Gateway to the Texas Hill Country Fall 2015

Gateway to the

Texas Hill Country

A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015 • Compliments of The Boerne Star

-2- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Hill Country Homes & Ranches.

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Fall 2015

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Providing a Professional Customer Service Experience with Hometown Warmth and Sincerity

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-4- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

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Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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What’s your Luxury?

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-6- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Residential Published and copyrighted by

Amy Dutton Realtor

The Boerne Star

941 N. School St. • Boerne, TX 78006 830.249.2441 • 830.249.4607 fax www.boernestar.com Demographics: City of Boerne; U.S. Census, Texas Comptroller’s Office Photography: Boerne Star Staff: Elena Tucker, Frank Shubert, JT Maroney, Carline Schwartz, Candace Velvin, Bruce S. Vay, Alora Plocheck; Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society Historical Information: Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society, Col. Bettie Edmonds Community Information: Boerne Convention & Visitors Bureau

210.279.6642

1002 River Rd, Suite 300 Boerne, TX 78006 Amy.Dutton@SothebysRealty.com

MICHAEL GLICK Insurance and Financial Services Agent

FARMERS Thanks for your support Boerne and for voting us Best of the Best.

Best Insurance Company Best Insurance Agent 116 N. Plant • Boerne 78006 Bus: 830-816-9488 • Fax: 830-249-9077 farmersagent.com/mglick

Cover Photo © 2015 E. Castle Photography | BoerneSpotlights.Com

INDEX THINGS TO SEE & DO Attractions.................................................26 Calendar of Events........................28, 29, 35 Cibolo Nature Center & Farm.....................24 Comfort.....................................................34 Dickens on Main.......................................23 The Hill Country Mile.........................20, 21 SELF-GUIDED TOURS, MAPS Downtown walking tour......................30, 31 Kendall County driving tour..............32, 33 ABOUT BOERNE, KENDALL COUNTY Facts & Figures...........................................19 Helpful Telephone Numbers.....................18 Boerne rated top place to live...............10, 11 Real estate a solid investment...............12, 14 Local medical services expand......................15 Local businesses are child-friendly...............22

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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Do great things with Kubota’s RTV-X1100C utility vehicles.

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0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 12/31/2015. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown.

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2015

-8- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

The Texas Hill Country: More than a state of mind

W

elcome to the heart of the Hill Country!

Boerne is both literally and figuratively an entryway into one of Texas’ most beautiful regions, the Texas Hill Country.

While just a couple of decades or so ago, Boerne (pronounced Bur-nee) could easily have been

considered “forgotten,” today it is a town where technology and times past enjoy equal balance.

Boerne is recognized across the United States as a desirable place to live. Listed by the U.S. Census Bureau as one of the country’s fastest growing regions, the area’s rapid expansion has meant numerous new housing subdivisions as well as

an influx of industry, business and tourism.

Boerne strives to hold on to its warm, small-town origins. Oak trees still grow together in canopies above many city streets while a trip to the grocery store almost guarantees an encounter with friends and neighbors.

The surrounding countryside is

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Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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...it’s a unique mindset lush and arid, dramatic and pastoral. Streams and rivers soften the sharp-edged limestone topography.

Roosters and goats, still raised within city limits by a few old timers, may wander about under cell phone towers that have risen within the last few years.

Established by a young group of Germans who considered themselves classical philosophers - or Free Thinkers - Boerne originally didn’t allow churches inside the city limits. Today, however, the town is home to numerous religious congregations.

Also enormously important within the ranks of the city’s population is its volunteerism; citizens selflessly donate countless hours not only to religious matters, but to social, educational, environmental, political, and historical causes as well.

The crown jewel of Boerne’s history is its quaint Main Street.

Also called the Hill Country Mile, it is lined by many of the buildings that formed the vibrant core of the

county’s “city life.”

These structures, although admired by tourists, are still thought of as home by the town’s octogenarians.

“That’s the house where I grew up,” one might point out, or “there’s the hospital where I was born,” or “the dry goods store that sold us fabric for our dresses.”

And it’s not only long-timers and newcomers who are drawn to Boerne’s old structures apparently.

Ghosts, it seems, are drawn to the buildings as well. For example, the lovely, ornate Joseph Dienger building on Main Plaza has an officially certified other-worldly occupant believed to be the building’s original owner, Joseph Dienger himself.

Whether it’s shopping, visiting the area’s beautiful caves, explor-

ing the local nature center, enjoying historically-authentic exhibits, birding, cycling, hunting, or hiking, Boerne provides the ideal blend of the urban and the rural. At one close hand is an international airport, the Alamo, the San Antonio Riverwalk, Seaworld of Texas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the San Antonio Zoo and numerous concert and museum venues. At the other close hand is the unique and sought-after beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

Mague’s Cafe

Thank You Boerne!

Voted Best Breakfast, Best Mexican Food, Best Ice Tea & Best Service at a Restaurant 934 N. Main Street • Boerne • 830-249-9168 Sunday - Monday: 7am - 2pm Tuesday - Saturday: 7am - 8pm

-10- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Boerne rated top place to live

I

n the recent past, Family Circle Magazine rated Boerne as one of the top 10 family-friendly towns in the nation.

As if that weren’t complimentary recognition enough, Livability.com — which explores what makes small to mid-sized cities great places to live, work and visit, examined issues related to livability such cultural amenities, transportation, urban planning, sustainability and walking distance within the town — named Boerne in its top-10 list out of a pool of over 500 contenders.

Parks and trails While visitors to Boerne justifiably find their attention focused on Main Street and all of the town’s many fun and interesting central activities, Kendall County also has much to offer those who wish to enjoy the benefits of many outdoor activities.

More centrally convenient is the City’s trail system. These trails connect the town’s compass points,

encouraging walking and bike riding throughout much of the area’s core. The most prominent of these paths is the Heart of Boerne Trail which meanders through Boerne’s

River Road Park city center tracing the route of Cibolo Creek. While periodic civic celebrations and events are held along the Cibolo Trail, each day one will find families enjoying picnics, taking pictures and feeding ducks. Fishermen can frequently be

seen along the waterway’s banks as well, trying their luck at a catch or two.

City Parks and Trails Extending to the northwest from Boerne’s established city park - where the town’s soccer fields, tennis courts and public swimming pool are located — is the historic Old No. 9 Trail — the route once traced by train tracks that brought tourists to area to enjoy healthful air and waters of the Hill Country. Curry Creek Trail provides a walking pathway on the city’s north where the Northside Neighborhood Park is located. The Northside Community Park and Skate Park is located nearby.

The Boerne Skate Park is a facility dedicated to the town’s many boarding aficionados. Surrounded by beautiful fields and quiet tree groves, this park enjoys enthusiastic use by kids of all ages as a one of a kind streetscape plaza style park.

In a prominent location alongside Interstate 10, Boerne has ample

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Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

space for baseball enthusiasts as well. Northrup Park is a complex of 11 playing fields that sprawl across more than 100 acres. For those who have other interests, the facility includes volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a covered basketball court and eating facilities.

Just a few moments drive further to the northwest is Boerne City Lake Park, where one of the city’s primary water sources is located, offering more than 100 acres of beautiful liquid refreshment and recreation.

Out of the water, the large park area provides Frisbee golf, bird watching areas, a fishing pier, volleyball and a food pavilion.

County Parks Three county parks lie within just a few miles of Boerne’s central Main Street area.

The Joshua Springs Park & Preserve is the first of the county’s large and beautiful nature areas and a place where walkers and hikers can enjoy an extensive trail system as a way to experience the Hill Country in a peaceful, up-close-and-personal way. Birders are provided with many opportunities for sightings, including areas that are specifically dedicated to chimney swifts and bluebirds, while fishermen are welcome at the park’s ponds and waterways. The most developed of the county’s three parks, Joshua Springs offers pavilion and playground facilities, among many other amenities.

