Situated two hours southwest of Austin, Kerrville, TX was placed toward the bottom of our day trip list because of its distance away. But after visiting Wimberley, Gruene, multiple state parks and so many Hill Country gems closer to us, we still kept hearing good things about Kerrville.
We woke up on a recent Saturday morning and spontaneously decided that our Kerrville day had arrived! I’ll jump to the end of the story and tell you that we had an amazing day and can’t wait to visit again. In hopes that you can have as stellar of a day trip as we did, here is my guide to having a perfect day in Kerrville, TX.
10:00 AM: Depart Austin. Do your best to choose a sunny day for your day trip to Kerrville.
10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Enjoy the gorgeous road trip through Texas Hill Country – put your windows down! The trip will take you through Dripping Springs, Johnson City, and you’ll skirt the south end of Fredericksburg.
12:00 PM: Arrive in Kerrville. State Highway 16 will take the name Sidney Baker Street. Sidney Baker will take you right through the city center, which is where you’ll spend the bulk of your day.
12:00-1:00 PM: You’ve arrived just in time for lunch! Locals debate about the best hamburger in town, but Classics Burgers and Moore has earned statewide acclaim by being recognized in Texas Monthly as the #40 burger in Texas. On our trip, Eric tried the JB’s Classic combo. It had more bacon on it than any bacon cheeseburger I’d ever seen. Definitely a two-hander.
Classics Burgers and Moore, recognized by Texas Monthly
Classics’ decor is comfy, and the employees are all notably friendly. But you’ll notice soon enough that everyone’s friendly in Kerrville. The address of Classics Burgers and Moore is 448 Sidney Baker South.
JB’s Classic combo
1:00-4:00 PM: Take Sidney Baker back toward the city center and explore Kerrville’s unique shops. Park for free on Earl Garrett St. and enjoy some casual strolling time. Even if you’re just window shopping, there’s plenty to see.
You definitely want to visit Sunrise Antique Mall at 820 Water St. Proprietors Robert and Vickie Love will welcome you with smiles and suggestions, and you may decide to spend your whole afternoon peering into every nook and cranny of their two-story antique palace. While you’re wandering around, there’s no doubt you’ll admire Robert’s soda memorabilia collection. Whether you’re a fan of Dr. Pepper, Coca-Cola, 7-Up or other classic flavors, you’ll find a taste of history to appreciate.
You can spend a whole afternoon browsing the Sunrise Antique Mall!
The prices at Sunrise Antique Mall are surprisingly reasonable compared to other antique malls I’ve visited, and I want to see pictures of the treasures you decide to take home.
While you’re in the area, you must stop by Wolfmueller’s Books at 229 Earl Garrett. Wolfmueller’s boasts a selection of more than 30,000 used and rare books. However, the longtime owners are retiring soon, so check out their vast collection while you can!
Two-story collection of used and rare books in the heart of Kerrville
If you love books, you will be in heaven. And if you’re a history and government buff like me, Wolfmueller’s has a special slice of heaven reserved for you. While sitting cross-legged on the floor, poring over Theodore Roosevelt biographies, I found a particularly old-looking title. Upon closer examination, it was a 1902 print of Roosevelt’s American Ideals, complete with the portrait of George Washington at the beginning, covered by a silk protective page.
We were surprised to find out that Kinky lives in Kerrville – here he is with his book collection in Wolfmueller’s
Suffice it to say that I made an impulse buy at Wolfmueller’s Books…maybe more. It helps to label these sorts of things as early birthday presents.
Other finds at Wolfmueller’s on the day of our visit were Darrell Royal biographies, signed by the legend himself. And then Kinky Friedman walked into the store.
We’ve only mentioned two of the special shops in Kerrville, but there are many. You’ll find gift shops, home decor, jewelry, art galleries, and boutiques. The free Kerr Arts and Cultural Center is another option for you.
4:00-5:00 PM: Assuming this is a bona fide day trip and you don’t want to get back to Austin too late, consider stopping in a local downtown brewery for a pre-dinner drink. Popular watering holes with a variety of beer selections include Pine & Plow Brewing Co. and Basement Brewers of Texas.
5:00-6:00 PM: You’ve done a lot of walking this afternoon, so are you ready for an early dinner? You’ve really got to try Buzzie’s BBQ before you leave town. I had a brisket plate with a mixture of lean and moist brisket, with a baked potato on the side. I’m salivating just thinking about it – everything was excellent. Texans know that the BBQ sauce can make or break the meal, and Buzzie’s sauce made it happen in style.
Brisket and a baked potato at Buzzie’s BBQ – worth its weight in gold!
6:00-8:00 PM: You’re homeward bound! Drive safely back to Austin, with a day full of Kerrville memories to relive, and a return trip to plan!
Leaving Kerrville, we couldn’t believe how much we had found to do. And that there was a lot more that we couldn’t fit in! This itinerary is definitely just a starting point. I didn’t even mention Kerr County Market Days and the Hill Country Swap Meet, which display unique crafts and decor. Then there’s other local eateries that get rave reviews, like Grape Juice (a restaurant and bar), The Boat (oyster bar and grill), and Brown’s Drive-In (the local rival of Classics Burgers and Moore).
