Great Escapes: Southern Texas
Texas Hill Country is a Destination that Deserves a Visit
Article Date: October, 2011
Article and Photography by Mark Quasius
If you haven't toured the largest state in the country, then it's about time to saddle up and plan a trip to Texas.
Specifically southern Texas, a region that world-class foodies guarantee has the most mouth-watering barbeque west of the Mississippi.
Our Visit
Texas Hill Country area is located in the south-central region of the Lone Star State and surprisingly isn't at all like
the flat, open expanses of western Texas. When we arrived in spring, its lush green rolling hills were covered with wildflowers, like the
bluebonnet, the official state flower.
Bluebonnets are commonly found alongside roads in the Hill Country.
Texans are proud of their heritage, and museums can be found throughout this part of the state. This year marks the 175th
anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo and Texas independence, so no trip would be complete without a visit to San Antonio and its famous River Walk.
State pride also extends to their involvement in World War II. In south Texas you can tour the USS Texas battleship, the USS Lexington aircraft
carrier, or visit the National Museum of the Pacific War.
RV Parks
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RVing is popular in the southern region, and spacious parks and campgrounds can be found virtually anywhere you want to
travel in the area. Many of these spots are popular with snowbirds, which begin a mass exodus from the cold, snowy northern states every fall
and spend winters in the more favorable climates here. While these long-term sites are generally booked in advance, we had no problem finding
plenty of available space for short-term stays.
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Spacious and nicely groomed, RV parks are located everywhere in the Texas Hill Country.
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We picked Johnson City as the site of our base camp. We parked our motorhome at Miller Creek RV Resort and toured the region
with our towed vehicle. Johnson City was named in honor of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who had a home there. The Johnson boyhood home, the
LBJ Ranch, and the original ranch that his grandfather and great uncle began their cattle drives from are located here, and the public is
welcome. Just to the south of Johnson City is Blanco. Moviegoers may recognize the historical Blanco downtown area. The historical Blanco
Courthouse was used for the remake of John Wayne's True Grit. One place highly recommended by the locals was the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls.
The Bluebonnet Cafe is known for its pies, and we were not disappointed.
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The Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls is known for its excellent pies.
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Lyndon B. Johnson's boyhood home is located in Johnson City.
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The historic Blanco Courthouse was featured in the recent remake of the movie True Grit.
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Heading West
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Heading west from Johnson City on Highway 290 will take you past numerous wineries and fruit ranches on your
scenic drive to the German heritage town of Fredericksburg. This is the birthplace of Admiral Nimitz and the National Museum of the
Pacific War, which includes the Nimitz Museum, the George H. W. Bush Gallery, and a Pacific Combat Zone. The museum itself features
extensive interpretive exhibits depicting the conflict, from Japan's initial forays in 1936 up through Hiroshima and the rebuilding
of Japan.
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The National Museum of the Pacific War includes a Japanese defensive beachhead exhibit. This area is also used in reenactments
several times each year.
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Inside you'll discover aircraft, such as the B-25 from the historic Doolittle Raid, torpedo bombers, fighters, a
Japanese submarine, and many vehicles, weapons, and equipment from the island hopping campaign. A compartment door from the USS Arizona
is also on display, as well as one of only three remaining PT boats. In addition to the various museums and memorial gardens, a Japanese
beachhead defensive position has been re-constructed. On several select weekends, special reenactments are held at this site, where U.S.
forces "assault" the beach with tanks and tracked landing craft and even torch the pillbox with a live flamethrower.
The USS Lexington is now docked in Corpus Christi and is filled with impressive exhibits. Visitors can access lower decks, as well as
the bridge, flight, and hangar decks.
For those who are interested in more of Texas' involvement in World War II, a short day trip to the coast is
in order. The battleship Texas is on display in Houston and the aircraft carrier USS Lexington is on display in nearby Corpus Christi.
The Lexington is very interesting and self-guided tours will take you below decks, on the flight deck, as well as up into the bridge.
A collection of naval aircraft is on display on the flight deck and flight simulators are accessible in the hangar deck.
Wildflowers and Barbecue
Bluebonnets are prevalent throughout the Hill Country area, but the locals agree that the best place to see them
is off Sandy Road, just north of Johnson City. Sandy Road is also known as Farm Road 1323 and leaves U.S. Route 281 just north of
Johnson City and heads west to Willow City. Bluebonnets are easily found along this road as well as in the area surrounding
Willow City, particularly the Willow City Loop. From Willow City, it's an easy drive down to Fredericksburg via Highway 16.
The barbecue at Cooper's Old Time Pit Barbecue in Llano is one of the best of the West.
Great barbecue joints are scattered throughout Hill Country. Many of them accept cash only. We sampled Coopers
Old Time Pit Barbecue in Llano. Coopers was the favorite hangout of presidents Johnson and George W. Bush. LBJ even had Coopers cater
a few state dinners for visiting dignitaries. Coopers is unique in that you don't pick your food from a menu. You select your meat from
a barbecue pit and the attendant will serve up whatever you want. An awesome selection of delicious cuts are available, including beef
brisket, ribs, pork chops, pork tenderloin, rib eye, chicken and sausage. This is great for anyone who wants to sample a little of
everything. Your meat selection is then weighed and you simply pay by the pound. Beans, potatoes, and salads are then picked cafeteria
style to complete your meal. You are seated at long family-style tables. Thankfully, to-go bags are available at the counter, and we made
good use of them. In addition to the original location in Llano, Coopers also has restaurants in New Braunfels and at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Home of the Alamo
The Alamo is the shrine of Texas's fight for independence. This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Alamo battle.
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No trip to Hill Country would be complete without stopping at the Alamo in San Antonio. Its expansive stone walls
and artillery placements are now gone, but the original shrine and barracks are standing. It's also within walking distance of the River Walk.
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San Antonio's historical old town is located in the midst of the city. Carriage rides will let you tour the city in comfort.
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The San Antonio River Walk begins in a vast underground lake near downtown. In earlier years the city experienced flooding
along the river's banks and was in danger of being paved over. In 1924 concerned citizens battled to keep the river afloat and in 1929 the design
for the River Walk was proposed, and construction was completed in 1938. The River Walk consists of a series of paved banks that created a series
of canals that is now flanked by restaurants, museums, and hotels. Canal boats ply the waters and are used as water taxis and as tour boats. There
are good hotels right along the River Walk so if you are looking to get away from the RV campsite for a day and sample city living you'll have
plenty of choices.
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San Antonio's River Walk is a popular destination. Taxi and tour boats ply the waters, which are surrounded by hotels, restaurants,
shops, and museums.
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Many restaurants are located on the River Walk. This Mexican Cafe provided strolling musicians.
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The Hill Country is one of our Great Escapes because it is extremely motorhome and trailer friendly. This is one
destination that will entertain the entire family, and you'll even learn a little about our country history along the way.
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