It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historic Fort Martin Scott gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Fredericksburg, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”
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“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”
“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Vaudeville or visit Pioneer Schandua House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Fredericksburg, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Fredericksburg, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Fredericksburg, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
George Stenberg sprints to the fnish line during the finals of the Texas Relays 100-meter dash in Austin Saturday. Stenberg set the school record for FHS with a sprint of 10.68 seconds. —Photo courtesy Lee NicholsGeorge Stenberg of the Fredericksburg High School varsity boys’ track and field team made history this past weekend at the Texas Relays on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin....
George Stenberg sprints to the fnish line during the finals of the Texas Relays 100-meter dash in Austin Saturday. Stenberg set the school record for FHS with a sprint of 10.68 seconds. —Photo courtesy Lee Nichols
George Stenberg of the Fredericksburg High School varsity boys’ track and field team made history this past weekend at the Texas Relays on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin.
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The cause of the Reverse Fire, which was 100% contained by firefighters on Wednesday, was burning debris, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. T...
Above, LaVerne Kothmann celebrated her 96th birthday with a special dance selection with her grandson, Kadden Kothmann, at Saturday’s Dance Hall Night...
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Fredericksburg Standard P.O. Box 1639 Fredericksburg, TX 78624-4228 830-997-2155
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FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS — A partnership between Hilton (NYSE: H) and Wine Country Hospitality Partners LLC will develop a hotel and residential property in the Central Texas city of Fredericksburg that will be operated under the Waldorf Astoria brand. The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country and Waldorf Astoria Residences Texas Hill Country will consist of 60 dedicated hotel guest rooms and suites, 37 resort villas and 50 private residences. The resort will also offer five food-and-beverage concepts, an 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness c...
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS — A partnership between Hilton (NYSE: H) and Wine Country Hospitality Partners LLC will develop a hotel and residential property in the Central Texas city of Fredericksburg that will be operated under the Waldorf Astoria brand. The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country and Waldorf Astoria Residences Texas Hill Country will consist of 60 dedicated hotel guest rooms and suites, 37 resort villas and 50 private residences. The resort will also offer five food-and-beverage concepts, an 11,000-square-foot spa and fitness center and two resort-style pools. The opening is scheduled for 2027. Wine Country Hospitality Partners is a partnership between Mark Harmon, founder of Auberge Resorts Collection; Robert Radovan, founder of luxury hospitality developer Criswell Radovan; and Tim Sparapani, co-founder of Blue Run Spirits and an experienced investor in hospitality startups.
DALLAS AND HOUSTON — Blackstone Real Estate (NYSE: BX), the largest owner of commercial real estate globally, has agreed for its Core+ funds business affiliate to acquire a 95 percent stake in an industrial portfolio in Texas totaling 6 million square feet. The purchase price is $718 million.
Crow Holdings, the Dallas-based real estate and development firm that developed the properties, is the seller and will retain a 5 percent ownership stake.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
The portfolio comprises 25 Class A buildings located predominantly in submarkets of Dallas and Houston. According to Blackstone, the metros are two of the top-performing logistics markets in the country.
“We are thrilled to acquire this high-quality portfolio located in some of the best performing U.S. industrial markets,” says David Levine, co-head of Americas acquisitions for Blackstone. “With limited vacancy and new construction starts down over 80 percent from the 2022 peak, logistics remains a high conviction theme for us; we are proud owners of more than $90 billion of warehouses in North America and nearly $170 billion in total around the world.”
Founded in 1991, Blackstone currently has $315 billion of investor capital under management and owns and operates assets across every sector, including logistics, data centers, residential, office and hospitality. Blackstone’s Core+ business invests in substantially stabilized real estate assets throughout the globe.
The New York City-based company’s stock price closed on Wednesday, April 9 at $137.36 per share, up from $126.08 a year ago, a nearly 9 percent increase.
Private real estate firm Crow Holdings was founded in 1948. The company’s business includes development and investment business verticals, with $33 billion in assets and investments under management.
MIAMI BEACH, FLA. — Terra and Turnberry have received $392 million in financing for the construction of Grand Hyatt Miami Beach, an 800-room hotel situated adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center. TYKO Capital, a New York City-based private equity and private credit investment management platform, provided the financing to the South Florida-based developers.
Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will rise 17 stories at 17th Street and Convention Center Drive. The property will offer 12 floors of guest rooms, including 52 suites with views of Miami Beach. Additionally, four floors will feature meeting and ballroom spaces.
Guests will have access to a pool deck with panoramic city views, a restaurant, lobby lounge and bar, as well as street-level retail space. The hotel will feature direct access to the Miami Beach Convention Center via a climate-controlled sky bridge.
Plans for the development also call for new public spaces, pedestrian-friendly promenades, bike-sharing stations and connectivity to public transit.
According to sources familiar with the transaction, Eastdil Secured was involved in arranging the debt on behalf of Terra and Turnberry. Arquitectonica designed the hotel, and Balfour Beatty is serving as the general contractor.
The Miami Beach Redevelopment Agency awarded a $75 million grant for the project in 2024. Grand Hyatt Miami Beach is slated to deliver in late 2027.
“With construction financing in place and strong public support behind us, we are eager to bring this landmark hotel to life,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra, and Jackie Soffer, chairman and CEO of Turnberry, in a joint statement. “Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will fill a longstanding gap in Miami Beach’s hospitality offerings, elevating the conventions and events that come to our community while creating jobs, new revenue and economic impact.”
Terra is a real estate development and investment firm based in Miami. Since the company was launched in 2001, Terra has developed more than 5 million square feet of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects across South Florida. In addition to Grand Hyatt Miami Beach, Terra’s development pipeline includes the $1 billion Upland Park project in Sweetwater, Fla., and the 38-acre Centro City development in Miami.
Headquartered in Aventura, Fla., Turnberry is a developer, owner and operator of residential, retail and mixed-use projects. The company has developed approximately 20 million square feet of retail space, 7,000 apartments and condominiums, 1.5 million square feet of office space and 3,000 hotel and resort rooms. The company is currently developing the St. Regis Hotel and the St. Regis Residences in Nashville and the 184-acre SoLé Mia mixed-use development in North Miami in partnership with LeFrak.
The Reverse Fire in Gillespie County is 70% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. (Photo/Fredericksburg Fire EMS)0FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Wednesday (5/14) p.m. update:The Reverse Fire in Gillespie County has expanded to 79 acres and is 100% contained as of 8 p.m., according to Texas A&M Forest Service.According to Fredericksburg Fire EMS, the fire was caused by burning debris.Wednesday (5/14) a.m. update:The Reverse Fir...
The Reverse Fire in Gillespie County is 70% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. (Photo/Fredericksburg Fire EMS)
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FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Wednesday (5/14) p.m. update:
The Reverse Fire in Gillespie County has expanded to 79 acres and is 100% contained as of 8 p.m., according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
According to Fredericksburg Fire EMS, the fire was caused by burning debris.
Wednesday (5/14) a.m. update:
The Reverse Fire in Gillespie County is 60% contained, according to Texas A&M Forest Service.
Fredericksburg Fire EMS said dozer crews are working on completing containment lines, while engine crews monitor hot spots.
Original story (5/13):
Firefighters are battling a 79-acre wildfire in Gillespie County as temperatures soar above 104 degrees on Tuesday.
The blaze, known as the Reverse Fire, remains 45% contained as of 8:58 p.m., according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
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The fire ignited near the 400 block of East Grand Oaks Drive, approximately 10 miles west of Fredericksburg, in a rural area densely populated with cedar trees. The fire is advancing eastward, with spot fires complicating containment efforts.
Multiple fire crews from across the county and region, along with the Texas A&M Forest Service, are actively working to halt the fire's progress and establish containment lines. The response includes the deployment of two bulldozers.
Sheriff Chris Ayala of Gillespie County praised the efforts of the firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, 911 dispatchers, and volunteers. "They have been working in 104-plus temperatures!! Proud of them all!" said Ayala in a Facebook post.
The Gillespie County Sheriff's Office emphasized the challenging conditions, noting that the humidity is not aiding firefighting efforts.
