 -
Gently flowing waters, a rich culture and heritage, grand German-influenced architecture, and with arms open wide to visitors, Boerne is that perfect Hill Country hideaway that just couldn't go undiscovered for long.
|
 There are so many good things about the Texas Hill Country that it's hard to pick a favorite attraction, a favorite community or event, or a favorite place to visit. The truth is, most every town, every hill and every mile of river in fact, has its own qualities that won't be denied.
But Boerne (pronounced Burr-Nee), just northwest of San Antonio, is undeniably the gateway to the golden Hill Country region, especially if San Antonio is in your travel plans. Thirty-odd miles up Interstate 10 West from the Alamo City and you've entered the magical hills of Texas and will - if you veer off the Interstate as marked by the signs - stumble upon the historic community of Boerne, one of several German-settler burgs that spotted the countryside in the mid 19th century.
The county seat of Kendall County and sporting the second oldest courthouse structure in the state, the community is rich in culture and heritage, and offers the perfect side trip from San Antonio if your itineary gives you only one day for exploring the Hill Country region.
 Home of the Kendall County Fair, Berges Fest, Abendkonzerte Fest, Oma's Christmas Craft Fair, and the Volkswagon Owners of San Antonio's Annual Show, among other major events and festivals, the community is a step back in time with it's unique German-influenced architecture. Throughout the community you'll stumble upon magnificent examples of 19th century German-Hill Country architecture, including the Old Kendall Inn, the Boerne Library, and several historic buildings throughout the community.
In 1849 a group of German colonists camped on the north side of Cibolo Creek, about a mile west of the site of present Boerne. They called their new community Tusculum, after Cicero's home in ancient Rome. In 1852 Gustav Theissen and John James laid out the townsite and changed the name to Boerne in honor of Ludwig Boerne, a German author and publicist. A post office was established in 1856 with August Staffell as postmaster, and it grew from there.
With the growth of San Antonio out the northwest I-10 corridor, Boerne and the surrounding area has grown considerably in recent years. You'll find expansive up-scale developments lining the highway and scattered throughout the countryside. There are plenty of golf courses, river resorts, plush lodging facilities and great restaurants.
While embracing this growth, the community has miraculously maintained a "small town flavor" and is perhaps one of the most pleasant communities in the Hill Country to visit. While history and culture run deep here, so does the quality of life.
 With San Antonio and its vast attractions and markets just a short ride down the Interstate away, Boerne offers the best of two worlds. Unspoiled natural beauty, friendly folks and a progressive community leadership make this community a great destination the next time you're in the neighborhood.
Visit Boerne and discover one of the Hill Country's finest communities.
|
Rio Grande Valley