The Cowboy Capital of Texas
Minutes down the road from your gorgeous, country homesite is the charming city of Bandera, TX. Known as "The Cowboy Capital of the World", this quaint community features several restaurants, shops, museums, and much more for you and your family to enjoy. With its rich, preserved history Bandera provides its residents with an authentic, western experience. The cattle-drive trails may have been paved over, but you'll still see cowboys on horseback in downtown Bandera. And yes, rodeos are still some of the best entertainment around.
Bandera's relative isolation over the years — due to the railroads bypassing the hilly terrain — contributed to the preservation of the "Old West" character of this historic Texas town. Here the abundance of limestone and live Oaks dictated the enduring architecture of the region. The unique landscape, in addition to the architecture, show why Bandera is a one-of-a-kind city and how this beautiful "old town" has played an extremely important role in keeping the unique American traditions of the Texas cowboy alive. Today, the people of Bandera are proud of their past and will happily "spin a yarn or two" as they welcome new arrivals. Also, Bandera is conveniently located just 19 miles from Boerne, 25 miles from Kerrville and a very commutable 32 miles from San Antonio, providing you with endless entertainment options!
Dude Ranches
Contributing to Bandera’s title of the “Cowboy Capital of the World” are the famous Dude Ranches located throughout the area. When ranching fell to an all-time low in the 1930's an innovative rancher decided to take in "dudes" to help him through the depression. Because of this, Bandera has become well-known for having many popular Dude Ranches that folks can visit. These ranches provide a hands-on experience of the cowboy lifestyle through horseback riding, chuck wagon meals, and trail rides. Some of the more popular ranches near Bandera are the Mayan Dude Ranch and the Flying L Dude Ranch resort where you can experience all the "cowboy" activities and entertainment.
Shops & Restaurants
There is always something to do at the local Bandera “honky-tonks” where Texas artists and musicians mingle with ranchers and tourists alike, giving the city an exciting and unique atmosphere. Traffic around Bandera consists of horses and motorcycles, as much as cars and trucks. If you enjoy shopping, there are many local boutiques including the Fickle Pickle, The Cowboy Store, HyO Silver, Bandera General Store, an antique mall, and more. When you're ready for a bite to eat, there are numerous local restaurants to choose from in the Bandera and Boerne areas, including OST (Old Spanish Trail) Restaurant, Fat Boyz deli and sandwich shop, Bricks on the River, Busbees B-BQ (as seen on the Travel Channel), Backyard Bistro, and Dough Joes - just to name a few. For those that enjoy the night scene, sit back and enjoy the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, where you can enjoy live music and dancing.
Parks & Museums
Come experience the great outdoors with your family at one of Bandera's State Natural Areas. The area of Bandera County is home to over 200 different bird species, which can be seen at the Natural Area and Bandera City Park. Horseback riding, popular scenic drives, rodeos, hunting are all popular activities. For golfing enthusiasts, check out the newly refurbished Flying L Ranch golf course. For individuals that enjoy Texas history, there are several museums and historical tours offered in Bandera. You won’t want to miss out on seeing the Frontier Times Museum, which serves tribute to the legacies of the American cowboy and ranching practices. The Museum has a large collection of artifacts from Bandera's early days. Many of these gems were donated from all over the world. The Bandera Natural History Museum houses the Juan Infante International Hall, a showcase of international wildlife and their habitats, six dioramas and the New Spain Art Collection that displays art pieces from colonial Mexico.
Official Capital of the Texas Hill Country
Nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River, you’ll find one of the Texas Hill Country’s best kept secrets; Kerrville, Texas. Known as the official capital of the Texas Hill Country, this charming city offers a diverse selection of things to see, do, taste and experience. Named after James Kerr, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Kerrville is just brimming with history and culture. With so many options your only problem here will be deciding what to do first!
The downtown area of Kerrville is full of unique retail shopping experiences ranging from high-end merchandise to an old two-story antique shop full of historic pieces. You’ll find the dining fare to be as varied and unique as the shopping experience, with menus ranging from exotic game to international cuisine to burgers and fries – offering meal options for every appetite. When visiting downtown Kerrville, take time to tour the stately Schreiner Mansion built in 1879, explore a bookstore filled with rare first editions and books on Texana, relax with cocktails in an upscale-underground club that was once used for ice storage, or experience an art exhibit in a 1935 art deco building that was initially home to the Kerrville Post Office.
While strolling between the shops and galleries, if you listen closely, you can hear the water from the Guadalupe River spilling over the downtown dam. Few cities have a river running through the heart of their downtown. Kerrville being built on the banks of the Guadalupe River is just one of the many things that makes it such a unique Texas Hill Country destination. After a day of shopping, dining and checking out art exhibits, you can relax in the gazebo found on a bluff above the river or venture across the river to newly renovated Louise Hays Park. Complete with an amphitheater, a four-mile-long scenic river trail, and a children’s play area, Louise Hays Park is a one stop shop for family entertainment. Kerrville is also home to the Hill Country Arts Foundation, Museum of Western Art, Kerr Arts and Cultural Center, Kerrville Performing Arts Society, Callioux Theater, and the Hill Country Museum.
