Medina, Texas, is a small, unincorporated community full of cozy fall vibes, good food, and inexpensive small-town adventures that are perfect for a day trip. Located 65 miles northwest of San Antonio, it is home to several tiny roadside businesses and some pretty astonishing natural views that highlight the endearing energy of the season. I had never really heard of Medina before and didn't know what to expect from the Hill Country town.But on a recent visit, I learned that the small community is known as the "Apple Capital of T...
Medina, Texas, is a small, unincorporated community full of cozy fall vibes, good food, and inexpensive small-town adventures that are perfect for a day trip. Located 65 miles northwest of San Antonio, it is home to several tiny roadside businesses and some pretty astonishing natural views that highlight the endearing energy of the season. I had never really heard of Medina before and didn't know what to expect from the Hill Country town.
But on a recent visit, I learned that the small community is known as the "Apple Capital of Texas" and as the starting point of the iconic Texas motorcycle route known as the Three Sisters (also referred to as the Twisted Sisters). It's also a place where neighbors watch out for neighbors, as one librarian told me, and a peaceful place to enjoy the beauty and crystal-clear waters of the Medina River.
Here's what to know before you plan a visit.
How to get to Medina, Texas
Medina is about a one-hour to 90-minute drive from San Antonio, making it an easy day trip for anyone looking to escape the city. The community sits along a short stretch of road in Bandera County at the intersection of Texas State Highway 16 and Farm to Market Road 337. On the drive there, I saw rolling hills, winding roads lined with trees, a bridge over the Medina River and even some very pretty limestone canyons.
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It's also about 35 miles north of Medina Lake.
What to do in Medina
I started off by visiting a small general store –– The Old Timer, which has been around for decades –– to get some directions on what to do. It started as a feed store, and now it's a mix of an adorable, Instagrammable roadside stop, a lounge and a convenience store. From there, I took a walk around town, taking in the mix of old-timey, quaint vibes, the tiniest library I've ever seen and cool shopping and eats.
One of my favorite discoveries was the town's tiny library, which might have been the smallest I've ever seen. I browsed autumn-themed book displays, a chess room and historic schoolbooks. Outside, a calming zen garden filled with native Texas plants also awaited.
If you're interested in something more adventurous, Medina also serves as a gateway to the famous 100-mile Three Sisters motorcycle route. The highway runs through limestone canyons and offers stunning Hill Country views.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding countryside, where the Medina River offers a calming place to enjoy nature. You can also check out the nearby Lost Maples State Park, just 30 minutes from the small town.
Where to eat and drink
A trip to the "Apple Capital of Texas" would not be complete without a stop at the iconic Apple Store in Medina, where you can order lunch and top it off with desserts like apple pie or apple- and butterscotch-flavored soft-serve. There's also Kees's BBQ and Cafe and a local coffee shop to check out if you're looking for a cool place to enjoy Medina.
Here are more pictures from around Medina: