Being the second largest state in the US, Texas seems to have it all, from the bright lights of the big cities to the simplicity of the small towns to the stretches of white sandy beaches and other natural wonders. Texas Hill Country, the pride of Texas, comprising of 25 county regions, has a landscape of rugged hills, underground caverns, countless creeks, unique vegetation and open roads that seem to go on forever. Once an independent nation, the 25 million residents of Texas are bound together by a shared history and culture, and their pride in their state’s heritage is why OROGOLD considers these Texas Hill Country destinations to be timeless.

Bandera
Bandera, the self-proclaimed cowboy capital of the world, was once part of the ‘Wild West’, and clings to their roots more than other country towns, giving visitors a taste of an authentic western atmosphere. Bandera hosts many rodeos, from local open competitions to top-name rodeos, attracting talent from all over the country. Bandera is also known for their honky tonks, and several nights a week sees many of these bars open their doors to customers. If you want to catch some live country music, the weekends are the best time to visit. The area around Bandera is also sprinkled with many different dude ranches, from ones that cater exclusively to visitors to working ranches that allow visitors to help out with day-to-day tasks, giving them a true western experience. For more outdoor activities, the Hill Country State National Park has some picturesque horse riding trails, and is also great for fishing and walking, while the Medina River is extremely popular in the summer months with swimmers, inner-tubers and canoeists.

Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, founded by German immigrants in 1846, is home to a thriving German community, as well as one of the most successful wine industries in the country. Texas is the fifth largest wine producer in the country, and most of this comes from Hill Country, with over 20 different award-winning wineries on your doorstep that you can visit. Fredericksburg is also known for its German influened cuisine, as well as its delectable Texan BBQ delights, and OROGOLD especially loves the variety of dining establishments available, from outdoor patios to indoor Biergartens (beer gardens). Fredericksburg is also an ideal place to learn more about the German, Native American and military history of the region, with the impressive state-of-the-art National Museum of the Pacific War being a great starting point, followed by a tour of the private ranch of Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36^th president of the United States. For some timeless outdoor adventure, head to the nearby rock climber’s playground, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a looming dome of pink granite that rises 325 feet above the small stream that flows around its base.

From the fine craftsmanship of its German towns to the pocket canyons and sparkling rivers, the Hill Country is the geographic and emotional heart of Texas. The gentle hills doused in wild-flowers, relatively untouched by the oil industry, and its deep cowboy culture roots makes the Hill Country OROGOLD’s favorite timeless destination in Texas.