Kerrville is a true Texas Hill Country treasure offering shops, restaurants, a flourishing arts community and outdoor recreation all in an historic downtown setting. The nice thing is, you can enjoy all the entertainment and convenience this city has to offer while being just a short drive from the serenity of your Texas Hill Country homesite at Winans Creek Ranch.
Texas Wine Trail
The Texas Hill Country Wineries are spectacular and fun! With over 50 unique and visually stunning wineries scattered throughout the Hill Country, from Austin to Fredericksburg and Lampasas to New Braunfels and out to beautiful Kerrville, Texas. As a result, there's someplace new to explore around every bend. Each winery has its own personality, terroir, and style of wine-making, yet all share a commitment to quality, hospitality and a fervent passion for what they do. They invite newcomers and old friends alike to an award-winning wine experience only Texas can offer. Experience a weekend on the Texas Wine Trail and relax, unwind, and learn more about Kerrville, a magical place in the Texas Hill Country.
Kerrville Hills Winery
Featuring a 5-star rating, the Kerrville Hills Winery (3600 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX 78028) is one to try if you're not looking to "vineyard hop" and just want an afternoon of relaxation, sipping on some of the finest vinos on the Texas Wine Trail. Sitting at the highest point in Kerr County, overlooking the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Kerrville Hills Winery (KHW) was the first winery established in Kerrville. In 2019, John Rivenburgh purchased Kerrville Hills to establish a communal space for educated wine-making accelerating boutique operations. John has deep roots in the Texas Hill Country, is an award-winning winemaker, and has passion for growing high quality, sustainable Texas grapes.
Area Parks
Come and enjoy the natural scenic Hill Country beauty that surrounds Kerrville for miles in every direction and the sparkling, spring-fed waters of the Guadalupe River. Retreat, relax and have a great time in Kerrville and at its many area parks.
Louise Hayes Park amenities include an interactive fountain, playground, restrooms, pavilions, and trail heads. There are also numerous picnic areas, parking areas, and a stage with concrete dance slab. Louise Hays Park is home to a variety of special events, such as, Get Outdoors Day, Robert Earl Keen's 4th on the River and the Kerrville Triathlon Festival. Kerrville Sports Complex is a multi-sport complex built upon 104 acres. The Complex offers top level, high quality athletic fields suitable for year-round play and tournaments for baseball, softball, and soccer. Carver Park: is a 5-acre park and redeveloped in 2009 with amenities such as a large covered pavilion with basketball court, small pavilions, trail, Bar-B-Que pit, newly renovated playground area, Sprayground and multi-use sports field. Kerrville-Schreiner Park along the Guadalupe River offers a variety of fun camping options, cabins and even a Ranch House. Facilities include the Recreation Hall, Dining Hall and day use facilities including playground, butterfly garden, sand volleyball, basketball, 10+ miles of hike and bike trails, river access, River Trail Trailhead, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, and picnic areas. With 517 acres, this is the largest municipal park in Kerrville. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Guadalupe River is the perfect place for families to spend the day splashing in Yogi Bear's Water Zone, putt-putting on the 18-hole mini golf course, walking along the banks of the Guadalupe River and so much more.
Area Amenities
Enjoy the comforts of living that relaxed country lifestyle at Winans Creek Ranch, while still being close to premier medical facilities in Kerrville. Home to a great hospital and great medical network, the Peterson Regional Medical Center is ready and able to provide you and your loved one's care, should a routine visit or medical emergency arise during your time at the ranch. Peterson Regional Medical Center specializes in offering big city services in a small, personalized setting, while featuring the most advanced technology and a patient-centered approach to care, with compassionate staff. Let them help you take care of your health close to your new home here at Winans Creek Ranch.
The Kerrville-Kerr County Airport (KERV) is a public-use general aviation facility that serves the Hill Country's air transportation needs. Major facilities at the airport include a 6,000 feet primary runway and additional crosswind 3,600 feet runway. The airport and tenants provide the following services: Airborne ambulance service, Aircraft maintenance, Aircraft manufacturing, Conference room, Catering services, Flight instruction, Full-service FBO, Hangar space, Vehicle Parking and Rental Cars. Kerrville-Kerr County Airport is home to eight on-airport businesses including Mooney International, FBO Kerrville Aviation, Dugosh Aviation and Air Evac EMS. The terminal building facilities include: Public seating area in waiting room with Wi-Fi and Flight Aware monitor, Large conference room, Coffee and refreshments are located in break room, Pilots lounge which includes quiet area and shower, Flight planning area including computers, printers, and access to most flight planning software.
