Texas Hill Country, TX

Key Highlights

Hotels	111
Total Sleeping Rooms	20,000
Average Hotel Room Rate	USD $77
Average Daily Meal Cost	USD $46
Average Weekly Car Rental	USD $262

Texas Hill Country, TX Meeting Planning Overview

With all the heart and charm of Texas, but none of the crowd of its larger cities, Texas Hill Country is the ideal place to refresh and rejuvenate meetings and events. Its awe-inspiring landscape, paired with fine dining and well-appointed accommodations, are quickly making Texas' best-kept secret into a well-known fact. In 2008, The New York Times even declared the region the number 1 vacation spot in the nation.

Texas Hill Country's location in the center of the state can certainly impart a feeling of tranquility and seclusion from the busy world, but it is by no means an out-of-the-way destination. In fact, many of the area's biggest towns are within a half-day's drive of Austin and San Antonio, both of which have state-of-the-art international airports. The Amtrak station in San Marcos welcomes train travelers, and traversing the region itself is made easier by several public transportation options and the accommodating shuttles and coaches offered by larger resorts in the area.

Welcoming visitors across the region are a wealth of sprawling hotels, resorts and conference centers, all of which provide the ideal combination of lodging, meeting space and amenities. Kerrville's expansive Inn of the Hills Resort is home to a newly-renovated $1.2 million conference center. The center features 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including 15 meeting rooms ranging in size from 345 square feet to 3,280 square feet, as well as a 7,800-square-foot Grand Ballroom. With intricate ironwork sconces, native Texas stone accents and wrought iron chandeliers, the resort welcomes overnight guests with 170 rooms situated around a tropical courtyard.

Located about 85 miles southeast of Kerrville, the historic New Braunfels is home to the beautiful T Bar M Resort and Conference Center, offering 12,000 square feet of meeting space including five meeting rooms. The 2,300-square-foot dining room, surrounded by glass windows and featuring a large fireplace, is an ideal spot for post-meeting dinners and cocktail receptions. The T Bar M Resort and Conference Center also features extensive meeting amenities, including facility-wide high speed Internet service, in-house catering services, as well as 74 guest rooms, six guest cottas and 11 villas.

The nearly 55 cities that comprise the Texas Hill Country are home to a wealth of unique venues as well. Introduce guests to the majesty of the region's landscape with an event at Longhorn Caverns, where shimmering calcite crystals add sparkle to any event. Or impart some Western charm to dinners and receptions by renting a space in the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville. Here, artwork depicting cowboys, Native Americans, settlers and mountain men make a unique backdrop for meetings and events of up to 550 guests.

Texas Hill Country's picturesque setting also lends itself to a number of memorable venues for group outings. Treat guests to a true cowboy experience at Bandera's 300-acre Silver Spur Guest Ranch. Horseback rides, campfire meals and Western entertainment such as rope shows, cowboy singers and two-step dance classes keep guests entertained at this historic dude ranch. Texas Wine Tours is a can't-miss excursion for meeting attendees looking to explore the over two dozen wineries in the region. Schedule custom day tours aboard a limousine coach to explore wineries such as Becker Vineyards, Lost Creek Vineyard and Torre di Piertra Winery.

Texas Hill Country's major industries include agriculture and manufacturing. Austin serves as headquarters for such corporations as 3M, Hoovers, Inc., National Instruments Corp. and Whole Foods Markets, while nearby San Antonio is headquarters to Advantage Rent A Car, AT&T, Inc., and Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

About Texas Hill Country, TX / Additional Info

Bordered on the east and south by the Balcones Escarpment and on the north by rolling plains and prairies, Texas Hill Country spans all or part of 25 counties near the geographical center of Texas. Beginning in west Texas in Crockett County and stretching as far east as Austin, the 14,000-square-mile area encompasses 55 cities and towns. It's also home to countless tranquil streams, rivers and lakes, towering oak and cedar trees and such geographical wonders as the 425-foot-tall Enchanted Rock, the 2nd largest granite dome in the country.

Certainly its breathtaking landscape is one of the region's most notable draws. An adventure seeker's paradise, Texas Hill Country is ideal for outdoor activities such as kayaking, camping, rock climbing and hiking. Explore the shimmering calcite crystals and fossilized remains of the Longhorns Caverns or the stunning formations at Boerne's Cave Without a Name, reputed to be the most beautiful cave in Texas. Also in Boerne, the 1,900-acre Guadalupe River State Park is a haven for fishing, canoeing, swimming and catching glimpses of native wildlife.

