Just 90 minutes from Austin lies Boerne (pronounced "Bur-nee), a Hill Country gem where German heritage meets modern Texas luxury. Established over 150 years ago, this historic town is a curated destination for travelers who want to experience limestone bluffs, boutique-lined streets and hidden swimming holes. Whether you day trip in for a craft beer on a sun-drenched patio or an underground cave expedition, Boerne offers a refined escape that feels worlds away from big city life. 
Courtesy of Visit Boerne.
1. Stroll the Hill Country Mile
Before you do anything, meander down the Hill Country Mile, a picturesque stretch of Main Street lined with more than 80 locally owned shops, art galleries and restaurants.
Don't miss The Deinger Trading Co., housed in a stunning 1884 building. It's a boutique, bakery and bistro all in one (and locals swear by their coconut cream pie). Flashback Funtiques brings fun to antiquing with a store full of merchandise sure to put you in a nostalgic mood. Looking to shop and snack? Stop by Carousel Antiques to try their famous "fickle pickle." Boerne has a "sip and shop" culture. Grab a coffee, wine or craft beer and spend the afternoon wandering in and out of boutiques.
History buffs better carve out some time for a visit the Kuhlmann-King Historical House, complete with a historical kitchen and the beautifully built St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church. The whole family will be impressed by the AgriCultural Museum & Arts Center with its antique buggies, chuckwagons, and farm equipment. They also have a wood shop, a blacksmith shop, and events like bluegrass jams and antique tractor pulls.
2. Explore Underground Wonders
Boerne is home to two of Texas' most impressive living caves. If you need a break from the Texas heat, these caves stay a cool 70°F year-round. Nearby Cascade Caverns is a “living cavern” meaning it has abundant wildlife (salamanders, bats, frogs, etc.) and has a huge variety of awe-inspiring cave formations. Head a little further out to Cave Without A Name, a Natural National Landmark. It’s also a living cavern and has six major rooms with amazing stalactites and stalagmites. They even host concerts in the “Queen’s Throne Room,” a magical experience that’s really unlike anything else you’ve done.
Courtesy of Visit Boerne.
3. Connect with Nature
Boerne is serious about being out in nature. In fact, the Cibolo Creek comes right through downtown as does the Cibolo walking trail. On a nice day, runners, walkers, bikers, and dog parents hike and stroll the trail to get out in the fresh air.
The Cibolo Center for Conservation has plenty of hands-on experiences for the family. Walk the boardwalk through the marshlands or hike the trails through tall-grass prairies and cypress lined banks at Cibolo Nature Center. If your day trip falls on a Saturday, visit the Famers Market at Herff Farm to buy local honey, handmade soaps, or fresh Hill Country produce to snack on.
Bring your swimsuit for a dip in Boerne City Lake where you can canoe, fish, picnic, grill, and fish off the pier.
Courtesy of Botero Tapas + Wine Bar
4. Grab a Bite at Local Eateries
You need only walk down the street to smell the warm, sweet smells coming out of Bear Moon Bakery. Stop in for a lavender honey iced latte and a three-napkin cinnamon roll to go or sit down and have one of their super filling biscuit sandwiches. Better get to Mary’s Tacos before 11 a.m. if you want one of their famous breakfast tacos (but hey, the lunch tacos are great too). Flaky homemade tortillas stuffed with your choice and a side of menudo, yes please.
For lunch, try The Kendall (a former stagecoach stop) where the skillet cornbread, loaded sandwiches and southern favorites will have you feeling delighfully full. Or be transported by the authentic El Salvadoran flair of Casa Amaya’s caldos, pupusas, and baleadas.
If dinner calls for casual and classy, there’s no better spot than Cypress Grille. Located in the heart of the historic district, their menu is lots of wood-fired and seafood specialties. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the table with the tree literally coming through the table top. Rustic Italian with farm-to-table flair is what Valeria Italian Restaurant stakes their claim on. Have a bold glass of red and a fresh pizza or some mussels in broth that’s just begging for more bread.
Nothing says "Texas" more than Tex-Mex and barbecue, and that's what's on the menu at Compadres Hill Country Cocina. Originally a food truck, owner Mark Sierra opened a sit-down-style restaurant and continues to serve up the perfect bite of Hill Country cuisine.
Cibolo Creek Brewing. Courtesy Visit Boerne.
Sip Local Brews & Blends
Boerne's culinary scene blends traditional German roots with modern Texas flair, and it's craft beverage scene is just as nuanced. Take a load off at the Dodging Duck Brewhaus. With live entertainment year round and almost every day, it’s definitely a place you can stay awhile. They were (allegedly) the first craft beer spot in Boerne so you should thank them by buying a pint of their TurfDucken IPA or some Duck Wabbit Season.
Cibolo Creek Brewing Co., named after the aforementioned creek, serves crafty beer and a full bar menu from appetizers to burgers. Their front patio kind of feels like hanging at a friend’s place with tables scattered about and an ample front porch. If you’d actually like to be on the water, try a flight at Tusculum Brewing Company right on the river.
The relaxed patio and regular live music at 259 Brantley's Bistro is spectacular. With a modern Texas menu, featuring everything from wild game and fresh seafood to fresh salads and seasonal soups, you're sure to leave impressed. Salvador Dobbs has swings for hanginout and delicious mixed drinks to sip on while you hang on their front lawn.
For our wine-loving friends, Botero Tapas + Wine Bar has the wine scene locked down. This Spanish tapas and wine bar has creative sangrias, a tapas heavy menu, and a lovely outdoor atmosphere.
For more information, check out visitboerne.org or stop by the Boerne Visitor Center at 282 N Main St, Boerne, TX 78006.
