The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
The environmental agency for the state of Texas
June 23, 2025 by Ricky Richter, posted in Water
When it comes to keeping Texas’ lakes, rivers, and bays clean, even recreational activities like boating can come with important responsibilities. That’s where the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Clean Water Certification Program comes in. This program is designed to prevent pollution from boat sewage, making sure that boaters properly dispose of their waste … Continue readingProtecting Texas Waterways
Tagged Boating, Boats, Pollution Prevention, Public Health, Texas Water, water
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Our specialized caregivers provide personalized care for patients with Alzheimer's and dementia, including memory care and assistance with daily living activities.
Camp Mystic, the century-old girls Christian summer camp
Dick Eastland Camp Mystic director dies trying to save young girls amid flash floods in Kerr County
Texas. Two young girls now confirmed dead, identified as Janie Hunt and Renee Smajstrla and now third girl, Sarah Marsh, 8.
Camp Mystic director dies trying to save young girls
Christopher Koulouris: About author bio at bottom of article. - July 5, 2025
Camp Mystic, the century-old girls Christian summer camp deluged by the Texas flood At least 20 chil
July 5, 2025, 7:39 AM GMT-4
By Freddie Clayton
Camp Mystic, a 99-year-old Christian summer camp for girls in Texas Hill Country, was hosting 750 children this week when catastrophic flooding struck the Guadalupe River early Friday, leaving at least 25 children missing.
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Estate Planning Roadmap
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Bill Text: TX HB4806 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introd
Texas House Bill 4806
Bill Title: Relating to recovery of damages in civil actions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2025-05-07 - Left pending in committee
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
Bill Text: TX HB4806 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Introduced | LegiScan
Smokehouse 44
By Liz Teitz, Staff writer - March 28, 2025
Texas Water Company told developers it can't provide water for their projects...Common Sense Returns
Texas Water Company told developers it can't provide water for their projects, due to drought and population growth.
A private utility company in the Hill Country says it doesn’t have enough water to supply nine planned Comal County housing developments —leaving the fate of those projects unclear and highlighting the impact drought and population growth are having on the region.
Texas Water Company, which serves about 78,000 people in seven Hill Country counties, had received requests to provide water service for the developments, which combined call for more than 4,000 new homes.
But in a letter to developers, Texas Water Company said that the state's ongoing drought has placed "unprecedented demands" on its resources and
The company has about 30,000 water connections in its system, and that number has been climbing by about 1,000 to 1,200 people per year, said Aundrea Williams, president of Texas Water Company. The utility gets more than half of its water from Canyon Lake, which is currently at a record low.
“These combined factors have placed unprecedented demands on our water resources, requiring us to make difficult but necessary decisions,” Williams wrote in a letter to the developers, which was shared on Facebook by Comal County Commissioner Jen Crownover.that it must give priority to its current customers.
“After extensive evaluation, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide water service for your project at this time,” the letter said. “Given current conditions, we must temporarily pause new service commitments to uphold our responsibility to provide customers water when they turn on their faucets and remain in compliance with state regulatory requirements for system redundancy and resiliency.”
The letter said the company would issue a refund of the developers’ deposits.
Texas Water Company is a subsidiary of SJW Group, a California-based company that also operates in Connecticut and Maine. In Texas, it operates in Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Hays, Kendall, Medina and Travis counties, with the largest number of customers in Comal.
The company has implemented Stage 4 watering restrictions in Comal, Blanco and Kendall counties, banning its customers in those counties from all outdoor water uses except for sustaining livestock, vegetable gardens and orchards. Less restrictive rules are also in place in other parts of its service area.
Waiting for conditions to improve
In Texas, water utilities have geographic areas where they have the exclusive right and obligation to provide service, called “certificates of convenience and necessity.” That obligation is a responsibility to the existing connections, not a mandate to add new connections, Williams told the Express-News.
“Given that we don’t have agreements with these developers, they’re not existing connections,” she said, and the utility’s commitment is to its existing customers.
According to the rules of the Public Utility Commission, which regulates water utilities in Texas, a retail public utility with certificates of convenience and necessity “is obligated to respond to a qualified applicant’s request for service 'as soon as is practical after receiving a completed application,'” an agency spokesperson said in a statement.
