Hill Country River Region Guide, 2021

to the Hill Country River Region

Dining, Shopping, Events, Activities, Lodging More Concan, Camp Wood, Leakey, Rio Frio,Rocksprings, Sabinal, Utopia, Uvalde & Vanderpool

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

DIRECTORY

LEAKEY

HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION

Frio Bat Flight................................................................................................................. 8 Frio Rental Rental homes in Leakey, Rio Frio, Concan................................................... 40 Garven Store Texas Jerky, Supplies & Much More........................................................... 8 Frio Canyon Band Band, DJ, Karaoke............................................................................. 8 Map of Hill Country River Region................................................................................. 6 Propane Depot Delivery, Service, Installation............................................................... 57 Tales of the Frio Canyon Book by Linda Kirkpatrick..................................................... 75 The Oral History of the Sabinal Valley Books by Greg Walton...................................... 54 Uvalde County Texas ...................................................................................................... 3

RIO FRIO

Cherry Creek Cabin Secluded Cabin on Ranch............................................................... 49 Indian Blanket Ranch Secluded Getaway with Pool...................................................... 49 Hill Country Nature Center Hill Country Nature Tours................................................ 49

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

Ash Creek Hideaway 3-Acre Country Home.................................................................. 17 Bear’s Den Beer, Wine and Food..................................................................................... 13 Bear’s Market & Specialty Meats Food, Pizza, Snacks, Beer/Wine............................... 13 Catahoula Woodworks Gifts & Home Decor, Custom Woodwork................................... 11 Chickin’ Earls Fried Chicken & More................................................................................ 9 Cypress Frio Waters Cabins on Frio River..................................................................... 11 Frio Canyon Real Estate Shawn Streib Gray, Broker/Owner.......................................... 8 Frio Pecan Farm Vacation Homes, Cabins on/near the Frio........................................... 17 Hill Country Properties Group, Doug Shoemaker .......................................................... 7 Leakey Liquors Beer, Wine, Liquor................................................................................ 38 Leakey Mercantile Groceries, Produce, Supplies, Beer, Wine.......................................... 38 Leakey Springs Cabins Waterfront Cabins & Group Lodge............................................ 11 Oak Hill Cabins Cabins with Beautiful Views................................................................ 15 Pearl’s Food Trucks, Beer & Wine, Market Days, Food Trucks......................................... 9 Rio Bella Resort Cabins on the Frio ............................................................................... 41

River Bluff Cabins Cabins on the Frio River..................................................................... 7

River Haven Cabins on the Frio...................................................................................... 15 Riverstone Cabins 6 cabins on the Frio.......................................................................... 17 Rustic Frio River Gear, T-Shirts, Home Décor, Apparel, Jewelry, More...........................40 Solid Rock Real Estate, Carrie Chisum, Broker.............................................................. 19 Texas Drop Fudge Handmade from scratch..................................................................... 9 The Loft at Owl Hollow Lodging on 320 acres............................................................... 17 Vinny’s Italian Restaurant Dine In or Carry Out.......................................................... 11 West Frio River Ranch RV hookups with River Frontage............................................... 15 Whiskey Mountain Inn Houses & Cabins on 18 acres, RV Sites...................................... 9

CONCAN

“Wonderful Machines from the Past”

A world-class collection of Classic motorcycles on display. Located in the Heart of the Hill Country on Hwy. 187 one mile south of Lost Maples State Park.

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 am-5 pm March - November

(830) 966-6103 • www.LoneStarMotorcycleMuseum.com

to the Hill Country River Region Published by The Hill Country Sun Celebrating Our 31st Anniversary 1990-2021 11th Edition. Contents copyright 2021.

Reproduction of any portion of this publication in any form requires written permission of the publisher

Andy’s on River Road Tubing, Kayaks, RV & Tent Camping, Boutique..........................43 B Happy General Store Groceries, Gas, Tubes, Shirts, Liquor, Beer, Wine..................... 21 Camp Riverview Cabins RV & Tent Sites on the Frio..................................................... 23 Casa Rio Rentals Pet Friendly Private Homes on & near the Frio...................................23 Concan General Store Food, Groceries, Fuel.................................................................. 27 Concan Pies Baked Goods................................................................................................ 5 Concan River Lodging Vacation homes near the Frio.................................................... 42 Cold River Cabins Cozy, Secluded Cabins...................................................................... 25 El Rod’s Family Focused RV park on the Frio.................................................................. 47 Frio Acres 9 Cabins, 5 Lodges on 51 Acres, Private River Frontage................................ 31 Frio Country Resort Cabins, Homes on the Frio............................................................ 39 Frio’s Dry 50 River Gear, Gifts, Snack Shack ................................................................... 5 Frio Family Getaway Cabin Rentals.............................................................................. 33 Frio Float Ice Cream, Sundaes, Sweets, and More............................................................ 7 Frio Fried Chicken at Concan General Store.................................................................. 27 Frio Grove Rentals 2 & 3 Bedroom Houses w/Private Frio Access................................. 33 Frio Premier Rental Homes, Luxurious Rental Homes ................................................. 78 Frio River Realty Larry Roberts, Owner/Broker, Homes, Ranches ................................37 Frio River Vacation Rentals Cabins, Homes.................................................................. 37 Hunter’s Ridge Six 2 bedroom/2 bath cabins................................................................. 33 Loca on the Frio Unique Gifts, Clothing, Jewelry, Home Decor..................................... 25 Nana’s RV Park Frio Riverfront Park............................................................................. 33 Neal’s Lodges Cabins and Events on the Frio................................................................. 35 Rimkus River Retreat Lodging on the Frio River........................................................... 35 River Rim Resort Cabins on the Frio River......................................................Back Cover The Concan Beer Cave at Concan General Store............................................................ 27 Vacation Concan Rentals Lodges near the Frio River.................................................... 29 Vacation Frio River, Riverfront Homes & Cottages...................................................... 24 Valley Vista New Development in Concan...................................................................... 19 Zuber’s River Camp Cabins, Tents, RV Sites on the Frio................................................ 45

UTOPIA/VANDERPOOL

Kenzie, Julie & Luke

Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Advertising 512-484-9716 julie@hillcountrysun.com

Melissa & John

Melissa Maxwell Ball

Editor/Design 512-569-8212 melissa@hillcountrysun.com

www.HillCountrySun.com

COVER: The Frio River at River Rim Resort. Photo by Julie Harrington.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

Bownds Ranches Brandon Bownds, Broker, Farms, Ranches......................................... 53 Clear Springs Lodging Vacation Rentals on the Sabinal River....................................... 51 F.A.R.D.I.B. Outfitters Hunts........................................................................................ 51 Four Sisters Ranch Cabin Secluded Vacation Cabin.......................................................55 Foxfire Cabins Log Cabins on the Sabinal River............................................................ 51 Hat Creek Antler Company Stocker & Breeder Bucks, Open & Bred Does..................... 51 Hat Creek Construction Pole barns, outdoor kitchens, more........................................ 51 Lone Star Motorcycle Museum...................................................................................... 4 Postal Brews Coffee, Bakery, Flowers and Gifts............................................................. 55 Propane Depot Delivery, Service, Installation............................................................... 57 Sabinal River Lodge Log Cabin Lodge............................................................................ 55 Sarah’s Utopia Home Decor, Gifts & More..................................................................... 55 Treehouse Utopia Unique Lodging for Two................................................................... 13 Utopia General Store Groceries and Supplies................................................................ 55

CAMP WOOD

Bear Creek Fudge Candy, Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain, Apparel, Jewelry................... 73 Dixie Printz Boutique. T-Shirt Shop............................................................................... 75 King’s Texas Smokehouse Cafe, Meat Market, Smoked Meats (also in Hunt, TX)........ 44 Now & Then Cottages Secluded cottages near the Nueces River....................................75

BANDERA

A Frio Tradition!

Our 37th Summer on the Frio!

Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch Saturday- Monday in October............................... 58

UVALDE

501 River Retreat Spa and Retreat on 501 Ranch......................................................... 59 Benson Guest House Spacious Guest Rooms, Loft in Downtown Uvalde....................... 59 Chalk Bluff River Resort Cabins, Campsites, RV Sites, Day Use.................................... 65 El Progreso Memorial Library Library, Museum, Bookstore, Archives.......................... 67 Lantana Realty, Gene Evans.......................................................................................... 63 Oasis Outback BBQ & Grill, Apparel, Outfitter............................................................. 78 Riata Realty Linda Koehl, Realtor, Ranch, River, Commercial, Residential..................... 61 The Open Range Bakery and Café, Homestyle Cooking, Bakery, Specials..................... 67 The Riv Cabins on the Nueces River.................................................................................. 2 Tree City Tea and Water Various Flavored Iced/Hot Teas, Ice Cream ........................... 63 Uvalco Supply Tractors, Powersports, Metal Buildings, Etc........................................... 66 Uvalde Grand Opera House Live Music & Theater.........................................................67 Uvalde Memorial Hospital ........................................................................................... 69 Vasquez Restaurant Casual, Upscale Mexican Restaurant............................................ 65

ROCKSPRINGS

Miss Buffy’s Apparel, Hunting Supplies, Jewelry & More.............................................. 77 Miss Buffy’s Fried Chicken............................................................................................. 77 SWT Services Corporation Custom Homes and Cabins................................................. 77 Western Hill Country Realty Ranches, Year-Round Hunting....................................... 71

SABINAL

J & M Sausage Smoked Sausage, Breakfast Sausage & More......................................... 70 Sabinal Chamber of Commerce.................................................................................... 70 Sabinal Health Clinic .........................................................................................71

Frio River & GSP T-Shirts H Shorts Flip Flops H Patagonia H Consuela Chacos H TEVA H Red Dirt Hat Co. Hats/Caps H River Gear H Yellow Box Sendero Provisions H Howler Bros H Staunch CROCS H 4OCEAN H Cobian Pura Vida H Brighton H Resort Wear Jewelry H Gifts H and More!

Snack Shack serving Hand Dipped Blue Bell H Hawaiian Shaved Ice

HWY 83 & 127 Concan, TX 78838

713-562-8043

Sunday-Thursday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Friday-Saturday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm

Check Us Out On Hwy 127 in Concan

830-232-6300 • friosdryfifty.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

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Map of Map ofthe theHill Hill Country CountryRiver RiverRegion Region

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

ON THE FRIO

Comfort Doug Shoemaker Specializing in

Investment Properties Ranches • Homes • Tracts

In the Frio Canyon & Surrounding Areas email-doug@buythefrio.com • 830.279.4950

Ice Cream • Sundaes • Floats Milkshakes • Cotton Candy Candy & More!

FULLY FURNISHED CABINS

All Linens Provided (Including Towels)

Pet Friendly • WiFi Motorcycle Friendly Large Pavilion w/ Kitchen

Come check out the pool & splash pad!

Water Fun

KAYAKING, TUBING, RAPIDS AND DEEP SWIMMING HOLES

Relax

UNDER OUR HUGE CYPRESS TREES

Family Oriented

FISHING, BBQ’ING, PLAYGROUNDS & MORE

For Everyone

BIKE ENTHUSIASTS, RETREATS, WEDDINGS, GETAWAYS AND NOW

CORPORATE RETREATS

21563 Texas Highway 127 Concan, Texas • 830-232-5591

6 minutes north of Garner State Park and 3 minutes south of Leakey email: riverbluffcabins@gmail.com

830-232-5775 • riverbluffcabins.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

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Frio Cave is home to 10-12 million Free-tailed bats.

It is considered to be the second largest in the world!

At the intersection of Highways 83 & 41

Buck Home of Billy and the 830-640-3235 • GarvenStore.com

Frio Canyon Real Estate

Shawn Streib Gray, Owner/Broker

Bat tour season: March - September

230 US Highway 83 South • Leakey, Texas

friobatflight.com or call 888-502-9387

friocanyonrealestate.com

See tour calendar & make reservations at

830-232-4500

BAND • DJ • KARAOKE

Y’all Come Out and Dance!

