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 Willow City Loop 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 Willow City, 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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“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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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 Enchanted Rock State Natural Area 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 Hitchin' Post Steakhouse or visit La Villita Historic Village, 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 Willow City, 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 Willow City, 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 Willow City, 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.
In This GuideTexas Hill Country is a place full of delightful surprises around every corner. One moment, you could be sipping a glass of wine at a boutique vineyard, and the next, you might be hiking to the top of a pink granite dome with views that stretch for miles.On this two-day Texas Hill Country road trip, we'll show you the best spots: scenic drives, ch...
In This Guide
Texas Hill Country is a place full of delightful surprises around every corner. One moment, you could be sipping a glass of wine at a boutique vineyard, and the next, you might be hiking to the top of a pink granite dome with views that stretch for miles.
On this two-day Texas Hill Country road trip, we'll show you the best spots: scenic drives, charming small towns, and delicious food. Whether you’re excited to explore wineries, take in picturesque landscapes, or just enjoy a relaxing getaway, there’s so much to discover and love in this beautiful region of the Lone Star State.
1. Hye Meadow Winery
Breweries & Wineries?Hye, TX
Iconic Foods
Local Favorite
We’ll start things off in Hye, a small town with a big reputation in Texas wine country. At Hye Meadow Winery, the laid-back vibe and Italian-style reds make it a place you won’t want to miss. Try a glass of their 2019 Sangiovese, a bright, fruit-forward red with hints of spice and a silky oak finish, and pair it with an artisan cheese board. Then, kick back at a picnic table under the sprawling oak trees, lingering a little while longer before hitting the road (with a designated driver, should you choose to imbibe).
2. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Hiking?Fredericksburg, TX
Fun Adventures
Scenic Views
After a leisurely morning, it’s time for some adventure. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is home to a pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above the Hill Country. The Summit Trail is a must; it's a short but steep climb, and the views from the top make it worth every step. Keep an eye out for the vernal pools that form on the rock’s surface; they may be small, but they’re home to surprisingly resilient ecosystems. If you’re visiting on a weekend, plan ahead: this popular spot often reaches capacity.
Tiny Home in Fredericksburg Hill Country
Stays?Fredericksburg, TX
Charming & Rustic
Unique Stays
When your day of exploring comes to a close, head to the Happy Place Cabin for a peaceful night. Nestled on a working ranch, this cozy tiny home comes with a private hot tub, the perfect spot to soak under a sky full of stars. If you’re up early, feel free to gather fresh eggs from the property’s chickens for breakfast. The cabin's location also puts you within easy reach of Fredericksburg’s quaint Main Street if you want to grab a nightcap or explore a little more before turning in.
3. Willow City Loop
Sights & Landmarks?Willow City, TX
Scenic Road Trips
Start the day with a slow, scenic drive along Willow City Loop. This 13-mile stretch winds through rolling hills, rugged canyons, and wide-open fields dotted with live oaks and mesquite trees. In the spring, wildflowers paint the landscape with bursts of blue, red, and yellow, but even in other seasons, the views are unforgettable. Just remember: the land here is privately owned, so please enjoy the scenery from the road. An early start is best, especially if you’re visiting during wildflower season, when traffic picks up.
4. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Restaurants?Llano, TX
Iconic Foods
Local Favorite
Nothing builds up an appetite like a scenic drive, and Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano is the ideal stop. Their slow-smoked brisket is legendary, and if you have room, don’t skip the peach cobbler. Grab your meal straight from the pit, pick a seat at the communal tables, and dig into one of Texas’s most iconic barbecue joints.
5. Pedernales Cellars
Breweries & Wineries?Texas
Scenic
Unique Dining
Your final visit is to Pedernales Cellars, a family-run winery known for its bold Tempranillos and crisp Viogniers. The best way to enjoy it? With a glass in hand on their tree-shaded deck, looking out over the rolling hills of the Pedernales River Valley. If you're interested in learning more about Texas winemaking, consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour before settling in with a tasting.
Rose Hill Retreat
Bed & Breakfasts?Texas
For your last night in Hill Country, check into Rose Hill Retreat in Stonewall. Set on 38 acres, this AAA Four Diamond bed and breakfast blends luxury with country charm. The wraparound porches, rocking chairs, and sweeping vistas make it easy to unwind at this B&B. In the morning, the three-course gourmet breakfast is the perfect send-off, featuring fresh, local ingredients that capture the flavors of the region.
Featured In
StaysThese 11 Bed And Breakfasts In Texas Are Perfect For A Getaway
In two days, you’ll get a taste of everything that makes Texas Hill Country so great: big views, bold wine, small towns, and plenty of reasons to come back. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here before, this place always has something new to experience.