Failing to provide service within 180 days of accepting an application from a qualified applicant "may constitute refusal to serve," the rule states, unless "good cause" is shown. That may result in penalties, revocation of the certificate or granting the certificate to another utility to serve the applicant. If a utility refuses to serve an applicant, the utility must tell the applicant why in writing and inform them they have the option to file a complaint with the commission, the agency said.
Williams said the pause on new connections is in place indefinitely, until water supply conditions improve.
“When you look at the slate and want to make sure that we can meet our commitment to our existing customers, that’s what led us to the decision that we made with respect to future developments, until we either come out of drought or some component of that equation changes,” she said.
“I wish I could predict the weather,” she said. “We don’t have a finite date for when something might turn around.”
Williams declined to name the developers that received the letter.
Crownover, the county commissioner, said in her social media post that the developments are spread across Comal County, primarily in areas outside New Braunfels to the west and north. The projects have a combined total of 4,182 proposed lots, she said in the post, although she also declined to name the projects.
She identified one of the developments as the Broken Cedar Ranch project on the north side of Canyon Lake, which has recently drawn scrutiny and criticism from residents over developer Lennar Homes' request to discharge treated wastewater from the development into the lake.
Crownover said she hasn’t heard directly from any of the developers, but “I do know the water company has and they’re ready for that.”
“I’m sure there will be some lawsuits and stuff like that,” Crownover said. “It’s sad if they want to waste time and money and not respect this decision and read the room and see this really isn’t a good time for this now.”
In a letter to customers announcing the suspension of new service, Williams said the company is “investing in system interconnectivity to enhance water movement, reduce water loss and bolster system reliability.”
That includes using leak detection technology and installing electronic meters to monitor water loss, she said, and working on infrastructure to bring in an additional 6,000 acre-feet of water to the system. An acre-foot is a metric used in the water industry to refer to the amount of water needed to cover 1 acre in 1 foot of water; it equates to about 326,000 gallons.
Those new water rights were acquired in 2023 when Texas Water Company purchased KT Water Development and KT Water Resources, Williams said. There’s an existing well field to pump the water, but the company is still working to connect it to its system.
The company is also looking for more water rights to buy, but water that’s reliable in quality and quantity is hard to come by, she said. There are no additional rights available from Canyon Lake, she said.
“We are always looking for additional sources of water,” she said.
In addition to the 51% of its current water portfolio directly from Canyon Lake, Texas Water Company gets 37% of its water supply from groundwater wells in the Trinity Aquifer. About 12% is water purchased from the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, which manages the lake and the Guadalupe River basin and also has water rights from the Carrizo Aquifer.
Williams said feedback to the decision from existing customers has been “an overwhelming positive response,” and Crownover said her constituents have echoed that.
“I think people are so incredibly relieved,” she said.
“I applaud them for their courage to do this,” Crownover said. “I know that they’re in business to sell water… but you’ve got to be smart about it and do right by the citizens you have. Without water, none of the rest of it matters.”
Like much of the Hill Country and the Interstate 35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin, Comal County has seen swift population growth in recent years. The county's population has jumped from about 108,000 in 2010 to more than 200,000 currently, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Crownover said the area is in “pretty dire straits” with water supplies, and said she’s hoping state legislators make changes to water management going forward, but said the temporary pause can help “keep things at bay until the state takes some bigger actions.”
Crownover said she believes the decision to decline water service will halt the projects.
“There’s no path forward,” she said, unless the developers change their plans to minimum 5-acre lots and require residents to drill their own wells.
Counties have limited control over development in unincorporated areas, so once a project has received approval from the necessary utilities and state agencies and has met all requirements, the county must approve them.
“There is not a thing we can do at that point,” she said.
“I’m really excited that the water company did flex their authority here, and I’m happy to support them in the decision,” Crownover said.
That would help ensure there is enough water during drought conditions, and protect the county’s economy as well, she said.
“So much of our economy is tied, especially in Comal County, to water recreation — the lake, the river, the springs that feed the river,” she said. “Without those, a lot of the opportunity around here dries up, even if you can still turn your tap on.”
