Everything you need to know about texas hill country

The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, located next to the LBJ estate, showcases what rural Texas life was like for the future president and his neighbors in 1918. At this interpretive

state park, costumed employees care for livestock and make everything from scratch without electricity or refrigeration, including bars of soap and a daily meal on a wood-burning stove. EASE

INTO THE COWBOY WAY OF LIFE Another easy Hill Country side trip is to the town of Bandera — about an hour’s drive northwest of San Antonio — which bills itself as the “Cowboy Capital of the

World.” Other towns may claim more cowboys per capita than this sprawling, hilly ranchland, but there’s no denying the charm of hitching your saddle up at one of the many dude ranches,

including the Dixie Dude, Rancho Cortez, Flying L, Mayan Dude and Silver Spur. Most sit adjacent to the gorgeous, protected Hill Country State Natural Area, where visitors go on escorted

horseback rides. In Bandera you’ll find authentic cowboys who put in long hours caring for their horses and cattle, and occasionally compete on the rodeo circuit. Most dude ranches welcome

guests for the day or night, offering trail rides (scheduled daily — call ahead to inquire about availability for non-overnight guests), home-cooked chuck wagon–style meals and tall tales

told over roasted marshmallows late into the night. It’s a great way to cap off your trip with a heapin’ helpin’ of Texas hospitality. Each December Bandera hosts the Cowboy Capital

Christmas Parade, a big ol’ trail ride that even visitors can join. _Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 15, 2018. It's been updated to reflect new

information. _