks to VisitBoerne.org and a host of local businesses, this writer (Managing Editor Max McNabb) and Creative Director Tony Maples got to explore the best of Boerne. Strap in as we take you on our Boerne adventure!
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Our trip started with a warm welcome at the brand-new Boerne Visitor’s Center. Next, we headed over to Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. The brewery is housed in one of a trio of historic Victorian homes that a Boerne father built for his three daughters. Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. served us a tasty lunch using farm-to-table products, most of them found locally. Their beer flights were a prime example of why Boerne is fast becoming known as the craft beer capital of the Hill Country.
That afternoon, we walked off our lunch on a guided tour of Cibolo Nature Center & Farm. The “Central Park of the Texas Hill Country,” the center’s natural beauty will make your heart rejoice. Great Cypress trees towered over the banks of Cibolo Creek while the peaceful water flowed. A wide variety of wildlife, including endangered birds, call the center’s four distinct ecosystems home. From the molds of dinosaur tracks to special, off-the-beaten-path areas that are a photographer’s dream, the center has something to fascinate every visitor. On Saturdays, a farmer’s market is held at the Historic Herff homestead. From March through December, local farmers gather at the elegant two-story home dating from the 1800s, and kids can see first-hand where food comes from!
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Then it was time to check into our hotel rooms. Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Kendall, we enjoyed two suites on the second floor of this historic hotel. I stayed in the Sarah Reed Grand Suite and Tony enjoyed the Erastus Reed Grand Suite. The suites were named after the hotel founders, and they featured clawfoot bathtubs and large walk-in showers. The second-floor balcony provided the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a drink while looking out over the plaza and the Hill Country Mile. Constructed with beautiful stonework in 1859, today The Kendall is the perfect juxtaposition of modern comfort and commitment to honoring a rich history. It’s equal parts elegance and welcoming atmosphere. Truly one of the finest hotels in all of the Hill Country.
When we said that foodies should prepare to be spoiled, we weren’t kidding. Located within the historic hotel is a foodie’s paradise—Peggy’s On the Green. Owned by acclaimed San Antonio chef Mark Bohanan (of the famed Bohannan’s Prime Steak and Seafood restaurant in San Antonio), Peggy’s was named as a tribute to his mother. Bohannon’s mother was a tremendously talented cook in her own right, and she was responsible for one of the restaurant’s much-loved treats, candied jalapenos. When we tasted this appetizer at dinner that night, our taste buds thought we’d died and gone to heaven. After another knock-out appetizer of delicious fried quail over jack cakes, we had our choice of steaks. The friendly and knowledgeable staff helped us select the perfect option—tomahawk steaks—and we couldn’t have been happier with the results.
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
At dark, we headed out for a chance to explore the wild west. Enchanted Springs Ranch is a sprawling recreation of an old west town that will make you think you’ve stepped into Lonesome Dove. This event venue makes every party, wedding, or company retreat an unforgettable occasion. Plus, every December, the ranch is host to a magical winter wonderland—the Old West Christmas Light Fest. Mark your calendar now and start a new Christmas tradition that your family will love.
The sun set on our first day in town, but our Boerne adventure was just beginning. Tomorrow would bring a smorgasbord of exquisite food and thrilling activities. Boerne showers you with experiences that cater to the most discerning of travel tastes. Few cities in Texas can tick so many boxes at once. For us, Boerne is a perfect Hill Country getaway, and we invite you to explore this delightful city!
Read about Day 2 of our Boerne Adventure here!
Read about Day 3 here!