One of the most popular ways to experience the majesty of Texas Hill Country's outdoors is by visiting one of its sprawling wineries. Its nearly two dozen vineyards contribute to Texas' standing as the 5th largest producer of wine in the nation, and the region has been ranked the 2nd fastest growing wine location in the nation by Orbitz. Enjoy a tour followed by a tasting of the Texas-themed wines at the Fredericksburg Winery, named one of the top 3 wineries in the state by USA Today. Or, enjoy a glass of red or white at Lost Creek Winery's 19th century Brunswick-Balke-Collendar back bar.

Visitors under 21 years old can still enjoy all the beauty and attractions that Texas Hill Country has to offer. Guests of all ages enjoy the Exotic Resort Zoo, where they can interact and feed wildlife such as camels, buffalo, zebras and giraffes. The Schlitterbahn Water Park keeps things cool with its water slides, wave pools and rides. To experience history in the great outdoors, visit former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson's boyhood home at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park.

After a long day exploring, guests can kick back with some regional cuisine, a mix of Spanish and Central European influences, which makes for an exciting change from the rest of Texas' Southern and Southwestern style fare. Enjoy charbroiled chicken topped with tasso ham or oak smoked pork tenderloin with Hill Country port glace at Fredericksburg's Cabernet Grill, which specializes in traditional Texas Hill Country cuisine. Or, change things up with a dinner at River's Edge, A Tuscan Grille, in Kerrville, where Italian classics and riverfront views enchant diners during their meal. No matter the dining destination, patrons are almost guaranteed an ample selection of Texas wines to be on hand. Just like its best vintages, Texas Hill Country's impressive landscape and first-class attractions are an intoxicating combination that will make for an unforgettable visit.

Texas Hill Country, TX Key Stats for Meeting Planners

Time Zone: Central Time (CT)

Hotel at Convention Center? No

Airport(s):

Destination Type(s):

Golf Destination
Smoke-free Restaurants

Special Event Venues
15
Population
764,048
Restaurants
450
Country Code
1
Sales Tax
8.25%
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Standard Tipping Practice
10-20%
Electricity
120V / 60Hz
Official Languages
English

Credit Cards and Travelers Cheques widely accepted? Yes

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Texas Hill Country, TX

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Corpus Christi, TX	171 mi	2 hr 41 min	2 hr 45 min	USD $200+
Dallas, TX	246 mi	3 hr 54 min	1 hr	USD $160+
Oklahoma City, OK	435 mi	5+ hrs	2 hr 45 min	USD $215+
New Orleans, LA	521 mi	5+ hrs	2 hr 40 min	USD $301+
Albuquerque, NM	838 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 30 min	USD $255+

Texas Hill Country, TX Climate Information

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. High (°F)	62	67	74	80	86	91	95	95	90	82	1	64
Avg. Low (°F)	35	39	46	53	62	68	71	70	65	55	46	38
Rec. High (°F)	89	98	100	105	103	110	110	110	112	100	94	91
Rec. Low (°F)	2	8	17	29	37	46	59	58	43	24	18	2
Rainfall (in)	2.0	2.0	2.0	3.0	5.0	5.0	2.0	2.0	3.0	4.0	3.0	2.0

Texas Hill Country enjoys a subtropical climate, marked by mild winters and hot summers, as well as more than 300 days of sunshine every year. Known for having one of the most comfortable climates in the United States, Texas Hill Country sees average year-round temperatures in the high 60s. The summer season sees average temperatures in the 90s, occasionally rising above 100°F. The region's warmest month is July, with an average high temperature of 93°F and average low temperature of 70°F.

Texas Hill Country winters are mild and dry, rarely seeing snowfall. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 55°F and average low temperature of 35°F. The spring and fall months bring mild temperatures in the low 70s, as well as the greatest amount of the average 40 inches of rain that falls throughout the region annually. The most popular time to visit Texas Hill Country is the late springtime, when visitors can see the terrain come to life, as more than 500 wildflower varieties are in bloom.

Texas Hill Country, TX Meeting Venue Spotlight

Greater New Braunfels Convention & Vistior Bureau

Equally suited to host Texas-sized conventions and small corporate retreats, the recently-expanded New Braunfels Convention Center features attractive limestone columns, custom pendant lighting and a wood-slat ceiling. Its 11,780-square-foot Exhibit Hall is divisible into two spaces and includes a 2,342-square-foot stage. Five meeting rooms offer a total of 3,486 square feet of space, while a spacious ballroom offers an addition 9,298 square feet of room for receptions, galas and more. Wireless Internet access, built-in audio-visual technology and catering are available.

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Mo-Ranch Conference Center

Set on a scenic 500 acres in Texas Hill Country, Mo-Ranch Conference Center offers a striking backdrop for any event. With native limestone buildings, colorful tilework and distinctive iron pieces, Mo-Ranch's impressive facilities are not only beautiful, but practical as well. Its meeting spaces range in size and function, from the 15 classrooms that can seat 10 to 40 guests to the main auditorium for up to 500 people. Catering and meals plans can be arranged for groups using these facilities.