The Largest State in America after Alaska, Texas, and, by default, one of the most diverse landscapes. From its southern agricultural towns like Fredericksburg to the desert terrains in the west side of Texas with creatively enhanced small towns like Marfa, the Lonestar state allows visitors to experience various environmental settings. With its expansive land size, the state presents an overwhelming array of options for small-town getaways, mak...
The Largest State in America after Alaska, Texas, and, by default, one of the most diverse landscapes. From its southern agricultural towns like Fredericksburg to the desert terrains in the west side of Texas with creatively enhanced small towns like Marfa, the Lonestar state allows visitors to experience various environmental settings. With its expansive land size, the state presents an overwhelming array of options for small-town getaways, making it challenging to decide where to embark on your next adventure. Discover the top 12 small towns in Texas, each offering a unique and enchanting experience for the perfect weekend getaway.
A small town in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage, wineries, and charming Main Street. Escape to Fredericksburg if you want to spend your weekend strolling vineyards, visiting southern-themed tasting rooms, and going out for nights of fresh fine dining. Visit Signor Vineyards, one of the most vibrant must-see properties adorned with seasonal flowers and beautiful open-concept wooden architecture.
Some of the top-rated dining experiences in Fredericksburg can be experienced at Sage Restaurant and Lounge, Vaudeville, and Otto’s German Bistro.
Most Underrated Towns In Texas To Take A Trip ToWhile its larger metropolitan areas, such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston, are well known, the vast state is also home to many smaller towns that should also be in contention by those planning a Texas getaway.
Pronounced "green," Gruene is another historic small town in Texas’ Hill Country region near New Braunfels. Start your escape to Gruene by touring or booking a stay in the downtown historic district; some of the best accommodations in the area include the Gruene Mansion Inn. Important historical attractions to put on your to-do list include visiting Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continuously operating dance hall. Find quirky small shops like the vintage-themed Gruene General Store and the Gristmill Restaurant, built in 1977, when exploring downtown and embracing the southern take on classic architecture.
Steeped in history, Jefferson boasts well-preserved 19th-century architecture. A weekend escape to Jefferson is comparable to traveling back to the War Era with over 100 historic homes, a redbrick rustic shopping district, and exciting family tours. Visitors can take steamboat tours along Caddo Lake, one of America’s sizeable flooded Cypress forests, and explore haunted locations like the Excelsior House Hotel in Jefferson. Adding to the fun places to visit in Jefferson is the Jefferson Historical Museum, the Victorian garden of House of the Season, and Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone with the Wind Museum.
This picturesque town in the Texas Hill Country is known for its artisan shops, natural swimming holes like Jacob’s Well, and the Wimberley Market Days, a large outdoor market featuring local crafts and produce. Visit the Blue Hole Regional Park and its cypress creek, and dive into the waters of Jacob’s Well, one of Wimberley's most popular swimming places. Experience the movie set-like wild west theme Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch, and shop Wimberley Square to support local businesses when in town.
Home to the mysterious Marfa Lights, a range of soaring glowing orbs that have fascinated generations of visitors and locals alike, Marfa is also Texas’s standout art colony. A haven for art enthusiasts, the small town is famous for its minimalist installations, like one of the most unique Prada shops in the middle of nowhere, and endless galleries to browse. The town’s unique blend of art, culture, and West Texas landscapes makes it an intriguing destination.
Hotel Paisano or St. George have some of the best accommodations in town and are high-in-demand escape options to book in advance of your visit to Marfa. Stop by the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art display, and shop at small businesses like the Marfa Book Company and Wrong Store for creative handmade artistic souvenirs to take home.
With its small-town charm, Fayetteville offers a peaceful getaway. The town square, antique shops, and the historic courthouse contribute to its appeal. An escape to Fayetteville allows outdoor enthusiasts to explore nearby parks like Lake Fayette Prairie Park and its Oak Thicket Park to enjoy birdwatching and watersports. Fayetteville is one of the best escapes near major cities, offering a wild-west mind-calming atmosphere, located between both major metropolises of Austin and Houston. Wooden storefronts enhance the experience in Fayetteville with Instagramable quirky businesses like Orsak’s Cafe and Arts for Rural Texas located around the corner.