CALL FOR BOOKING Byron Deagen 830-399-1576 Tara Deagen 830-391-2245 8

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

LEAKEY

WHISKEY MOUNTAIN CABI N RENTALS

Open Year Round

WELCOME

RV SITES

Free Wi-Fi

Historic 1869 House Family Cabins & RV Sites Satellite TV in Cabins Pet Friendly 22 Acres Picnic Tables Grills/FirePits Full RV Hook-ups General Store on Site Conveniently located 3 miles south of Leakey 3.5 miles to Happy Hollow Tube Rentals & Shuttle 5 miles to Garner State Park

830-232-6797

Cell 936-520-3683

Make your online reservations today!

www.WhiskeyMountainInn.com

631 South US Highway 83

OPEN 11 am-7 pm Tuesdays & Fridays

FOOD TRUCKS

Check our Facebook page for hours & FUN events throughout the year like Leakey Market Days!

443 US Highway 83 South • Leakey, Texas

“BEST FUDGE IN TEXAS” It ain’t braggin’ IF IT’S TRUE

FUDGE handmade from scratch with no preservatives Thurs-Sat 10 am-6 pm

830-232-5858

South Highway 83 H Leakey, Texas Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

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what to see & do in every season UVALDE

VANDERPOOL

Wine Tastings at Lost Maples Winery

CAMP WOOD

Find yourself at the Lost Maples Winery in the Polvadeau Vineyards nestled in a canyon along the crystal clear waters of the Sabinal River.

The Lost Maples Winery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm. For more information, call 830-966-5131 or visit LostMaplesWinery.com.

Wes Cooksey Park Head to Wes Cooksey Park, a truly beautiful and serene space on Lake Nueces and the Nueces River in Uvalde County. In addition to the breathtaking setting, this park offers 30 RV hookups, plus scuba, volleyball, boat ramp, basketball, showers, fishing, swimming, horseshoes, tent camping, more. First come, first serve. Limited availability. $4/ person for day use. 33719 TX-55, Camp Wood, Texas 78839.

RIO FRIO

Rio Frio’s Landmark Oak Tree The Rio Frio Landmark Oak, State Champion (Texas Escarpment Live Oak Tree 1988) stands on the east side of the Frio River on Farm Road 1120.

According to the marker at the site, the “mighty oak served as a social, religious, educational and political gathering place for early settlers. During the early 1870’s, a school house was built just west of the tree. It was constructed of native Cypress lumber and its walls were filled with caliche. Between 1880-1891, N.M.C. Patterson laid out the town of Rio Frio using the tree and schoolhouse mountain to the east as bearing points.” Photo by Bailey Photography, courtesy Women Who Wander.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

El Progreso Memorial Library

El Progreso Memorial Library was founded in 1903 by a group of Uvalde women who wished to start a new civic organization, El Progreso Club. They set three goals for themselves: self-improvement, civic improvement, and founding of a public library.

Today, the library provides for the informational, reference, research and recreational reading needs of the local Uvalde City and County Area and the isolated Southwest Region of Texas in an innovative, 36,000 square foot, $5.7 million state-of-art facility that offers leading edge technology.

More than 18,000 residents have library cards for El Progreso’s full range of materials — books, manuals, periodicals, audiovisual and electronic resources, E-Books — in a comprehensive facility which includes the Virginia W. Davis Archives (serving 11 counties), the Weisman Museum of Southwest Texas, a book store, and meeting rooms of various sizes.

El Progreso Memorial Library is accredited by the Texas State Library. It offers a full range of TexShare electronic databases, reciprocal cards, and Interlibrary Loan through statewide programs. Internet and WiFi connection with computers for adult access are available. The Children’s Wing offers games, puzzles, and a Story Time center, plus special computers for children which are equipped with AWE software providing 70 educational programs. If you live in Texas, you can get a library card through the TexShare program. Visiting www.elprogreso. org allows library patrons to access electronic database and get E-books. The library serves all ages and demographic groups.

El Progreso Memorial Library is located at 301 W. Main Street in Uvalde. For information, call 830-278-2017, find them on Facebook or visit the website at www.elprogresso.org.

UVALDE

Visit Historic Fort Inge Fort Inge is listed as a Historic Site In Texas and was established in 1849 by the U.S. military where it remained active for 20 years. Today, the park offers historic trails perfect for afternoon hiking and biking, fishing, and scenic views of the Leona River.

Note: The Fort is open on weekends only. Country Road 375 Uvalde, Texas 78801

See SEE & DO, page 12

LEAKEY

Leakey SpringS CabinS Waterfront Cabins Family Cabins Waterfront Group Lodge

Margie Sutherland, Manager

830-232-6351

www.LeakeySpringsCabins.com

Bikers Welcome!

Outdoor seating Free WiFi Dine In or Carry Out BYOB ALLOWED

Cabins on the Frio River Where memories can be made for a lifetime....

Open Year-Round Reservations Required Private access to a 1/2 mile of the East Frio River 3 miles north of Leakey, Texas on US 83

830-232-4420

Hill Country Views, Wildlife, Tubing, Hiking, Star Gazing, Fishing, More

830-232-5955 • www.cypressfrio.com

CEDAR OIL * JEWELRY * LAZY SUSANS * POTTERY * ORNAMENTS * LAMPS * LAMPSHADES

CGATAHOULA ifts Decor Custom Woodwork

Featuring 3 6 A r t i s a ns OPEN YEAR ROUND

105 RR 337 West @ H ig h w a y 8 3

LEAKEY, TX 830-232-5833

WATERCOLOR & QUILLING NOTECARDS

MOHAIR CLOTHING * MESQUITE CUTTING BOARDS

311 N. US Highway 83 • Leakey, Texas

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!

MANTELS * CROSSES * CUSTOM FURNITURE * COWHIDES * PILLOWS * GOAT MILK SOAPS

CatahoulaArtisanGallery.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

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what to see & do in every season from page 10

VANDERPOOL

Lone Star Motorycle Museum The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, four miles north of Vanderpool, is open Friday through Sunday (from March to November) 10 am to 4 pm. The museum features an impressive display of machines from around the world, dating from the 1910s to modern day. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 ages 65 and up. Visitors 15 and under and 90 years and up get in free.

Groups of 10 or more are $6 each; active military and spouse $5 each. Photo courtesy Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum is located at 36517 Highway 187, less than one mile south of Lost Maples State Natural Area (also on Highway 187). For more information, visit the web site at lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com, 830-966-6103.

Photo courtesy Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.

RIVER REGION

Try your hand at Fly Fishing Give it a try! Aaron Riggins of Pescado con Moscas Flyfishing Adventures offers guided canoe and wade fishing experiences on the Nueces, Frio and Sabinal rivers. For information, call 830486-5629 or visit the web site at pescadoconmoscas.com.

CONCAN

River Oaks Mini Golf Course 9-hole course and a large practice green situated in a beautiful setting with plenty of benches.

Summer season hours: Monday through Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm Please call ahead for offseason hours. ½ mile from River Road, Concan, Texas 78838. 830-232-6106.

LEAKEY

Real County Historical Museum Find a replicated log-cabin parlor, kitchen and bedroom, furnished with pieces donated by locals. See an ornate 1880s horsedrawn hearse and local stone dartpoints from prehistoric Native Americans. A former blacksmith shop (adjacent to the museum) houses ranch relics and there are outdoor exhibits of farm implements, a log corn crib and jail cells from the 1910s.

1/2 block north of the Real County Courthouse on Evergreen Street in Downtown Leakey, open Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm (March through the first two weekends in December). The museum is closed in January and February. Visit the website at realcountyhistoricalmuseum.com or call 830-232-5330.

UTOPIA

Utopia City Park Looking for a place to swim, fish, canoe, camp, picnic, ride horses or play baseball?

Utopia Park is the ideal location.

Located just 11 miles downstream from the headwaters of the Sabinal River and Lost Maples State Natural Area, the park is home to majestic Cypress and Oak trees that give shade to glistening clear waters.

Camping, including screened shelters with barbecue sites and tables, shaded tent areas, and multiple RV hookups offer any vacationer the perfect home away from home. Public restrooms with showers are available.

The park offers a huge dance floor with stage, concession stand and picnic tables with space for the kids to run and play and a rope swing to make memories on for years to come. Check the website for fees and events. Photo courtesy Utopia Park.

241 Utopia Park Road, Utopia, Texas 78884. UtopiaPark.org.

See SEE & DO, page 14

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

bearsMarket.com

W o rt h the trip!!

Book your Magical

Hideaway for 2

www.treehouseutopia.com

Treehouse Utopia Utopia, Texas

Leakeybearsden.com

BEAR’S DEN Restaurant

Your Den Away From Home!

IF You’rE Gonna be a bear

be a Big one!

Specialty Meats, Prepared Foods, Pizza, Fresh Produce, Beer/Wine, Coffee and Ice Cream Bars, Gummy Bear Bar, Home Goods, Decor, Picnic, Gifts, Deer Corn, Hunting/Fishing License!

Beer, Wine & Grub!

Six 55” TV’s • OPEN LATE

Red Barn Behind Bear’s Market 620 Hwy 83 South • Leakey, Texas

830-232-5200

830-232-5559

what to see & do in every season from page 12

RIVER REGION

Enjoy the night sky At night, you can gaze up at the tranquil Hill Country sky and view globular star clusters and other astronomical sites.

Uvalde County is home to one of the only night skies in America where you can still see the Milky Way.

RIVER REGION

Take a hike Beautiful hiking opportunities abound in the River Region, so lace up those boots and get going!

You can take a hike along the Summit Trail to Mount Baldy in Garner State Park year ‘round, where you’ll experience views like none other. This hike is dog-friendly, and about a half-mile in length. See details of all Garner’s trails here: tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/garner/trails-info.

At Lost Maples State Natural Area, you can explore more than 10 miles of trails, including a loop that takes you along the top of a 2,200-foot cliff. Don’t miss the Sabinal River Valley View Loop via East Trail, a 6.2 mile loop, featuring a waterfall. Dogs are also welcome on the trail. Admission is $6, kids 12 and under get in free. More at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples.

You can also head to Indian Blanket Ranch (Located on Ranch Road 1050, 10 miles west of Utopia or 5 miles East of Highway 83 and Garner State Park) to hike, bike and birdwatch. Information at www.hillcountryadventures.com.

UTOPIA

Visit the Sabinal County Museum Browse history exhibits at the Sabinal County Museum including pioneer farm implements, Indian artifacts and more, plus geological exhibits, including fossils and minerals from the Sabinal River Canyon. Museum hours are Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. 726 Ranch Road 187, Utopia, Texas 78884. 210-414-4341.

RIVER REGION

Picking up trash has never been so fun! Uvalde County has partnered with the HEB/Central Market Keep Texas Waterways Clean Program and Invites Volunteers to Earn Money for Charity by Cleaning the Rivers! Gather your friends and family and help keep the local rivers clean. You’ll need a group of six or more (ages 14 and up) to sign up to clean a section of the Frio, Sabinal or Nueces Rivers. Volunteers are awarded $10/person, per hour of approved and scheduled cleanup, which will be donated to a charity of your choice. It’s a win-win! Applications must be completed in advance and a waiver signed.

To sign up, go to the website at visituvaldecounty.com, look under the “Rivers” heading and select “Volunteer River Cleanup Program,” where you’ll find all necessary forms.

For more information,visit www.uvaldecountycleanrivers.com or find them on Facebook.

UVALDE

Visit the Briscoe-Garner Museum The Briscoe-Garner Museum is dedicated to the remarkable lives of John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner and Dolph Briscoe, both Uvalde natives and historically important political figures of Texas. The first floor documents the life and career of “Cactus Jack” Garner, the first Texan to serve as speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives and as vice president of the United States. The second floor is dedicated to Dolph Briscoe, who served as Texas governor from 1973 to 1979 and led a distinguished career in public service, business, and ranching.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

The Museum is one of four divisions of the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, an organized research unit of The University of Texas at Austin. It is located in the house that served as John Nance Garner’s home for more than 30 years. Photo courtesy Briscoe-Garner Museum. 333 North Park Street, Uvalde, Texas 78801. Please check museum hours in advance by calling 830-278-5018.

LEAKEY

Wylden Hubbard Memorial

The 6th Annual Wylden Hubbard Memorial Youth Rodeo and Goat Roping is September 4, 2021, at the Real County Junior Horse Club Arena in Leakey. Created in honor of Wylden Blain Hubbard of Leakey, the youth rodeo offers activities from youth saddle-bronc riding and mutton-busting to bull riding and goat roping.

Wylden was taken to be with his Lord and Heavenly Father sooner than expected, but in his 13 years on Earth he left behind a gift to others that will never be forgotten.

