Yahoo Lifestyle 5 Texas Hill Country Towns Every 'Ransom Canyon' Fan Should Know
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Though we certainly don't need Ransom Canyon to remind us of the wonders of Texas Hill Country, the new Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly-led Netflix drama is nothing if not a perfect excuse to revisit the the West-Central region of the Lone Star state. Yes, the show is *technically* filmed in New Mexico, but that doesn't mean it won't have us dreaming of wide open spaces, lively dance halls, and all those truly fantastic antique shops.
Want to get in on the action— or, at the very least, pretend you're walking in the same world as Josh and Minka? Here are five great Texas Hill Country towns to add to your travel bucket list.
Fredericksburg, Texas
For those headed to Hill Country in search of a great glass of vino, Fredericksburg is the ideal home base. (There are over 50 wineries within Fredericksburg's Gillepsie County!) Additional attractions in the German-influenced area include the nation's largest working wildflower farm, nearby Luckenbach with its rich musical history, and Marktplaz on Main Street. For lodging, Hoffman Haus consistently delivers on rustic luxury, The Trueheart Hotel is brimming with personality, and the 105-room Albert Hotel is quickly earning fans for its four restaurants, full-service spa, and serenely stylish suites.
Dripping Springs, Texas
Situated roughly 40 minutes outside Austin, Dripping Springs is best known for its natural beauty—particularly the Hamilton Pool Preserve swimming hole. After a day spent (responsibly!) sampling the product at town's many wineries, breweries, and distilleries, those ready to try their hand at line-dancing or square-dancing can head to Mercer Dancehall. Finally, with the introduction of its new Folklore Spa in early 2025, Dripping Springs' Camp Lucy has further solidified its spot as one of the top luxury retreats in Hill Country.
Gruene, Texas
This once-bustling cotton town-turned-thriving historic district nestled within the community of New Braunfels is truly a step into the Old West. Inside Gruene's (pronounced "green") walkable 15 acres, you'll find an old-fashioned soda fountain, sister shops slinging customizable cowboy boots and hats, and Texas's oldest continuously run dance hall. What's more: Come the holiday season, a true two-steppin' Texas Christmas awaits, complete with a playful pony Christmas parade and visits with a "Cowboy Kringle" Santa Claus.
Mason, Texas
With a population hovering just north of 2,000, the seat of Mason County still has a bit of frontier spirit running through its streets. It's wildness comes mostly in the form of wildlife—the largest bat nursery in the U.S. lives in a nearby limestone cave, while game ranches draw in sportsmen in search of wild boar and turkey and fisherman can float the Llano River—but the arts still very much have a home here. (Mason native Fred Gibson penned Old Yeller, and each September the classic novel is celebrated with a dog parade on Old Yeller Day.) Two new American Viticultural Areas in the area also make Mason a prime spot to sample earthy merlots, cabernets, and other red blends at the many surrounding wineries.
Round Top, Texas
Though technically a scooch east of Hill Country boundaries, Round Top proves that Hill Country is just as much a state of mind as it is a place on a map. First incorporated in 1870, the population tally officially hovers just under 90 most of the year, but it swells to nearly 100,000 during thrice-yearly antiques fairs that are known to attract the country’s top interior design talent. Thanks to a fresh crop of new restaurants, hotels, and year-round shopping experiences, it's also becoming a year-round destination for the design-minded.
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