Just around the bend from Comfort, the James Kiehl River Bend is a 25-acre area of exceptional beauty and peace dedicated to a local veteran who died in Iraq. Almost 2,000 feet of riverfront land allow visitors swimming, paddling and fishing access to the exceptional beauty of the Hill Country’s celebrated Guadalupe River.

Another lovely and quiet spot is the Kreutzberg Can-

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yon Natural Area - more than 100 more acres of rolling countryside adjoining the Guadalupe. Left largely undeveloped, three miles of paths trace the river’s banks, while wildlife observation blinds allow visitors to stop and observe the natural world around them.

Guadalupe River State Park East of Boerne, just past the quaint hamlet of Bergheim, is the Guadalupe River State Park. Horse lovers have access to several miles of an equestrian trail system, and campers can pitch their tents on any of the multiple camping sites. Miles of water access allows enthusiasts to fish, paddle, swim and float, while a new Children’s Discovery Center allows children hands-on access to exhibits, themed discovery boxes and a backpack of tools that make exploring the park fun.

Cibolo Nature Center & Farm One of Boerne’s true natural gems, the Cibolo Nature Center was borne of the dreams of local citizens who wished to see natural habitat not only restored, but preserved in perpetuity. Since the 1980s, the CNC has continued to develop and grow both in size and in learning opportunities, celebrating the Hill Country land and natural resources as an important legacy.

With conservation as its primary focus, the CNC’s library and exhibits allow for learning, while its many trails allow visitors to explore a variety of ecosystems within a small area through which a beautiful, cypressbordered stretch of the Cibolo Creek runs.

One of Boerne’s most historic and beautiful structures, the Herff farmhouse and its surrounding property, was purchased recently as an extension of the Cibolo Nature Center. Something of a neighborhood gathering place, the Herff Farm land is the location of a community garden, a weekly farmers market and other special events.

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-12- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Kendall County real estate a solid investment

A

ccording to a mid-September announcement by the San Antonio Board of Realtors, home sales in Kendall County have “skyrocketed” 29 percent during the first half of 2015.

While the average sales price of a home in Kendall County in August increased more than 18 percent to

$421,656, the median sales price grew 11.7 percent to $335,000.

“Kendall County is growing swiftly and continues to be a prime location for buying and selling,” said Mary Ann Jeffers, 2015 SABOR Chairman of the Board.

“Kendall County currently has 6.6 months of inventory with 340 listings still active,” Jeffers said. “This

is a pretty balanced market for both buyers and sellers.”

The average price of a Boerne home in August shot up 33 percent from last year to $313,610 and the median price rose 17.5 percent to $273,660, SABOR reported. The price per square foot increased 15 percent to $132 and homes stayed Continued on Page 14

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Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Listings Area Maps

MLS

LOCAL

Buyers Community Information 78006 Sellers LOCAL CMA Market Analysis New Construction Boerne Land Lots Fixer Uppers Acreage Builders

LOCAL

Commited to Service Karen Mathison, REALTOR LoneStar Properties 222 S. Main Street • Boerne CALL or TEXT 830-446-9134 karen@karenmathison.com

MLS Search and Local Information www.KarenMathison.com

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-14- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

From page 12 on the market for 52 days, SABOR reported.

Nearly all of the homes that sold across the area were existing homes rather than new construction. The median sales price of an existing home was $335,000 while the median sales price of a new home was $312,000.

Twenty of the 55 homes sold in Kendall County in August were located in Boerne itself. The average price of a Boerne home in August rose to $313,610 while the median sales

Fall 2015

price increased 17.5 percent to $273,660.

San Antonio experienced a seven percent increase in sales compared to August 2014. The average sales price was up 8.4 percent to $204,638 while the median sales price rose 10.1 percent to $175,000.

According to the report, Texas as a whole showed a five percent growth rate for August as well as a six percent increase in average price to $256,829 and more than seven percent growth in the median sales price to $202,500.

Kendall County

August 2015

Year to Date (Jan-Aug)

Total Month Sales

55 (27.9% increase)

441 (29.0% increase)

Average Price

$421,656 (18.2% increase)

$412,046 (5.7% increase)

Median Price

$335,000 (11.7% increase)

$339,000 (20.1% increase)

Percentage increases are based on a year-over-year comparison.

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Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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Medical industry expansion strives to meet local needs

A

s the Boerne area grows rapidly, the region’s medical services are rushing to keep pace. Contained for many years to the short and secluded stretch of Medical Drive off East Blanco Road, the past decade saw physician and medical specialist locales expanding into other parts of the town, including The Falls off East Bandera Road and Methodist Boerne Medical Center at Menger Springs.

In January of 2008, the opening of Methodist Boerne Emergency Center, 134 Menger Springs, marked an even more evident milestone in Kendall County’s medical services.

Many of these providers as manifested by Methodist - continue to move northward out of San Antonio. However, Heather Dickens, business development advisor for Hill Country Memorial, reports that services are also expanding south out of Kerrville. Not only does Sid Peterson Hospital have a rotating specialty clinic at 124 E. Bandera

Rd., in Boerne, but HCM is capturing its share of the market by also offering an array of specialists’ services from a suite in the Gateway Building located at 1580 S. Main St. in Boerne. According to Dickens, such specialties include “ear nose and throat; pain (management); gastroenterology; orthopedics; vascular, and OB/GYN.” Not only are the physicians available, Dickens said, but procedures including CT’s, x-rays, fluroscopies, and pain interventions can be done on site.

With Misty Mayo, president of Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation, declaring the region to be “the fourthfastest growing metropolitan statistical area in the nation,” it is anticipated that medical services will also continue to grow. “There are still gigantic gaps that exist, but as consumers in Kendall County, we’re highly educated and we’re starting to demand that we find the solutions to our health needs within our own community,” Mayo said.

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Javier Roman-Gonzalez, M.D. Eugene P. Haddock, M.D. A. Charles Rabinowitz, M.D. David H. White, M.D. Jose A. Perez, M.D. In Boerne services are provided daily (M-F) by staff who are residents of Boerne at: STCC Hill Country Cardiology Office 109 Falls Court, Suite 300 For additional information, please contact our Boerne office at (830) 249-1700 or at www.heartdoctors.net.

Serving the communities of Boerne • Fredericksburg • Kerrville • San Antonio

-16- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

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Boerne Community Theatre BCT

907 E. Blanco Rd. Boerne, TX 78006

Quality Theatre in the Hill Country

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Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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-18- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Residential & Commercial

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Residential & Commercial Roofing 830-816-8230 Toll Free 888-816-8230 NEWCibolo ROOFS  RE-ROOFS 5 Upper Creek Road, Boerne www.qualityroofingtx.com

• Shingle, Metal, Tile, Wood Shake, Single-Ply • Standing Seam Roof Specialists • Lifetime Transferable Warranty on Standing Seam Roofs • Insured for your Protection • Manufacturer and Workmanship Warranties • Free Estimates • Insurance Claims Welcome

Quality Roofing has been installing roofs in the San Antonio and Hill Country areas since 1991 and is owned and operated by the original owner and family.