Liz Teitz
Reporter
Liz Teitz covers environmental news and the Hill Country for the San Antonio Express-News. She writes about the San Antonio Water System, news in New Braunfels and Comal County and water issues around Central Texas. She can be reached at liz.teitz@express-news.net.
Manzano Mile PID approved
02/19/25 | Dakota Morrissiey
A 253-plus-acre commercial/residential development is proposed for land on the east (right) side of Manzano Mile in Marble Falls. Staff Photo by Dakota Morrissiey
A 253-plus-acre commercial/residential development is proposed for land on the east (right) side of Manzano Mile in Marble Falls. Staff Photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The Marble Falls City Council on February 18, approved the formation of a public improvement district to support up to $50 million of necessary utilities for a proposed 253-acre development along Manzano Mile. The developer now will be able to break ground on the project in March.
The Manzano Mile project has been on the city's books since at least December 2024, when the developer applied for the formation of a PID to help fund it.
The City Council's approval followed a public hearing on the district during its Tuesday meeting. On February 4, the council approved a development agreement to greenlight the project.
According to Marble Falls legal consultant Gregory Miller of Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP, all relevant property owners were mailed notices of the February 18, public hearing, and notices were published in the local newspaper of record.
The PID is a collaboration between the city, the developer, and a lender to fund the installation of utilities to service future properties within the confines of the district. Under this funding model, the developer is lent money to complete the installation of essential infrastructure, like roads, water hookups, drainage, and electricity. A bond company will then take over the loans and be paid back over time by the future property owners who will use the infrastructure. It is then the city's responsibility to collect the funds and pass them along to the bond company.
With the formation of the Manzano Mile PID complete, the developer can begin construction after 20 days, which lands on March 10. The next step in the process is the creation of a service and assessment plan, which will help determine the exact payment structure to levy payments from future property owners to pay back the initial loans that will be used to install utilities.
The Manzano Mile development will span about 253 acres along roughly 1.8 miles of Manzano Mile, from the intersection of RR 1431 to the end of the road, near Colt Elementary School. The development is approved to contain 1,500 living unit equivalents, or a[[rozimately the amount of utilities utilized by a standard single-family home with 3.5 occupants. It is zoned for combined residential and commercial use and will likely have single-family homes, multi-framily units, and apartments.
TCEQ approves Burnet Crusher Permit Opponets will challenge
Controversial rock crusher moves forward following TCEQ permit approval
by: Eric Henrikson
Posted: Feb 19, 2025 / 07:47 AM CST
Updated: Feb 19, 2025 / 07:47 AM CST
BURNET COUNTY, Texas — A proposed rock crushing plant just a few miles from multiple state parks and a children’s camp is now one step closer to a reality. On February 14, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved an air quality permit filed by Asphalt Inc. LLC.
In July 2024, Asphalt Inc. LLC submitted an Air Quality Standard Permit for the proposed plant. Opponents and landowners argue that the rock crusher would have a direct impact on air quality in Burnet County.
by Elizabeth De Los Santos - 2-18-2025
Asphalt Inc.'s proposed rock quarry, which would be located south of Burnet and near Camp Longhorn and Longhorn Cavern and Inks Lake state parks. Image courtesy of Randy Printz
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved Air Quality Standard Permit No. 176835 for Asphalt Inc., LLC, on Friday, Feb. 14, granting the Austin-based company authorization to build and operate a rock-crushing facility at 3221 FM 3509, just outside of Burnet city limits.
Despite widespread public opposition and over 4000 public comments submitted against the project, the TCEQ noted in its approval and response letter that it cannot deny a permit if all legal requirements are met.
The proposed facility, which would use machinery to break down rocks into smaller materials for construction purposes, is permitted to operate up to 2640 hours per year, processing a maximum of 200 tons of material per hour.
Opponents of the project, including advocacy groups SaveBurnet.com and Texans for Responsible Aggregate Mining, are preparing to file a Motion to Overturn the permit approval with the TCEQ.
