Kerrville

Kerrville is a city in the Texas Hill Country.

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Travel to Kerrville, visa requirements

Almost all major US airlines provide service to San Antonio International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the two closest major airports to Kerrville. Amtrak provides service to both San Antonio and Austin, as well. Bus service is provided into Kerrville by way of the Kerrville Bus Company. Kerrville has a small municipal airport, but access by automobile provides for a fascinating tourist experience and access to the beautiful surrounding hill country.

Kerrville is located on Interstate 10, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio and about 80 miles west of Austin by way of Highways 290 and 16.

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Get around

There are a few taxi services, but otherwise public transportation is non-existent in Kerrville. Renting a car is most optimal. A few rental car companies are available in town, such as Enterprise and National/Alamo.

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Kerrville attractions and sightseeing

The Guadalupe River is beautiful in this area of the hill country, and several local roads and highways provide wonderful access to the river. Highway 39 from Ingram (west of Kerrville) meanders along the banks of the river and crosses it several times via low water crossings. The crossings are popular spots for swimming and fishing. Be warned, private landowners become cross when tourists (or locals for that matter) trespass on their property. The area along Highway 39 is home to many nationally famous summer camps. Frequently you can find campers along the river canoeing, swimming, and horseback riding.

Downtown Kerrville is a historical site along the Guadalupe River. Water Street parallels the beautiful river for several blocks, and is home to many fine eateries and watering holes. Downtown shops are located in the same buildings that were built in the early 20th century.

Louise Hays Park is a wonderful escape in downtown Kerrville that can be accessed by foot from either side of the river, north or south, or by car from the south side (Thompson Drive). Tranquility Island is just across a footbridge in the park and is a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing, as well as many weddings.

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City tours

Kerrville is home to the Kerrville Arts & Crafts festival annually in May, located near the Kerr County Ag Complex on Highway 27 east of town. Kerrville also hosts the annual Kerrville Folk Festival also beginning in May, held south of town on State Highway 16.

The Rio 10, located on Highway 173, is the local movie theater and the flagship of the Rio Entertainment Inc. chain. Kerrville-Schreiner State Park is located on Highway 173 as well. The Family Sports Center on Highway 27 is the place in town for bowling, swimming and general indoor recreation. The Y.O. Ranch (not to be confused with the hotel of the same name) in nearby Mountain Home is home to many exotic wildlife and outdoor recreation.

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Shopping, Kerrville souvenirs

The town has Riverhills Mall which is located across the river from downtown Kerrville and has three major department stores (JCPenney, Belk, and Bealls) as well as stores with local flavor. The mall is rarely crowded and has nearby restaurants. The downtown shops along Water Street, Earl Garrett Street, and Main Street are locally owned and have a ton of local flair. Hastings Entertainment is also located in downtown. West of downtown along Highway 27 is the local Wal-Mart.

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Good restaurants and cheap meals

The most popular restaurants in Kerrville include the (flagship of the chain) Mamacita's Mexican food restaurant, Acapulco Mexican food restaurant, Cowboy Steakhouse, Cafe Riverstone, Hill Country Cafe, Kathy's on the River, Billy Gene's, and many others. According to City Hall, Kerrville is home to almost 90 restaurants.

There are also many chain restaurants in Kerrville including McDonald's (4 locations), Subway (2 locations), Dairy Queen (3 locations), Taco Casa (2 locations), Taco Bell, Sonic (2 locations), Culver's, Wendy's, Chili's, KFC, Church's, Denny's, Luby's, Starbucks, Jack-in-the-Box, and IHOP. Please try the local restaurants first! There is no Burger King in Kerrville.

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Kerrville nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

Contrary to popular beliefs, there are many popular watering holes in and around town. Pampell's is located in historic downtown in an original building on Water Street next to the river. It was a soda fountain and drugstore in the early 20th century and was converted into a bar in 2005. You will find great music, a friendly atmosphere, and local regulars. Downstairs is a restored room where smoking is prohibited, and upstairs is a cigar room/sports bar atmosphere.

For dancing, Inn of the Hills Pub is about the only place available as of June 2006. Located on Highway 27 just minutes from downtown, they play primarily country music, but mix in some pop and hip-hop as the night progresses. The crowd here includes mostly middle-aged folks, and tends to be too loud and crowded for many tourists.

For a younger crowd, Nautilus Beach Bar is a late-starting, fun-loving bar near the Interstate on Highway 16. Tends to be a little too rowdy for older folks as the night progresses, but it is one of the few places to find a primarily twenty-something crowd.

The Watering Hole on Broadway and A Street near downtown cannot be left off of the list. It is a hole-in-the-wall dive bar that is a lot of fun. The bartenders are friendly and very helpful, while the place is a little crowded on busy nights. They have great music many nights, and you will find a very mixed crowd.

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Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Hotels are plentiful in Kerrville because of the large tourism industry. They range from the budget-conscious Hill Crest Motel and Flagstaff Inn to the chain Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn (among others) to the cultural and elegant Y.O. Ranch Resort and Conference Center and the Inn of the Hills.

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Get out

When it's time to leave, once again, the airport is not yet set up for commercial travel, so you are on your own in the car. Bus travel is available (ever hear of Kerrville bus lines?). Many people, though, find it hard to leave and end up living in Kerrville at some point in their lives.