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Fall 2015

Helpful Telephone Numbers Emergency.........................................911 Crime Stoppers ..............1-800-348-LEAD Boerne: City Offices.......................... 830-249-9511 Boerne Police (non-emerg). 830-249-8645 Public Library .................... 830-249-3053 Swimming Pool ................. 830-249-3969 Civic Center ........................ 830-249-2811 Visitors Bureau ................... 830-249-7277 Boerne ISD: Administration . .................. 830-357-2000 Boerne High School ......... 830-357-2200 Champion High School ..... 830-357-2600 Middle School North .......... 830-357-3100 Middle School South ......... 830-357-3300 Cibolo Creek Elementary.... 830-357-4400 Curington Elementary ....... 830-357-4000 Fabra Elementary . ............. 830-357-4200 Fair Oaks Ranch Elem ....... 830-357-4800 Kendall Elementary ........... 830-357-4600 Comfort ISD: Administration . ................... 830-995-6400 Comfort High School .......... 830-995-6430 Middle School . ................... 830-995-6420 Elementary School ............. 830-995-6410 Fair Oaks Ranch: City Offices......................... 210-698-0900 Police Department ............. 210-698-0990 Kendall County: County offices ................... 830-249-9343 Sheriff office ...................... 830-249-9721 EMS Office ........................ 830-249-3721 Extension Agent ................ 830-249-9343 Justice of the Peace offices: Precinct 1 .......................... 830-249-9343 Precinct 2 ........................... 830-249-8404 Precinct 3 .......................... 830-249-2820 Precinct 4 (Comfort) ........... 830-995-2031 Drivers’ License office ........ 830-249-6335 Utilities: Bandera Electric Coop ...... 866-226-3372 Boerne (elec, gas, water).... 830-249-9511 Central Texas Coop ........... 830-997-2126 Pedernales Electric Coop . . 830-868-7155 SA City Public Service ...... 210-353-2222 Other: The Boerne Star ................. 830-249-2441 Chamber of Commerce ..... 830-249-8000 Hill Country Family Srvs ..... 830-249-8643 Bus Station ......................... 800-231-2222 Post Office . ....................... 830-249-2414 Kendall Appraisal District.... 830-249-8012 Boerne Methodist ER.......... 830-331-3000

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Kendall County by the numbers:

Stay informed: Attend meetings

• Population, 2014 estimate - 38,880 • Housing units, 2014 - 15,011 • Persons per household - 2.7 • Median value occupied housing units - $274,400 • Median household income 2009-2013 - $73,410 • Mean travel time to work (minutes) - 26.7 • Land area in square miles - 662.5 • Mean elevation - 1500 feet • Boerne population, 2014 estimate - 12,835 • Boerne households - 4,498

• Boerne City Council

Source: United States Census Bureau

• COMFORT ISD TRUSTEES

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6 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Municipal Courtroom, 124 Old San Antonio Road

• Kendall County Commissioners

9 a.m. second and fourth Mon­day, Kendall County Courthouse, 204 E. San Antonio, Boerne

• BOERNE ISD TRUSTEES

6:30 p.m. third Monday, BISD boardroom, 123 W. Johns Road, Boerne 6 p.m. second Monday in the board offices 327 High St., Comfort

State, federal representation:

• 21st U.S. Congressional District • 25th Texas Senatorial District • 73rd Texas House District • 216th Judicial District

• COW CREEK GROUNDWATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICT 6 p.m. second Monday at the Kendall County Courthouse, 204 E. San Antonio, Boerne

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-20- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Boerne’s Hill Country Mile SHOPPING, CULINARY DELIGHTS, AND HISTORIC SITES! Boerne’s Hill Country Mile is a Texas-size mile stretching 1.1 miles through the heart of Boerne.

It offers a wide variety of shopping and dining experiences in our vibrant, historic downtown. So get out your walking shoes and do some exploring!

Whether you are interested in the latest in women’s fashion, jewelry, home goods and accessories, art, men’s wear, children’s clothing or other specialty items, there is a shop or boutique for you! Need a little sustenance before you return to the shops? Boerne offers a host of fine and casual dining options, a variety of bakeries, coffee shops, microbreweries and more - some with outside seating available, so you can continue to enjoy our beautiful Hill Country weather.

NATURAL BEAUTY Boerne has great options for outdoor living! Enjoy our extensive trail system along Cibolo Creek,

including River Road Park, where you can cast a line, bring a picnic, ride a bike and enjoy your day.

Not far from the Hill Country Mile is the Old No. 9 Trail that follows the historic alignment of the old San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad route that brought early visitors from San Antonio to Boerne.

On both trails you will find new treats to delight the eye!

Several temporary sculptures have been installed as part of the Boerne Art al Fresco Public Art Competition and will be in place for the next year. Be sure to pick up a Public Art Walking tour brochure from the Visitors Center, The Chamber of Commerce, The Patrick Heath Public Library and downtown retailers. You can also download an audio walking tour via the free Otocast app. Don’t forget to take a selfie with your favorite sculpture and share it with us at on Facebook at Boerne Art al Fresco!

RIVER SOUTH ARTS DISTRICT

South of the Cibolo is where you will find a quieter Boerne, with more great places to shop, eat and relax. Art and design shops, galleries, restaurants, lodging, and some of the city’s most stunning historic buildings can be found including St. Peter’s Catholic Church, an iconic limestone structure built high on a hill overlooking the city.

The church was modeled after San Antonio’s Mission de la Purisma (1730) with twin towers that rise 65 feet in the air.

Next door, The Phillip Manor has seen many uses over the last 150 years, and now has been restored into a boutique hotel, pub and event center. Across the street, the two-story triple column structure with arched windows is the Victorian style Carstanjen House (also called The Mansion House).

Nearby is the famous Kronkosky Tower, offering the best view in Boerne.

For more information and updates, please “Like” us on Facebook.

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Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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-21-

Map Graphics by Polonyx

Celebrate...

add dinner to the show!

sodapopsboerne.com

littlegretel.com

dodgingduck.com

-22- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Local businesses are child-friendly

B

oerne residents with children will find that a growing number of businesses and organizations are catering to the needs of families’ youngest members.

Adults who wish to exercise during times when their youngsters are in tow, can do so at the YMCA. Located at 1361 S. Main St., the Hill Country YMCA offers a spacious, glassed-in, child-care area with professionally supervised care of little ones while adults work up a sweat nearby.

Eateries are getting into the full-family act as well. The Dog and Pony Grill, 1481 S. Main St., is a popular restaurant for people of all ages, but the Dog and Pony’s shaded playground is

particularly popular with children who’ve energy to burn.

Kid friendly food truck gardens are another growing option for families with young children who

seek. The Roundup (531 N. FM 3351), The Taste of Boerne (1022 River Rd.), and Random (11 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd.) are each

food truck/beer garden combos offering running room for small children, along with activities such as bouncy play areas, volleyball, corn hole, or playgrounds – and garnering loyal, enthusiastic followings from across the Hill Country and San Antonio areas.

For adults wanting a different kind of escape, Starplex’s Wednesday Mommy Matinees offer an altogether different sort of kid-friendly venue. “Every Wednesday enjoy the latest romantic comedy or action adventure and save money on the babysitter,” reads the Starplex website. “Mommy Matinees have brighter lighting, lower sound, stroller parking & most importantly babies are welcome.”

Don’t let them inside this winter.

Can’t be home? NO PROBLEM! We offer Executive Outside Service.

OakHillsPestControl.com • 830-816-2030

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

-23-

2015 BOERNE, TEXAS Experience Boerne’s 16th annual Christmas event, Dickens on Main!

Located in historic downtown Boerne along the Hill Country Mile, this family friendly event will bring tidings of good cheer that will put you in the holiday spirit!

Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 – 1-11pm Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 – 1-11pm Snow on Main Street * Holiday Lighting Ceremony * Dickens Village Dickens Period Costumes * Bah Humbug - Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” Horse Drawn Carriage Rides * Ice Sculpture Shows Santa Claus * Headliner Concerts Both Nights * Holiday Music Three Children’s Areas * Trackless Train Rides Santa’s Workshop * 60 ft. Snow Slide * Petting Zoo/Pony Rides Holiday Greetings Photo Locations * And Much More!

#boernechristmas

DickensOnMain.com

mile

-24- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Protecting heritage, conserving nature

T

he Cibolo Nature Center & Farm in Boerne is located on 162 acres of natural lands at Boerne City Park off Highway 46 just west of the Kendall County Fairgrounds.

The Cibolo Nature Center’s mission is conservation of natural resources through education and stewardship.

Thousands of volunteer hours have made the Cibolo Nature Center a prime example of community caring and an excellent model of a local community’s efforts to preserve its natural heritage.

Open to the public since Earth Day 1990, the Cibolo Nature Center provides education, research, entertainment and outdoor activities for more than 100,000 visitors a year, while promoting sound stewardship of land, water and wildlife.