Proceeds go to the Wylden Hubbard Memorial Scholarship Fund to be given to a local graduating senior who understands and exemplifies the legacy that Wylden left behind. For more information, find the Wylden Hubbard Memorial on Facebook. Photo courtesy Hubbard family.

EscapE to LEakEy

Enjoy Rest & Relaxation at

RiveR Haven

on 6.5 acres overlooking the Frio River (Rio Frio) Log Cabins with River Views Lodge Available for

Reunions • Weddings • Meetings

Manager: Margie Sutherland

www.riverhavencabins.com • rhc@hctc.net 830-232-5400 • 866-232-5400 (toll free)

West Frio River Ranch Two Beautiful Locations Coming Summer 2021!

50 Class A full hookup RV Spots with lots of room and shade, 1500+ foot of river frontage, nature trails.

Between Leakey and Concan off Highway 83 Boutique RV park with 13 full hookups, pavilion with full kitchen and double vanity bathroom for private parties and events. 400+ feet of private river access with a waterfall. Amazing picture opportunity for bridals, family portraits or engagement photos.

1876 FM 1120, Leakey Please e-mail us and we will keep you updated on progress & opening dates.

westfrioriverranch@gmail.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

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Leakey’s Festivity of Lights Don’t miss the 4th Annual Festivity of Lights in Leakey this holiday season. The fun begins with the courthouse lighting Thanksgiving evening at sunset and runs through early to midJanuary. You’ll be amazed at more than 30,000 lights on the Real County courthouse and grounds brightening the City of Leakey to kick off the holiday season. Entertainment will be provided by local musicians and photo ops abound among the beautiful lights.

The annual project includes the installation of commercial lights around the top of the courthouse, lighted wreaths, and lights around beautiful oak trees on the courthouse lawn.

Donations from individuals and businesses fund the project, and many volunteers and professional lighting stagers work multiple days on the installation, with downtown and community businesses participating in the lighting of buildings and property, adding to the beauty and festivity of the holiday season.

The Leakey Festivity of Lights has a non-profit partnership with Downtown Leakey, Inc., a local 501(c)3 organization. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 402, Leakey, Texas 78873. For more information, find them on Facebook.

welcome

Good Times Year ‘Round

in the River Region

Chillin’ in the land of the Frio. Photo by Gwen Barksdale Raymond.

to the Hill Country River Region

Your Guide to Barksdale, Concan, Camp Wood, Leakey, Rio Frio, Rocksprings, Utopia, Uvalde & Vanderpool

Dining, Shopping, Events, Activities, Lodging | More published by the Hill Country SUN

CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE IN THE 2022 ISSUE! 512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com Where dreams come true. Photo courtesy The Riv

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

LEAKEY

Lost Maples State Natural Area

On 320 Private Acres New Salt Water Swimming Pool

Get up-to-date

Fall Foliage

Sleeps Up To 12

REPORTS

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples/foliage-reports for updates on the changing fall colors at Lost Maples!

830-232-3746 • FrioCanyonRentals.com

Ash Creek Hideaway

3 Acre Country Home • Seasonal Creek Wildlife • Birdwatching • Stargazing 3 miles North of Leakey | Sleeps 12

210-842-1555

vrbo.com/1250951

13 Vacation Homes (5 Riverfront) 17 Log Cabins On The Frio River

PLUS a 7,000 sq. ft. PAVILION with stage, perfect for weddings, reunions, amd private parties and events

144 Ranch Road 337 • Leakey, Texas

www.FrioPecanFarm.com • 830-232-5294

Located on the banks of the Frio River

13 Acre Site • Six cabins nestled against wooded hillside Approximately 600’ private river access • Pets Welcome Open Year-Round • Fully Furnished Kitchens • Heat & A/C Free WiFi • Direct TV • Picnic Tables • BBQ Pits Star Gazing pad • Marked & Groomed Hiking Trails

89 Roy Chisum Rd Leakey, TX • www.riverstonecabins.com • (830) 444-4374 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

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Utopia

G N I F L GthO e River Region Concan

Utopia Golf Billed as “the most beautiful nine-hole golf course in Texas,” Utopia Golf is nestled in the Sabinal Valley one mile south of Utopia on High­way 187. The course is the set­ting for the 2011 movie “Seven Days in Utopia,” based on the novel “Golf’s Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Uto­pia” by David L. Cook.

A clubhouse, includ­ing a self-serve hospitality room, overlooks the ninth hole at Utopia Golf. Weekday rates are $17 for 18 holes ($15 for juniors and seniors); weekend rates $20 for 18 holes, $15 for nine holes. Cart rentals are $10. Photo courtesy Utopia Golf.

Utopia Golf is at 20567 Ranch Road 187 in Utopia. For more information, call 830-966-5577 or visit utopiagolf.com.

Uvalde

Frio Valley Ranch Players enjoy picturesque scenery at Frio Valley Ranch, with gorgeous hills and val­leys and stunning rolling terrain.

Nestled in the Frio River Texas Hill Country region, Frio Valley Ranch is a par 72, 18 holes, 7,333 yards championship course. Panoramic views of the Hill Country are found on every fairway and premium Zoysia grass underfoot makes this a must-play course. Located just minutes from Garner State Park, the distinctive destination course is just over a scenic hour drive west from San Antonio.

Rates are $50 for walkers, $70 for riders, $20 companion (non-golfer) and $20 for use of the practice facility (included with tee time). Hours of operation are 8 am to 8 pm daily (closed Tuesdays).

The Cantina serves up burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads, wraps and more Frio Valley Ranch is located at 520 Mountain Valley Drive.

For more call or text the Clubhouse at 830-834-9340 Photosinformation,

by Kelly Marler. and the Cantina at 830-834-9315. More information (including reservations and gift certificates) is available on the website at friovalleyranch.com.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

Uvalde Memorial Uvalde offers an 18 hole public golf course located along the Leona River at 221 East Doughty. Weekday rates are $18 for 18 holes and $13 for nine holes; weekends $22 for 18 holes and $15 for nine holes. Open Tuessay through Sunday from 7 am to 7 pm (closed Mondays). Photo courtesy City of Uvalde, Texas.

For more information about Uvalde Memorial Golf Course, call 830-278-6155 or visit the web site at uvaldegolf.com.

~Concan’s Hottest New Development! ~40 lots left

~1 to 7 acres tracts

~Underground Utilities ~Vacation Rentals Allowed

~Starting in the $60’s ~Stunning Views

~Clubhouse with Pool

~35-acre Wilderness Area with Hiking Trails

Carrie Chisum, Broker (830)275-3727 ValleyVistaTX.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021 19

The most popular state park for overnight camping in Texas

Garner State Park

Photo by Brett Rimkus.

G

arner State Park encompasses 1,774 acres and 2.9 miles of beautiful Frio River frontage, including 11 miles of scenic trails. So, whether you’re camping overnight or visiting for the day, with swimming, fishing, biking, geocaching, dancing, hiking, picnicking and so much more, there’s always plenty to do and see.

Since the ’40s, folks have been gathering for the familyfriendly jukebox dances at the Garner State Park Pavilion.

Dances are Mon­day through Saturday during Spring Break, and Saturday nights ’til sum­mer. Then in summer, you can enjoy a dance every night of the week, with post-summer dances Saturday evenings.

One fun diversion is putt-putt golf at Stinkin’ Sweet Candy Shop and Mini Golf (located at the Park Pavilion), with rentals $5 each ($2 for kids 3 and under) including a putter, ball and 18 holes.

Want to go for round two? Play again for only $2 per per­ son — any age. You can golf 7 days a week from 10 am to 10:15 pm through the second week in August, Saturday and Sunday only during the off season (closed Decem­ber through March).

The updated camp store has just about everything you need—from firewood to gourmet muffins and coffee, s’mores fixin’s to candy, drinks, ice cream and more. Find snacks and supplies, and rent tubes, barbecue pits, tables, even fans and

Photo by Julie Harrington.

heaters at the Garner camp store. Paddle boats and boards, kayaks and canoes are also for rent.

Hungry? Head over to the Garner Grill, serving up burg­ers, fries, corn dogs and more, made fresh to order, Saturdays and Sundays April through May, dai­ly all summer See GARNER SP, page 22

20

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

(830) 232-6910

Shirts • Clothing • Hats Gifts • Jewelry Home Decor Groceries B Happy Cannery Goods Dips • Popcorn Tubes • Floats Gas/Diesel Firewood • Lottery To Utopia

Happy Hollow

GARNER STATE PARK

To Leakey

Less than 1 mile from Garner State Park

31363 N US Hwy 83 • Concan, Tx 78838

GARNER SP, from page 20

The Garner State Park Song In the Western part of Texas ninety miles from San Antone, there’s a place I go each summer when I get the urge to roam.

I’d stand out on the highway, if I couldn’t get a ride I’d walk to Garner State Park.

There’s the cutest girls from Texas and from everywhere.

They trade their city slickin’ clothes for some boots and western wear.

We swam all through the day and we danced when it got dark at Garner State Park.

and Fridays and Saturdays in the fall.

Another fun tradi­tion, summer hayrides (hosted by the Friends of Garner State Park Tuesday through Friday from June to August) de­ part from the Visitors Center promptly at 7 pm, so plan to arrive no later than 6:45 pm. Visit the Friends of Gar­ner Visitors’ Center or call 830-232-5999 to make res­ ervations and for more information.

Garner is the most popular state park for overnight camping in Texas. Camping is available in screened shelters, cabins and campsites. Make your reservations early! The busy season is Memorial Day weekend ’til Labor Day weekend, and the park often reaches maximum capacity.

For information about rentals, the Park Store, Garner Grill and much more, visit the web site at www.garnerstatepark.com. To make reservations at Garner State Park, call 830-232-6132 or visit the web site at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner. You can also follow Garner State Park on Facebook, where you’ll find Brett Rimkus’ dam reports and other up-to-date news of the park.

She was the cutest girl around.

We walked down to the water found a big rock, began to talk at Garner State Park.

Next thing I knew it was 4 a.m.

She said my mother’s surely worried about where I am and with the Texas sky above, we couldn’t help but fall in love at Garner State Park.

Photo by Kelly Marler.

Well, the summer it was over and we had to say goodbye.

We said we’d see each other next year, as a tear fell from her eye.

When I came I knew no sorrow; now I’m leaving with a broken heart at Garner State Park.

Oh, but I’ll be back again next year...

22

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Photo by Kelly Marler.

DID YOU KNOW?

CONCAN

How Concan got its name

T

heodophilus Watkins first settled at Con Can and built the first log cabin with a chimney in 1862. When a Post Office was to be established in 1880, a name had to be chosen.

One story of how the community of Concan got its name goes like this: “The men of the community gathered on Saturday afternoons and played dominoes and ‘coon can,’ a Texas card game. ‘Coon can’ was a variation of ‘Conquian,’ the earliest known rummy game, played since at least the 1880s. When word came that a Post Office was to be located there and a name for the town had to be decided on, the men decided that they would send in ‘Coon Can.’In Washington, no one had heard of such a game or such a word, so they thought the Texans must have misspelled the word and meant Con Can (now spelled Concan).”

This story was excepted from Lora B. Garrison’s book, “Texas Pioneer Families.”

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

23

Need A Vacation Home In Concan River Road - CR348

10 Minutes From Garner State Park 5 Minutes from House Pasture

Two Homes & 5 Bungalow Suites (5) Axel’s Hideaway Suites

Book Now Online VacationFrioRiver.com

24

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

For Our Guests

Porter’s Tree Haus & Tomahawk Guest Lodge

(361) 522-9222

VacationFrioRiver.com See Us On Social Media

Premier Partner

Free Tube Shuttle Bus

VacationFrioRiver

VacationFrioRiver

@FrioRiverConcanTexas

CONCAN

Gifts• Jewelry Graphic Tees Bathing Suits Shoes/Sandals Hand Painted Shoes

339 E Main Fredericksburg, TX

Leather Handbags Metal Art & Furniture Home Decor ... much more!

