Just when we thought things might be getting better, the health concerns in Texas have soared into panic-mode again. There are many contributing factors to how this could have happened, but what we know for sure is that any kind of future entertainment for the next few months is going to be sort of lonely, ensuring everyone following social distancing guidelines while also trying to not go completely insane while stuck indoors. We’ve been aching to make a trip, but know we’re confined to staying put in the car. No worries. Luckily, the great state of Texas has come through for us, providing beautiful sights for the taking. Grab some snacks, fill up the tank, and let’s hit the road down these country roads.
We’ve got the ultimate trip planned out for you. So, what’s the big route? You’ll be taking the “Gruene-Fredericksburg-Bandera Loop” Road Trip. At 239 miles long, you’ve got a Texas-sized tour of the Texas Hill Country with beautiful sights of farmland, livestock, rivers, ponds, native animals, centuries-old live oaks, and more.
Start by heading from Northeast San Antonio toward Gruene, Texas from San Antonio via Highway 35 North. Make a pit stop at the Guadalupe River to stick your feet in and cool off in nature’s flowing streams. Feel the warm Texas air blow through the historic trees and snap some selfies of your nature-stop. Once you’ve taken in enough fresh air, hop back in the car and head toward Canyon Lake via Highway 306 for more views of beautiful stretches of clean Texas waters.
Highway 306 will take you to Highway 281, then head North toward Blanco, Texas. Head to Blanco State Park to check out a quick trail or two, but call ahead to make sure the park is open, as park hours change daily as health information becomes available.
Get back in the car and pick up lunch (to go, of course) from a local restaurant and feel good about supporting a small business! We recommend getting curbside services from Chess Club Cafe. Stop in Johnson City to fully enjoy your lunch under a shady tree, then head on 290 toward Stonewall. Right before you reach Stonewall, you’ll run into President LBJ’s State Park and Historic Site of his childhood home. Again, call ahead to ensure the park is open, as hours may have changed during the pandemic, but take a moment to walk around the sacred site, and take in the scenery that a former president took in for many years before his term of service.
Next town down 290: Fredericksburg! Of course, Fredericksburg has so much to do that it’s worth a day-trip of its own, but with temporary closures, you’ll be less likely to tour the whole town as normally planned. However, there’s still plenty to do. Even though COVID-19 has forced businesses to adjust hours, there are several local farms and wineries to visit while staying safe from germs. If nothing else, head inside a winery for a few to-go bottles of Texas-made wine to enjoy once you get back home.
From Fredericksburg, take Highway 16 toward Kerrville, Bandera, and Pipe Creek. Make a pit stop at any of these small towns for to-go service from a local bakery or vegetable stand so you can support local Texas businesses while gathering some yummy treats on your way home.
Take Highway 46 back home through Boerne, then catch 281 back to anywhere in San Antonio. You’ve made it to the home stretch, and by this time, you’ve probably got a camera roll full of beautiful Texas sightings, and a heart full of happiness.
Whatever you do or wherever you go, stay safe, and follow local guidelines on health advisories. While you’re driving around, consider that you could be paying too much for your auto insurance, so check back with your SOGO agent to see if we can find you a better policy that fits your needs.
In case you missed it: “Life Insurance: The Misunderstood Insurance” reviews the reasons why life insurance is more important than ever to have around to protect your family. Your SOGO family is here to guide you through life’s questions, so give us a call.