Across Cibolo Creek from the nature center lays a true gem - one in need of some polishing, and luckily a crew of enthused working groups has risen to the occasion to plan the restoration and renewal of the Herff Farm.

The 62-acre green space includes a

Cibolo Nature Center & Farm farmhouse, barn and other structures built by some of the area’s original German immigrants. In December 2009, it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The house also figured prominently in the early settlement of Boerne, was confiscated during the Civil War for a Confederate Prisoner of War camp and served as the site of one of the last Native American-settler conflicts.

It was the summer home of Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig Herff, a medical

pioneer in San Antonio and the great-great-grandfather of Carolyn Chipman Evans, the Cibolo Nature Center’s founding director.

Its location at the confluence of Cibolo and Menger creeks makes it a key habitat area within the larger Cibolo Conservation Corridor.

In 2007, the Friends of the Cibolo Wilderness, with help from supporters and foundations across Texas, purchased the farm in order to preserve its resources for current and future generations.

Local community members have embraced the potential of this valuable place and are hard at work planning its future. Among the goals is for the farm to function as a sustainable living center, demonstrating home gardening, rainwater catchment and conservation, sustainable energy practices, backyard chicken coops, composting and has partnered with the community to create a community garden and farmer’s market, complementing a farm and garden education program for children and adults. Learn more at www.cibolo.org.

Messiah Lutheran Church The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

We invite you to join us for Worship celebrating God’s faithfulness.

Sunday Worship 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Adult and Children’s Bible Studies 9:15 a.m.

Monday Worship Mondays at 7:00 p.m. following the 2nd and 4th Sundays “Messiah Kids” Preschool Secure, Christian, learning environment for children aged 2 1/2 years old thru 5 years old. Pre-K with degreed teachers, planned curriculum, low ratios and state licensed.

Associate Pastor Aaron Goeke

Pastor Richard Pfaff

9401 Dietz Elkhorn, Boerne, Tx 78015 (Near IH 10 & Fair Oaks) (830) 755-4300 • (830) 981-8034 • www.messiahboerne.org

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Please visit our models located at I-10 and Hwy 46 West or visit our website at www.hillcountryclassics.com.

Best in the Business since 1983

• Specializing in rural building.

• Wide selection of floor plans.

• No pre-cut materials - tailored to your site.

• 100% financing to qualified landowners.

• Architect on staff.

• Serving a 150-mile radius of Boerne, Texas.

models open daily Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • IH-10 at Hwy 46 West Boerne, Texas 78006 Call for your free brochure today! Boerne: (830) 249-2920 • San Antonio (830) 816-3330 Toll Free: (866) 924-5888

Visit Our New Website!

www.hillcountryclassics.com

-25-

-26- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Attractions Hill Country

Management Area in Texas at 16.1 acres.

The abandoned railroad tunnel is home to up to three million Brazilian free-tailed bats from May to October. Visitors watch the bats emerge from the tunnel each night, and nightly educational programs are available.

Take IH-10 to Comfort, exit at Hwy. 27, west to the blinking light in town and veer right Cave tours in Kendall County on Hwy. 87. Turn right on FM 473 and go east The vast stretches of limestone that honey- for 5 miles. Take Old # 9 Hwy. for 8 miles to comb the Texas Hill Country and in many places the site. form aquifers that serve as the primary source of water in the region, also contain some of the OLD WEST TOWN most unique geologic formations in living Enchanted Springs Ranch, 242 Hwy. 46 caves.

West, Boerne, is an old west ranch and active Cascade Caverns, 226 Cascade Caverns movie set, featured by True West Magazine as Road Exit 543 off I-10, gets its name from it’s one of the “Preferred Western Movie Sets”. It 100 foot waterfall – the grand finale of a one features an old western town right out of the hour guided tour.

1800’s, a magical place of rugged, natural beauty For more information, call 830-755-8080 or with a collection of exotic animals. Call 800-640visit www.cascadecaverns.com.

5917 or 830-249-8222 or visit enchantedspringA National Natural Landmark, Cave sranch.com for information on booking an event.

Without A Name , 325 Kreutzberg Road, Boerne, is a showcase of fabulous formations Activities in Adjacent Counties and educational exhibits. Tours are available Fredericksburg, founded by German from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day through settlers in 1846, is located in the heart of the Labor Day. 10am-4pm after Labor Day until Texas Hill Country. Activities include museums, Memorial Day. Call 830-537-4212 or visit a historic district, a wildflower farm, vineyards www.cavewithoutaname.com. and wineries, an herb farm, peach orchards, brew pub, living history farmstead, art gallerOld Tunnel WMA, The smallest Wildlife ies, live music, lavender farms, scenic drives,

Fall 2015

golf and more.

Specific attractions include: the National Museum of the Pacific War, the Pioneer Museum Complex, Wildseed Farms, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Luckenbach, Rockbox Theater and other unique sites. Fredericksburg has over 70 restaurants and bakeries and over 150 shops.

For more information about activities, go to visitfredericksburgtx.com, or call 830-9976523.

Also near Fredericksburg is the LBJ State Park & Historic Site, Hwy. 290 East, 199 State Park Road 52, Stonewall, TX 78671. More information about the Texas Parks and Wildlife facility is available at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ park/lyndon-b-johnson or by calling 830-6442252 .

Kerrville, located just 30 miles northwest of Boerne on I-10, also has a busy schedule of events.

Headquarters for learning about all there is to do there is the Visitors Center, 2108 Sidney Baker Dr., open seven days a week, or visit www.kerrvilletexascvb.com.

For information about more events and attractions, such as the headquarter of James Avery Craftsman and historic downtown Kerrville, visit www.kerrvilletexascvb.com.

Looking for a perfect venue to make your special event shine?

What clients are saying:

“I would recommend the Cana Ballroom in a heartbeat with no reservation. In fact, I already have!”

With its floor to ceiling windows and spacious outdoor verandas overlooking the beautiful Hill Country, The Cana Ballroom just may be your answer.

Nestled atop a hill in the heart of downtown Historic Boerne, The Cana Ballroom is the newest addition to the St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church grounds. Offering a variety of options for space, it is ideal for any type of event, from a baby or bridal shower of 30, to a corporate meeting of 50, to more extravagant occasions like a wedding reception of 450 seated.

The venue includes a large elegantly furnished foyer entrance, as well as a full commercial kitchen with flexible catering options. It also offers individualized layouts with six-foot round tables and mahogany chivari chairs, a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, a custom dance floor and more.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (830) 816-5630, or visit our website, www.canaballroom. com. The Cana Ballroom is located at 202 W. Kronkosky St., Boerne, TX 78006.

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

-27-

A

t Ancira Buick GMC, please review our extensive inventory of Buick GMC cars, trucks, and SUVs. We work hard to get you into the vehicle you have always wanted. That new Buick GMC is waiting for you, and we work with a vast array of lending sources to make sure you will get the most complete and comprehensive financial package available.

Ancira Buick GMC service department strives for 100% customer satisfaction.

From general maintenance such as oil changes to major repairs, let Ancira Buick GMC service your vehicle. Our dealership is one of the premier dealerships in the country. Our commitment to customer service is second to none. We offer one of the most comprehensive parts and service department in the automotive industry.

At Ancira Buick GMC, we strive to make buying or leasing a new vehicle a pleasant and rewarding experience.

Our primary concern is the satisfaction of our customers. Our online dealership was created to enhance the buying experience for each and every one of our internet customers.

830-981-9000 • AncirA.com mon-fri: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm • open Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm • cloSed Saturday

-28- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Enjoy fall, winter events in Boerne!

