We’ve talked about how Boerne’s Award-Winning Hill Country Mile is a haven for shopaholics before, maybe once or twice. However, there is a lot more happening down on The Mile than prime retail and spring fashions this year.
A family trip to Boerne’s downtown historic, arts, dining, and shopping district will provide you with a fun time for all family members. Crystal, a San Antonio Mom Blogger with “Love More Live Blessed” just posted about her recent family trip to The Mile and how her crew had an absolute blast!
Here are some tips from an insider that you may want to use as a checklist for your own spring Boerne adventure.
Cibolo Creek and Trail
The fun isn’t just at street level! Head on down to the Cibolo Creek and walk the trail that hugs its namesake to meet Boerne’s famous ducks and say hi to the turtles. Feel like dropping a line in? We’ve heard some serious fish tales and seen the photographic proof of some amazing catches in our lazy little creek! Also, keep your eyes peeled for painted rocks. This is a popular place for kids and kids-at-heart in the Boerne Rocks Facebook Group to drop their painted treasures. Make sure you post pictures of your finds and re-hide them for others to discover.
Play in the Garden
Take them over to A Little Nature Store’s garden for an opportunity to get their wiggles out. Bird feeders and baths are scattered about the space making an ideal habitat for our feathered friends which flit about the garden. Grab a cookie or a sweet treat from the neighboring Bear Moon Bakery for a garden snack break at the picnic table. Another sweet feature of the garden is the Free Little Library. Select a book to read together in the family-sized swing. Feel free to take it home as a memento or put it back for others to enjoy. If you enjoy the Free Little Library concept, there are two others on The Mile, so peruse the selections at Bear Moon Bakery and Handmade on Main.
For the Creatives
Little ones love Miss Gina and her weekend classes and camps at Gina Marie’s Art Studio. Visit with her about drop-off programs so they can play and create while you take a moment to explore kid-free! The Maker’s Place is another great hot spot for creative expression! Pop in and paint your own pottery or canvas, or participate in a guided paint program or camp for the kids. Check out their websites for more information on these activities.
Plant and Candle Bars
Potted plants make any space feel fresh and homey. Handmade on Main and Southern Voice both house plant bars in their shops! Pick the perfect plant variety and an adorable container for your space and use all of their potting supplies to make it a reality with none of the mess in your home!
Similar to the Plant Bar, Southern Voice offers an assortment of activities and workshops including a candle bar with all the supplies and guidance needed for you and your favorite people to craft and make memories together. Check their website for a full list of options. Southern Voice is moving to the heart of the Hill Country Mile right now, so check out this new expanded space and all the new play options that will be available!
Snap Selfies
By now you may have seen the big Boerne mural at the Corner Cartel and are familiar with Wild Bill Hickock in front of Main Plaza, but there are several other stores like Pixie that have added selfie stations or have awesomely unique decor that encourages a snap like Flashback Funtique’s retro cow. Give @visitboerne a tag in your shots if you’re posting about your adventure.
Sip and Stroll
It’s true! You can grab a drink and meander in and out of shops on the Hill Country Mile. Boerne’s newest drink pitstop is Roc-N-Ritas where you can get—you guessed it-- margaritas and other frozen drinks to go. Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. and Tusculum Brewing Co. are also prepared to serve you a beer to enjoy on your trek. You may want to linger for a bit though. Cibolo Creek Brewing Co. offers a family-friendly atmosphere including yard games. Tusculum Brewing Co. regularly has live music, so pull up a chair, sit back, and relax.
Take a Free DIY Tour
Augment your walk through town with a little bit of learning! Download the free Historic Walking Tour or pick one up at the Boerne Visitors Center. If art is your preference, download the Otocast App on your phone and take the Art Al Fresco audio tour as you come across statues and sculptures that have been peppered throughout downtown!
Pop into a Museum
Step back in time to explore the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex, a preserved pre-1900’s home on Historic Hill in downtown Boerne. They offer tours, historical presentations, and special exhibits on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Also, joining the museum scene is the Kendall Country Historic Jail Museum. Make plans to tour and get locked up in Boerne’s newest attraction starting in mid-April.
Run Some Energy Out of the Kids!
Bring a ball or a frisbee for some good ol’ fashioned free play in the wide-open Main Plaza Park. Or maybe head over to the beautiful back lawn and amphitheater at the Patrick Heath Public Library. The library property also connects via a bridge to the Old No. 9 Trail for even more mileage.
These are also popular spaces for community events, so keep an eye on the calendar of events to see what’s on the agenda.
Watch an Artisan at Work
Located inside the newly renovated Sach’s Garage is J. Forks Designs. Jenny and her team of artisans are hard at work designing and creating true works of art. They have a “viewing window” from the hallway if you want to peek in and see their screenprinting, beading, and leatherworking techniques.
Written by Tori Bellos, Marketing, Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau
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