If you're looking for barbecue, boot-scootin', and banjo-pickin'--and maybe an actual cowboy--then get on over to Hill Country. It's small-town Texas at its quirky best.
Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, 830/606-1281, gruenehall.com
Hill Country State Natural Area 10600 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, 830/796-4413, tpwd.state.tx.us
The Hog Pen Hwy. 83 N & Hwy. 337 W, Leakey, 830/279-8408
Hoity Toit Beer Joint 421 E. Torrey St., New Braunfels, 830/625-0107
The Lodges at Lost Maples Vanderpool, 877/216-5627, lostmaplescabins.com
Lone Star Music 1243 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, 830/627-1992, lonestarmusic.com
Rosa's Casita 318 SW Main St., Eldorado, 325/853-2506
Simon Brothers Mercantile 2 Main St., Roosevelt, 325/446-2604
Uvalde Rexall Drug 201 N. Getty, Uvalde, 830/278-2589
The West 114 N. Getty, Uvalde, 830/591-2401
X Bar Ranch Eldorado, 888/853-2688, xbarranch.com, tour from $25
Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.