November

Boerne Handmade Market Saturday, November 7 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at The Pavillion, 826 John’s Rd., Boerne. (210) 663-9046. Boerne Handmade Market is a one day event boasting creative and new vendors, selling all handmade items. Food trucks available for snacks and meals. Playground for children, live music.The Farmers Market at the Cibolo Saturdays - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne. (830) 249-4616. Shop fresh local produce, farm fresh eggs, breads, jams, jellies, local honey and Texas Hill Country arts & crafts at the historic Herff Farm at the Cibolo Nature Center. Enjoy free live music, gardening classes, cooking demonstrations and children’s craft activities, too.

The Chamber of Commerce’s Wild Game Dinner Saturday, November 7 - 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road, Boerne. (830) 249-8000 Cost: $20 per person. Admission includes all you can eat of the savory wild game dishes, live & silent auctions and registration for door prizes. There’s also “not-so-wild” food.

Boerne Community Theatre - “The Odd Couple” Friday - Sunday, November 13 – 15, Thursday – Sunday, November 19- 22, Friday – Saturday, November 27 – 28. 907 East Blanco Road, Boerne. (830) 249-9166. This classic comedy features a divorced Oscar Madison and Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife.

The clean-freak and the slob decide to room together with hilarious results. Showtimes: Thursday: Doors Open - 7:00, Show Time - 7:30; Friday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00; Saturday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00; Sunday: Doors Open - 2:00, Show Time - 2:30.

Ticket Prices: Individual: $20.00, Seniors: $18.00 (60 and over), TPR / Military /Students: $15.00, Group: $16.00 (10 or more).

Boerne Market Days Saturday and Sunday, November 14 – 15. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Main Plaza, 100 North Main, Boerne. (210) 8448193. Since 1850, Main Plaza has been a center point of trade for the people of Boerne. Now, the second weekend of every month, Main Plaza becomes home to ™

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Sales • Rentals • Service

(830) 816-2290 aquamanwater.com 32545 IH10 West

hundreds of festive booths displaying everything from collectibles and remembrances of the past to modern innovations.

Second Saturday Art and Wine Saturday, November 14 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Galleries in Boerne. On the second Saturday, participating galleries go all out each month with complimentary beverages and a variety of hors d’oeuvres along with fantastic art. Travel to each gallery in the downtown area on foot or on the Shabby Bus. Dickens on Main Friday and Saturday, November 27 – 28. 10:00 am to 10:30 pm. Downtown Boerne. (830) 249-7277. Celebrate Christmas Hill Country Style. Picture yourself in merry ole history with horse drawn carriages, carolers, street performers, Santa and much more, and you’re at Dickens on Main. For more information, visit www. dickensonmain.com The Farmers Market at the Cibolo Saturdays through December 19 - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne. (830) 249-4616. Shop fresh local produce, farm fresh eggs, breads, jams, jellies, local honey and Texas Hill Country arts & crafts at the historic Herff Farm at the Cibolo Nature Center. Enjoy free live music, gardening classes, cooking demonstrations and children’s craft activities, too.

December

Oma’s Christmas Craft Fair Saturday and Sunday, December 5 – 6, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road, Boerne. (830) 249-2839. Texas hand crafted wood items, homemade jellies, hand crafted clothing, wall hangings, ceramics, knitted and crocheted goods, hand embroidered items, and hand painted bird feeders and bird houses. Three large buildings full of handmade crafts you are sure to find the perfect gift for any loved one no matter what their age or liking. www.kcfa.org Weihnachts Parade Saturday, December 5 - 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Downtown Boerne. (830) 249-9511 ext. 5. The 29th Weihnachts Parade is a long standing Boerne Christmas tradition.

Up to 100 lit entries travel Main Street. The parade will travel north to south beginning at Frederick Street (by the Fire House) and will end at River Road.

Boerne Market Days Saturday and Sunday, December 12 – 13. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Main Plaza, 100 North Main, Boerne. (210) 8448193. Since 1850, Main Plaza has been a center point of trade for the people of Boerne. Now, the second weekend of every month, Main Plaza becomes home to hundreds of festive booths displaying everything from collectibles and remembrances of the past to modern innovations.

Second Saturday Art and Wine Saturday, December 12 - 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Galleries in Boerne. Participating galleries go all out each month with complimentary beverages and a variety of hors

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

d’oeuvres along with fantastic art.

Travel to each gallery in the downtown area on foot or on the Shabby Bus. Boerne Concert Band Christmas Concert Sunday, December 13 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Boerne High School Auditorium, 1 Greyhound Lane, Boerne.

(830) 249-8918. The Boerne Concert Band performs live musical concerts for audiences. The concerts are always free to the public. This group of volunteer musicians is proud to present a wide variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages. www.boerneconcertband.org Boerne Performing Arts - The Ten Tenors - Home for the Holidays Thursday, December 17 - 7:30 pm.

Boerne Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Blvd., Boerne.

(830) 331-9079. Visit boerneperformingarts.com for ticket information. Celebrate the holiday season with international singing sensation The Ten Tenors, one of Australia’s most successful entertainment groups of all time. Home for the Holidays is a magical experience for the whole family that will dazzle, delight and captivate.

January

Boerne Community Theatre “The Crazy Quilt Club” Friday – Sunday, January 22 – 25; Thursday – Sunday, January 28 – 31, 8:00 pm, 907 East Blanco Road,

Boerne. (830) 249-9166. A sweet little old lady spends most of her time knitting and solving murders, most of which occur whenever she shows up. At the retirement home for old knitters, one of its members dies from drinking poisoned punch.

Clues drop as fast as corpses and the dialogue keeps the audience in stitches till the last minute! Showtimes - Thursday: Doors Open - 7:00, Show Time - 7:30; Friday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00; Saturday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00; Sunday: Doors Open - 2:00, Show Time - 2:30. Ticket Prices - Individual: $20.00, Seniors: $18.00 (60 and over), TPR / Military /Students: $15.00, Group: $16.00 (10 or more).

February

Boerne Community Theatre “The Crazy Quilt Club” Thursday – Saturday, February 4 – 6, 8:00pm, 907 East Blanco Road, Boerne. (830) 249-9166. A sweet little old lady spends most of her time knitting and solving murders, most of which occur whenever she shows up. At the retirement home for old knitters, one of its members dies from drinking poisoned punch.

Clues drop as fast as corpses and the dialogue keeps the audience in stitches till the last minute! Showtimes - Thursday: Doors Open - 7:00, Show Time - 7:30; Friday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00; Saturday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00. Ticket Prices - Individual:

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$20.00, Seniors: $18.00 (60 and over), TPR / Military /Students: $15.00, Group: $16.00 (10 or more).

Boerne Performing Arts - A Night at the Oscars Saturday, February 6 - 7:30 pm.

Boerne Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Blvd., Boerne.

(830) 331-9079. Visit boerneperformingarts.com for ticket information. The “Orchestra of the Stars” will feature the best and brightest artists and soloists as they present a lively and entertaining performance specializing in the music that “made” the movies.

Boerne Chocolate Walk Saturday, February 13 - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Downtown Boerne. (830) 249-9511, ext. 5. $15. Perfect opportunity to visit the stores downtown and have lunch or dinner. A ticket includes a map of the participating businesses and a bag to collect your special chocolate treats. For more information, visit boerne-tx.gov/ chocolatewalk Boerne Performing Arts Seventeen Samurai Thursday, February 25 - 7:30 pm.

Boerne Champion High School Auditorium, 201 Charger Blvd., Boerne.

(830) 331-9079. Visit boerneperformingarts.com for ticket information. Back to Boerne by popular demand, this exciting new show will bring you athletic bodies and Continued on Page 35

-30- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Walk Historic Boerne

It’s the best way to see Boerne’s notable homes & buildings up close Historic Scenic Driving And Walking Tour Of Boerne * Denotes building is a Texas Historic Landmark 1. MAIN PLAZA - A famous meeting place since the early days and often the site of festivals, fun.

2. YE KENDALL INN* - 128 W. BLANCO. Built as a home in 1859.

Later expanded as a hotel and stage stop.

3. DIENGER BUILDING* (1884) - 210 N. MAIN. Has been a grocery store, residence, restaurant, office, and the Boerne Public Library.