The proposed quarry is still awaiting a decision from the Lower Colorado River Authority on if it meets the proper standards of the Highland Lake as well as Longhorn Cavern State Park and Camp Longhorn Lakes Watershed Ordinance before it can move forward. The site is near lnks Lake as well as Longhorn Cavern State Park and Camp Longhorn.
TCEQ Response
The permit was approved following the TCEQ's review process, which requires the state commission to respond to all public comments before finalizing a decision. Concerns included health impacts, environmental risks, and community disruptions. The TCEQ addressed these concerns in its official response, which categorized the objections into key areas:
Health & Air Quality
Many residents voiced concerns about potential health risks, including exposure to silica dust and other airborne contaminants. In response, TCEQ stated that the rock crusher's emissions are expected to remain within allowable state and federal limits.
"Baed on TCEQ's conservative modeling analysis, TCEQ is confident that a company operating in compliance with the Standard Permit should not contribute to deterioration of air quality that would cause health effects to the surrounding community," the commission stated.
Additionally, the ECEQ noted that required dust control measures---such as water spray systems---must be implemented at the quarry to minimize particulate emissions.
The TCEQ also shared an environmental study it conducted measuring the air quality effects of similar operations.
Environmental Impact
3221 FM 3509
The site’s proximity to Longhorn Cavern State Park, Inks Lake, Camp Longhorn, and other natural areas has raised concerns about potential environmental harm, including impacts on wildlife and local water resources. The TCEQ responded by stating the rock crusher must comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which it says are sufficient to protect surrounding ecosystems.
“Because the emissions from this facility should not cause an exceedance of the NAAQS, air emissions from this facility are not expected to adversely impact land, livestock, wildlife, crops, or visibility, nor should emissions interfere with the use and enjoyment of surrounding land or water,” the commission stated.
While residents and environmental groups called for additional environmental impact studies, the TCEQ declined, stating that no further analysis is required under existing regulations.
Concerns Outside of the TCEQ’s Jurisdiction
The TCEQ responded to various environmental and health concerns regarding the proposed rock-crushing facility, but the commission also clarified that certain issues raised by residents fall outside of its regulatory authority. These include water use, zoning, traffic, noise, property values, and mining operations like blasting.
Regarding other concerns, the commission also stated it does not consider financial motives or company violations in other states when considering a permit for approval.
Compliance & Enforcement
Under the permit, Asphalt Inc. must maintain operational records and allow inspections by the TCEQ. If violations occur, potential enforcement actions could include fines or legal penalties.
“Individuals are encouraged to report any concerns about nuisance issues or suspected noncompliance with terms of any permit or other environmental regulation, “reads the TCEQ’s response.
The public can report compliance violations through the commission’s regional office at 512-339-2929 and the 24-hour Environmental Complaints Hotline at 1-888-777-3186.
Motion to Overturn
A representative of TCEQ told DailyTrib.com that “a person affected by an action of the executive director may appeal to the commission by filing a motion to overturn (MTO) the executive director’s decision.
However, the filing of an MTO does not affect an action unless decided by the commission.
An MTO must be filed no later than 23 days after the date of the notice. The due date for Asphalt Inc.’s application is March 10.
TCEQ rules related to motions to overturn can be found here.
Fermin Ortiz, a representative of SaveBurnet.com and a founding member of Texans for Responsible Aggregate Mining, told DailyTrib.com there are plans to file an MTO that will argue TCEQ’s responses to comments.
“An environmental study was turned in, and (the TCEQ) did not reply to that at all, no comment whatsoever,” Ortiz said. “it would lead one to believe that maybe they didn’t read it all, so those are the kinds of things we want to point out to the commission.
While the motion represents an official challenge to the permit approval, it can be denied. If the motion is denied, opponents could pursue legal action in court.
For more information on TCEQ, @visit its website.
newsmax - Saturday January 25, 2025
North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley
The Trump administration's Interior Department said on Friday it had officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and the Alaskan peak Denali to Mount McKinley.
President Donald Trump ordered the name changes as part of a flurry of executive actions hours after taking office on Monday, making good on a campaign promise.
"As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North America's highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley," the Interior Department said in a statement.
