Make a Kerrville Pitstop on Your LLYC Road Trip

Summer is finally here, and we couldn’t be more excited! Our staff is busy—bustling about the Canyon getting everything ready for Camp—deep cleaning cabins, setting up the waterfronts, stocking the Sugar Shack, and the list goes on. We imagine you feel the excitement too—tracking down trunks, sleeping bags, river shoes, rodeo outfits, and more.   

Once you pack the trunks, think about that LLYC road trip. You may be interested in what Kerrville—the nearest decent-sized town to the Canyon—has to offer.

In addition to chains or fast food, Kerrville has a variety of dining, outdoor, and last minute shopping options. Here are a few favorite recommendations from our local H. E. Butt Foundation community.

 

Family-Friendly Variety Fare

Pint and Plow (breakfast/lunch/dinner, dog-friendly, near downtown, closed Tuesday) A great selection of locally sourced and organic snacks, sandwiches, salads and pizza. A fantastic microbrew rated #15 in the U.S. by Travel and Leisure for Best Local Breweries. Inside and patio dining.

Grapejuice(lunch/dinner, downtown, closed Sun/M) Rated one of the best stops on I-10 by San Antonio Express News. We love the sliders and the brussel sprouts. If you are feeling decadent, try the loaded potato chips or the crackeroni and cheese. Inside and patio dining.

Cartewheels (lunch, downtown, closed S/Sun) A favorite lunch spot in one of the coolest buildings in Kerrville–serving scratch-made sandwiches, salads, soups, and daily specials. Don’t miss out on the dessert offerings! Inside and sidewalk dining.

Fransisco’s (lunch/dinner, downtown, closed Sunday)Enjoy your meal along with a bit of Hill Country history while dining in the restored Weston Building. The food and art are fabulous. Indoor and sidewalk dining.

Rails Cafe (lunch/dinner, near downtown, closed Sunday) Located in the fully-restored 1915 Kerrville Train depot, this cozy little spot was the winner of the 2004 Texas Downtown Association award for its authentic historic flavor and beautiful decor. The San Antonio Express-News call Rails, “a small gem polished with local flavor and a bit of history.” Indoor and patio dining.

Cafe at the Ridge (breakfast, lunch, dinner, closed Monday) A few miles outside of Kerrville past James Avery, this ranch house hangout has stick to your ribs homestyle cooking.

 

Tex-Mex

Conchita’s on Main (lunch, downtown, closed S/Sun) The place to for some good homemade Mexican food with a twist. Known for the Chicken Avocado Egg roll with Cilantro Pecan Pesto!

Acapulco (breakfast/lunch/dinner, Hwy 16) A local favorite since 1976. Great menu and freshly remodeled dining interior.

Mamacita’s (lunch/dinner, Junction 27) An extensive menu with a fun and visually exciting atmosphere including a replica of the Alamo, hand-painted murals, and an overhead canopy of twinkling stars. Be sure to try Mamacita’s famous green sauce and homemade tortillas. Indoor and patio dining.

Rita’s Famous Tacos (breakfast/lunch, downtown) Tacos and more! Even if you’re in a hurry, check out this beloved, downtown favorite.

Mary’s Tacos (breakfast/lunch) Just a few minutes from downtown. Fresh, fast, and delicious tacos. Don’t let the line fool you. They move fast at Mary’s.

 

Misc.

Yeo Bo’s (Korean BBQ, lunch/dinner, downtown, closed S/Sun) Homemade Korean BBQue and soups, right in the heart of downtown Kerrville. Everything on the menu is fantastic, but the sizzling stone bowls and fresh kimchee are extra special. Indoor and sidewalk dining.

Thai Ocho (Thai cuisine, lunch/dinner, downtown) Offering a delicious variety of authentic, healthy Thai recipes. Try the signature Pad Ginger with a sweet Thai iced tea and mango ice cream for dessert. Indoor and patio dining.

Next Generation Produce (juice bar, health food & snacks, near downtown) Kerrville’s 7 day a week farmer’s market featuring local (organic) produce, dairy, baked goods, and more. Stop in for a healthy snack or salad-to-go, or try one of NGP’s amazing juices or smoothies–too many favorites to recommend just one.

Bella Sera (Italian food/Pizza, lunch/dinner, near I10) Authentic Northern and Southern Italian dishes featuring fresh, locally grown ingredients prepared in classic combinations. The best in town hand-tossed pizzas. Indoor and patio dining.

Broken Stone Pizza Co. (Pizza,  lunch/dinner, near downtown, closed Sunday) Family owned pizzeria specializing in homemade pizza, both whole and by the slice. Dine-in and drive through.

 

Coffee shops

PAX (coffee & pastries, downtown) Brand new to our downtown and open early every AM, this craft coffee shop gets rave reviews–offering a laid back and friendly atmosphere, a delicious coffee selection, and a nice assortment of pastries from Cartewheels.

Pint & Plow (coffee & pastries, near downtown, closed Tuesday) A microbrew on one side with a coffee shop on the other. Enjoy fantastic coffee drinks and scratch-made breakfast pizza, pastries, hot cereal, and biscotti in this hip Victorian home, renovated with an industrial vibe.

 

Sweet treats

Sweeter Side of Rails (gelato, cupcakes, near downtown, closed Sunday) Enjoy a yummy assortment of gourmet gelato and cupcakes in the cutest dessert spot around. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Dreyer’s Ice Cream Parlor (located in Mamacita’s restaurant, Junction 27) I scream. you scream, we all scream for Dreyer’s ice cream. Stop by and enjoy a variety of flavors. Indoor and sidewalk seating.

 

Outdoor and Water Fun

Kerrville River Trail (run, walk & bike, near downtown) Enjoy the beautiful new trail, winding along the Guadalupe River.

Louise Hays Park and Splash Pad  (near downtown) Just off the River Trail and 16, this newly renovated park features an interactive fountain plaza, covered playscape, new restrooms, and more.

Lehmann & Monroe Park and Dog Park (near downtown) A short walk down the River Trail, this newly renovated park features a dog park with large and small dog areas, a nice sized playscape, an open air pavilion, and volleyball court.

Kroc Center Waterpark and Pool (near downtown) With two heated pools containing three distinct areas for water play–a shallow waterpark play area ensures safe fun for the youngest swimmers, while a high tower water slide adds excitement for older youth. A traditional lap pool (25 meters and three lanes) with designated lap swim, group exercise and open swim provides fun and relaxation for the whole family.

Escape the heat under the beautiful outdoor pavilion or under one of the many permanent shade structures surrounding the pool deck.

 

Forgot to Pack Something?

HEB (Junction 27, Hwy 16) Everyone’s favorite grocery store with two convenient locations.

Gibsons (General Store, Junction 27) A Kerrville tradition since the 1960s, this old-fashioned general store offers a little bit of everything. If you forgot raingear, water shoes, rodeo attire, or anything else, chances are good, you can find it at Gibson’s.

Fitness First (Sporting goods, near downtown) Need Chacos, running shorts, or a few extra t-shirts? Check out the selection at Fitness First.

Riverhills Mall (Hwy 16) Featuring Belk, JcPenny, Hibbet Sports, and Bealls