Everything you’ll need to explore the beautiful Texas Hill Country, known as the Napa Valley of Texas! Wineries, food, and the outdoors abound! Get a local’s list of the best place to stay for a weekend of exploring the three towns on the 290 Wine Trail. Includes recommendations of five excellent outdoor spots, six restaurants, and four wineries/bars. 

Texas Hill Country Weekend Itinerary

Arrive on Friday afternoon and check into the historic Stonewall Motor Lodge. Stay local for the evening. Explore LBJ State & National Parks, do a wine tasting at Ab Astris Winery, grab a glass of cider at Hye Cider, and eat a food truck dinner and grab a drink at Albert Ice House. 

Wake up early to hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock! Be sure to make reservations ahead of time, as the park reaches capacity most weekends. After hiking, grab some breakfast at Woerner’s Warehouse, then walk around on Main Street in Fredericksburg for shopping and/or wine tastings. If you get hungry for lunch, Sozial Haus has delicious pizza and nice outdoor seating or you can head just outside of town to Pecan Grove for a Dino burger! Head back to the hotel for some down time if needed! Try out Cicada Winery just next door to the lodge for an afternoon pick me up.

Plan on dinner at Alamo Springs Cafe, followed by watching the bats emerge at Old Tunnel State Park (summer only)! Book your tickets in advance! I recommend the lower viewing area. Be sure to check the park’s social media to see what time the bats have been emerging to plan your schedule accordingly. I’d give yourself at LEAST 30 minutes between your arrival and the recent average emergence time. Sometimes they come out earlier than expected and you don’t want to miss it!

The Hill Country of Texas is a special place. With rolling hill and flowing rivers, nature activities are abundant. Explore four of the local state parks with shopping, wine tasting, and delicious food sprinkled in. 

After you’ve worked up your appetite by hiking, grab lunch at Pecan Street Brewery. Try a flight of their beers with your food. 

Check out of the lodge and head east to Johnson City. Grab breakfast at Johnson City Coffee Co before heading to Pedernales Falls State Park for a hike! I recommend the 5.5 Mile Loop trail, which leads to a great overlook. You’ll have to cross the river at Trammell’s Crossing, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Stick to left anytime the trail forks and you’ll head straight to the overlook.