The Rivers of The Texas Hill country
By Shannon Salas | February 15, 2016
Water is the lifeblood of our region. Thirteen Texas rivers have their headwaters in the Hill Country, and for centuries the residents and stewards of these lands have recognized the critical importance of protecting water quantity and quality for future generations.
Texas hill country
Hill Country Conservancy
- protects large strategic tracts of open space that conserve critical water features and wildlife habitat,
- provides much needed recreational access to nature via the Violet Crown Trail, and
- promotes a conservation ethic by cultivating awareness and transforming our community.
It is another land grab!
Contact The Institute For Justice!!!! I'm here in East Texas and I'm praying for them that God will protect them and there land. You purchase the land, pay property taxes year after year and some bad people come along and steal it from you. We need stop eminent domain, it is wrong.
@Jinx35
HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE CONSERVATION NETWORK
Non-profit organization working to protect the natural resources and unique heritage of the Texas Hill Country,
Aaron Fichera - Gary J. Davis, President of FIRST ADVISORS
Aaron Fichera - Gary J. Davis, President of FIRST ADVISORS
Host: Aaron Fichera - Guest: Gary J. Davis
Part I
In this episode of The Market Pulse, host Aaron Fichera interviews Gary J. Davis, President of First Advisors Inc., for an in-depth discussion on one of the most critical issues facing Texas land developers: water rights. …
Texas Country Reporter
Aaron Fichera - Gary J. Davis, President of FIRST ADVISORS
Aaron Fichera - Gary J. Davis, President of FIRST ADVISORS
"Texas Country Reporter" has been a staple of Texas TV since 1972. Join our host J.B. Sauceda as he takes you on a journey down the back roads of Texas in search of ordinary Texans doing extraordinary things. Texas Country Reporter airs weekly in every city in Texas and nationally on RFD-TV, a channel on cable & satellite. Full episodes will post here 7 days after their original airing date.
Aaron Fichera - Gary J. Davis, President of FIRST ADVISORS
Aaron Fichera - Gary J. Davis, President of FIRST ADVISORS
Aaron Fichera - Gary J. Davis, President of FIRST ADVISORS
Host: Aaron Fichera
Land Development in Texas Hill Country - Part II: Politics and the Rise of the Texas Triangle
In the second part of this two-episode series, host Aaron Fichera continues his conversation with Gary J. Davis, President of First Advisors Inc., focusing on the intersection of real estate development and politics.
One Of Texas' Prettiest Towns Is An Artsy Outdoor Paradise Hidden In The Heart Of Hill Country
East Texas has its piney woods, and West Texas has its vast deserts. North Texas has its shiny cities and open plains, and South Texas can claim the coast. But Central Texas? Well, they get to have Texas Hill Country, with its expansive vineyards and rolling hills. And there is one thing all Texans can agree on, no matter where in the state they reside, and that is that Texas Hill Country is beautiful.
Texas Land Blog
Best Rivers in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country’s waterways in particular offer an array of activities, visual appeal, and much more to visitors and locals alike. Splashing in the Comal River to cool off, fishing in the Frio or kayaking down the Colorado are just a few of the many activities available on Hill Country’s waterways.
Burnet County judge to resign, effective 1-2-2025
KXAN
Dec 19, 2024
Burnet County Judge James Oakley has resigned. It comes after years marred by legal troubles and sexual harassment claims against him.
Burnet County Judge James Oakley will leave office with nearly two decades of service as a judge and
County judge tenders resignation in wake of conduct reprimand
By Connie Swinney Associate Editor on Wednesday, December 18, 2024
public hearing set for new Manzano Mile development
Make our voices be heard
A public hearing is Feb. 18 on the formation of a public improvement district for a new development along Manzano Mile in Marble Falls. The proposed development, Pleasant Valley Estates, will span roughly 253 acres across the road from Marble Falls High School.
The meeting will be held at City Council Chambers at 800 3rd Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Tuesday February 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Quarry and Mine Permit Applications Open for Public Comment - LCRA - Energy, Water, Community
PLEASE SEE BELOW AND ACT BEFORE FEBRUARY 7th TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORS IN BURNET COUNTY AND OUR OWN NATURAL RESOURCES THAT PROVIDE CLEAN WATER FOR OUR BEAUTIFUL LAKE LBJ. THE IMPACTS OF THIS PERMIT PASSING COULD ALTER OUR BEAUTIFUL HILL COUNTRY FOREVER!