4. ST. HELENA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH* (1881) - 410 N. MAIN. Original church built on this site by English settlers; replaced with this lovely Gothic church in 1929.

5. HAGEMANN-McGINNIS HOUSE (1890) - 508 N. MAIN. Originally three rooms and basement.

Interesting additions enhance early theme.

6. BESELER-HARZ HOUSE* (1905) - 518 N. MAIN. Built by Max Beseler as a home with locally quarried limestone. Note lovely curved porch.

7.

A.S. TOEPPERWEINWILCOX HOME (1894) - 612 N. MAIN. A.S. was "Ring Tail Rino,” a master craftsman. Note unusual spiral turret and porch.

7.

LEESCH-HARZ HOUSE (1907) - 712 N. MAIN. 1.5 Story Victorian-style house built by Henry Clemens for Louis Leesch, a decendant of early German settlers. Large, wrap-around porch with pressed tin and gingerbread trim.

7a.

HISTORIC BOERNE CEMETERY (1867) - ADVOGT & SCHOOL STREETS. Many early pioneers are buried here including George Wilkins Kendall. The first burials were of a family scalped by the Indians. Well cared for by the city and the Boerne Cemetery Foundation.

8. FOOTE-HAWKINS HOUSE (1879) - 717 N. MAIN. Built by Avery Foote, an undertaker who died of smallpox. Note unusually steep roof and the two windows at staggered height.

9.

KUHFUSS-SCHWEPPE HOUSE (1865) - 512 N. MAIN. Built

by William Kuhfuss. Used as courthouse and clerk's office in early county days.

10. LUCKENBACH HOUSE (1860) - 265 N. MAIN. Originally a log cabin expanded on two levels.

Recently restored.

11a. HISTORIC KENDALL COUNTY COURTHOUSE (1870) -

204 E. SAN ANTONIO. Second oldest Texas courthouse in continuous use. The front portion, designed by Alfred Giles was added in 1909.

Renovated in 1999 for county use when the new courthouse was built.

11b. NEW KENDALL COUNTY COURTHOUSE (1999) - 210 E. SAN ANTONIO. New 42,000 sq. ft. building houses official county offices with state-of-the-art facilities.

12a.

KUHLMANN-KING HISTORICAL HOUSE* (1885) 402 E. BLANCO. Built for Wm. Kuhlmann, a German immigrant and later owned by Salina King from England. The house and kitchen are operated by the Historical Society.

12b. HENRY J. GRAHAM BUILDING* (1891) - 402 E. BLANCO. Originally a bank and has been moved several time with different uses. Now is a museum.

13a. BOERNE CITY HALL* (1910) - 402 E. BLANCO. Originally Boerne High School, designed by Alfred Giles. Now city offices and utilities building.

13b. OLD BOERNE PUBLIC SCHOOL* (1870) - 402 E. BLANCO. The first Boerne public school.

Restored, now City Hall annex.

14.

PHILLIP-MASSEY HOUSE* (1900) - 116 N. PLANT. Built by Julius Phillip and has stayed in the same family for 100 years.

Unusual vertical clapboard construction.

15. FABRA SMOKEHOUSE* (1887) - 200 BLOCK S. MAIN.Was part of the Fabra Grocery and Butcher Shop. Incorporated into the architecture of the big building to preserve it.

16. OLD CITIZEN'S STATE BANK (1880) - 210 N. MAIN. Note architectural columns and arches, unusual for this area. Now used for commercial businesses.

17. THEIS HOUSE* (1858) - 100 BLOCK NEWTON. One of the oldest structures in town. Of rare palisades construction. Was home to the Theis family with blacksmith shop in front.

Restored by Ruby and Edgar Bergmann.

18.

WENDLER-HOUSTON HOUSE (1860) - 303 S. MAIN. Built

by Henry Wendler, a cabinet maker and early Boerne businessman.

19. KRAUSE BLDG AND ORT'S SALOON (1900) - 259 S. MAIN. Was residence for the Frank Krause family, a store and saloon. Now a part of Olde Towne.

19a. OLDE TOWNE - 265 S. MAIN. A collection of old, original historic buildings, including Alte Stadt Mall, now a shopping complex with quaint one-of-a-kind shops.

20. SCHRADER-HARTMAN HOUSE (1890) - 115 E. JAMES. Has been in the same family since it was built. Note unusual porch and woodwork.

21. LUCKENBACH-ASHER HOUSE (1894) - 118 E. JAMES. This house and the next door, LUCKENBACH-MITCHELL HOUSE, are two of the oldest German pioneer limestone homes in Boerne, built by Julius Luckenbach.

22. VOGT-CLEGG CABINS* (1876) - 221 S. PLANT. The only dogtrot type construction in town, these started as one log cabin and were expanded. Restored in excellent condition.

23. ebensberger-Fisher Funeral home (1882) - 111 rosewood. Oldest continuously operating business in Boerne. One of only two Art Deco buildings in town.

24. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (1929) - 217 E. ROSEWOOD. Original church dates to 1929 with this and other expansions. Unique interior.

25. PAUL HOLEKAMP HOUSE (1906) - 507 E. JAMES. Pioneer family home. Excellent example of Victorian architecture, built by Ed Clemens of cream brick, rare in area.

26. CLEMENS/HEATH HOUSE (1909) - 608 E. THEISSEN. Built by Ed Clemens with rare cream brick.

Note large, rounded porch.

27. DAVIS-KIDWELL HOUSE (1910) - 228 E. THEISSEN. Was in Davis family for many years. Was moved to 324 Hickman and restored to make way for church expansion.

28. KUTZER HOUSE* (1890) 208 E. THEISSEN. Has been greatly altered with added porch and room.

Now used as Methodist parsonage.

29. GOTTLIEB WEISS HOUSE (1887) - 106 E. THEISSEN. Mr. Weiss was a German pioneer blacksmith with his shop in the back. Was in the same family for over 100 years. Now commercial.

30. JOE VOGT BUILDING (1912) - 401 S. MAIN. Originally a grocery and dry goods store. Now a bakery.

31. CLEMENS VICTORIAN (1900) - 448 S. MAIN. Note this is one of three Victorian houses built in a row by Ed Clemens. All had picket fences, some of which have been restored.

32. VOGT-RICHTER HOUSE (1914) - 124 PECAN. Another Ed Clemens house with Victorian porch and columns. Note trees, unusual for the area.

33. BELL-URBAN HOUSE

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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7a 8

7 6 5

9 4

14 10

12

13

3

11 24 23 22 15 ◆ 25 16 19 27 26 17 20 21 36 18 29 28 34 35 30 32 33 31 48 38 43 39 47 46 45 40 42 41 44

2 1

37a Samuel V. Champion High School

37b

(1895) - 312 RIVER RD. This was moved in and little is known of origin.

Tastefully restored, it is now commercial.

34. DIETERT HOUSE (1850s) 604 RIVER RD. Early pioneer home of Wm. Dietert who had the first business in Boerne; a mill where the dam is located across the street. Very interesting house and history. Now commercial.

35. EBENSBERGER-MURPHY HOUSE (1925) 136 COTTONWOOD. A unique design for this area; made of hollow brick with white stucco cover.

36.

EBENSBERGERTHOMPSON HOUSE (1914) - 116 COTTONWOOD. An Ed Clemens house built for Pat Ebensberger before 136 Cottonwood was built.

37a.

AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE museum (1986) - on PARK RD. An out-growth of the 1986 Texas Sesquicentennial in Kendall County, it is a working museum that preserves examples of early farming & ranching. See blacksmith and carpentry shop, smokehouse and the pioneer house, built by volunteers on the property.

37b. CIBOLO nature center & FARM (1988) - S. CITY PARK RD. A 162-acre wilderness preserved the way it looked to pio-

neers in 1840s; four distinct trails of marsh, prairie, cypress creek bottom and upland woods; gift shop and casts of Dinosaur tracks found in Boerne after flood of 1998.