Near to the charming community of Winans Creek Ranch is the bustling city of Boerne, Texas – one of the hottest towns in the Texas Hill Country, bursting with plenty of German pride and traditions! Nestled in the magnificent setting of the Texas Hill Country, Boerne is only minutes north of San Antonio, via Interstate 10.
Boerne's vibrant downtown features many family-owned businesses. A favorite in Boerne is the Black Rifle Coffee Company on Main Street. As a veteran-owned coffee company, Black Rifle Coffee's mission is to serve premium coffee and culture to people who love America. They have developed many explosive roast profiles with the same intense focus learned while serving as members of the United States military. Black Rifle Coffee Company continues to be committed to supporting veterans, law enforcement and first responders. From every purchase of their delicious coffee, the company gives back to support these heroes. Also be sure to enjoy a quaint breakfast or lunch at the Bear Moon Bakery Café. This homey space will surround you with warmth and comfort, as you indulge in a variety of rich American cuisine and baked goods. With its unique and welcoming downtown, you'll feel right at home in Boerne!
“The Hill Country Mile”
There is never a shortage of entertainment here in Boerne, Texas. Famous for “the Hill Country Mile”, this 1.1-mile stretch features historic buildings, great antiques, fine home accessories, trendy boutiques, jewelry, art galleries and more. With over 80 shops and restaurants to explore, it is no wonder Country Living Magazine named this bustling mile one of the “Top 25 Small-Town Main Streets in America”.
Cibolo Creek Trail / River Road Park
Just steps from the Hill Country Mile is the cypress-lined Cibolo Creek, which flows through downtown Boerne and continues to the nationally recognized Cibolo Nature Center. Enjoy hiking trails and a boardwalk that allow you to explore 100 acres of four distinct ecosystems - grassland, marshland, woodland and river bottom. The Cibolo Creek Trail, which follows along the creek, has several subsidiary trails to explore making it a great place for any level hiker.
Year-Round Events
Immerse yourself in the joys of small-town charm year-round in Boerne with several parades, festivals and cultural events. You won’t want to miss out on the Kendal County Fair, the Parade of Artists, or the Key to the Hills Rod Run just to name a few. Head over to the Bandera city website where you can find a running list of all the community events for the upcoming year. Whichever parade, fest or fair you decide to attend will be sure to fill the air with the sounds of music and merriment.
When you live at Winans Creek Ranch, you open the door to enormous possibilities. Not only do you get to live in the tranquility of the Hill Country, but you are also just 45 minutes from the entertainment, attractions, dining, and fun of North San Antonio. Filled with several events and attractions, this vibrant city offers the thrills of big city entertainment while being just a quick trip down the road from your new, country homesite.
San Antonio's Riverwalk
Visit San Antonio's famed Riverwalk, and experience everything from museums and entertainment to shopping, nightlife and dining. The Riverwalk is a charming stretch of walking paths lined with shops, bars and restaurants that wind along the banks of the San Antonio River. Also known as Paseo del Río, the Riverwalk passes one story below downtown San Antonio, Texas and offers a splendid walking tour that includes the San Antonio Museum of Art, Rivercenter Mall, Hemisfair Park and much more. The Alamo and San Antonio Museum of Art are full of history and worth a visit with the family. If you are looking for more adventure, take the family to Six Flags Fiesta or catch a San Antonio Spurs game!
Shopping, Food & Drink
If you like to shop, you will be in retail heaven! The Shops at La Villita feature several art galleries and collectives. San Antonio's historic Main Plaza, at the heart of the city, dates back to the early 1700s. This beautiful public space, with huge trees, bubbling fountains, sidewalks, tables and soft landscaping, vitalizes the city's center core. Take a trip to Market Square and experience family-owned cafes, working artists and the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande (also known as El Mercado). From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. With a plethora of 32 shops in El Mercado, and 80 specialty shops in the Farmers Market Plaza there is never a shortage of folks bustling in and out of storefronts.
Attractions
Experience one of the world's premier caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns. Take the Discovery Tour and get an up-close and most spectacular display of these breathtaking, naturally carved caverns. Or go higher up in the San Antonio landmark Tower of the Americas, a rotating tower with panoramic views of the city. For the golf enthusiast, The Palmer Course at La Cantera, designed by Arnold Palmer himself, spans just under 7,000 yards in length. This stunning course, carved right out of the beautiful Hill Country on the northwest side of San Antonio, is sure to satisfy your golfing needs. If you’re just dipping your toes into golf, enjoy the Resort Course, featuring five sets of tees on each hole to accommodate every player’s skill level. Enjoy six holes with breathtaking views of San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta, plus many natural water features throughout the course.