Just like its meeting options, the group accommodations at Mo-Ranch are all-encompassing. Among the options are the Log Lodge, perfect for small groups of 24 people; the Loma Linda Dorm, housing up to 150 guests; and the Manor House, a Spanish-style building for up to 32 guests.

Beyond business, Mo-Ranch Conference Center is a relaxing retreat where guests can re-charge. From nature trails to meditation facilities to a gorgeous swimming pool designed with over two million tiles, Mo-Ranch has a recreational option for guests of all ages and skill levels. The state-of-the-art Mo-Ropes Course is also a great team building activity for groups of eight or more people, as are the horseback trail rides offered during the summer.

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Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center

Located in historic Kerrville, the Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center boasts over 22,000 square feet of meeting space spread amongst 15 ground-floor meeting rooms. With 15,600 square feet of space, the conference center at Inn of the Hills was designed specifically for meetings and banquets, while its 4,000-square-foot lobby is ideal for registration and coffee breaks. The Grand Ballroom seats up to 600 people, while numerous other conference, banquet and hospitality rooms are available for events of 14 to 300 people.

Additional amenities include state-of-the-art integrated audio and visual systems, delicious in-house catering and facility-wide high-speed Internet service. Guests can also enjoy the on-site fitness center, tennis courts and restaurant and pub featuring live country Western music and dancing. After the business day is done, conference goers can take advantage of a wide range of activities at Inn of the Hills, including golf, art galleries, shopping, fishing and river kayaking, all located just minutes away from the resort.

Steps from the beautiful Guadalupe River, the resort is five minutes away from downtown Kerrville, 60 miles west of the San Antonio International Airport and 95 miles west from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center has hosted such groups as Baylor University, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Texas Woodcarvers Guild and the Texas Chief Deputies Association.

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T Bar M Resort & Conference Center

Located within minutes of a wide range of shopping and activities, the rustic and beautiful T Bar M Resort and Conference Center is located only 40 miles away from downtown San Antonio in New Braunfels. With its expansive dining room and five meeting rooms, the center boasts 12,000 square feet of meeting space overall.

The 2,300-square-foot Chuckwagon Dining Room, surrounded by glass windows and featuring high ceilings, exposed beams, tile floors and a large fireplace, can accommodate up to 240 guests. It also has an attached 1,240-square-foot patio that overlooks the resort grounds. The center's five meeting rooms range in size from 1,520 square feet to 4,800 square feet. Among them, the 1,760-square-foot Bluebonnet room can provide an extended 700-square-foot lounge and fireplace, as well as an attached balcony. The 4,800-square-foot Sanctuary room is a unique log cabin-like pavilion, open on three sides to the Texas Hill Country landscape.

The T Bar M Resort and Conference Center offers extensive amenities, including sports facilities, pools, a hot tub, putting green, weight room and even a 25-foot-tall rock wall. Meeting amenities include facility-wide high-speed Internet service, a full suite of audio and visual services, and in-house catering services. The resort is also home to 74 guest rooms, six guest cottages and 11 villas.

As if the resort's lush grounds, extensive amenities and elegant décor weren't relaxing enough, the T Bar M Resort and Conference Center also specializes in a complete suite of massage therapy treatments. Not surprisingly, the T Bar M Resort and Conference Center has been the venue of choice for such groups as the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs, Center for U.S. Missions and Alamo Community College.

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Texas Hill Country, TX Airport Information

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is located just five miles outside of downtown Austin and within two hours' driving time of the majority of Texas Hill Country. With roughly 300 daily flights to locations throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada, the airport sees approximately nine million passengers per year. In operation since 1999, the airport is currently preparing for a terminal expansion due for completion in 2012. Included in the plan is the creation of nine new gates, 20 additional airline ticketing counters, expanded baggage claim areas and a new parking garage.

Currently, the crescent-shaped Austin-Bergstrom International consists of one four-level terminal with 25 gates and two runways. Designed to avoid heavy passenger traffic, the terminal places passengers as close to their gate destination as possible.

As beautiful as it is functional, the airport features entryways encased in native granite and glass and an exterior of more than 50,000 square feet of white, pink, and black-flecked Texas Pearl granite. The airport's large glass panels let in plenty of natural light, perfect for showcasing its extensive art program. Staying true to Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World, the airport even features a stage in the terminal's central courtyard that routinely hosts live music acts.

Austin-Bergstrom International offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, banks, gift shops, newsstands and massage booths all housed in the airport's Market Place area. On-site business services include PowerPort computer stations with Internet access and laptop rentals, as well as free printing services and battery and cell phone chargers. Passengers can use the airport's terminal-wide wireless Internet connection for a small fee. The airport also features 10,152 parking spaces in the parking garage located directly across from the terminal; parking is $20 per day.