38. PHILLIP MANOR (1860) 706 S. MAIN. Started as a house and grew into a hotel. Note winding staircase inside.

39. KIDWELL HOUSE (1879) 714 S. MAIN. Was originally a grocery store and renovated in 1950.

Note rough limestone exterior.

40. ST. PETER THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCHES - The little church on the right was built in 1866 by George W. Kendall for his French wife.* The 1923 church was enlarged after saving most of the original structure which was built by parishioners with rocks from their ranches; designed after Mission Concepción in San Antonio.

41. KRONKOSKY TOWER (1911) - HIGHLAND DR. Built by Albert Kronkosky as part of his estate, now the property of the Benedictine Sisters. The best view in town.

42. BENEDICTINE CONVENT (1933) - On Highland Drive. Served as the Mother house for many years; a school, St. Albert’s Hall was operated by nuns who have made pool facilities available to senior citizens.

43. SCHWARZ-OPPERMANN HOUSE (1860) - 911 S. MAIN. Early

family home in the “Sunday House” style with outside stairs. Has been restored and used as a bed and breakfast.

44. DAVIS PIONEER HOME (1860) - 103 KRONKOSKY. “Sunday House” restored by Harry Davis family.

45.

AMMANN-DAVISNICCUM HOUSE (1905) - 207 S. LANDA. Restored by the Niccums to its original exterior. Note unusual side door on right.

46. VETERAN’S PARK (1923) Monument erected by the Graham family to honor all local men who died in military action defending the United States. Sculpture representing the different services was later done

by J Hester, local artist.

47. CARSTANJEN HOME (1872) - 705 S. MAIN. Also known as the Hall Mansion, it was once used as an annex to Phillip Manor Hotel in the early days.

48. ROBERT E. LEE HOUSE* (1860) - 525 S. MAIN. It is said that General Lee stayed here on his way to Ft. Sam Houston from Camp Verde. It was part of the O’Grady Inn, operating before the Civil War. Compiled by Edmonds 1999

Colonel

Bettie

-32- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

Fall 2015

Take a Driving Tour in the Hills Make Boerne your headquarters for day trips through the countryside 30.4 Boerne City Lake - Kendall County’s only lake NORTH TOUR (right). Exit at Boerne business exit, take the frontage (33 MILES) Start at north end of Main St. (Hwy. 87, northbound) at traffic light. Start mileage count here.

0.3 Kendall County EMS building (right) 0.4 (Turn right onto FM 1376) 3.4 Walnut Grove Road (left) 4.7 Remains of old Walnut Grove Resort Ranch still visible, one of Texas’ better known resorts in late 1890’s (left) 7.6 Wasp Creek 7.9 Wasp Creek School - original part still present, but converted into residence (left) 11.0 Ottmar Von Behr’s Homestead - in National Register as Historical District 11.1 Guadalupe River 11.9 Intersection of FM 473 (right) 12.1 East Sister Creek 12.2 Sisterdale - First known as Zink’s Settlement, named for Nicholas Zink who settled in 1847 12.3 Sister Creek Winery (left) 12.5 Lohrbeer House* - Built in 1897 (left) 12.6 Old Dance Hall (left) 12.7 Old school house (right) 12.9 Cemetery (right) Turn left at intersection of FM 473. Dr. Kapp’s Hydropathic Clinic (entrance 12.7 miles on right). Sisterdale. On the National Register as an Historical District. West Sister Creek 15.9 Turn left on Waring-Sisterdale Road (no signs).

18.2 Guadalupe River 20.1 Mira Sol Girl Scout Camp owned by Alamo Area Council of Girl Scouts (left).

20.5 Waring - community created in 1888. First known as Windsor, later changed to Waringford and finally Waring. Baptist Church, general store, post office, Waring school* makeup historic town. Just outside Waring is old Windsor Stage Stop, built in 1860s to accommodate overnight stagecoach travelers.

20.6 Railroad Depot (right) 22.7 Joshua Creek 23.9 Welfare - first known as Bon Ton. Like Waring Welfare was cut off with completion of Hwy. 87 and later IH-10, bypassing these small German settlements.

24.1 Railroad Depot (right) 24.1 Old Welfare School (left) 25.3 Nicolaus Zink Home* - built in 1868. Zink selected to lead group of German immigrants overseas to establish settlements on Texas Land Grant, buried in unmarked grave on this property.

26.2 Turn left 26.5 Nelson City - named for Nelson family farmers and ranchers, who operated automotive garage, filling station and lunch stand. Po-Po Restaurant built in 1929 first as dance hall.

27.0 Turn right off of IH-I0 frontage road - go under IH-10 overpass 27.5 Enter IH-10 30.2 Site of Andrew Jackson Potter’s Home (18681883). Potter, a Methodist minister for 30 years, traveled the Texas frontier, preaching in saloons, the only public buildings in the early settlements (left)

road.

31.0 Take Boerne exit to Hwy. 87 32.0 Ernest/Walter Pfeiffer Home - in 1974 the Pfeiffers received Texas State Family Land Heritage Award for owning and operating same agricultural land for over 100 years 32.9 Traffic Light (Main Street).

EAST TOUR (45 MILES) Turn east off Main St. at the Cibolo Creek Bridge.

Start your mileage count.

0.3 Cibolo Creek Dam - site of Boerne’s first business, the Dietert Saw and Grist Mill (right).

0.9 Agricultural Heritage Center - museum of antique farm equipment - Open Saturdays, 10 to 4 (right).

0.9 Boerne City Park & Cibolo Nature Center (right).

1.1 Herff Park - home to Kendall County Fair on Labor Day weekend (right).

6.6 Pleasant Valley School - now used for Community Center (left).

7.2 Cecil Smith’s Polo Field - home of America’s most famous polo player and training site for polo ponies (right) 10.0 Bergheim General Store* - old general store (right) which has been in the same family since 1900, and O'Briens Restaurant (left) 10.5 Turn left on FM 3351 11.0 Smith Cemetery - family-owned cemetery (right) 14.7 Old Schiller Post Office and site of first Bergheim General Store - located on Cielo Ranch.

15.0 Guadalupe River - old charcoal burners were active in this area.

19.1 Curry Creek.

21.0 Rawls Creek.

21.9 Kendalia* - town first known as Bech’s Flat, but later changed. Named after George Wilkins Kendall.

Many historic buildings in Kendalia including Kendall Community Church,* Old Lawhon General Store, log cabin Elbel General Store, dance hall and Kendalia Library with historical marker for George Wilkins Kendall. Turn left on FM 473 (left) 25.8 Shepard’s Creek & schoolhouse.

26.9 Dry Creek.

28.0 Curry Creek.

29.3 FM 474 intersects (left) Turn here.

36.3 Guadalupe River.

37.2 Guadalupe River Ranch (left).

38.6 Kreutzberg Road (left).

Optional Tour (approximately 10 miles) Turn left on Kreutzberg Rd. Pass Kreutzberg Shooting Club and School which dates back almost 100 years. On top of hill behind shooting club building is large cross erected by Joseph V. Phillip in 1847, used as landmark for the area. Kreutzberg (German for Cross Mountain ) (left). Alzafar Shrine Camp (left) and Cave Without a Name, one of Texas’ most beautiful caves (right) Return and continue on FM 474 to Boerne 42.2 Malakopf Monument* - monument erected in

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

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GILLESPIE COUNTY

CO

AN BL CO TY

UN

NORTH SISTERDALE

EAST

COMFORT

KENDALIA

WARING

KERR COUNTY

WELFARE

Guadalupe River

NELSON CITY

TY

JOHNS RD

WEST ND

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AC

BERGHEIM

SOUTH

NORTH TOUR - 33 MILES Y

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CASCADE CAVERNS

TAPATIO SPRINGS

BA

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Guadalupe River, Sisterdale, Waring, Welfare, Nelson City

EAST TOUR - 45 MILES Bergheim, Kendalia Guadalupe River,

SOUTH TOUR - 9.5 MILES Cascade Caverns WEST TOUR - 10.5 MILES Tapatio Springs

memory of Dr. Ferdinand Ludwig Von Herff, well-known doctor in late 1800s (right) 43.4 Intersection of Adler Road (turn right).