Enjoy your perfect day in Kerrville, TX!
@QuasiBrit asks:
Tell us about your time in Kerrville! What else would you recommend?
Earl Garrett St. photo via Flickr CC, courtesy of Dave Hensley. Sunrise Antique Mall photo via Sunrise Antique Mall on Facebook.
Shop at Jim Morris Design; original Silver Jewelry on Earl Garrett St. or at Gibsons on Water St. (the last Gibsons Discount Store that I know of ANYWHERE).
Thank you for the suggestions, @facebook-1526799537:disqus! I look forward to going back and exploring more of the shops.
Great suggestions from @disqus_8ahhGdhZY6:disqus
We have some newcomers to the Kerrville scene. Some are here: https://americadowntown.com/category/kerrville/
Living not too far from Kerrville – Brown’s Drive In is my favorite burger place. Plus they post daily specials on Facebook! I will have to explore Azul Lounge soon too.
@facebook-558160078:disqus I keep hearing that about Brown’s. I couldn’t go to Classics, Buzzies and Browns in a single day.. but how do the burgers differ at Browns from Classics in your opinion? ~ Eric
If you want an insane burger, try Liberty Kitchen in Ingram, only about 15 minutes north of Kerrville on Junction Hwy: https://americadowntown.com/restaurants-in-ingram-texas-liberty-kitchen/
You probably know by now that Azul is out of business.
Here are some of our local recommendations: https://americadowntown.com/category/kerrville/
Would recommend James Avery or Point Theatre along with Ingram Dam and the drive to Hunt while in Kerrpatch, as well.
di*******@ya***.com
T Christy
@ef45eb6ced89970e26f14c3090f8555a:disqus, James Avery was founded there in Kerrville, right? Do they have a large store there? Thank you for all of your suggestions.
Yes, Avery was founded here in his garage. Now he has a retail store off I-10 and his factory/warehouse is south of Kerrville toward Centerpoint. One of the largest employers in town, perhaps the largest since Martin Marietta closed.
https://americadowntown.com/category/kerrville/
I like the Western art gallery and the small nature park in Kerrville
@a4301aa0c6b3b2258778389b6d0d1f0d:disqus, I read about the Western Art Gallery, but we didn’t have a chance to visit during our day there. Will need to put that on the list for next time. Thank you!
The Museum has new leadership and some new collections and is indeed great.
Schreiner Goods on Earl Garrett and Gibsons on Water Street!
That’s two votes for Gibsons! Thanks, @683a12cbd4623c875600b2957cfcf922:disqus.
3 votes for Gibson’s and the Schreiner Museum.
4 votes for Gibsons. Nothing like it around.
Next time try eating at Billy Gene’s for dinner and Bonzai’s for lunch…They both have awesome food!
Thanks, @f2136e6ded91fdfb6c656cd2af3a7c3d:disqus! What kinds of food do they have at Billy Gene’s and Bonzai’s?
Billy Gene’s is home cooking style-great chicken fried steak and real smashed taters! Bonzai is a Japanese steakhouse.
Looks the be just over an hour away from me in San Antonio. When I can get the money up, and a couple of days off.. Looks like a place I’d love to be.
You have to go swimming at the dam!!
~perk~ Sounds fun! Next time we’re in Kerrville we’ll have to check that out!
Typical backwoods Texas “town” filled with inbred philistines.
The Kerr Arts and Cultural Center is neither artistic nor cultural. It is filled with gourds and quilts by the local “Little Ol’ Lady” knitting circle.
Occasionally there is a symphony at the Cailloux Theater but that is as close to civilization as it gets.
The Azul Lounge could possibly show promise if the staff could spell sophistication.
If you do stop in Kerrville, don’t dress. If you wear a suit and tie, they look at you as if you were an alien.
Perhaps you had one or two negative experiences which I’m sorry to hear about. I agree that the Arts Center is…developing, but Slate Gray across the street has some wonderful artists.
There are no “in-bred Philistines” here. Only mean-spirited visitors.
I’ve been coming here to see my wife’s family for 25+ years. I’m from New York City and can dress up nice and not get a mean look.
Downtown has changed a lot and is changing, and the Kerrville 2050 plan stands to make this hamlet a destination city.
Do not miss going to “The Coming King” outside of town, a lovely Prayer/Scripture Garden at 520 Benson Dr. A wonderful time of the year to visit and reflect on Easter’s true meaning.
Great overview.
And glad you updated Wolfmueller’s address.
However, Azul Lounge is no longer in business. A great restaurant is Liberty Kitchen in Ingram (15 minutes up Junction Highway (much better IMO than Classic).
Here’s our rundown of some other newcomer businesses: https://americadowntown.com/category/kerrville/
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Images from PAX coffee shop on Earl Garrett. Have coffee here and people watch.
Lunch at Francisco’s on the corner of Earl Garrett and Water Street is a staple of Kerrville visits.
Cheers!
Thanks for the ideas for visit to Kerrville next month. I was surprised you did not include The Empty Cross.