Bandera Road Trip
Bandera Texas is a small town that started back in 1853 as a lumber camp. It is considered to be a cowboy town where you can stay at a dude ranch and live the cowboy life. You can walk along Main street and see people making cowboy crafts right in front of you. There is a 77-acre park in the city limits where you can eat by the Medina River.
Fish at Bandera County Park at Medina Lake on RR 1283 by way of Highway 16, which is about 20 miles southeast of Bandera. This lake is well known for its big yellow catfish, white bass, black bass, and crappie.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
You can rent kayaks, canoes, or tubes and use the river for fun and recreation. Lost Maples State Natural Area is about 40 miles west. This park is known for its beautiful fall foliage. During winter, ornithologists love to come to Lost Maples to see bald eagles. In the spring, visitors come to see the wildflowers. In summer, fishermen love to fish for bass in the Sabinal River. Many people love to stay at guest ranches in Bandera Texas. You can find a full listing of them here. If you want to stay at one, most require that you spend at least two nights and who would want to leave any sooner? European visitors frequent these dude ranches. Prices range from $110-$150 per person per night. Ride horses, see wildlife in its natural habitat, learn to cowboy dance, go on a hayride. Expect good food, lovely rooms, and a ton of fun. If you are not staying at a dude ranch and you want a steak at a decent price, go to Mac and Ernie’s, 12 miles west of Bandera in a town called Tarpley. You can call them at (830) 562-3250 to see if they are open. They are usually open only for lunch on Wednesday, and lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Closed other days and times. But if you are there during these times, it is well worth the drive.