Have you ever explored the Texas Hill Country on a road trip? What are your must-visit stops? Share your top recommendations with me through the nomination form!
If you loved this two-day itinerary, be sure to check out more of our favorite scenic drives in Texas. And before you hit the road, don’t forget to review the ultimate road trip packing list so you’re fully prepared for your adventure.
Photo credits (from top to bottom): Hye Meadow Winery/Facebook, TriciaDaniel/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images, courtesy of Airbnb, Martina Birnbaum/iStock via Getty Images Plus, RyanJLane/E+ Collection via Getty Images, piola666/E+ Collection via Getty Images, courtesy of Airbnb
City Council members blasted city staff on Thursday for having discussed transferring the Willow Springs Golf Course to Bexar County — to secure its assistance in building a new Spurs arena downtown — without their knowledge or permission.The municipal golf course is across the street from the Frost Bank Center, the county-owned arena on the East Side that the San Antonio Spurs have called home since 2002.The Spurs want to move to a new arena at the Institute of Texan Cultures site at Hemisfair that the city and cou...
City Council members blasted city staff on Thursday for having discussed transferring the Willow Springs Golf Course to Bexar County — to secure its assistance in building a new Spurs arena downtown — without their knowledge or permission.
The municipal golf course is across the street from the Frost Bank Center, the county-owned arena on the East Side that the San Antonio Spurs have called home since 2002.
The Spurs want to move to a new arena at the Institute of Texan Cultures site at Hemisfair that the city and county would help finance. The city estimates an NBA facility with as many as 20,000 seats could cost up to $1.5 billion.
County Judge Peter Sakai has been eyeing the golf course as part of a potential plan to revitalize the Frost Bank Center and the surrounding coliseum grounds and boost the East Side.
City Manager Erik Walsh, however, said there’s no agreement yet between the city and county for the property.
“The aspect of a potential conveyance of Willow Springs really rests upon the council getting additional information and understanding what the intent is,” Walsh told the City Council at a Wednesday briefing.
But council members doubted whether a property transfer wasn’t already a done deal in the eyes of city and county officials.
“I want to address something that I’ve heard a few times, and one is that, negotiation hasn’t started yet — and it’s simply untrue, or we wouldn’t know that Willow Springs was a non-negotiable for the county,” said District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez. “The word non-negotiable implies that they are not negotiating without this fact.”
“They negotiated that, and we didn’t negotiate enough,” he added.
McKee-Rodriguez told the San Antonio Express-News that Walsh and Mayor Ron Nirenberg informed council members ahead of that briefing that obtaining the golf course property was a must-have for the county to be willing to offer up its visitors tax to help pay for the arena.
District 10 City Councilman Marc Whyte echoed the East Side representative’s sentiments.
“To say that there hasn’t been any negotiation to this point I think is a little bit laughable,” Whyte said.
The arena would anchor the city’s proposed multibillion-dollar downtown sports and entertainment district, which could include an expanded Convention Center, a second Convention Center hotel, the former John H. Wood Jr. Federal Courthouse being repurposed as an event venue, a land bridge connecting the East Side to the arena, and, eventually, a renovated Alamodome.
Walsh bridled at McKee-Rodriguez’s and Whyte’s comments.
“The notion that things have happened or that deals have been cut is just false,” he told council Wednesday.
But Nirenberg did not deny that conversations had taken place.
“We’ve had meetings with the city and the county and the Spurs together at the table to get a sense of where people think the options are to get a downtown sports and entertainment district with a possibility of a Spurs arena, as well as a revitalized East Side,” he told reporters. “The MOU (memorandum of understanding) draft is capturing all of these elements.”
That draft states: “The City and the County have already identified the conveyance of the City’s Willow Springs Golf Course as a facilitating transaction as long as it is part of a comprehensive plan for renovation and development of the Frost Bank Center and surrounding areas.”
That was the draft that Commissioners Court considered Tuesday when it voted to allow Sakai to negotiate and execute a memorandum with Spurs and the city.
The mayor and City Council voted unanimously Thursday to allow Walsh to negotiate and execute a memorandum with the other parties to devise a financing plan for the new arena.
Part of the talks will address how the city and the franchise can help the county realize its goal of lifting up the East Side neighborhoods around the Frost Bank Center. That was an implicit promise of the 1999 campaign to use county taxes on hotel rooms and rental cars to build a $190 million arena for the Spurs that has yet to materialize.
The mayor and council voted 9-2 to have McKee-Rodriguez and District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur participate in any “substantive meetings” about an MOU, on a motion by District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda. Kaur represents the downtown area where the arena and the entertainment district would be located.
Councilwomen Phyllis Viagran and Marina Alderete Gavito did not support their colleagues’ involvement. Viagran said she was confident that Walsh would be able to communicate the council’s wishes about the golf course and the East Side.
The negotiation between the city, the county and the Spurs will also entail determining how much money the franchise will contribute for the new arena and how to get a county venue tax election on the November ballot to raise public dollars for the facility.
“This deal hinges on the utilization of the venue tax for part of the Spurs arena, and I know council would be pretty clear that we need a seat at the table as we partner with the county on realizing the promise of the East Side community,” Nirenberg said.
San Antonio voters could also be asked in November to approve a city bond election to pay for the roads, sidewalks, utilities and parking for the sports and entertainment district, Chief Financial Officer Ben Gorzell said Wednesday.
Assistant City Manager Lori Houston, who oversees the city’s downtown initiatives, said last year that such funding would likely be part of the city’s next regular bond program in May 2027.
Sakai first floated the possibility of redeveloping the Willow Springs Golf Course late last year as part of his commitment to ensure that the Frost Bank Center and the adjacent county-owned Freeman Coliseum are not left to languish when the Spurs depart. The roughly 187-acre golf course, much of which is in a flood plain, would give the county more land to work with.
McKee-Rodriguez, who has represented the East Side since 2021, said redeveloping the municipal golf course, and potentially building a hotel on the property, “is an ill-conceived concept.” The property borders warehouses, trucking operations, and car repair and rental businesses.
“We need to preserve the little green space that we do have in this very industrial area,” he said.
“There is not a single development that they could put on top of this golf course that will generate the revenue needed to support the nearly one billion dollars it will take to fund improvements to the Frost Bank Center, the coliseum grounds and the area around the Frost Bank Center,” he added.
Residents want to see stores, restaurants and “family-friendly activities” around the Frost Bank Center — things they have to leave the area to access, he said.
Walsh told council on Thursday that he would communicate to the county the “six distinct” concerns he heard them voice about the potential transfer of the Willow Springs Golf Course, which includes a desire for residents’ feedback on the county’s plans for the site.
Feb 27, 2025
Reporter
Molly Smith covers City Hall and government for the Express-News. She can be reached at [email protected].
Molly joined the Express-News in January 2023. Previously, she wrote for El Paso Matters, El Paso Times and The (McAllen) Monitor.
With bluebonnet fields, scenic tubing rivers, and lush vineyards, Texas Hill Country is not short on views.From lively cities to small towns, wide open fields to beautiful rolling hills, Texas Hill Country is full of scenic delights just waiting to be discovered, and I've explored almost every inch. It's home to some of the best ...
With bluebonnet fields, scenic tubing rivers, and lush vineyards, Texas Hill Country is not short on views.
From lively cities to small towns, wide open fields to beautiful rolling hills, Texas Hill Country is full of scenic delights just waiting to be discovered, and I've explored almost every inch. It's home to some of the best state parks, whether you prefer tubing down the Guadalupe River or finding epic views at Enchanted Rock. You can sip wine in a vibrant Texas vineyard, take a road trip through fields of blooming bluebonnets, or camp underneath the stars in an International Dark Sky Place. Really, there's something—many things—for everyone to find strikingly unique in Texas Hill Country.
Here are the 15 most beautiful places in Texas Hill Country to visit, according to a local.
Just outside Fredericksburg, you'll find this 13-mile scenic loop that is perhaps the best way to catch the famed Texas wildflowers when they're blooming each spring. Along your drive, expect each side to be bursting with bright fields of bluebonnets, fiery red Indian paintbrushes, and cheery yellow coreopsis. From March through May, it is more than worth the drive, which can be a fun day-long adventure in Hill Country. Start at the town of Willow City, and follow the loop.
This beloved Texas river is known far and wide for its beauty and winding curves that are popular for tubing in the spring and summer. You can embark on your water-filled adventure at Guadalupe River State Park. Feel free to bring your own tube and access the rivers via river parks, or use an outfitter like Rockin’ R River Rides. When you're not tubing, consider paddling or taking a dip in the cool waters.
tpwd.texas.gov/guadalupe-river, 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Located in a quiet pocket of Hill Country where cell service is spotty at best, Garner State Park sees many visitors year-round. During spring and summer, it serves as tubing and swimming destination on the beautiful Frio River. During fall, temperatures are often still high enough for enjoying the water of the Frio River, but you can also hike, view the changing leaves, and take advantage of the park's more developed campsites all in one trip. Weekends might be busy, but weekdays are more relaxed. Hike up to various overlooks—including Old Baldy (the park's most notable hill).
tpwd.texas.gov/garner, 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
Some might be surprised to find out that more than 100 vineyards and tasting rooms are located in and around Fredericksburg, Texas, along Wine Road 290. Therefore, you can kick off a weekend of scenic vineyard sitting and learning about Texas grapes by stopping at wineries at your own leisure—or by booking the 290 Wine Shuttle for safe all-day transportation between the wineries. Some of our favorite recommendations include Grape Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, Signor Vineyards, and Barons Creek Vineyards.
