re: Hill Country recommendations besides Fredericksburg

Blanco has undergone an awesome transformation over the past 15 years and is worth looking into

- Blanco state park for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding

- great restaurant options like Uptown Blanco, Redbud Cafe and Old 300 BBQ

- Real Ale Brewery

- two great whiskey and gin distilleries in Milam and Green + Andalusia

- unique gelato and cheese shop called Oro Bianco. They use water buffalo cream - their product is fantastic

The Lavender Festival is a fun time - early June. And if you’re willing to go on an insanely difficult “hike,” check out The Narrows. Have to be very careful not to break trespassing laws but there is a legal way to get there. It makes for a very long day, but is one of the most majestic hidden gems in the state.