The gorgeous town of Port Aransas, situated on Mustang Island, boasts sandy beaches, fishing opportunities, and a laid-back atmosphere for a coastal retreat. Mustang Island State Park and the Port Aransas Nature Preserve offer natural beauty and outdoor activities. The fisherman’s paradise is home to a range of fishing hotspots, including the nearby Redfish Bay, Astes Flats, and Mud Island. Stop by the Texas State Aquarium in nearby Corpus Christi, catch a sunset on Port Aransas Beach, and take pictures near a backdrop of the secluded Chapel on the Dunes when escaping to Port Aransas.
Waxahachie stands out for its Victorian architecture, like the Munster Mansion and the castle-like Ellis County Courthouse. Waxahachie’s historic downtown is a delight for architecture and history buffs; the Scarborough Renaissance Festival and the Ellis County Museum add to the town’s cultural ambiance. Shop dozens of local businesses like Jordan E’s Candy and Popcorn Shop, and embark on a self-guided walking tour with maps of local historic attractions, galleries, and more from the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce.
Nicknamed the Red Poppy Capital of Texas for its natural, vibrant wildflowers, Georgetown enhances your Texas escape with Victorian-era architecture and trails of scenic views along the San Gabriel River. Shopping, the town’s main street, is the highlight of any visit to Georgetown, and its central town square has been voted the most beautiful town square in Texas by multiple travel blogs. Georgetown Art Center, Framer’s Gallery and Coop, and the Teal Sky Studio boutique are small businesses to check out during your escape to Georgetown, Texas.
This adorable lakefront town boasts a picturesque square, live theater at the Granbury Opera House, and the historic Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour. The nearby Lake Granbury allows for watersport activities in appropriate seasons, with its Granbury City Beach Boardwalk being one of the best places to catch breathtaking sunsets. Stay at the award-winning Inn on Lake Granbury, Granbury on West Pearl vacation rental, and many other homely rentals. Better yet, the town is just a 30-minute drive from the town of Glen Rose and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.
Bastrop is one of the oldest towns in Texas and one of the best weekend escapes to Texas for flawlessly balancing nature and historic attractions to inspire tourism. The Bastrop Lost Pines Forest presents a scenic cruise when visiting Bastrop with the 13-mile Loblolly Pine Tree stretch along State Highway 21. With outdoor adventures, historic sites, and charming shops along Main Street, you can make your escape to Bastrop a secluded nature trip or a community-oriented small-town experience. Whichever setting you choose, visiting Bastrop State Park and strolling the Main Street of the Historic District is a must when you visit.
The charming town of Alpine serves as a gateway for outdoor adventures and is conveniently located just 25 miles from the artistically vibrant Marfa. Nestled in the foothills of the Davis Mountains, Alpine offers a striking mix of mountainous views and the arid landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert. Take a stroll through Historic Downtown Alpine, Texas, and enjoy a self-guided tour to discover creative wall murals that tell the stories of the town’s history, brought to life by the innovative work of local artists. With its unique combination of art galleries, Western heritage, and close proximity to Big Bend National Park, Alpine is the perfect destination for nature lovers and art enthusiasts who wish to explore more than just the popular tourist-focused town of Marfa.
Unforgettable Small Towns To Visit In TexasKnown for its vast ranches and cowboy culture, Texas packs much more than its miles of pretty beaches, stunning water holes, bright blue lakes, and incredibly clear skies.
Whether visiting Texas for the first time or looking to escape city life for a few days, these 12 small towns in Texas offer an exciting array of activities and attractions for all tastes and interests.
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Pepper, the beloved rescue cat, has been bringing joy and comfort to Pioneer Memorial Library goers in Fredericksburg, but now officials say she must go.Credit: Pioneer Memorial LibraryFREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Some folks in Fredericksburg are unhappy after a beloved library cat named Pepper was told to pack her treats and toys and hit the road.A viewer told us that the Gillespie County Commissioners Court and a judge held a closed meeting on Tuesday, April 15 and decided their beloved kitty named Pepper must go....
Pepper, the beloved rescue cat, has been bringing joy and comfort to Pioneer Memorial Library goers in Fredericksburg, but now officials say she must go.
