The Texas Hill Country - Quaint Towns, Refreshing Rivers and Lush Landscape

By Kat Lewis

I spent an exhausting two years performing an exhaustive search of the United States looking for a place my family could put down roots and grow. In August 2005, my husband and I uprooted our 9-year-old daughter and our 11-year-old son and trekked cross-country to embrace a completely different culture, climate and lifestyle.

We have never looked back. The Texas Hill Country supplies an abundance of clear skies, cool rivers and large swatches of live oak trees. Their canopy creates vast amounts of shade, perfect for cooling off and sipping your favorite libation during the dog days of summer.

When we first arrived, I vowed to see this region and capture my experiences. I have seen and done more in this past year than most of my neighbors, natives in this region. I have traveled the meandering two lane highways all over the rolling hills.

Quaint towns dot the landscape, some you can roll right on through without guilt, but others you must experience. Like the smallest town I have ever seen, Luckenbach. This town offers a post office, general store, dance hall and bar. When we pulled into the dirt lot and parked, we were hesitant even to get out of the car. But what awaited hearkened back to a simpler era. Out back of the general store spread a wood-plank patio where no less than six cowboys were plucking and jamming on their guitars. Original song lyrics lilted over the crowd. Yes, crowd. This place was jumping. Beer was flowing and a band was warming up in the Dance Hall. Just a few miles away from bustling Fredericksburg, this small town demands attention.