CowgirlLoca.com

the “first” & “last” stop for the Bride to be

SPRING & SUMMER Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10-5, Tues Closed, Thurs 11-7 • Sun 11-3

830-232-4402 • 23223 N US Hwy 83 (located at the Y) Concan, Texas Private shopping after hours for groups of 4 or more. Please call Melinda 830-486-4511

Experience Nature While Enjoying the Comforts Of Home Make the most of your vacation by staying at one of our cozy and secluded cabins. Cabins are fully furnished with all the essentials Whether you’re planning a family vacation, hunting trip or a romantic getaway, our rental cabins provide the ideal setting for rest and relaxation.

www.coldrivercabins.com • info@coldrivercabins.com

23073 N. US Highway 83 • Concan, Texas • Reservations online or at (830) 333-5650 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

25

local favorites not to be missed Miss Buffy’s Miss Buffy’s, run by Buffy and her daughter, Elly, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am to 8 pm. Elly takes care of the boutique and gift side of the shop and Buffy handles the food side. Don’t miss the fresh-baked pies and other sweets early Friday and Saturday mornings. But hurry! They sell out quickly. Fresh cinnamon rolls are a Saturday morning favorite. The fried chicken, catfish, and shrimp are fresh — hand battered and cooked to order.

In addition to delicious dining, you shop the charming boutique, where you will find many items including Twisted X boots, Anza Knives, Red and White Kitchen, Texas Standard, vintage Native American jewelry, and more, including a children’s section and wonderful gift items. Miss Buffy’s also offers event planning and floral design, and catering for large and small gatherings.

Miss Buffy’s is at 211 Main Street in Rocksprings. For information about the boutique, please call 830-507-9171. For dining, please call 830-234-7197. You can find Miss Buffy’s on Facebook.

Rustic Frio A visit to Rustic Frio in Leakey is a must when visiting the Frio Canyon! The shop, opened in 2020, began as an idea among friends, and now offers a wide variety of gifts, clothing, shoes, jewelry, home decor and a large assortment of homegrown Texas products to appeal to men, women, and children of all ages. Find items from Kendra Scott, Burlebo, Capri Blue, Consuela Bags, Desert Steel, Duke Cannon, Hey Dude Shoes, J. Forks Designs, Karma Living, Mudpie, Myra Bags, Native Shoes, Old Tejas, Peepers Glasses, Puravida Bracelets, Savanna Jane, ScentChips, Swan Creek Candle, Tooletries, Twisted Wares and more!

Rustic Frio is located at 985 S. Highway 83 in Leakey. The shop is open 7 days a week all summer long from 10 am to 5:30 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday during the off season). Store hours may vary, so it’s a good idea to call ahead. For more information, visit the website at www.rusticfrio.com, call 830-232-4140, or find Rustic Frio on Facebook and Instagram.

26

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

See LOCAL FAVORITES, page 28

minitsTx.com

27

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

local favorites not to be missed Postal Brews Postal Brews in Utopia is a fun coffee shop with amazing food all made from scratch! You can enjoy a great cup of coffee, espresso, chai tea or choose from world class hot teas. Pair your beverage with a hearty breakfast sandwich, a delicious scone, pastries and sweets.

Hungry for lunch? Stick around for a panini, salad, or soup and get a fresh-squeezed cherry limeade. If you need a meal to take home and cook, you can ask for one of Postal Brews’ takeand-bake meals.

All of this, plus an array of cute gifts for all ages, flowers, beer and wine, and more.

Postal Brews is at 283 Main Street in Utopia. Open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3 pm and Saturday from 7 am until sold out. Postal Brews will soon be open Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 pm to midnight, serving beer, wine and tasty treats. The menu at Postal Brews changes daily — you can find it (along with information on evening hours) on Instagram or Facebook or by calling 830-966-3876.

Bear Creek Fudge

Don’t miss Bear Creek Fudge & Chocolate while in Camp Wood! You can stop in and enjoy an old fashioned vanilla Dr. Pepper, cherry cola, fresh limeade, sundae or banana split (plenty of variations available) from the ’50s soda fountain while enjoying some golden oldies on the jukebox — relive those good times while making new memories!

In addition to delicious treats, you’ll find a nice selection of gifts at Bear Creek, including candles, potpourri, clothing, jewelry and delicious handmade chocolate creations. Bear Creek Fudge is an unexpected little boutique and gift shop located in the beautifully rustic southwestern corner of the Texas Hill Country.

Bear Creek Fudge is located at 118 South Nueces (Main Street) in Camp Wood. For information, visit the website at BearkCreekFudge.net, find Bear Creek Fudge on Facebook or call 830-597-6160.

See LOCAL FAVORITES, page 30

28

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

Vacation Home Rentals in the Frio River Valley for Families & Friends!

Why Stay with Us? We’ve Thought of Everything!

FEATURED AMMENITIES: • All the Bedding, a rarity in Concan • Luxe Amenities & Luxe Kitchen • Free WiFi • Ideal Location ~ as close as 1 mi. to the Frio • Free River Access for Guests at Concan Swimming Hole • Amazing Views • Private Pool & Ping Pong Table • Firepit, Outdoor Lawn Games • Great Outdoor Area • Poolside Kitchen & Dining • Margaritaville Blender • Close to House Pasture Music Venue and Frio Valley Ranch Golf Course

CHULA VISTA

6 BR/6.5 Bath,with pool • Sleeps up to 31

NEW management, Buchanan Cabins

Reservations by phone & online

RUSTIC RIVIERA

5 BR/5.5 Bath,with pool • Sleeps up to 28

830.988.3272 • www.VacationConcan.com

local favorites not to be missed Open Range Hungry? Head on over to the Open Range Bakery and Cafe in Uvalde — a family-run restaurant offering homestyle cooking in a cozy atmosphere, offering baked goods daily, as well as soup, salads, burgers, and hearty sandwiches four days a week (and breakfast three days a week). Just a sampling of what you might find: scrumptous daily specials like shrimp and grits, meatloaf, pulled pork baked potatos, butterhorn chicken spaghetti, and King Ranch chicken. Delicious soups include tomato basil, Texas tortilla, vegetable bacon chowder, cheeseburger, spicy black bean, corn chowder, and chicken poblano.

You’ll also love the whole bean (chemical free) decaf coffee, as well as espresso and coffee from Organic Fairtrade Coffee grown in Peru. Lotus energy drinks are served here as well which are plant-based, fruit flavored drinks with natural caffeine in lots of flavors.

And the desserts that will have you coming back again and again... truly too many options to list— cakes (like carrot, Texas pecan, Italian creme, lemon creme, red velvet), plus pie by the slice, assorted cupcakes, apple cinnamon bread pudding, cinnamon rolls and a choice of cheesecakes! Yum! The Open Range Bakery and Cafe is at 2211 E. Main Street in Uvalde. Hours are Tuesdays from 9 am to 2 pm (lunch 11 am to 2 pm), Wednesday 9 am to 2 pm (lunch 11 am to 2 pm), Thursday and Friday 7 am to 2 pm (breakfast 7 am to 10:30 am, lunch 11 am to 2 pm), and Saturday 7 am to 1 pm serving breakfast all day (lunch special starting at 11 am). For more information, call 830-261-1866. You can also find them on Facebook to see daily specials.

Concan General Store Minits Concan General Store is a onestop shop! Stop by the store on Highway 83 in Concan for fuel, groceries, or a quick meal of famous Frio Fried Chicken, original recipe chicken salad, pizza, or flat top cheeseburgers (served up on delicious ciabatta buns).

You’ll also find all you need at your campsite or on the river, including locally sourced beef products for barbecuing, grocery items, tubes, river gear, fun T-shirt designs and product lines like Del SOL, a company offering color-changing apparel and accessories that transform in sunlight.

Shop the Concan Beer Cave (first on the Frio), plus an assortment of wines curated with great attention to quality and affordability.

Concan General Store is at 23269 N. US Highway 83 in Concan. Hours are Sunday to Friday from 7 am to midnight and Saturdays from 7 am to 1 am.

Online ordering is available for food items as well as merchandise and grocery items. you can float, order, and pick up meals for the entire crew as soon as they’re off the water!

Find the store’s QR codes around Concan and scan for a direct link to the menu, or on the Minitstx.com website. Call ahead ordering is also available.

For more information, call 830-232-6414 or find Concan General Store on Facebook.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

It’s the Place to Be! Come visit Frio Acres in Concan, Texas We have 51 beautiful and secluded acres with one acre on the Frio River. The Texas Hill Country at its best, just a few miles from Garner State Park. Cabins and Lodges at the Frio River where you can enjoy the mountains, the wildlife, the cold and relaxing refreshing waters of the Frio River, relax to the cool evening breeze and endless stars.

Look no further, Frio Acres offers 9 cabins and 5 lodges that will accommodate large groups for reunions, corporate gatherings and weddings/receptions.

We have lodges secluded within 2 acres with an outdoor pavilion and beautiful oak trees, family lodge with outdoor playground and fire pit, grand view lodge with spectacular views of the Frio Canyon, a lodge with a great gathering room and private bedrooms and lodges with private Frio River frontage.

If your needs are not that of a large lodge, then our 2 bedroom/2 bath spacious and quaint cabins are just what you need.

830-232-4141 www.frioacres.com 1047 CR 350 CONCAN, TX 78838 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

31

Awe-inspiring nature at the

M

Frio Bat Flight

arch through September on a ranch near Concan, you can watch in delight as 10- to 12-million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from Frio Cave at Frio Bat Flight. The beautiful and private 10,000acre property on which the cave is located has been continuously owned by the same family since 1874.

Bain and Kirstin Walker run the tours, each season hosting a whopping 3,000 to 4,000 visitors, all who come to see the second largest bat population in the world (that’s open to the public). Bain takes questions from the audience as the crowd waits for the bats to begin emerging from the cave about 30 minutes before sunset. These bats will travel up to 35 miles from the cave every night, covering several hundred miles in one evening.

They are insectivores, preferring to dine on agricultural pests.

“Scientists have discovered the bats eat, on average, their body weight nightly. That amounts to about 100 tons of insects a year!” says Bain.

Bats emerge from Frio Cave March through September. Frio Bat Flight entry is $12; $10 for kids 10 and under; and $11 for seniors. Kids 5 and under get in free. Tour times vary by season. For more information, call 888-502-9387, email info@friobatflight.com or visit the web site at www.friobatflight.com.

32

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

CONCAN Rent one cozy cabin for family vacations or rent all six for your next family reunion or holiday celebration!

2 BR/2 BA CABINS

Amazing views • Fully furnished kitchen Smart TV/Cable • WiFi • Pet-friendly Back porches w/ firepits

Breathtaking views. Photo courtesy Garner State Park.

830-484-8866 • Concan, TX HuntersRidgeCabins.com

NaNa’s RV PaRk & RV ReNtals

Tim and Linda Hester 830-232-5903 Cell 830-261-0772 Fax 830-232-5801

River frontage park located on Frio River, each site features a picnic table, a fire ring, 20-30-50 amp electrical, sewer & water hook-ups

Across the Frio River from Garner State Park on County Road 350

RIO FRIO, TX • 830-232-4653

nanasrvparkonthefrio.com

Cabin Rentals

1498 River Road Concan, Texas

www.FrioFamilyGetaway.com

Never underestimate the joy of relaxation...

Frio Grove Rentals

Two & three bedroom newly built houses w/full kitchens 800’ of Private Frio River Access, Private Pool, Horseshoe & Washer Pits, 60 x 40 pavilion for special events!

Also perfect for Weddings and Reunions!

2034 County Road 350 • Concan, Texas 78838

830-232-4981• cell 830-834-0434 • www.friogroverentals.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

33

sweets & treats

local info Frio Canyon

friocanyonchamber.com

Uvalde County

CONCAN

visituvaldecounty.com

Baked Goods

Concan Pies TX Hwys 83 & 127 713-562-8043

LEAKEY

Ice Cream, Candy & More

Made From Scratch Fudge

Frio Float

Texas Drop Fudge

21563 TX Highway 127 830-232-5591

TX Hwy 83 Thursday-Saturday 10-6

Ice Cream & Shaved Ice

Gummy Bear Bar

Frio’s Dry Fifty Snack Shack

Bear’s Market

608 US Highway 83 S 830-232-5559

Tx. Hwy. 127 830-232-6300

CAMP WOOD

Mangonadadas — Sweet, Sour & Salty Frozen Treats

Candy, Fudge & More

Mangonada’s

Bear Creek Fudge

Look for the bus around Concan or find them on Instagram

Gelato, Ice Cream & Fudge (Seasonal)

Highway 55 Downtown 830-597-6160

Ice Cream Shop

ROCKSPRINGS

Nostalgic Candy & More

211 W. Main Street 830-507-9171

at Garner State Park 210-722-5652

Pies & Sweets

Miss Buffy’s

Stinkin’ Sweet Candy Shop at Garner State Park 210-722-5652

UTOPIA

UVALDE

Facebook.com/

Nueces-CanyonChamber-of-Commerce

Sabinal

sabinalchamber.org

Uvalde CVB visituvalde.com

Lost Maples

State Natural Area 830-966-3413; tpwd.state.tx.us

Garner State Park 830-232-6132; tpwd.state.tx.us

laundry?

