7 of the Best Ways to Savor Spring in Kerrville

From rolling hills to gorgeous rivers trickling past towering cypress trees, the Hill Country is a place of natural wonder. Breathe in all that fresh spring air as you experience the region’s beauty right here in Kerrville, where the Guadalupe River flows through the middle of town. You’ll find many ways to enjoy the outdoors along the river’s banks, starting in Kerrville Schreiner Park. Explore more than seven miles of hiking and biking trails, visit the butterfly garden or enjoy a sunny picnic as you watch the river flow by. Then sleep under all the stars of the night sky in the park’s campgrounds that includes tent camping areas, RV sites and cabins.

Although Kerrville Schreiner Park has plenty to keep you busy, it’s not the only place where you can savor spring. The season brings with it endless blooms of vibrant wildflowers, many of which are on full display at the Riverside Nature Center. Stroll along the 700-foot-long nature trail and you’ll spot more than 200 varieties of grasses, ferns and wildflowers, as well as 100 species of native trees, that are found throughout the Hill Country. Follow that up with a stroll, or jog, along the five-mile Kerrville River Trail that winds along the beautiful Guadalupe River. Linking the park and the nature center, the River Trail is an escape to nature just a stone’s throw away from downtown Kerrville.

Paddle the Pristine Guadalupe River

Flowing for more than 250 miles, the Guadalupe River is one of the most popular rivers in Texas. While there are plenty of places to enjoy it throughout the state, the section of the river that flows through Kerrville is the freshest around. The springs that feed the Guadalupe River are just west of town, meaning that the water here is as good as it gets. See for yourself when you rent a canoe, kayak or a paddleboard from Kerrville Kayak & Canoe. Paddle along the river, stick your hand into the brisk water and keep an eye out for birds and turtles before you rest a spell under a cypress tree.

Although the Guadalupe provides the perfect backdrop for paddling, there’s far more you can do here. Cast a fishing line from the river bank and you just might hook a largemouth bass or trout or find a quiet spot to dip your toes into the water. If it’s warm enough, hop on in to the water for a refreshing swim at either Kerrville Schreiner Park or Louise Hays Park. Whether you’re looking for some time on the river or for some refreshing sunshine and scenic charm, you’ll want to hang out on the Guadalupe River this spring.

Hit the Road to Admire the Many Colors of Spring

The season's arrival brings blue, red and yellow blooms throughout the Hill Country, and Kerrville is a fantastic starting point to see them for yourself. In fact, you could make a day of it. Start by heading south on Highway 16, a route that takes you past pastoral scenery, with vibrant wildflowers and towering peaks always in view. Travel west on FM 337 from Medina that winds past limestone bluffs, sloping hills and wide-open farmlands that are a treat for the eyes. It won’t take you long to see why this is one of the top scenic drives in Texas (according to Texas Highways).

Highway 39 west Kerrville offers its own share of surprises, as the road passes just feet over the Guadalupe River in two places. Stop by Bridget’s Basket in Hunt for lunch, then cruise up Highway 783 to check out the headquarters of renowned jeweler James Avery. Wrap up your scenic drive with dinner at Café at the Ridge, a lively local spot that serves up tasty salads, burgers and hearty entrees like meatloaf and chicken parmesan. Kick back with a glass of wine to end a perfect day in the Hill Country.

Browse Unique Upscale Boutiques

What's the best thing you can do when it's warm outside and you're in need of some retail therapy? Window shopping, of course. Stroll our charming historic downtown area and you'll run across boutique shops you won't find anywhere else. If you're looking for your next great outfit, head on over to Schreiner Goods. Browse the collection of upscale clothing, handbags, jewelry and other accessories, then stop by Schreiner Good Home to check out the furniture and home goods.

You'll find plenty more fashionable wearables, shoes, jewelry and even kimonos at The Golden Antler. Just a short drive away you'll find C.J. Copeland's, another high-end purveyor of fine women's clothing. No shopping trip in Kerrville is complete without making the short drive up West Main Street to Rustic Elegance, which trades in rustic furniture, tribal and Southwestern-style rugs and a wide array of art. Whether you're here to window shop or uncover new treasures, you'll find more than a few surprises here in Kerrville.

Eat Local, Leave Happy

Given all the ways you can enjoy spring in Kerrville, you're bound to work up a Texas-sized appetite at some point. Fortunately, we've got everything from old-fashioned down home cooking to fine dining, with many restaurants serving up delicious local flavors. Sink your teeth into pulled pork nachos, quail tacos, antelope sliders and other mouthwatering dishes at Grape Juice. Pair your dish of choice with one of the 20 craft beers they have on tap or something from the extensive wine list, and enjoy it all on the tree-shaded back patio.

For house-made craft beer and a locally sourced menu, Pint & Plow Brewing Co. is the place to be. Boasting such brews as a floral IPA and a porter with aromas of light-roasted coffee and milk chocolate, there's enough here for craft beer enthusiasts. Yet the salads and pizzas on the menu will keep you satisfied while you hang out on the picnic tables outside. To taste local flavor with a side of history, go to Rails Cafe. Located in the fully restored 1915 Kerrville Train Depot, the cafe has everything from grilled quail salad and mahi mahi tacos to a half-pound bison burger and a 12 oz. New York Strip steak.

No matter what you crave, you'll find it with a local twist here in Kerrville.

Make Your Stay One of a Kind

Although there are many ways to savor the season here, you're going to need to get some rest and relaxation eventually. It's a good thing that we have many unique places you can stay that'll add that little bit of something special to your springtime getaway. River Trail Cottages offers scenic charm, modern luxury and a throwback feel that fits since it's a renovated 1920s-era motor court. A wide range of accommodation types can be found here, including river-view cottages, motor court units (which have their own carports) and vintage RVs.

Meanwhile, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort is an outdoor adventure park with riverfront cabins and campgrounds, as well as tons of activities you can do with your family. Riding down the water slide, fishing on the Guadalupe River and hiking the nature trail are all great ways to fill your day, but you're just getting started. The park has many other things to see and do perfect for kids of all ages. Hang out long enough and you may even run into the big bear himself.

Of course, we have plenty of other places you can stay, from quaint bed and breakfasts to big-name hotels. Find a full list here.

Enjoy Date Night, Kerrville Style

Spring is undoubtedly romantic time of the year, and Kerrville is just the place to celebrate it with your sweetheart. Take a break from the outdoors and don your finest clothes before checking out some of our late-night hotspots.

Are you a wine drinker? Make plans to visit the Turtle Creek Olive & Vines tasting room in downtown Kerrville or the Kerrville Hills Winery new tasting room at the Westin House behind Schreiner University for a locally made wine experience. For creative craft brews and some friendly board game competition, find your way to Basement Brewers of Texas. Featuring a constantly rotating selection of house-brewed beers, as well as many other craft beers from around the country, there's more than enough to sip and savor. Breathe in the fresh spring air, savor delicious beer and enjoy a moment that's just about the two of you.

With our abundant natural beauty, the gorgeous Guadalupe River and all the ways you can relish the outdoors, spring is the season you've got to visit Kerrville. Plan your visit here.