When it comes to the perfect weekend, Boerne just can’t be beat. There’s so much to do, from incredible dining options and a wide variety of fun activities, all amid a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Everyone is guaranteed to have a good time in this charming Hill Country town. The Texas Hill Country team recently spent a weekend in Boerne, catching up on all the new sites and some established favorites.
Lifestyle
Weekend at Boerne: A Bevy of Boerne Brews, Food, and Adventure!
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Photo: Tony Maples Photography
After arriving in the afternoon, we were welcomed at the gorgeous Bevy Hotel with drinks and appetizers. This unique boutique hotel and conference center embodies Hill Country hospitality. The Bevy is one of the newest hotels in Boerne, and it greets guests with old-school charm and elegance. The Bevy strikes the perfect balance between high-end, well-crafted beauty and a friendly, inviting atmosphere. You can hear live music at The Bevy several nights throughout the week, and the talented Texas musicians who perform there are a sonic reminder of just how vibrant Boerne truly is. We loved being able to sit outside by the lighted pool and enjoy our drinks while listening to the music being played indoors. The understated elegance of our rooms had all the comfort of a home-away-from-home while also offering those extra touches of luxury and convenience that make every stay feel like a special treat. A few nights at the Bevy ensure that you return home feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Down at the bar, we sampled the Bevy’s handcrafted cocktails, craft beer, and domestic favorites, then in good spirits, we were ready to explore everything Boerne has to offer.
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Fully refreshed, we set out on a special tour of the Kendall County Historic Jail Museum. The guided tour was one of the highlights of the trip as we previewed the museum, which is scheduled to open this winter. The jail features working cells, so you can find out first-hand what it feels like to be an old-west outlaw. More than just a historic jail, the museum showcases the rich history of all of Kendall County. Many rare and unique historical items are on display, such as an antique armadillo purse and special heirlooms from the pioneer families of the area. Keep tabs on the progress of this historic center through their Facebook page.
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
After filling our brains with incredible history, we focused on satisfying our stomachs, hitting up The Bevy Provision Co. We stuffed ourselves on delicious lobster mac and cheese for an appetizer. This ultra-creamy concoction was baked to golden brown perfection and, though it was only the appetizer, we could’ve happily enjoyed it as a rich and decadent main course. The Caprese salad was fresh and light, an excellent touch of Italian. Then came the main course, mouth-wateringly good steak and salmon. What can we say, except that it was the best of both worlds? Steak lovers will find themselves suddenly awake to the delicious possibilities of a salmon done truly right, while fish fans will fall in love with some of the finest cuts of steak in the Lone Star State.
Day Two
Photo: Natalie Lynn Images
The next morning, we enjoyed a hearty Hill Country breakfast at The Bevy. Seated at the poolside patio, we devoured The Hill Country Heritage board. Its cured and smoked meats paired perfectly with cheeses, jam, spicy mustard, and tasty berries, the perfect way to fuel up for a full day of adventure.
Then we were off on our visit to the Farmers Market at the Cibolo at the Historic Herff Farm. We explored this special Boerne location on a personal tour of the homestead, property, and gardens. First purchased in 1854, by German Ferdinand Herff, the Herff farmhouse was one of the first homes here, and the farm itself eventually grew to roughly 10,000 acres. Its fascinating history includes the first early manned flight experiments, exotic birds, and an early medical practice. Kids love this place and its many opportunities to learn and explore. The perfect way to spend a Saturday morning is by wandering through the farmer’s market and checking out the best in local produce, preserves, and handmade items with live music in the background.
Photo: Natalie Lynn Images
Hunger pains meant lunch, and 259 Brantley’s Bistro proved to be the perfect spot. A designated Go Texan Restaurant offering “Texas Only” craft beer and wine, the bistro has a carefully-curated menu that made choosing dishes such a sweet difficulty! Situated in the middle of downtown, this was the ideal oasis at which to replenish. We enjoyed the house-made potato chips loaded with tantalizing, robust Provolone and Texas applewood bacon. Next up, we gorged ourselves on the lamb sliders, made from Harper, Texas, grass-fed lambs. Then we delighted in our discovery of the pleasantly exotic taste of the quail tacos. This artisan-style restaurant has a youthful vibe with great outdoor seating. Not only that, but the Boerne Mural is just across from 259 Brantley’s Bistro, making it the ideal spot for a selfie or two!
Photo: Natalie Lynn Images
The early afternoon meant a blast to the past at The AgriCultural Museum and Arts Center & Bluegrass Jam. This site functions as an agricultural museum (hello big boy toys!), as well as a regular venue for bluegrass music, art workshops, blacksmith and Dutch Oven cooking classes. Not to mention Quiltfest, Antique Tractor Pulls, and so much more. The incredible musicians performing at the afternoon’s bluegrass jam made the team’s Boerne experience unforgettable with their toe-tapping, Texas tunes. Local artists were on-site painting beautiful scenes of the grounds En Plein Air.
We especially enjoyed watching the blacksmith work with Damascus steel. Where else but Boerne can you take a real, live blacksmithing class? It just goes to show how unique this Hill Country town really is.
Photo: Natalie Lynn Images
Exhausted from watching the blacksmith work his magic, we dedicated the rest of the afternoon to consuming grain – in the form of local brews! The beer tasting at Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. paired seamlessly with the cool, outdoor patio and farm-sourced menu. The brewmaster served us a flight of their finest craft beers amid the lively, bustling atmosphere of the brewing company.
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
The Dodging Duck Brewhaus raised our spirits even higher via a glass of their wonderful beer. Located just across from the beautiful river that flows through town, the Dodging Duck is the oldest brewery in Boerne. Their outdoor seating provides the perfect, picturesque spot to taste some of the best Boerne brews.
Photo: Tony Maples Photography
Then it was time to eat again! Have we mentioned that Boerne is something of a foodie’s paradise? Your tastebuds will thank you for exploring this tasty Texas town. Thank goodness The Creek Restaurant, a Diners’ Choice establishment, was right down the street! Sticking with the creek-side theme, we savored their tantalizing menu in a peaceful atmosphere of Texas beauty. The Creek restaurant exemplifies the art of fine service with their highly-attentive, friendly staff. First off, we enjoyed a little added kick before dinner. The espresso martini was shaken, not stirred, and featured Stoli vodka, kahlúa, espresso, and house simple syrup. It got us full of energy and ready to dine down. Our team loved the Tajima filet—the broiled, Tajima Japanese wagyu tenderloin was a taste that has to be personally experienced to be believed. However, the stuffed fried quail gave it a true run for its money. These Lockhart, Texas, quail are stuffed with green chili cornbread and andouille sausage dressing. Topped with a bacon bourbon maple jam, it’s hard to beat these birds for amazing taste.
To be continued! Read the second part here!
