In the hustle of modern American life, it’s easy to lose sight of an important cultural fact: it’s difficult to get everything done on your daily to-do list without a car. Too many towns have been designed with outwardly-expanding sectors of commerce that put one business or attraction miles away from another. The larger the size of the town, the more true this adage seems to be.
This is what makes one feature of Boerne significant in the Hill Country. Its population is around 20,000, so it’s one of the larger towns in the region. While there are businesses dotted throughout Boerne, they’ve made a concerted effort to make the main commerce district a walkable and pleasant one, with plenty to spark the interest of all visitors. It’s called the Hill Country Mile.
It runs along Main Street in downtown Boerne, and is easy to find. Its simple beauty contains a great diversity of things to see and do, and it so impressed “Country Living” magazine that they named it one of the top 25 small town Main Streets in America. From boutiques to antiques, from fishing spots to authentic Southern cuisine, from breweries to bicycling paths, the Mile has it all, and more!
The Hill Country Mile is best known for the unique shopping experience you’ll find there; if you visit hillcountrymile.com they mention in the first paragraph that there are over 80 shops and attractions located here! With offerings ranging from everyday necessities to unique works of art, it’s a small wonder the Mile is such a popular spot for Hill Country travelers to visit.
We’d like to take a moment to note that we’ve carefully researched the Texas Hill Country Travel App to highlight all the businesses and attractions on the Hill Country Mile that appeal to travelers. The free download includes all of Boerne, and 40 towns in the Hill Country, as well. It’s a must-have tool for everything from day trips to extended vacations!
History aficionados love the Hill Country Mile because it features architecture that dates back to the 1850s. For example, the Kendall and Peggy’s on the Green are housed in what was originally a stagecoach stop, with features from 1859 forward. The Dienger Trading Company sits grandly on its corner, a two-story, balcony-clad beauty that’s been in business since 1884. The original Kendall County Courthouse is nearby; the 1870 building is still in use, making it the second-oldest one in the Lone Star State (behind the Cass County Courthouse in Linden, which dates back to 1861).
Next door to the Dienger building is Boerne’s Main Plaza Park, which highlights the next facet of the Hill Country Mile: recreation! The second weekend of every month, it’s home to Boerne Market Days, a combo of a flea market, farmer’s market, and live music venue. Beyond the Market Days, the park is home to several other events and festivals, as well. Even on non-event days, it’s a wonderful place to relax!
River Road Park is close to the mile, right on the banks of Cibolo Creek. The Cibolo Trail, punctuated with original art sculptures, winds through the park, providing a scenic path for walkers and bicyclists. There’s an angler’s pier here for those who love fishing, picnic tables for family gatherings, plenty of cooling shade trees, and turtles and ducks aplenty in the creek!
Much of the best of Boerne is situated on and near the Hill Country Mile; it’s a fun and rewarding setting for a Hill Country day trip. Please feel free to share your Boerne photos and stories here, on and off the Mile!
We’ve arranged Hill Country getaways for everything from romantic escapes to big gatherings like weddings and reunions. Take a look at our Hill Country Travel App to start exploring this beautiful area.
Discover the magic of Texas Hill Country with our Facebook Group! Whether you’ve booked a stay with Backroads Reservations, are planning your next getaway, or simply love this scenic region, our community is for you. Connect with fellow fans and celebrate the stunning beauty of the Hill Country!