43.9 Kendall County Law Enforcement Center (right).

44.1 Boerne Civic Center - built in 1987.

44.2 Boerne Curington Elementary School - (left).

Adler Rd. (will take you back to Main St.

WEST TOUR (10.5 MILES) Turn left off Main St. onto Johns Road (westbound).

Start mileage count.

0.2 Henry Fabra Elementary School - dedicated to Henry Fabra, descendant of early settlers (left).

0.2 Boerne Middle School North originally built in 1929 and served as Boerne High School until new high school was built in 1972.

0.3 Cibolo Creek.

0.5 Tusculum - first settlement in Boerne. Located behind Schwope’s Water Well Drilling Company. Settled in 1849 by German immigrants hoping to bring higher standard of living to the United States. Only one stone building remains today. (Not visible from John’s Road).

0.9 Lex Sanitarium*- Lex family home used as sanitarium from 1919 to 1939. Owned and operated by

Emilie Lex (Mrs. Adolph). Boarding house, also for people traveling long distance to visit friends and family members who were parents. Dr. John Francis Nooe, at one time Boerne’s favorite doctor, operated and cared for parents here. Still owned by Lex family. (left - visible only from IH-10).

1.2 IH-l0 Overpass 5.2 Tapatio Springs Golf Resort Country Club - hotel conference center, golf, tennis, restaurant. Return to Main Street by way of John’s Road

SOUTH TOUR (9.5 MILES) Start tour on S. Main St. and Hwy. 46 (Bandera Hwy., southbound) intersection and drive south. Start mileage count here.

0.9 Enter frontage road of IH-10 (left).

2.1 Turn left on Cascade Caverns Rd., follow signs to Cascade Caverns 4.7 Cascade Caverns - 10-acre park, campground and cave. Cavern named for beautiful waterfall which plunges 90 feet.

Return to Main Street by way of Cascade Caverns Rd. * Denotes Texas Historical markers.

Compiled from Kendall County Historical Commission and Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society records.

-34- Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

AT

Fall 2015

get-away steeped in history

he survey laying out 301 town lots completed by Ernst Altgelt on Sept. 3, 1854 continues to outline the unique community of Comfort, nestled in a pastoral Hill Country valley just minutes from Boerne, Kerrville, Fredericksburg and San Antonio.

It’s a popular get-away with many top-quality bed and breakfast inns, RV parks, wineries, restaurants, antique and specialty shops and other attractions.

When Kerr County was separated from Bexar County in 1856, Comfort was the county seat. When Kendall County was formed in 1862 from parts of Kerr and Blanco Counties in answer to a petition from residents of Boerne and Sisterdale, Boerne became the county seat and Comfort remained part of Kendall county.

The town grew but it was never incorporated. Many of the original homes built by the pioneer settlers are still occupied by their descendants.

Most of Comfort’s early settlers migrated from Germany during the German Revolution of 1848. Comfort became a thriving center for trade and commerce, education and “Freethinkers,” followers of the “Freethinking Philosophy,” an antireligious movement generated by religious oppression in Germany. It was to be about 50 years before a church was established in Comfort.

The Comfort School District was the first formed in Kendall County. The first school building was constructed in 1856. As the community has grown, the Comfort ISD school campuses have expanded and a new high school on Hwy. 87 near the football stadium serves as a hub of activity for the community.

Among the attractions downtown is the Comfort Public Library, located in the historic Arno Schwethelm Memorial Building at 701 High Street.

Formed in 1956 with a collection

The past reflected in a window of the Comfort Historical Museum, housed in a 1908 bank building

of 3,000 books from a community-wide book drive, the library was previously housed in various locations, including Zimmerman Studio, located in the Comfort Theater; Hunter’s Casa de Cazador, now called the Gast House Inn, or Meyer Bed and Breakfast; Stieler Motors, presently Comfort Cable Building; and eventually the �Old Bank Building in 1961. In 1981, on the 25th anniversary celebration of the library, the board of trustees accepted the gift of the Arno Schwethelm Memorial Building and the challenge of renovating the building for use as a library.

In 2000 the building was renovated to accommodate growth and change. Today, the library’s updated collection of books, which includes an excellent selection of local history, is sup-

plemented with online features and access. The annual Taste of Comfort benefit for the library supported by local restaurants is among the community’s most popular events.

Today, civic, church and chamber events keep the community buzzing with activity. The town’s Fourth of July celebration is one of the biggest and oldest in the Hill Country – it began 10 months after the community was founded and has continued for more than 150 years. Christmas in Comfort, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is a popular holiday event.

An extremely active group of businesses support and coordinate annual antique shows, downtown shopping events, cultural activities and other programs year-round.

Fall 2015 Gateway to the Texas Hill Country A Guide for Visitors & Newcomers

From Page 29 contemporary costumes combined with explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. TAO has proven that modern entertainment based on the timeless, traditional art of Japanese drumming, continues to entertain international audiences again and again.

Hill Country Antique Show Saturday and Sunday, February 27 – 28, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Kendall County Fairgrounds, 1307 River Road, Boerne. (830) 329-2870.

Featuring over 60 exhibitor booths overflowing with the finest American antiques found in the market today. Exhibitors gather their treasures from the estates of this great country and save their best for this nationally acclaimed antiques show.

The show features Country Furniture, Baskets, Stoneware, Glassware, Jewelry, Textiles, Early Paper, Toys, Silver, Quilts, Pewter, American Oak, Southwestern and so much more!

March

Boerne Community Theatre“Theatre on the Edge” Friday- Sunday, March 4 – 6; Thursday – Saturday, March 10 – 12, 907

Your

East Blanco Road, Boerne. (830) 2499166. A play with humor, content or subject matter suitable for a mature audience. Showtimes - Thursday: Doors Open - 7:00, Show Time 7:30; Friday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00; Saturday: Doors Open - 7:30, Show Time - 8:00; Sunday: Doors Open - 2:00, Show Time - 2:30. Ticket Prices - Individual: $20.00, Seniors: $18.00 (60 and over), TPR / Military /Students: $15.00, Group: $16.00 (10 or more).

Boerne Concert Band Spring Concert Sunday, March 13 - 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Boerne High School Auditorium, 1 Greyhound Lane, Boerne.

(830) 249-8918. The Boerne Concert Band performs live musical concerts for audiences and the concerts are always free to the public. This group of volunteer musicians is proud to present a wide variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages. Visit www.boerneconcertband.org/ for more information.

April

Boerne Performing Arts - Pirates of Penzance Friday, April 8 - 7:30 pm. Boerne

Champion Auditorium, 201 Charger Blvd., Boerne. (830) 331-9079. Visit boerneperformingarts.com for ticket information. This New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players production is your chance to get carried away by Pirates. Join the band of swashbuckling buccaneers, bumbling British bobbies, frolicsome Victorian maidens, and the delightfully dotty “model of a modern MajorGeneral” for a rollicking romp over the rocky coast of Cornwall. The full orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists resonating with classic elegance and power ensure the company’s vibrancy, energy and contemporary sense of humor during this exhilarating show.

Boerne Parade of Artists Friday – Sunday, April 8- 10. Hosted by the Boerne professional Artists (BPA), the annual event attracts hundreds of art enthusiasts from around the country to various art venues in Boerne. BPA’s professional artist members show a diversity of media ranging from paintings, to sculpture, jewelry, photography, pottery, fused glass, encaustics, mixed media and more. For more information, visit boerneprofessionalartisits.com.

New Life. Our Calling.

Focusing on the strengths of physicians and midwives.

Boerne Specialty Care 124 East Bandera Road #406 Boerne, Texas 78006 (830) 428-0090

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