290wineshuttle.com, 308 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Grab the rope swing, and fling yourself into the pretty sapphire-colored waters at Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberley, Texas. The surrounding scenery doesn't disappoint, with towering cypress trees that flank the edges of this beloved natural pool waters, where the water is clear and brilliantly blue-green.
wimberleyparksandrec.com/blue-hole-regional-park, 333 Blue Hole Ln, Wimberley, TX 78676
Located in a very secluded, quiet corner of Texas Hill Country, Lost Maples State Natural Area, spanning nearly 3,000 acres, contains the headwaters of the Sabinal River and trails that lead up to views of undisturbed rolling hills. Each year, the park is famed for its bigtooth maples that burst into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow during late October and November.
tpwd.texas.gov/lost-maples, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
While you'll find plenty of blossoming wildflowers to behold on country roads and small parks throughout Texas Hill Country, none is more scenic and abundant in color as Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Spicewood, Texas. During early spring, you'll find bluebonnets—Texas’ beloved state flower—covering the grassy fields.
lcra.org/muleshoe-bend, 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669
A massive crater created when the dome over an underground river caved in, Hamilton Pool is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Texas. The grotto features a cascading 50-foot waterfall, and it only takes a short hike from the entrance of the 230-acre preserve to see the pool and find the perfect spot for a picnic or picture.
parks.traviscountytx.gov; 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Perhaps no Texas region boasts more beautiful lakes than the Hill Country. Canyon Lake is privy to waters so bright and blue that it’s not only remained popular amongst Texans, but also gone viral on social media for its unbelievably clear, vibrant waters. Canyon Lake spans across 8,200 acres with 80 miles of shoreline, located between Austin and San Antonio. The man-made lake is ideal for swimming, diving, fishing, hiking, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Native wildflowers put on an absolutely gorgeous display at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, southwest of downtown Austin, each spring. The 284-acre state botanic garden and arboretum was founded by Lady Bird Johnson and actor Helen Hayes in 1982 and is home to over 10,000 species from all across Texas—the most diverse collection of such in North America. Throughout the year, the not-for-profit puts on events like movie nights in the gardens, sunset happy hours with live music, and workshops on how to grow your own native varieties.
wildflower.org, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
This Hill Country river is another extremely popular place to float, particularly for the college kids at Texas State University in San Marcos and families who flock here during the summer. For those wishing for a quick adventure, there’s an hour-long float that runs from the town’s City Park to Rio Vista Park. This spring-fed river is a tributary of the Guadalupe, which means it boasts cool temperatures year-round. It can get quite crowded during warmer months, so heed the crowds.
Blessed with a prime spot in the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio has more adjacent natural beauty and cultural vibrance than most urban landscapes. The great San Antonio River winds its way through the center of the city with a pedestrian-friendly River Walk that follows right alongside it, offering a serene respite that's lined on each side with countless activities to discover, from art museums to public parks to historic landmarks that have become bustling districts.
The top of Enchanted Rock offers panoramic views of Texas Hill Country, making it an ideal spot for seeing the scenery in all its glory. Located north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers 11 miles of trails on your way to the top of the pink granite dome. This park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a great place to watch the stars.
tpwd.texas.gov/enchanted-rock, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
More specifically, the sunset views at The Oasis at Lake Travis. Canyon Lake’s neighbor on the Austin side, Lake Travis is where folks from the city and those from surrounding Central Texas towns converge on boats and at the iconic Oasis, which towers over Lake Travis with epic views and multiple dining concepts perfect for enjoying sunset.
oasis-austin.com, 6550 Comanche Trail, Austin, TX 78732
One of Texas's most scenic wildflower drives takes you to Colorado Bend State Park. Gorman Falls, the park's main attraction, can be reached via a one-and-a-half-mile hike where you'll find watery cascades that spill from a 60-foot-high limestone cliff into a moss- and fern-draped grotto. The breathtaking view of the waterfall and the peaceful sound of the rushing waters make the trek well worth every step.
tpwd.texas.gov/colorado-bend, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824
830.888.9559
