Maybe you have heard of Hunt, Texas, a tiny town 20 minutes north of Kerrville on State Highway 39. (Not to be confused with Huntsville in East Texas.) For decades, throngs of children have attended the summer camps in the area— Mistic, Waldemar, Heart of the Hills, Arrowhead, and La Junta. You’ll find several nice B&Bs in the area.
The Texas Historical Marker in town reads:
Farmers and ranchers settled along the North and South Forks of the Guadalupe River in the late 1850s, forming the Japonica and Pebble communities. In 1912, Alva and Lizzie Joy bought land at the confluence and named the central settlement that developed there in honor of Robert Hunt, the prior landowner. Alva Joy established a post office in 1913, and an independent school district formed in the 1930s. By the 1930s, the area began attracting artists, including the acclaimed E.M. Schiwetz. During the next decades, Hunt became a center for summer camps, exotic game ranches, and religious and corporate retreat facilities, but retained its identity as a small, rural community. (2005)
Photo: Facebook/The Hunt Store
The Hunt Store is a well-known landmark. It is now mostly a restaurant called the Hunt Rock Café, though they do still sell ice, drinks, and a few groceries. Enjoy live music on Friday nights. Order the famous French Tacos, developed by a past chef named Mr. French. It’s sort of a local chuckle. There’s nothing “French” about cheeseburger meat tacos, but they are tasty.
Across the highway (well, road) is a rock building that has been many different things including a thrift store and several restaurants over the years. Nowadays it is called Elaine’s Table and they serve semi-gourmet fare. You may wish to book a table in their glassed-in room overlooking the Guadalupe River. Reservations are a must, especially on summer weekends or for Sunday brunch. Try their tortilla crusted trout.
Photo: Facebook/Janet Meek
The Guadalupe River is the main draw. Take a dip in the swimming hole near the entrance into town. The cool green ripples are the perfect remedy for a scorching Texas summer day. Go beyond the fire station on FM1340, and just before the curve, turn right onto River Road, half hidden by overgrown brush. At the low water crossing, you can launch your kayak or canoe and paddle up or down the South Fork. You’ll encounter a few bubbling rapids—nothing major, though. Makes for great tubing, too! The docks you’ll find are on private property. However, most folk will wave at you as you pass by. A few may let you swing from their ropes.
Drive further along River Road to the SanDusty’s Chicken Ranch egg stand for fresh, cage-free eggs in rainbow colors. Just leave your money in the box and grab a dozen from the old cooler. Yep, the honor system is alive and well in Hunt, Texas.