Credit: Pioneer Memorial Library
FREDERICKSBURG, Texas — Some folks in Fredericksburg are unhappy after a beloved library cat named Pepper was told to pack her treats and toys and hit the road.
A viewer told us that the Gillespie County Commissioners Court and a judge held a closed meeting on Tuesday, April 15 and decided their beloved kitty named Pepper must go.
We reached out to the Pioneer Memorial Library and were told by an employee that, "as a county employee, we can neither confirm nor deny that this happened."
We emailed the Gillespie County judge for a comment and here is what he had to say.
"To be clear, neither myself, nor the Gillespie County Commissioners Court, was consulted about housing any animal within the County operated Pioneer Memorial Library," said Daniel Jones, Gillespie County Judge. "I would expect all Gillespie County department heads to consult and seek consent from the Commissioners Court prior to bringing any animal into any County building for any County use or purpose, which did not occur in this instance. Regrettably, the presence of the cat in the County Library has now become a divisive issue, pitting members of our community against one another. This situation is also now taking away focus and resources from the other important work of conducting the business of the people of Gillespie County. Since I was never consulted or informed regarding the cat's placement in the County Library, I cannot comment definitively on how long the cat has been in the County Library.
"My own awareness of this specific situation began approximately two weeks ago when I received the first of what has become many emails and phone calls on the matter. I want to reiterate that the matter of having a cat in the library was never brought to the Gillespie County Commissioners Court for consultation or pre-approval, and until said approval is sought and granted by the Gillespie County Commissioners Court, no cat has been or will be authorized to be housed in the County Library. For further comments on the library cat, I suggest you contact the County Library Director directly.
Alternatively, perhaps Pepper the cat is available to provide its perspective on the matter."
A change.org petition that was created to try and save the kitty from being evicted has collected more than 8,000 signature as of Saturday afternoon, though it's unclear what it might be able to do.
"Pepper, a beloved rescue cat, has brought joy and comfort to Pioneer Memorial Library goers. However, she is now at risk of losing her home. We are writing to call on town and County officials to allow Pepper to continue living in the place she has come to know as home," the petition reads. "Pepper is not just a cat; she's become an essential part of our community. She provides companionship to library goers, fosters a welcoming environment, and encourages younger visitors to engage with the library. An American Library Association survey found that library animals, like Pepper, significantly improve the atmosphere of public libraries, making them more approachable and friendly spaces. In the face of these benefits, the decision to remove her is devastating. The right to a safe home is essential for everyone and every being, including our beloved Pepper. We believe there is a way for Pepper to continue to live at the Pioneer Memorial Library without causing any disruptions. We plead with local authorities to reconsider this decision. Let's keep Pepper in her rightful home and preserve the unique spirit she brings to our library. Please, sign this petition to support keeping Pepper at Pioneer Memorial Library."
Meanwhile, the Hill Country SPCA says it's taken Pepper in as they work to find her "a loving forever home where she can continue to bring joy to her new family."
"It’s me—Pepper, your favorite library cat, now reporting live from my new adventure," said a Hill Country SPCA Facebook post. "I’ve recently joined the amazing team at the SPCA, and let me tell you… it’s been quite the chapter turner! While I miss my quiet book-filled corners, I’m settling in beautifully at my temporary home here at the shelter. The staff are kind, the blankets are cozy, and I’ve made some lovely new feline friends (yes, even Cricket—though she does hog the sunniest spot by the window). I’m not quite ready for adoption just yet (a girl needs her time to settle in and prepare her royal debut), but keep those eyes on the SPCA's updates! When the time is right, I’ll be looking for my purr-fect forever home."
For now, she's in good hands until they are able to find her a furever home... hopefully with lots of books!
Libraries across the country have cats to help them control rodent and insect population inside the buildings. Strays and rescues find permanent homes among the stacks of books, while others provide a much-needed service to the community in the form of therapy pets.
Pepper was both.
"Pepper the cat also has quite the local fan club, with people bring her food and treats and she gets a lot of attention," said one library patron. "In turn Pepper provides a sort of therapy that is priceless for all that encounters her."
We will update this story as we learn more about Pepper and whether she will land on her feet.
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