The LCRA Permit for water usage/impacts has been submitted by Asphalt Inc. for the proposed quarry/mining facility that will be right next to Inks Lake and Longhorn Caverns. See attached flyer for a good summary of impacts expected by this facility if it is approved. Please go to the link below to the LCRA comment form for this permit and voice your opposition and request a Public Meeting. The more voices heard against it will only help us fight this thing!
Quarry and Mine Permit Applications Open for Public Comment - LCRA - Energy, Water, Community
Here is an example of comments submitted for reference:
I strongly object to the proposed quarry/mining facility included in this permit application. There are several issues and concerns that cannot be adequately mitigated without creating a severe impact to the local residents and damaging a beautiful resource that is this area of the Hill Country. The LCRA is tasked with preserving our precious water resources and preventing any proposed construction that may harm these resources and LCRA should deny this permit. I request a Public Meeting for the community to be able to demonstrate the strong opposition to this facility. The people that will be directly impacted by this facility should have the say in whether it is approved or not, but that responsibility lies with LCRA. Do not approve this permit. There is nothing they can do in terms of mitigation measures that will eliminate the concerns listed below. The only mitigation is to deny this permit.
Several issues that absolutely will occur if this facility is approved:
- DEPLETION OF GROUND WATER (THESE FACILITIES TYPICALLY USE VAST QUANTITIES OF WATER MONTHLY - PROJECTED TO BE APPROXIMATELY 750,000 GALLONS PER MONTH) PUTTING A SEVERE STRAIN ON OUR ALREADY TAXED GROUNDWATER SUPPLY; AREA WELLS COULD RUN
DRY
• THREAT TO OUR ECOSYSTEM: TOXIC RUN-OFF FROM THE FACILITY CAN DRAIN INTO OUR AREA LAKES. BLASTING COULD POTENTIALLY DAMAGE IMPORTANT LANDMARKS SUCH AS LONGHORN CAVERNS. DUST GENERATED BY THESE PLANTS CAN KILL TREES AND VEGITATION AND NEGATIVELY AFFECT WILDLIFE
• LARGE NUMBERS OF TRAFFIC-CRIPPLING 18-WHEELERS (POTENTIALLY OVER 100 PER DAY) DRIVING THROUGH TOWN
• SOUND CAUSED BY THE BLASTING IN THE ROCK CRUSHING PROCESS WILL CARRY FOR MILES IN ALL DIRECTIONS AFFECTING THE TRANQUILITY AND BEAUTY FOR WHICH THE AREA IS KNOWN.
• IMPACT ON IMPORTANT TOURISM DESTINATIONS SUCH AS CAMP LONGHORN, INKS LAKE STATE
PARK, AND LONGHORN CAVERNS STATE PARK.
• HEALTH ISSUES: PARTICULATE MATTER FROM DUST CREATED BY THE PLANT CONTAINS HARMFUL SILICA THAT CAN TRAVEL FOR MILES AND IS PARTICULARY HARMFUL TO CHILDREN,
SENIORS, AND PEOPLE WITH RESPIRATORY ISSUES.
7 Best Texas Hill Country Towns
7 Best Texas Hill Country Towns - Story by Kimberly Croisant
- The Texas Hill Country is a beautiful region with many small towns to explore, and this list showcases my favorites that I love to visit.
- Johnson City, Blanco County: This town is home to picturesque Pedernales Falls State Park, locally owned wineries, and quaint places to stay. It's also a great spot to enjoy coffee at Johnson City Coffee Co. and explore the local farmers' market.
- Known as the "Gateway to the Texas Hill Country" and the "Wedding Capital of Texas," Dripping Springs offers natural springs, waterfalls, rolling hills, and a great spot for pickleball. It's also home to the unique historic downtown Mercer Street, with boutiques, coffee shops, and beer pubs.