Wash Barn

2211 East Main Street 830-261-1866

in Concan 20970 Hwy 127 830-232-6118

Open Range Bakery & Cafe

384 FM 187/Main Street 830-966-2221

Nugget Ice Cream, Specialty Hot & Cold Teas

Tree City Tea & Water

283 Main Street 830-966-3876

34

Nueces Canyon

in Leakey 1256 S. US Hwy 83 830-232-5690

Lost Maples Cafe

Postal Brews

utopiatexas.info

Pies, Cakes, Scones, Bread, Cheesecakes, Cookies, Muffins

Baked Goods

Coffee, Teas, Baked Goods

Utopia and Sabinal Canyon

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

2205 East Main Street 830-407-5021

Neal’s

Sonshine Laundry & Cleaners in Uvalde 104 N. 4th Street 830-278-6767

CONCAN

Casual comfort for large or small groups all year long!

LODGING IN 2 BEAUTIFUL HOMES, AN EFFICIENCY APARTMENT OR LUXURY CABOOSE! 800’ of Private Frio Frontage & River Access

RESERVATIONS: Text or Call 830-261-4504 3695 County Road 350 • Rio Frio, Texas

American pride. Photo courtesy Frio’s Dry Fifty.

We know you enjoy the river in the summer, but remember...we are OPEN ALL YEAR!

Neal’s is a great place

YEAR-ROUND!

Plan your next quiet getaway for the “off season” &

ENJOY 20% OFF LODGING!

Great for corporate and church retreats, family reunions, weddings & other celebrations!

Check out our website for Fall and Spring events:

830-232-6118 • www.nealslodges.com 20970 TX-127, Concan, TX 78838 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

35

Love runs deep at the Love Lock Bridge

A

s many Texans dream about their next vacation, there is a peaceful escape in Texas Hill Country River Region eager to welcome visitors once they are ready to travel.

In Concan, a special tradition awaits for couples awaits, where lovebirds lock in secret promises in the hopes of forever.

The Love Lock Bridge outside of Josh’s Frio River Outfitters is a tradition inspired by the infamous Pont De Arts Bridge in Paris. Aiming to present visitors with a way to commemorate memories made with loved ones while exploring the area, Tessa and Josh Shandley, owners of Josh’s Outfitters, set out to create a visual, aesthetic tradition that can be revisited for years to come. As many families and couples plan annual trips to Uvalde County to spend time on the crystal-clear Frio River, Tessa and Josh thought a permanent display representing the memories made would be the perfect touch as an added backdrop to their shop.

While stopping by Josh’s Outfitters to pick up any necessities for a day on the river, visitors can choose from

an array of vibrant colored padlocks in the shape of a heart available for purchase. Many opt to write meaningful messages on the locks in Sharpie, such as initials, names or a special date.

Images of couples and families taking part in this local tradition can be found through exploring the #FrioLoveLock hashtag on Instagram. Photos courtesy Tessa Shandley.

LOCAL CHURCHES CAMP WOOD

LEAKEY

Nueces Canyon Church of Christ 1656 N. Hwy 55 • 830-597-4131

Church of Christ 3rd Street • 830-232-6933

First Baptist Church 813 South Nueces • 830-597-5150

Church in the Valley 724 Hwy 83. • 830-232-6841

Hill Country Church of Christ Hwy. 55 N. • 830-597-6175

First Baptist Church Hwy. 83 N. • 830-232-5344

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic 311 E. 3rd. • 830-597-5165

Frio Canyon Baptist Church 919 Hwy. 83 S. • 830-232-5883

CONCAN

Réal County Church of Christ 121 Oak Hill • 830-275-9661

Church of Christ Hwy. 83 at the Y • 830-232-4058

St. Raymond Catholic 2nd Ave.• 830-232-5852

Concan Baptist Mission 32711 Hwy 83 • 830-232-4411 Emmanuel Lutheran 2561 Co. Rd 350 830-232-4006

36

Trinity Fellowship E. on 337 • 830-232-6770 Leakey United Methodist 410 N. Market • 830-232-6266

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2021

RIO FRIO

New Beginning 5749 RR 1120 830-232-5221

UTOPIA

Gospel Tabernacle 371 Main St. • 830-966-2440 Living Waters Church FM 1050 • 830-966-2426 United Methodist 200 Cypress • 830-966-3400 Utopia Baptist Church 241 Johnson St. • 830-966-3688 Utopia Church of Christ Main Street • 830-966-3629

VANDERPOOL

St. Mary’s Catholic Hwy 187 • 830-966-6268

Best Vacation Rentals in Concan!

“Providing unforgettable experiences, time & time again” PERSONAL SERVICE/ RED CARPET TREATMENT

OVER 11 YEARS OF SERVICE

More than 40 rental properties

RIVERFRONT H POOLS HOMES H CABINS

936-524-4545

Office at 289 CR 348 • Concan, TX

Open All Year

Anytime of year is a great time to visit the Frio!

www.friorivervacationrentals.com

Homes H Ranches Acreages Vacation Rentals “I can show you any property for sale in the Frio Canyon. Catch the Frio Fever - own a piece of the Frio!”

Larry Roberts, Owner/Broker

Conveniently located in the heart of Concan 289 CR 348 • Concan, TX • 936.537.4555

www.frioriverrealty.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

37

LEAKEY MERCANTILE, LLC

Groceries • Fresh Produce • Camping Supplies • Beer/Wine Meat Market We make fresh ground beef daily!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK ‘TIL 8PM Highway 83 & 337 in Leakey, Texas

830-232-6299 • leakeymercantile.com

(830) 232-4993 47 S. Hwy 83 Right Next to the Leakey Mercantile

10 AM to 9 PM MON-SAT CLOSED SUNDAY

RIVER FRONT CABINS VACATION HOMES RIVER FRONT WEDDINGS FAMILY REUNIONS GROUP LODGING & PRICING CORPORATE RETREATS

FAMILY FUN ON THE FRIO

1.888.9CONCAN

WWW.FRIOCOUNTRY.COM 1996 COUNTY ROAD 348 CONCAN, TX 78838

STAY CONNECTED

985 S. Hwy 83

just south of Hwy 83 and RR 1120

www.rusticfrio.com

Andy’s on River Road FLOAT

“Where All Your Troubles Just Float Away!”

Come Stay, Shop & Float!

SHOP

Groceries, Boutique Gift Shop, Volleyball, Horseshoes

Tubing, Kayaking & Shuttle Service

STAY

Cabins, Suites, Rv Sites Tent Camping 12 NEW Riverside Cabins - Riverfront!

All Cabins & Suites have free Wireless internet

830-232-5444 • www.FloatTheFrio.com

info@floatthefrio.com • 21488 TX Hwy 127 • Concan, Texas

in the Hunt Store and in Camp Wood!

ALL THINGS MEAT!

Cafe • Meat market • homemade Sausages Slow smoked meats • small batch jerky

THE HUNT STORE

MARKET & GENERAL STORE No Dancin’ on the tables or Eaton’ on the Floor!

A Texas destination for 75 years!

Amazing food! Live Music! Old Time Meat www.thehuntstore.com • (830) 238-4410 1634 Hwy 39 • Hunt, TX 78024 44

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

CAMP WOOD STORE A TRUE TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE Indoor & Outdoor Seating Worth the Drive! www.kingstexassmokehouse.com (830) 597-4242 1029 S. Hwy. 55 • Camp Wood, TX 78333

Zuber’s River Camp Cabins • Tent Camping Sites • RV Sites with Full Hookups

Nestled in the Hill Country on the beautiful spring fed Frio River and under the amazing Old Baldy...

ZubersRiverCamp.com • Concan, Texas • 830-232-5205 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

45

Joe Jimmy’s (Concan)

Please check the business website and/or call ahead to confirm performers, dates & times.

Many businesses operate seasonally.

. Family friendly with dancing, concession stand and more.

Live music and Karaoke. 20970 TX-127, Concan, TX 78838. nealslodges.com/joe-jimmys, 830-232-6118.

House Pasture (Concan)

Live music Friday and Saturday nights spring break and summer through Labor Day. Check website.

3064 CR 348, Concan, TX 78838. housepasture.com, 830-232-6580.

Hippies, Gypsies & Hops (Concan) 721 River Road, Concan, Texas 78838.

830-232-5459, Facebook.com/hippiechicsconcan

Buckhorn Bar & Grill (Leakey)

Food, pool tables, shuffleboard, games.

Family/biker friendly. 4377 US-83, Leakey, TX 78873.

Find them on Facebook or call 830-232-4755.

The Back Porch (Leakey)

At the Historic Leakey Inn. Enjoy sandwiches, beer, wine and margaritas.

Fridays at 7 pm. 527 S. Highway 83,Leakey, Texas 78873. leakeyinn.com, 830-232-5246.

Ironwood Bar(Sabinal)

Wednesday-Thursday 5 pm-12 am, Friday-Saturday 5 pm-1 am, 312 N. Center, Sabinal, Texas 78881.

830-988-5050. Facebook.com/ironwoodbar19

Lone Star Saloon (Uvalde) Dancehall featuring Country and Tejano music in a friendly atmosphere.

2429 N, Milam, Uvalde, Texas 78801. 830-591-9191, lonestarsaloon-uvalde.com

The Grand Opera House (Uvalde)

Enjoy a wide variety of productions at the historic Grand Opera House. 104 W. North Street, Uvalde, Texas 78801. uvaldeoperahouse.org, 830-278-4184

Pickin’ on the Porch (Utopia)

Gospel music at Utopia Methodist Church, 7 pm.

Third Wednesdays. 571 Cypress Street, Utopia, Texas 78884.

830-966-3400 46

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

El Rod Full Page ad

Hill Country Nature Center

& Indian Blanket Ranch

A

t Hill Country Nature Center, you’ll find fossils, arrowheads, plus Texas snake, bird, bat, butterfly and insect displays highlighting the natural attractions of the Hill Country River Region. You can even see the happenings inside a bluebird nestbox, with the help of some cool technology. Founder LeAnn Garrison-Sharp, has for years made it her mission to share the natural wonders of the area, providing a great chance to learn all about birding, bats, native plants, champion trees and the natural history of the area.

Hill Country Adventures offers plenty of educational tours. With several national champion trees, including the largest tree in Texas, there’s plenty to see on the Natural History/ Big Tree tour, offered year round.

Guided birding and nature tours offer participants a chance to drive to and hike on private Hill Country Ranches and State Parks along the beautiful Frio and Sabinal River Valleys. The nature trails at Indian Blanket Ranch (adjacent to the Center) provide a picturesque path for hiking, jogging and mountain biking.

Another attraction at Indian Blanket Ranch is the Bluebird Trail — 40 nestboxes and six viewing stations with benches where you can see small cavity nesters including Eastern Bluebirds, Black-crested Titmouse, Bewick’s Wren, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Carolina Chickadee with nests, eggs or baby birds. Nestbox Trail Birding Tours are available March through June — advance reservations only. There’s plenty more spectacular birdwatching on the ranch with 126 species of birds sighted — you might see a Golden-cheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo, Vermillion Flycatcher, Zonetailed Hawk, Hummers and more. Bring your camera— photo opportunities abound.

To hike, bike or birdwatch anytime, look for details on the

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Bluebirds just hatched. Photo courtesy Hill Country Nature Center.

explanation sign at the Nature Center gate. Admission is $10 per person for the day, ages five and under free, leashed dogs $5. Sign See NATURE CENTER, page 49

RIO FRIO

NATURE CENTER, from page 48

Fun kayaking tours. Photo courtesy Hill Country Nature Center.

the release form and pay by dropping admission in the dropbox. The trail is open daylight to dark.

Dark Sky/Night Viewing is now available on Indian Blanket Ranch by advance reservation only. Bring your telescope and camera for spectacular meteor shower, Milkyway, planet, star and satellite viewing! Admission is $25 per person, no dogs are allowed at night.

