Texas Hill Country Sites Worth Visiting

The Texas Hill Country is the perfect vacation spot for anyone looking to relax, shop, hike, bike, and visit wineries. With an abundance of hiking and biking trails, quaint shops, and picturesque views, the Texas Hill Country has something for everyone. The best part about the Texas Hill Country is that it is dog friendly so you won't have to leave your best friend at home. Listed below are four Texas Hill Country attractions worth visiting.

Enchanted Rock State Park

The rock is actually a pink granite dome in a park that encompasses over 1500 acres in Fredericksburg, TX. While novices can attempt the dome, it is best left for experienced hikers. Pets are welcome and although they should be leashed, most are not. The parking lot is not large and consequently when it is full, the park closes to new visitors. Hikers should visit the Enchanted Rock State Park web site before making the drive just in case. The cost per person is $6 for anyone over the age of 13. Pets are free.

Tapatio Springs

Although Tapatio Springs is a luxury gated community, a guest resort, golf course and conference center in Boerne, TX, it is also a great place to go hiking. Hikers must check-in at the front desk, pay a $7 fee, and let the receptionist know when they return. Dogs are allowed on the eight mile trail, and since this is such a secret hiking spot, having them off leash isn't a problem although the cactus and thorns might be. Mountain bikers share the trails with hikers which can be dangerous but the receptionist will let hikers know if any bikers have checked in. Part of the trail is covered with water so bring your waterproof visit. Visit www.tapatio.com for more information.

Fredericksurg

If eating German sausage and drinking beer while shopping at quaint shops is your idea of heaven, head to Federicksburg, TX. This dog-friendly town has something for everyone including pet lovers with outdoor restaurants and shops that allow dogs. For history buffs there is the Nimitz Museum (also known as the National Museum of Pacific War) located just behind the shopping strip which is America's only World War II museum that focuses specifically on the Pacific. At the end of the shopping strip is a small city park with public restrooms and space for kids and dogs to run around. To learn more about Fredericksburg, visit www.fbgtx.org.

Singing Water Vineyards and Winery

Wine lovers should add the Singing Water Vineyards and Winery to their "must-do" list when in the Texas Hill Country. Located in the hills of Comfort, the grounds are scenic, relaxing and even dog-friendly. Dogs are even allowed in the winery while their owners taste test five different wines (for $5 per person), chocolate, nuts and crackers. The owners' yellow Labrador Retriever, Lupe, is the inspiration for the sweet Merlot aptly named Sweet Lupe. If you enjoy the wine, you can sign up for the wine club and free chocolate will be sent with every order. Taste testing only takes place Thursday through Sunday so plan your visit accordingly. View www.singingwatervineyards.com for more information including directions.

Source: Personal Travel Experience