Airline carriers serving Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Aeromexico
Air Canada
American Airlines
Continental
Delta

ExpressJet
Frontier Airlines
JetBlue
Midwest
Northwest

Southwest
United
US Airways
Vivaerobus

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Located just eight miles from downtown San Antonio, the San Antonio International Airport is within three hours' driving time from the majority of Texas Hill Country and under an hour from popular destinations such as San Marcos and New Braunfels. Covering 2,600 acres, the two-terminal airport sees approximately 260 daily departures and arrivals and more than eight million passengers per year. The airport's 21 carriers provide non-stop service to 43 domestic and international destinations throughout the United States and Mexico.

Several upgrades are in the works for San Antonio International. The new Terminal B, due for completion in 2010, will feature eight gates and is meant to replace the existing Terminal 2, which is slated for demolition. Terminal C, due for completion in 2012, will be built just to the west of the former Terminal 2. Opening with five gates, Terminal C will be able to accommodate 11 gates total should passenger traffic increase. The new terminals come on the heels of a new 2,800-space long-term parking garage, fully opened in July 2008.

In addition to the new parking, San Antonio International Airport also recently underwent an upgrade of 20-year-old Terminal 1 in 2003. The upgrade brought new, brighter interior finishes, new concession areas and a permanent art program. Airport artwork now includes dazzling glass and ceramic tile murals and etched metal treatments all depicting San Antonio's vibrant culture. The airport's new main concessions area has a stunning tile terrazzo-designed floor that depicts the natural environment of the San Antonio River.

Among these clean, modern surroundings, air travelers at the airport can enjoy a number of full-service and fast food restaurants, including Alamo City Microbrewery & Grill and McDonald's. Thanks to the new long-term parking garage, the airport's parking inventory consists of 9,000 spaces. Long-term parking is available for $10 per day.

Airline carriers serving San Antonio International Airport

Aeroliteral
Aeromexico
AirTran
American Airlines
Continental

Continental Express
Delta
Delta Connection
Frontier
Mexicana

Northwest
Southwest
Sky West
United
US Airways

Texas Hill Country, TX Train Information

San Marcos Amtrak Station

Located on South Guadalupe Street, the Amtrak station in San Marcos serves the Texas Eagle route. Trains run daily between Chicago and San Antonio and three times per week between Chicago and Los Angeles.

Amtrak stations in nearby Austin and San Antonio also serve the Texas Eagle route.

Texas Hill Country, TX Public Transportation

Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) Bus Line

CARTS serves 169 communities throughout the counties of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays and Lee and non-urbanized areas of Travis and Williamson, notably the Hill Country destination of San Marcos. San Marcos buses run to several school campuses in the area, Walmart, Springtown Mall and Playscape Park.

Schedules and fares vary based on location. San Marcos service runs Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM by reservation. Reservations can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, with 24 hours advance notice recommended. Fare is $0.50.

Alamo Regional Transit

Alamo Regional Transit provides public transportation to 11 rural counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson. Passengers can make reservations by noon the day before they need to travel; reservations may be made Monday through Friday and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Fares are assigned upon reservation.

For reservations in Atascosa, Frio, Comal, Karnes, Medina, Guadalupe and Wilson: 866-889-7433
For reservations in Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall and Kerr: 800-896-4023

Rental cars

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport represents several rental car agencies, including ACE Car Rental of Austin, Advantage, Alamo, National, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and Thrifty. Agency counters are located outside of the baggage claim on the terminal ground floor.

The San Antonio International Airport represents Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Capps, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and Thrifty car rental agencies. Agency counters are located at the west side of baggage claim in Terminal 1 and curbside of baggage claim in Terminal 2.

Taxis

Taxis from the San Antonio International Airport start at $2 and increase at $2.15 for each additional mile. A $1 airport departure fee and $10.50 minimum departure charge apply. Rates to nearby destinations just outside of the city, such as the Westin La Cantera Resort, run $30 to $36.

Fares from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are $2.05 for the first 1/7-mile plus $0.30 for each additional 1/7-mile, or $2.10 per mile. Waiting time is $27 per hour. Trips starting at the airport require a $1 surcharge.

A number of Texas Hill Country resorts and hotels, such as Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center, offer airport pick-up services for individuals and small guests. Reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Distance To...

	Distance	Estimated Driving Time	Estimated Min. Flying Time	Estimated Flight Cost
Corpus Christi, TX	171 mi	2 hr 41 min	2 hr 45 min	USD $200+
Dallas, TX	246 mi	3 hr 54 min	1 hr	USD $160+
Oklahoma City, OK	435 mi	5+ hrs	2 hr 45 min	USD $215+
New Orleans, LA	521 mi	5+ hrs	2 hr 40 min	USD $301+
Albuquerque, NM	838 mi	5+ hrs	3 hr 30 min	USD $255+