Reservations at info@hillcountryadventures.com There are no trail fees if you are staying in lodging on Indian Blanket Ranch. For more information on lodging and trails on Indian Blanket Ranch visit the website at www.indianblanketranch.com.

For information about Hiking and Biking, Big Tree Tours and Nature By Kayak Tours offered through Hill Country Adventures, visit www.hillcountryadventures.com or call 830-966-2134.

Hill Country Nature Center. Photo courtesy Hill Country Nature Center.

Cherry Creek Cabin A Hill Country Getaway

Secluded, peaceful ranch near the Frio River and Garner State Park Sleeps 8 Full Kitchen • Firepit Grill • Hiking Trail 3503 FM 1050 • Concan, Texas

512-788-4077 • cherrycreeklodging.com

~ HILL COUNTRY ~ Indian Blanket Ranch Nature Center & Tours Nature/Birding/Hike & Mountain Bike Trails Birding for Beginners, Natural History/Big Tree Tours and Storytelling Entertainment by

Beautiful Ranch Wedding Destination Secluded 250-acre Ranch Getaway

Lee Haile & LeAnn Sharp

Private Pool • Hot Tub Star Gazing Birdwatching Nature Trails • Hiking Mountain Biking Fireplace • Campfire Wi-Fi • TV • Ping Pong Play Area for Kids

Sleeps Up to 20!

5 minutes to Garner State Park 25 minutes to Lost Maples State Natural Area

830-966-2134

Bluebird Hill & Star Suite

info@indianblanketranch.com

830-966-2134 • IndianBlanketRanch.com

HillCountryAdventures.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

49

Riding the Three Sisters

BY TOM WILEY lthough the list of Hill Country roads is long, many motorcyclists claim The Three Sisters as their favorite ride. This trio of Ranch Roads—337, 336, and 335—is located in the southern portion of the Edwards Plateau.Whether you travel on two wheels or four, you should make it a point to get out and experience this amazing drive.

As Ranch Road 337 departs Medina, it becomes a roller coaster ride. Shallow creeks tell long-forgotten tales of times when they carved through now-exposed limestone bluffs. Stately ranch houses cling to mountain tops, commanding some of the best views in Texas. The hills become dotted with maple trees as the road approaches Vanderpool.

These and other deciduous trees make nearby Lost Maples State Natural Area a “must see” destination in the fall.

The highway makes a long, steep climb out of Vanderpool.

For the next few miles, the road narrows and weaves through sheer canyon cuts, offering slow curves with dramatic drop-offs to the valleys below.This is the “real” Texas Hill Country.

The approach to Leakey crosses the Frio River. Motorcyclists congregate at the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop and Bent Rim Grill, but the hangout is open to all visitors. Some travelers may turn south in Leakey on US Highway 83, toward Garner State Park and Concan.

North of the courthouse in Leakey, Ranch Road 336 splits off and parallels the upper Frio River. This beautiful road makes sharp curves and steep mountain climbs before breaking onto a dry plateau near its terminus with Texas Highway 41. A favorite stop in the area is the Garven Store, just north of Highway 41 on US 83.

There, you can load up on several varieties of jerky; sample one of their home-recipe sausage wraps; or sit out on the deck

A

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

A view from Ranch Road 337. Photo by Tom Wiley.

with a cold beverage. You can continue on Ranch Road 337 west from Leakey towards the small communities of Camp Wood and Barksdale. From Barksdale, Ranch Road 335 travels 30 miles north, tracing an upper arm of the Nueces River. This route sees little traffic and, yet, offers some incredible views before also “T-ing” into Highway 41.

Hill Country travelers who have never visited this part of the state are always amazed at the scenery they have been missing.

The remoteness of this area makes the winding roads and distant vistas even more special.

Other highways tap into The Three Sisters and provide access to Bandera, Utopia, Concan, Rocksprings, and other popular tourist destinations. B&Bs, country cabins, and quaint inns provide opportunities to escape the work week and dangle toes in chilled streams or hike hills teeming with wildlife. And if the question comes up about where to eat, just follow the motorcycles!

UTOPIA/VANDERPOOL

FoxFire Cabins

Clear Springs Lodging

ON THE SABINAL RIVER

Year-Round

Log Cabin & Vacation Home Rentals

Year-Round Vacation Rentals on the River

in Vanderpool

830-966-2164

info@foxfirecabins.com 830-966-2200 • 877-966-8200

www.FoxFireCabins.com

ClearSpringsLodging.com

F.A.R.D.I.B. Outfitters HUNTS

Low fence white tail, axis and black buck

Hat Creek Antler Co.

Contact for pricing & availability

Hat Creek

Stocker Bucks Breeder Bucks Open Does Bred Does

Construction Pole Barns Outdoor Kitchens Barndominium Shells Custom Entrances Mobile Sandblasting

JD Nelson • 361-648-2991 • jdnelson33@yahoo.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

51

Lost Maples State Natural Area

BY ROB MCCORKLE Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

T

he Sabinal River and its several tributaries have carved limestone canyons through the nearly 3,000-acre park straddling Bandera and Real counties at the western fringes of the Edwards Plateau. Here, the canyons’ moist, cool microclimates support a remarkable diversity of plant life found few other places in Texas.

The bigtooth maple tree ranks as the park’s marquee species.

In late autumn most years, the stands of old-growth maples set the canyons ablaze in a riot of red, orange and gold foliage, drawing upwards of 50,000 leaf-peepers to the state natural area.

The western cousin of the eastern sugar maple retained a foothold in the Hill Country canyons after vast sheets of ice advanced southward across North America almost to presentday Texas, and then retreated. (For an explanation of the park’s geological history and information about the bigtooth maple and other indigenous plant species, visit the exhibit hall in the park headquarters.)

Lost Maples State Natural Area is home to the state’s largest known species of the bigtooth, also known as the Uvalde bigtooth maple and canyon maple. The 40-foot tall maple with a 45-foot crown spread stands at the head of the park’s most popular trail, the .8-mile Maple Trail, just a few steps from the day-use area parking lot. However, to really appreciate this wondrous arboretum, visitors should park their vehicle and stroll the wooded canyon trails that traverse the upland canyons of the Sabinal River, as well as Can, Hale Hollow and Lane creeks.

But no matter the time of year, Lost Maples SNA makes a worthwhile destination that will not disappoint. Visitors hoping to enjoy the park under less crowded conditions of late October and early November when the maples’ color peaks should consider an early fall visit. Nights tend to cool off and during warm, sunny days, the waters of the Sabinal and spring-fed swimming holes prove tempting spots to take a soothing splash.

Photo by LeAnn Sharp.

See LOST MAPLES SNA, page 54 Photo by Melissa Ball.

Photo courtesy Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

53

LOST MAPLES SNA, from page 52

Almost 11 miles of well-marked trails lead to scenic overlooks, spring-fed ponds populated by Texas’ state fish, the Guadalupe bass, prime birding habitat and 30 primitive backpack camping sites. Composting toilets near several backcountry campsites make the wilderness experience a bit more pleasant.

The Maple Trail provides the easiest access to the park’s natural wonders, traversing mostly flat terrain through a moist, shaded Sabinal River canyon. Mature bigtooths share fertile canyon habitat with monstrous chinkapin and Lacey’s oaks, Florida basswood, pecan, black willow, green ash and American sycamore. Boulders the size of a subcompact car sit in the middle of the river and at the base of soaring limestone cliffs.

Because of the canyonlands’ microclimate effect, the park contains numerous species of plants and animals of both eastern and western affinity, as well as rare species endemic to the Balcones Escarpment. Found here are the unusual Texas madrone tree, three kinds of buckeye, witch hazel (common in Mississippi), six different kinds of oaks, Texas mock orange and sycamore-leaf snowbell whose white clusters of flowers bloom in late September.

The park’s birdlife reflects Lost Maples’ location in the North America’s central flyway, as well as its diversity of habitat that includes grasslands and scrublands; mixed evergreen and deciduous escarpment woodlands; and streamside woodlands.

Birders from around the world visit the park to catch a glimpse of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-

capped vireo, as well as specialty birds such as the green kingfisher and zone-tailed hawk.

Water-and-electric campsites are at a premium at Lost Maples SNA. The 30 campsites, which also feature in-ground barbecue pits and shaded picnic tables, book up to five months in advance for the peak fall foliage period. Other times of the year, booking reservations early is recommended.

In keeping with Lost Maples’ state natural area designation, the park has limited development and facilities. However, young and old alike can enjoy nature photography, hiking, camping, bird watching, backpacking, fishing and swimming.

The day use-only park entry fees for persons 13 and older are $6. You can pre-pay entrance a month ahead of your date of arrival to assure entrance during busy seasons. Hike-in campsites are $10 a night and water-electric sites are $20. Lost Maples State Natural Area is located about an hour’s drive southwest of Kerrville and five miles north of Vanderpool on Ranch Road 187. Parking at Lost Maples State Natural Area is limited to 250 cars, so schedule fall trips during the weekdays, if possible. All reservations should be paid in full at the time they are made.

THE ORAL HISTORY OF THE SABINAL CANYON

Bear Meat ‘N’ Honey Volume II Coyote Songs

Volume I

The history, folklore, legends and natural history of the Southern Hill Country is a rough blend of frontier hardship, country wisdom and tough personal experience. These volumes are based on numerous interviews of the area’s elders and presented in their own words, along with photos, maps and sketches. The story of this region is worth knowing, for it illustrates much of what makes Texas a special place.

“These books of interviews with old-timers of the Sabinal Canyon are models of what such works should be.”

— John Graves, The Rivers of Texas (2002)

$21 INCLUDING TAX

Available thru Onion Creek Press PO Box 545 • Utopia, Texas 78884

Beautiful colors at Lost Maples State Natural Area.

Photo by LeAnn Sharp.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

UTOPIA/VANDERPOOL

Four Sisters Ranch Cabin

Secluded. Picturesque. One of a kind. A true Utopia.

www.foursistersranchcabin.com

1848 LeMond Road • Utopia, TX • 830-426-1602

Sabinal River Lodge

Meat Market • Groceries

• Sabinal River frontage • Near Lost Maples Natural Area, Garner State Park & Concan-Frio River • Fully furnished cabins with two queen beds.

• Perfect for weekend getaways & reunions!

Fresh Produce • Ice • Firewood Fishing/Camping Supplies T-Shirts

OPEN Monday thru Saturday from 6 am to 6 pm 830-966-3444 406 N. Main • Utopia, TX

Highway 187 South • Utopia, Texas

830-966-3393

SabinalRiverLodge.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

55

Year ‘Round Adventures in the River Region

July Jubilee in Leakey. Photo by Justin Suttle.

The beautiful Nueces River. Photo by Julie Harrington.

Colors of Fall. Photo by Julie Harrington.

56

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Concan Swimming Hole. Photo courtesy Concan Swimming Hole.

UTOPIA/VANDERPOOL

57

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

YEAR ‘ROUND FUN in the River Region

A beauty by the river. Photo courtesy The Riv. BANDERA

Memories will be made! Photo by AnaLisa Glass.

Thank you for keeping our rivers clean!

Photo by Rachel Dickson Kellner/Uvalde County River Cleanup.

58

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

UVALDE

Discover Uvalde’s Finest Accomodations!

Relax in Our Newest Addition:

The Continental Loft

Mid-Mod meets desert chic, with all of the amenities of home! Full kitchen and laundry, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and spacious living room.

Completely remodeled Fall/Winter 2020.

1450 sq ft | 1 Queen, 1 King, 2 Twin Pullout Couches

Enjoy the Heart of Downtown Uvalde. 20 Min from Concan. BensonGuestHouse.com | 830-900-3279

The 501 River Retreat is located on the 501 Ranch in Uvalde, Texas. The spa and retreat area is nestled on the property near the Nueces River. It’s the perfect destination for a luxurious weekend retreat!

We also offer fitness classes onsite.

www.501Ranch.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

59

Where did the rivers

get their names?

Nueces River. Photo courtesy The Riv. Majors Crossing on the Frio River Photo by Julie Harrington.

BY GREG WALTON

T

he rivers of Southwest Texas are its most unique natural feature. Emanating from a thousand springs spread over a 50-mile band of rugged Balcones Escarpment terrain, they have carved countless cliffs, canyons and valleys on their inevitable journey to the sea. Each of these rivers originates in the rough and jagged canyon country, commonly called the fault zone, between the Edwards Plateau and the Coastal Plains. The early history of these rivers, and how each got its name, is an interesting aspect of the history of the larger region itself.