Small towns are recognized in Texas as being charming, a place to relax and unwind, and primarily for being warm and friendly. If you've never been to Texas, chances are you're coming here to visit a well-known big city, but on your journey, you discover the small towns surrounding the cities, and then you fall in love and want to return.
When you do, you opt to skip the big cities for the small, personable ones and promise there's nothing better than scenic views, lush green meadows, great hospitality, and family-owned restaurants. And the picturesque Texas Hill Country is at the heart of it all.
The Texas Hill Country is located in Central Texas, where the wildflowers grow wild, the scenic views are impeccable, and the wine is the best in the state. It takes me about three hours to get to the tip of the hill country from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and I usually go about four times a year, more if I could. My road trips take me through Burnet and Marble Falls first, and then, depending on where I'm staying, I almost always go to Johnson City before heading anywhere else.
Not only is the Texas Hill Country known for its scenic views overlooking lakes and beautiful wildflower landscapes, but it's also considered a wine country. Not to mention, you can't beat some of the best scenic hikes in the Texas Hill Country when on a road trip, either.
There are so many reasons why people flock to the hill country throughout the year, whether it's for the wine and wine tasting, hiking Enchanted Rock, exploring the wildflower trails, or learning more about Fredericksburg's German history. I've always said that, eventually, I want to escape to the beautiful places to retire in the Texas Hill Country when that time comes to enjoy the things that bring me joy when I visit.
It's true that when most people think of heading to the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is on their minds, and that's great. However, don't overlook the other small towns around you. If you do, you'll miss out on some great wine, wonderful people, more scenic views, and good coffee! So, when you start planning your getaway to the Texas Hill Country, read about my favorite towns I visit on every trip.
With picturesque rock formations, hidden swimming holes, and curious underground caverns, Hill Country offers adventurers countless things to do.
Johnson City, Blanco County
Home to the picturesque Pedernales Falls State Park, locally owned wineries, and quaint places to stay
Johnson City is always on my mind whenever I visit the hill country. I love all the wineries in this area, and I have to go to my favorite place for coffee - Johnson City Coffee Co., and a bonus if the farmers market is going on in their parking lot. Johnson City is almost always the town where I stay on my trips. And, trust me, it's a great spot should you want to skip the crowds in Fredericksburg and opt for small-town alternatives instead.
Have you heard of Hwy 290, aka Wine Road? Well, it starts in Johnson City and travels all the way through Fredericksburg. There are now over 30 wineries on this road, hence the name "Wine Road." It would take you more than a weekend to visit them all.
Suppose you're not going for the wine. That's okay because there's more to do in the small town of about 1,983. There's Pedernales State Park with gorgeous waterfalls and breathtaking views. It's a Texas State Park you will want to return to. There's also the historical site of Lyndon B. Johnson, our 36th President, which includes his boyhood home.
Along with that, there's the popular upscale steak restaurant Bryans On 290 that runs out of weekend reservations. And don't forget my favorite coffee shop. A regular coffee is only $2.50.
Dripping Springs, Hays County
Two titles: The Gateway to the Texas Hill Country (from Austin) and The Wedding Capital of Texas
Dripping Springs is home to natural springs, waterfalls, rolling hills, and a great spot for pickleball. Being only a short drive from Austin, this quaint town has become known as the "Gateway to the Hill Country." So, if you're visiting Austin, drive about twenty minutes or so, and you'll be in the beautiful hill country.
Mercer Street is a unique historic downtown area with boutiques, coffee shops, and beer pubs, including the old barber shop turned into a beer pub. Visitors who don't know still walk in and ask for a haircut.
My favorite things to do in Dripping Springs are exploring the Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, having lunch at Texas Hill Country OIlive Co., and staying at Camp Lucy. Along with all this, Dripping Springs has enough wineries, breweries, and distilleries to keep the entire gang happy. It's a one-of-a-kind small town in the Texas Hill Country. And, if you're planning to get married, Dripping Springs is known as the "Wedding Capital of Texas." There are over 35 wedding venues in the small town of 9,000.
Boerne, Kendall County
Best known for its Hill Country Mile of shopping on Main Street
I don't know about you, but I love to shop. That is one of the main reasons I like to go to Boerne. Main Street is a mile long and lined with boutiques, antiques, art, restaurants, and more. And that's where the name "Hill Country Mile" comes from.
