Located in the heart of Texas is Kendall County, a vibrant, scenic oasis offering a high quality of life. Established in 1862, this historically-rich county is a part of the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metropolitan Statistical Area and was named after George Wilkins Kendall, a journalist and Mexican-American War correspondent. Today, Kendall County is known for its beautiful natural landscape, breathtaking natural sites, and charming towns and cities such as Boerne and Comfort.
While Kendall County may have a smaller population, don’t let its small size fool you. There are plenty of things to do in Kendall County that will leave you satisfied, breathless, and begging for more. In this article, real estate expert Rodney Topper will guide you through Kendall County’s best features and amenities.
1. Visit Boerne’s historic district
As the county seat of Kendall County, Boerne is a great place to start exploring the area. The district is home to several significant landmarks, including the Kendall County Courthouse, built in 1870, and the Kronkosky Memorial Tower. These buildings, along with many others in the district, have been beautifully preserved and restored, providing visitors with a glimpse into Boerne's past.
In addition to its historic buildings, the district is also home to several unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. One favorite spot among locals and visitors is the Dienger Trading Co., a beautifully restored 19th-century building that houses a coffee shop, restaurant, and boutique.
In addition to its historic buildings, the district is also home to several unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. One favorite spot among locals and visitors is the Dienger Trading Co., a beautifully restored 19th-century building that houses a coffee shop, restaurant, and boutique.
2. Go hiking in the Texas Hill Country
Kendall County is home to some of the best hiking trails in Texas. The Hill Country is known for its rugged terrain and stunning views, and there's no better way to experience it than on foot. Best known for its impressive bat colony, Old Tunnel State Park has a great hiking trail that winds through the scenic Texas Hill Country. You'll be treated to views of the old railroad tunnel and the surrounding countryside.
Guadalupe River State Park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks along the river to more challenging climbs through the hills. Cibolo Nature Center has over four miles of hiking trails that wind through oak groves, grasslands, and along the banks of Cibolo Creek, and is a great spot for birdwatching. If you're looking for some of the most scenic hiking trails in the area, check out Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area. Here, you can get stunning views of the surrounding hills and canyons.
Guadalupe River State Park offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks along the river to more challenging climbs through the hills. Cibolo Nature Center has over four miles of hiking trails that wind through oak groves, grasslands, and along the banks of Cibolo Creek, and is a great spot for birdwatching. If you're looking for some of the most scenic hiking trails in the area, check out Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area. Here, you can get stunning views of the surrounding hills and canyons.
3. Go wine tasting
Texas Hill Country is also known for its wineries, and Kendall County is no exception. Located in Boerne, Sister Creek Vineyards produces award-winning wines using traditional winemaking methods. Their tasting room is open seven days a week, and they also offer tours and private events.
Comfort Cellars Winery is a family-owned winery specializing in handcrafted wines made from Texas grapes. Here, you can enjoy a tasting flight, purchase a bottle to take home, or relax with a glass of wine on the outdoor patio. Comfort Cellars Wintery’s tasting room is located in the town of Comfort and hosts special events, including live music, food trucks, and more.
Comfort Cellars Winery is a family-owned winery specializing in handcrafted wines made from Texas grapes. Here, you can enjoy a tasting flight, purchase a bottle to take home, or relax with a glass of wine on the outdoor patio. Comfort Cellars Wintery’s tasting room is located in the town of Comfort and hosts special events, including live music, food trucks, and more.
4. Go caving
If you’re looking for things to do in Kendall County to escape the summer heat, the Cave Without a Name will give you the underground adventure of your life. This natural limestone cave is located in the Texas Hill Country near Boerne. It features stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other breathtaking formations. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave, which typically last around an hour, and explore different chambers within the cave. The cave is also used for concerts and other events, thanks to the Throne Room’s natural acoustics.
Cascade Caverns is located just a short drive outside of Boerne and takes you deep underground, where you'll see rock formations, underground waterfalls, and even an ancient underground river. The knowledgeable tour guides will explain the history of the cave and point out interesting features along the way.
Cascade Caverns is located just a short drive outside of Boerne and takes you deep underground, where you'll see rock formations, underground waterfalls, and even an ancient underground river. The knowledgeable tour guides will explain the history of the cave and point out interesting features along the way.
5. Go horseback riding
With several local stables that offer horseback riding lessons, there are plenty of things to do in Kendall County for horse lovers. Joshua Creek Ranch in Boerne offers guided horseback rides through Texas Hill Country, where you can explore the ranch's breathtaking landscape.
If you're looking for a great place to embark on an adventure through Texas Hill Country and improve your riding skills, check out Double Diamond Equestrian Center. This center offers horseback riding lessons, trail rides, and even horse camping trips.
If you're looking for a great place to embark on an adventure through Texas Hill Country and improve your riding skills, check out Double Diamond Equestrian Center. This center offers horseback riding lessons, trail rides, and even horse camping trips.
6. Attend a festival or event
Kendall County is known for its year-round festivals and events. One of its most notable events is Boerne Berges Fest, a family-oriented festival that celebrates the area’s German heritage with live music, food, carnival rides, and a parade.
Held every Labor Day weekend in Boerne, the Kendall County Fair is a classic small-town fair with rodeo events, livestock shows, and carnival rides. If you’re a beer lover, come raise your glass at Boerne Bierfest. This annual event brings together local breweries, food vendors, and live music for a day of fun and merriment.
Held every Labor Day weekend in Boerne, the Kendall County Fair is a classic small-town fair with rodeo events, livestock shows, and carnival rides. If you’re a beer lover, come raise your glass at Boerne Bierfest. This annual event brings together local breweries, food vendors, and live music for a day of fun and merriment.
7. Camp in Texas Hill Country
Kendall County is an excellent place to go camping. There are several campgrounds in the area, ranging from primitive sites to full-service RV parks. Guadalupe River State Park and Joshua Springs Park and Preserve are local favorites for campers, with access to the area’s hiking trails and other outdoor recreation.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to take your RV, Alamo Fiesta RV Resort, Top of the Hill RV Resort & Cabins, and RV Park USA offer plenty of spacious sites. With a reservation, you’ll have access to banquet halls, pools, laundry facilities, and other amenities.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to take your RV, Alamo Fiesta RV Resort, Top of the Hill RV Resort & Cabins, and RV Park USA offer plenty of spacious sites. With a reservation, you’ll have access to banquet halls, pools, laundry facilities, and other amenities.
Make Kendall County your home
Are you looking to buy a home with access to small-town amenities and plenty of natural beauty? Kendall County may be calling your name. Local real estate specialist Rodney Topper at Topper Real Estate knows the Kendall County real estate market and can help you find a place to call home. He would be glad to answer any questions you have and learn more about your home-buying interests. Contact Roday to schedule a consultation and learn how he can help guide you through the home-buying process.