The Edwards Plateau is like a giant sponge sitting on a tilted dinner plate. Rainwater enters the ground through various cracks and crevices, caves and sinkholes, until it percolates down to a solid layer of limestone. The water then flows south and eastward underground until it emerges at a spring along the Balcones Escarpment. This Escarpment was created 15 million years ago, when the lower Coastal Plains broke away from the higher Plateau, leaving a highly erodible edge. Springs occur all along the edge of the Escarpment, with particularly large springs at Del Rio, Brackettville, San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos and Austin. In the River Region, these springs are smaller but more numerous, and they form hundreds of small canyons and creeks.

These tributaries eventually form into notable three rivers.

Spanish explorers first came to this region in the 1600s, moving from Mexico in the south and west toward the north and east.

As they did elsewhere, they named each of the natural features as they discovered them.

See RIVER NAMES, page 62

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Buy land! They’re not making it anymore ...

Ranch H River H

H Commercial H Residential

Linda Koehl • Riata Realty 235 North East Street, Uvalde, Texas 78801 Office (830) 900-7722 • Cell (830) 591-4430

www.riatarealty.com

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

61

YEAR ‘ROUND FUN in the River Region

Floatin’ the day away on the Sabinal River. Photo by John Ball.

RIVER NAMES, from page 60

Fall fishin’. Photo courtesy Garner State Park

Moon over the hills. Photo by Nancy Feely.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

The Nueces River is the largest of these three rivers, and was the first to be encountered. Indeed the Frio and Sabinal can be considered tributaries of the Nueces. The entire region is sometimes known as the Nueces River basin.

The first explorers, finding the river’s mouth in Corpus Christi Bay somewhat hidden, named it the Rio Escondido, or Hidden River. Other Spanish explorers, further inland and coming from the arid southwest, were relieved to see permanent water, abundant grass and large trees. The trees in particular provided a welcome respite from the desert sun, and the nuts they produced were tasty and plentiful. Therefore they named the river the Pecan River, or Rio Nueces in Spanish.

In 1762 they established two missions here in the upper Nueces Canyon, Mission San Lorenzo de la Santa Cruz, and Mission Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria del Canon, as well as a presidio, a short distance away.

Continuing to the east, the Spanish explorers next encountered a river which, because of the large and frequent springs along it, produced very cold water. Unlike the Nueces River, the predominant tree along the Frio is not the pecan but the cypress. The Spanish christened this river the Cold River — Rio Frio in Spanish.The Spanish apparently made no attempt to settle the Frio Canyon, but they did take note of the abundant water, tree cover and other resources. It is this cold and plentiful water which makes the Frio such a great river for canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming.

Moving still eastward, they next came to a river lined with very large cypress trees. This stream they named the Cypress River. In Spanish, the word for a single cypress is “Sabino”. But in the Spanish language if you want to describe a large group of trees rather than a single specimen you add the suffix “al.”

Thus a large group of cypress trees is not a sabino but a sabinal.

In this way the Sabinal River was named.

Again, the Spaniards made no permanent settlements in the Sabinal Canyon, but General Juan Ugalde, for whom Uvalde County was named, fought a significant battle here against the Apaches in 1790. This canyon has also been known as Arroyo de la Soledad (Stream of Solitude) and Canon de Ugalde (Uvalde Canyon).

UVALDE

22 Flavors Iced Tea - Available By Gallon • 30 Plus Flavors Hot Tea • Nugget Ice - 10 lb Bags All Drinks & Ice Made With Reverse Osmosis Water • 8 Flavors Of Ice Cream

Do yourself a flavor!

2205 E. Main Street • Uvalde, Texas

DRIVE THRU! HOURS — WINTER Mon-Fri 7 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm SPRING/SUMMER Mon-Fri 7 am-8 pm, Sat 10 am-8 pm

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

63

Year ‘Round Relaxation in the River Region

Fun on the Frio! Photo courtesy Rio Bella Resort.

All creatures love the Frio. Photo by Nancy Feely.

Becoming one with nature on Old Baldy. Photo courtesy Garner SP.

Cardinal convention. Photo by Bob Shackelford.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Tube fishin’ at Utopia City Park. Photo by Melissa Ball.

UVALDE

Welcome to Uvalde’s Oldest Restaurant!

Chalk Bluff River Resort Open Year Round

BYOB We use premium ingredients and make our food fresh throughout the day so we can provide you with the best tasting and highest quality selections!

World-Famous Enchiladas!

Family-Owned Since 1935 (830) 278-5112

601 W. Main • Uvalde, TX 78801

www.VasquezRestaurant.com

60- Furnished Cabins 103 Campsites 32 Full Service RV Sites 14 RV sites w/Water and Electricity Only Day Use • Camping • Fishing • Hiking • Tubing • Kayaking Bird Watching • Exotic Animal Encounters • Safari Hay Rides Petting Zoo • Jump Pillows • Play Ground • Summer Dances Pet Friendly • Historical Marker • Butterfly Migration On Site Store, Gift Shop and Laundry Pavilion Rental • Family Reunions • Weddings • Trips

1108 Chalk Bluff Rd. Uvalde, Texas

830-278-5515

chalkbluffriverresort.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

65

UVALDE

F eaturing: #1 S elling Ag Tractor in the W orld

3960 Hwy 16 South, Bandera, TX 78003 830.460.0118 • UvalcoTractors.com /uvalcotractors

Fence | Pipe | Metal Buildings | Structural Steel & More!

Also order from our 25 acres of supplies in Uvalde and have it delivered.

NOW IN BOERNE

UVALCO SUPPLY - BOERNE 39700 I-10 West, Boerne, TX 78006 830.755.4948 Uvalco.com /UvalcoBoerne 66

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

UVALCO SUPPLY - UVALDE 2521 E. Main St. , Uvalde, TX 78801 830.278.7125 Uvalco.com /uvalcosupplyllc

UVALDE

Year ‘Round Beauty

in the River Region

Only used books bookstore in Uvalde

El ProgrEso MEMorial

Library, Archives, Museum & Bookstore Check Facebook for library hours & virtual story time

Snowin’on the Frio. Photo courtesy River Rim Resort.

830-278-2017 • www.elprogreso.org 301 W. Main Street, Uvalde, TX 78801

Wi-Fi • 3-D Printer Texas residents can get a library card through the TexShare program Allows access to electronic databases E-books available Facebook livestream Story Hour for pre-K Wednesdays 10:30 am

Local & Family-Owned • Cozy Atmosphere

Coffee • Daily Specials • Homestyle Cooking Burgers • Sandwiches • Soups • Salads Pie • Cake • Bread • Cheesecake • Cookies • Muffins • Scones

Breakfast 7-10:30 am Thurs & Fri • Saturday Breakfast 7 am-1 pm Lunch served 11 am-2 pm Tue-Fri

Tues-Wed 9 am-2 pm • Thurs-Sat 7 am-2 pm Just hanging around. Photo by Julie Harrington.

2211 E Main Street, Uvalde • 830-261-1866 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

67

Make a day of it at Chalk

L

ooking for an a different kind of river adventure? Head to Chalk Bluff River Resort on the banks of the Nueces in Uvalde, where you can purchase a day use pass for full access to the park. Day passes include river access, the petting zoo, jump pillows and playground (from 10 am to 6 pm the day of purchase).

Exotic animal encounters and safari hay rides are available for an additional charge. Bring chairs, a canopy, a table, barbecue supplies and you can hang out at the river all day. Photos courtesy Chalk Bluff River Resort.

FYI • Chalk Bluff River Resort is at 1108 Chalk Bluff Rd, Uvalde, TX 78801. Day passes are available Monday through Thursday for $10/person, Friday through Sunday (and holidays) for $15/person (ages 2 years and under get in free). For more information, call 830-278-5515 or visit the website at www.chalkbluffriverresort.com. You can also find the park on Facebook and Instagram.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Bluff River Resort

Your New Hospital

COMING FALL 2021

Uvalde Memorial Better Health Begins Here.

You can count on us for the specialized care you need, with the local convenience you deserve.

24-Hr. Emergency Service Hospice Respiratory Care Laboratory Outpatient Specialty Clinic Rehabilitation Center Inpatient & Outpatient Surgery Hyperbaric Therapy & Wound Care Cardiac Rehabilitation

Medical & Surgical Services Intensive Care Unit Women’s & Newborns’ Center Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging Women’s Imaging Center Social Services Senior Behavioral Health Services Sleep Center Air Transport Capability

where to get connected find wifi CAMP WOOD

LEAKEY

The Camp Wood Public Library 106 S. Nueces 830-597-3208

Real County Public Library Main at Evergreen 830-232-5199

CONCAN

Bent Rim Grill 657 W. Ranch Rd. 337 830-232-6649

Uvalde Co. Visitor’s Center 21170 Texas Hwy. 127 830-232-4310

RIO FRIO

UVALDE

Hill Country Nature Center on FM 1050 830-966-2320

Local Fix Coffee Shop 2001 E. Main Street 830-900-7183

UTOPIA

El Progreso Memorial Library 301 W. Main Street 830-278-2017

Lost Maples Cafe 384 FM 187 (Main Street) 830-966-2221

TO ADVERTISE IN THE 2022 ISSUE OF WELCOME TO THE HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION

email julie@hillcountrysun.com • call 512-484-9716

J&M Sausage Deer Processing

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

SABINAL ... Southern Gateway to the Texas Hill Country River Region

Over 100 year old smoked sausage family recipe

Hunting available

SPECIALIZING IN

• Smoked Sausage (hot, medium, mild & jalapeno/cheese) • Breakfast Sausage (hot, medium & mild) • Italian Sausage • Dry Stix Call in advance for drop off and pick ups or retail purchase during off season (March-September)

320 E. Fisher • Sabinal, TX 78881 830-988-2558 • Duane

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

with experienced outfitters on multiple spectacular hunting ranches

Check out the Chamber’s

page!

Sabinal Area Chamber of Commerce

SabinalChamber.org 830-827-4013 OR 830-988-2558

SABINAL/ROCK SPRINGS

517 N. Center St. • Sabinal, TX 78881 • (830) 988-2582 • www.umhtx.org

Uvalde Memorial Sabinal Health Clinic

Care For Minor Injuries and Illnesses.

James A. Kelly, MD

Board Certified in Family Medicine

ElizaBeth J. Sparkman, APRN, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner

WALK-INS WELCOME

SHORT WAIT TIMES

PHARMACY PICK-UPS

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Call or walk-in to schedule your appointment.

Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Western Hill Country Realty Quality Ranches • Year-Round Hunting

830-683-4435

www.WesternHillCountryRealty.com Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

71

Four Women of the Texas Hill Country

BY LINDA KIRKPATRICK

D

uring the Indian Wars in Texas, the Comanche, Kiowa, Tonkawa and Lipan Apache were three of the many groups that inhabited the area, then the settlers moved into the Texas Hill Country creating a no-win situation.

One of the stories of the area addresses four women. The four were really unknown to each other, yet they came together and unknowingly formed a bond of protection. Their stories are rather haunting.

The Buffalo Soldiers and Black Seminole Scouts inhabited Fort Clark, near Brackettville. On May 18, 1873, Captain McKenzie rode into Remolina, Mexico, to raid the camp of the Lipan Apache. When the dust had settled, a young woman, Teresita and her father, Chief Costalitos, were captured.

TERESITA McKenzie had his orders, He must gather his troops and go, They must go south, cross the border, Ride deep into Mexico.

The dusty trail to Remolino A haven for snakes and mesquite.

The Indian raids had been bloody And the end would be bitter-sweet.

There was an uneasy tremor in the ground She knew something was not right.

Then she heard the pounding of the horses’ hooves As slowly she stood in fright.

The troops topped the ridge at the break of dawn, They arrived in a cloud of dust.

She turned and looked for her father, The chief, a man she knew she could trust.

Her eyes sparkled like black diamonds Her hair was like a raven’s wing, And as she stood amid the chaos She could hear the Shaman sing.

Their homes were torched and set ablaze.

Through the clouds of smoke she could hear The sounds of the cries of the wounded, As again she gazed in fear.

Costalitos was roped and drug by a horse, She ran to assist the old man, Where is the respect she wanted to know?

He is leader of the Lipan.

Chief Costelitos and his daughter, Teresita.

