Central Hill Country

• , Texas' state capital, lies on the eastern edge of the region.
• , Nestled at the edge of the spectacular Texas Hill Country about 50 miles northwest of Austin, in the Highland Lakes.
• - The heart of the German country.
• - Home of one of the country's largest folk festivals.
• - An affluent suburb of Austin.
• - Small town with a rich musical heritage.
• - This town is best known for its German culture and heritage, not to mention the Schlitterbahn, persistent in being voted the world's best waterpark.
• - A popular riverside destination, this town is the home of Texas State University and its Aquarena Center, as well as two massive outlet malls that have more than 350 shops.

• , near Blanco, 830 833 4333.
• , 325 628 3240. Features the beautiful Gorman Falls.
• , 16710 Ranch Road 965, near Fredericksburg, 830 685 3636. Extremely popular hiking spot, easily a day-trip from Austin. The park centers on a large 425-foot pink granite dome which rises above the surrounding landscape.
• , 830 438 2656.
• , near Burnett, 512 793 2223. A manmade lake dating from the 1930s which offers fantastic boating, canoeing, and fishing.
• , near Burnet, 830 598 8829. Cool cave with a 1-1/4 mile tour.
• , near Stonewall, 830 644 2252. Includes the ranch and one-room schoolhouse from the former president's youth, as well as the Sauer-Beckman Living Farm, which recreates Hill Country farm life as it was at the turn of the century.
• , 5808 Mckinney Falls Parkway, 512 243 1643. 13 miles south of Austin.
• , 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, +1 830 868-7304. Offers picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, tubing, fishing, and bird watching.

Despite the location in the "German" hill country of Texas, you do not need German to communicate. On the other hand, German speakers will find Gesprechpartners in Fredericksburg, Walburg, and other smaller communities, especially among older persons. Many school systems offer (or in some cases, require) 12 years in instruction in the German language.

Itineraries

• Canoeing the San Marcos River

The German Hill County is justly famous for its spring wildflowers. Miles of bluebonnets flank roads in late March to mid April, and cactus bloom in May. Since the brilliance of the display depends on autumn rains the year before, it helps to call the Texas Department of Transportation information line at (800) 452 9292 to find the best viewing spots.

Texas Hill Country cuisine is heavy on the meat, potatoes, and bread, and there is excellent barbecue and locally produced sausage in most communities. In Texas, barbecue is smoked, rather than sauced, meat. Well-known eateries include Cooper's in Llano, where you walk up to the barbecue pit, point to the piece of meat you want to eat, and the cashier retrieves and weighs it, takes you money, and hands it to you on a piece of waxed paper with several slices of white bread. Other barbecue establishments offer beans, potatoes, and salads. Vegan travelers will find Austin offers far more opportunities than the smaller communities of the Hill Country.

Although the official drink of Texas may be beer (Shiner or Lone Star, in particular), the Hill Country is known for its wineries. At least 24 Hill Country wineries welcome visitors. Highway 290 east of Fredericksburg is the place to find at least 5 wineries, with others southwest of Lampasas on FM 1478 and on state highway 27 near Comfort.

The two major health hazards for visitors to the German Hill Country both involve water, too much of it and too little of it. Flash floods can cover roads with up to 10 feet of water during especially severe thunderstorms. Low spots are signed to indicate the depth of water over the road. Never drive into running water. Every year some motorists die because they drive into a flood.
In the summer, be sure to stay hydrated. The most severe effects of dehydration usually hit those in the best athletic condition. Remember to drink cool, not ice-cold water regularly, and to protect against the sun.