MEDINA Relax by the river and savor sweet treats

Natural RELAXATION

Medina River's calm waters provide ideal getaway for travelers

By Mia Church

Sometimes the finest places are not the big, the crowded or tourist-filled. Sometimes the most beauty is found in the quiet, where you can hear yourself think, away from the city lights and commotion. Although there is fun in exploring the cosmopolitan, a pristine respite is a quintessential luxury. Medina is located between Kerrville and Bandera, near the headwaters of the Medina River which flows past Bandera and into Medina Lake in Medina County. When driving from Kerrville on Highway 16 you will traverse through the lovely Hill-Countryside on a winding climb, and then descend into the Medina River Valley.

As bikers often say, Medina is where “The Ride Begins” referring to the “3 Sisters,” a highly advertised scenic drive. It is one of the top motorcycle rides in the USA. Motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts alike, delight in this passage for its stunning vistas and twisting, turning route.

Directly across from the start of this drive is The Old Timer General Store. As the sole location for gas in Medina, and with everything a convenience/grocery store offers and more, it’s a well suited meeting spot. The Old Timer offers farm fresh eggs, homemade pizza, gourmet hotdogs,

even steak with plenty of room to sit and stretch your legs.

For those looking for cool relaxation, the Medina River is as central to Medina's appeal as anything else. The water is sparkling and clear.

You can watch the fish swimming and marvel at the intricate root structure of the Cypress trees lining the banks. These sizable trees create an impressive green canopy that gives shade to the emerald river.

Sitting in the Medina on a hot summer day can’t be beat. Feeling the cool clear water and looking up at the trees and sky is truly magical.

Additionally, Medina is well known for its apples. Love Creek Orchards and The Apple Store have upwards of 10 varieties of apples, including, Jonagold, Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala and Granny Smith.

They produce more than 50 products from the orchard apples, including award winning apple pies, apple butters, breads, jellies, apple cider vinegar, apple turnovers, cookies, sandwiches and even apple ice cream, which is almost indescribably delicious. In October, they open their “Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch.” This festival is fun for the whole family, with lots of activities for children. You can pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a hayride, even a petting zoo where the kids can groom the ponies and hold the chicks. For craft and sewing enthusiasts, The Little Cottage Quilt Shop is chockfull of all needs and notions. It is located in a charming 1920s bungalow on the Main Street through Medina.

For campers, The Hill Country RV Resort and Event Center is an ideal place to stay and enjoy the town and river. They offer a wide range of amenities, RV spots, cabins, a pool, river access, many games, even horse pens. The center also hosts events, such as church events, biker rallies, equestrian groups and, of course, charming Hill Country weddings.