It will take you all day to shop, look, eat, and sit. It's worth a trip to this Hill Country town just for the shopping alone. Also, the sights you'll see along this route are gorgeous, with ponds, fresh flowers, statues, benches, and the like.
Boerne (pronounced burn-ee) also has the most beautiful park and trail along Cibolo Creek. I love taking walks down there to see the family of ducks and families with their children and to listen to the birds. It's located on the north end of Main Street and is a perfect place to wind down after a long shopping day.
Blanco, Blanco County
The Lavender Capital of Texas, and the lavender festival is worth the trip
Blanco State Park, Texas
Blanco is probably one of the lesser-known small towns in the Texas Hill Country to visit, but it's still worth it. Why? Because Blanco State Park is amazing. Its small waterfalls in the spring-fed river are a sight to see. Have a picnic, a swim, camp out if you want, and don't forget your reel for fishing - it's beautiful here!
Blanco is known as the Lavender Capital of Texas because it housed the very first commercial lavender farm in the state. When the lavender festival comes around in late June, it's almost as exciting as our Texas Bluebonnet season. Folks from miles away come out to enjoy everything lavender. Go for the lavender and stay for the camaraderie at local pubs on the square.
Fredericksburg, Gillespie County
It's known as Texas wine country, but there's so much more than that!
Fredericksburg is widely known for its wineries and vineyards on Main Street, as well as for boasting some of the finest shops and restaurants in the region. It's also known for having one of the best state parks in Texas. Enchanted Rock State Park is where everyone wants to hike to "Enchanted Rock," to say they did it. I tried once and didn't make it, but then again, I am a bit of a wimp.
You might not know that Fredericksburg's history dates back to 1846 when the Germans came to town and called it home. They built Sunday homes to stay in when it was time to go to town for shopping and church. Some of these homes have still been restored into coffee shops and boutiques. History buffs will also enjoy the National Museum Of the Pacific War, which depicts the times of war.
Stonewall, Gillespie County
Home of Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Stonewall, Texas, is one of those overlooked hill country towns - if you blink your eyes, you'll miss it. It's located between Fredericksburg and Johnson City — right on Hwy 290 with nine wineries or more, as well as several farms that grow peaches and other fruit and veggies, and LBJ State Park & Historic Site. Plus, if you're eager, visit the Johnson Family Cemetery where the entire family is buried.
Being such a small town, it still offers quite a lot. There is a popular hotel in Stonewall that gets quite the hype from locals and visitors alike. The Stonewall Motor Lodge is a classic 60s roadside motel that has been restored to one of the finest places to stay in the hill country. It boasts a boutique look with a vintage vibe, and you can find yourself on the back deck after a day of running around finding peaches and whatnot.
Be sure to stop by Burgs Corner for some peach ice cream, and if you're there in June for the Peach JAMboree & Rodeo, all the better!
Marble Falls, Burnet County
The hub for outdoor adventures, with lakes, granite mountains, hiking, golfing, and winding roads
Marble Falls offers something for everyone, whether it’s a walk in the park, a long hike in nature, or a shopping spree. Luscious greens for golfing, a dream retirement spot, wineries galore, coffee shops, winding roads, and many lakes that all flow into the Colorado River are all words to describe this town.
A great day spent in Marble Falls would be to hang out and swim at Lake Marble Falls, let the kids play in the playground there, and then head up on Main Street (on foot) to shop till you drop, then grab a bite to eat. Marble Falls is a sip-and-shop town, meaning you can grab a glass of wine and walk around (yes, this town is a great example of why Texas is the most walkable state!).
If you're looking for outdoor play, I recommend a couple of things: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, located west of town on FM 1431, is great for hiking. Then, see the 866-foot-tall Granite Mountain before heading to Sweet Berry Farm to pick flowers and eat ice cream. Check their opening times in the summer because they do shut down in the hot months. In the fall, you can make a scarecrow and pick zinnas. My family and I have been here at least four times, and we can't wait to return each year.
Sorry, despite the town's name, there are no falls in Marble Falls. What once was is now covered up!