Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA
The foliage spectacle in October and November at
Lost Maples State Natural Area
( 830-966-3413, reserva-
tions 512-389-8900;
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
; 37221 RR 187, 5 miles north of Vanderpool; day use $3-6, primitive
camping $10, tent sites $20) is as colorful as any you'd see in New England. In autumn, big-tooth maple trees
turn shocking golds, reds, yellows and oranges. In the summertime there's good swimming in the Sabinal River.
At any time of the year, campers will find back-country primitive areas where they can pitch a tent, as well as
more convenient sites supplied with water, electricity and nearby showers. Hiking trails will take visitors into
rugged limestone canyons and prairie-like grasslands populated by bobcats, javelinas and gray foxes. Bird-watch-
ing is another popular attraction at Lost Maples because of the green kingfishers, who take up residence in the
park year round.
Festivals & Events
Kerrville Folk Festival
( 830-257-3600;
www.kerrville-music.com
;
3876 Medina Hwy)
The Quiet Valley Ranch turns up the
volume each spring. This 18-day musical extravaganza starts right around Memorial Day
and features music by national touring acts and local musicians. One-day tickets cost $25
to $40; check the website for information about camping at the ranch.
MUSIC
Kerrville Wine & Music Festival
(
MUSIC
Labor Day weekend)
A four-day miniversion of the folk festival.
Sleeping
If you're planning on heading to Kerrville during any of the festivals, book months in ad-
vance. Kerrville doesn't have the glut of charming B&Bs you'll find in Fredericksburg;
the lodging here caters to practical travelers. There are several chains right off the high-
way on Sidney Baker St. They're interchangeable, but they're there if you need them.
Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center
( 830-895-5000, 800-292-5690;
www.innofthehills.com
; 1001 Junction Hwy; d $77-104; )
The
renovated rooms that open onto the pool were a lovely surprise; they were among the
nicest we saw in town. However, the unrenovated rooms have a lot of catching up to do,
so make sure you know what you're getting when you book.
MOTEL
$