Photo owned by Daughters of the Republic of Texas

They seemed not to care and they fired more shots, But soon not another sound With a silence so deadly and a calm so serene The tribe was soon gathered around.

Those that could walk were made to march The others would die alone.

They crossed the river then another moon more T’was the last time she would see her home.

Teresita and her father marched like the rest, At Ft. Clark they were entombed.

They would live the life of a captive While their life as a Lipan was doomed.

Teresita would become the bride of a scout, She would ride with him each day.

For freedom she did this, relinquished her dream Oh, what a price to pay.

No longer to run as free as the breeze, No longer her soul to soar, No longer to live like a dove on the wing, No longer a life as before.

But to her new life she adjusted.

Her new freedom she did behold.

She loved her family and worked as a scout But still longed for her life of old.

See FOUR WOMEN, page 74

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Bear Creek Fudge Delicious hand made chocolates, an old-fashioned Soda Fountain, cute clothing and gift items

118 S. Nueces Street Camp Wood, Texas

830-597-6160 • bearcreekfudge.net 73

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

FOUR WOMEN, from page 72

Teresita would spend the rest of her life at Fort Clark. She married Black Seminole Scout James Perryman and they became the parents of two boys. She rode as a scout until 1881.

More people came to the Frio Canyon, one family being the

McLauren. The settlers were beginning to feel quite safe because the Indian raids had slowed. It was a beautiful spring day when John left his family alone for the two-day trip to Cherry Creek.

Read their tale, below.

CONFLICT IN THE FRIO CANYON April 1881 At night ‘neath the stillness of the towering bluff you can hear her saddened cry, As a mist engulfs your body in a shroud that will mystify.

As you walk through the quiet stillness you can feel her presence there And now I’ll tell you her story so listen, if you dare.

Shh… Listen, listen and you will hear. “ Mother, mother?” young Maude cries.

“Go, Maude run,” says her mother, “Run south by the mountainside.”

John had left them early that morning, Kate, Maude, Alonzo, and Baby Frank, And a hired hand, young Allen Lease all alone on the river bank.

They had worked hard all that morning carrying water for washing their clothes, While high atop the rocky cliff danger perched in a menacing pose.

When their chores were finished they took to the garden plot.

It was a lovely, cool April day and the sun was not quite hot.

The Indians watched them all morning as they quietly stalked their prey, Then they descended the mountain at an hour past midday.

The Indians stopped and ransacked the house; they pillaged and plundered the place.

They showed no mercy in their eyes only murder, malice, disgrace.

Mrs. McLauren heard the noise from the garden below, and said “Allen, go check and see, It sounds like hogs are in the house. Go chase them out now, would you please?”

So Allen knowingly went to the house but unknowingly went to his death.

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He died from the shot of a savage’s gun and sighed in his dying breath.

“Go, children run, over the fence!” Kate cried even though she’d been shot. She tried to give Maude the baby and cried as she weakened somewhat.

Four times more Kate would be shot as she tried to scale the fence.

She fell to the ground, the babe in her arms as his body, her blood did drench.

Kate lay there dying, covered with blood; Maude wanted to ease her pain. And what she did defied all fate as she ran to the house with disdain.

She left her mother covered with blood, she ran, as the blood did spread She ran to the house, where the Indians were to retrieve a pillow for her mother’s head.

The Indians saluted her bravery; they stood in awe of her diligent run, They left, but they would always remember the girl and the deed that she had done.

Maude tenderly placed the pillow and comforted as best she could While her mother whispered to her, “Go Maude, run!

Take the trail through the woods.”

Maude hated to leave her mother, but she feared what the Indians had done, She cried as she stood and looked about, then turned south and began to run.

She ran to the home of the Fisher’s, they couldn’t believe the story she told.

A posse gathered to find the Indians, before the trail could grow dim and cold.

John McLauren rode hard to get home he had a premonition all was not well.

It was John Leakey who gave him the sorrowful news, then they rode to the massacred hell.

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Maude McLauren Harpole, the little girl who ran for a pillow

On their arrival they found the carnage revealed from brave Maude’s run.

The Indians were gone but left their deeds to be viewed in the setting sun.

They found Kate’s life flickering a few sighs were all that was left But she knew her children were safe now and with pain she drew her last breath.

The Indians are gone along with Kate’s life but the story is alive to this day So listen again, listen once more and listen to what she must say.

Shhh! You can hear her now. Hear the words from her dying breath, “Go Maude, run!” she cries these many years since her death.

So as you listen to the night birds calling and as you listen to the cypress trees sigh As listen you can hear her voice now, as she says her last, “Goodbye.”

Copyright 2/12/2021 See FOUR WOMEN, page 75

.

FOUR WOMEN, from page 74

This conflict is possibly the last one between the settlers and the Indians in TexasRemember Maude going to the cabin for a pillow, her life was spared because of an Indian woman with the raiding party. Her name was unknown, but because of her, the McLauren children were not harmed. Maude shared this with the posse.

The posse from Leakey trailed the small band of Indians as far as Fort Clark.

The Buffalo Soldiers and Black Seminole Scouts, under the direction of Captain McKenzie, pursued the Lipan Apache to their camp in the Burro Mountains of Mexico.

One of the trackers that rode with them was a young woman by the name of Teresita.

The soldiers and scouts found the raiding party at their camp. The soldiers were also aware of Maude’s story. The only Lipan Apache to walk away from the battle was the woman who saved the McLauren children and her son.

Photos courtesy Linda Kirkpatrick.

John McLauren and “baby” Frank (all grown up).

BARKSDALE/CAMP WOOD

Now & Then Cottages SECLUDED & QUIET OUTDOOR ROCK FIREPLACE SATELLITE TV FENCED

Tales of The

frio Canyon

by Linda Kirkpatrick

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM LINDA FOR $22 (shipping and handing included)

Books also available at :

Leakey Historic Inn • Mill Creek Cafe Garner State Park 830-591-8177 • lkirkpatricktx@gmail.com Send check to P.O. Box 128, Leakey, Texas 78873

Two unique cottages situated near the beautiful Nueces River on the edge of the Hill Country

nowandthencottage.com

830-597-6195 • 308 Frio Street • Camp Wood, Texas

Dixie Printz Boutique / T-shirt shop

“We are worth the drive.”

Comues! see

LOOK US UP!!

Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

75

Easy day trips

worth the drive

Fall in the Hill Country River Region is one of the best times for you and yours to get out and about — with amazing views, birding, museums, golf, hiking and much more. If you’re up for a little driving, here are a few of the many fun family day trips you can easily make from the River Region.

By Suzy Moehring Mallard Uvalde’s Grand Opera House on North West Street, built in 1891, is the oldest theater in Texas. The Grand Opera House is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The two-story Romanesque style theater quickly became a social center in Uvalde and a leading venue in the area for plays and musicals and cultural events.

Uvalde Grand Opera House was renovated in 1982 and is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Call 830-278-4184 for more information. Photo courtesy Grand Opera House.

Just a short drive from the River Region, you will find Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, proudly owned and operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.

The biggest casino in Texas with 24-hour gaming excitement features more than 3,300 slots including an all-new High Limit Room, a private poker room and live bingo. Guests can dine at one of the six restaurants and enjoy live entertainment at ¿Qué Pasa? The full-service hotel offers 249 spacious suites and guest rooms with views of the Rio Grande and surrounding South Texas landscape. Lucky Eagle Casino is at 749 Lucky Eagle Drive, Eagle Pass, Texas 78852. Military, AARP and extended stay discounts available.

Call 830-773-2255, or visit www.luckyeagletexas.com for information.

Photo courtesy Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino.

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Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

Hondo is the home to the South Texas Maize – get it? A corn maze. Open weekends in the fall, there is so much more to do than try to find your way out of a 7-acre maze, although that could keep kids and grownups occupied for a while. You can also pick out pumpkins, jump on giant pillows, slide down a corn mountain, take a hayride, ride a cattle train, sit by a campfire.

This huge corn maze is part of the 7A Ranch, a working cattle ranch where Ken and Laurie Graff are the fifth generation to live and work on the ranch. The corn maze is really sorghum that grows about 12 feet high. The South Texas Maize at Graff 7A Ranch is at 911 U.S. Highway 90 East in Hondo. Bring your own food, or buy food at the Maize. And your well behaved dog on a leash is welcome. Ticket info and events at southtexasmaize.com or 830-741-3968. In the fall, y’all. Photo courtesy South Texas Maize.

Devil’s Sinkhole in Rocksprings may be the largest single-chamber cavern in Texas – a 50-foot wide opening gives into a 140-foot shaft that drops into a 320-foot diameter cavern with a total depth of more than 350 feet. The cavern is enormous and is home to one of Texas’s largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats.

From late spring through early fall more than 3 million bats leave the sinkhole every evening.

The Devil’s Sinkhole Society offers evening tours to see the massive bat colony as well as nature walks, birding walks, day tours to see the sinkhole, and motorcycle tours. All tours begin at the Rocksprings Visitors Center in Rocksprings on the square – and this is the only way to visit the sinkhole. Make advance reservations (required) and get information at 830-683-2287. Photo © TPWD.

Year ‘Round Nature in the River Region

ROCK SPRINGS

SWT Services Corporation Custom Homes & Cabins New Homes - Turn Key, Dry-Ins Repairs and Remodels Decks • Covers • Pole Barns Kevin Tackett 830-683-6437

www.swtservicescorp.com A One of a Kind Boutique!

Miss Buffy’s

Morning parade. Photo by Bob Shackelford.

Women’s, Men’s & Children’s Apparel • Home Goods Hunting Supplies Mouth Watering Tasty Treats

Fall fishin’. Photo courtesy Garner State Park

Call (830) 507-9171

211 West Main Street • Rocksprings, TX 78880 The glory of fall on the Frio. Photo by Bob Shackelford.

Fried Chicken • Catfish • Shrimp Fresh Hot Salsa • Pies & Sweets • Jerky

830-234-7197

Aerial view of river fun. Photo courtesy VisitUvaldeCounty.com.

Hiking Indian Blanket Ranch. Photo courtesy LeAnn Sharp Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2020

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Concan’s Finest Vacation Homes

Corona del Rio • Heartstone

Lick Skillet - Concan Country Club El Ranchito

HHH RIVERFRONT HHH

Fryars’ Villa • Heartstone

El Ranchito - Concan Country Club

HHH RIVERFRONT HHH

Dos Oakes - Canyon Oaks

Ryder’s Ridge • Heartstone

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE of the Frio Canyon and choose Frio

Premier for your river vacation stay. Enjoy private pools and luxury amenities as you make memories to last a lifetime with your family and friends at the Frio River!

830-232-4935 • FrioRentalHomes.com

OASIS OUTBACK 2900 East Main Street, Uvalde oasisoutback.com (830) 278 - 4000

Call or Go Online to Order, Drive-Thru Pickup Available

Chicken Fried Steak • “Big-O” Burgers Fried Catfish • Brisket • Smoked Turkey Sausage • Ribeye Steaks • Daily Specials

Lore Pink Panache • Natural Life Montana West • Swig Drinkware Circle E Candles • Crazy Train • Crocs L&B Apparel • Christian Art Gifts

Apparel • Shoes Handbags • Accessories Fashion Jewelry • Gifts Store Hours

Mon-Thur, Sat: 9 - 6 Friday: 9 - 9 (& Sat, Sept-Dec) *Sun: - 10 - 3 (Sept-Dec)

Grill Hours

Mon-Thur, Sat: 10:30 - 3 Friday: 10:30 - 9 (& Sat, Sept-Dec) *Sun: 10:30 - 3 (Sept-Dec)

Shop online at

ON THE FRIO & SISTER RESORTS River Rim Resort 1204 CR 350 • Oasis at River’s Edge 2039 CR 350 Indian Springs Lodges 1586 CR 348 • Lost Canyon Retreat 2785 RR 1050

River Rim Resort is a hidden treasure in the Texas Hill Country. It is located between Concan and Garner State park and sits on five beautiful acres over-looking the pristine Frio River. The Rim offers visitors exceptional private river access as well as a picturesque swimming pool complex that can be rented for weddings, parties, and corporate events. The resort is open year-round and provides guests with a great place for a fun infused vacation or a romantic getaway. River Rim Resort also offers guest accommodations at its sister resorts, Oasis at River’s Edge, Indian Springs Lodges, and Lost Canyon Retreat.

RiverRimResort.com

830-232-5758 • riverrimresort@yahoo.com