Explore air-conditioned art galleries and museums, savor an ice-cold pint of locally made craft beer and listen to some of the greatest songwriters in the country. These are just a few of the many ways you can beat the heat in Kerrville, a picturesque and inviting destination tucked away in the heart of the Hill Country. Nestled among rolling hills and shaded parks, Kerrville offers breathtaking views, plenty of cool indoor attractions, and more than its fair share of other surprises that make for an amazing spring and summer getaway. Discover some of the ways you can beat the heat in Kerrville below.
Beat the Heat with Shopping
When the temperature soars, there’s no better escape than ducking into Kerrville’s air-conditioned shops and boutiques for some retail therapy. The city’s charming downtown district offers a delightful mix of unique stores where you can browse, discover, and stay comfortably cool.
Keri Kropp Goods & Finery is a local boutique treasure featuring stylish clothing, accessories, and shoes in a cool, welcoming space. The Golden Antler Boutique stands out with carefully curated Hill Country fashion, while Rustic Elegance offers designer home décor and furniture. Don’t miss the James Avery Artisan Jewelery, where you can explore beautiful handcrafted jewelry while learning about the company’s local history.
With over a dozen unique shops throughout downtown, you can easily spend hours discovering local treasures while escaping the Texas heat.
Cool Down with Cold Brew & Iced Coffee
When the Texas sun is blazing overhead, nothing beats the refreshing pick-me-up of a perfectly crafted iced coffee. Kerrville’s local coffee scene offers several spots where you can escape the heat and fuel up with caffeinated coolness.
Pax Coffee and Goods serves expertly brewed iced coffee alongside homemade treats in a cozy atmosphere. Blue Roan features quality cold brews and iced espresso drinks, while Lift Coffee rounds out the scene with specialty cold beverages and welcoming vibes. BrewTeaful Tea House offers beautifully crafted iced teas and cold coffee beverages perfect for cooling down.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick caffeine fix or settling in for a leisurely break, these local spots ensure you’ll stay cool and caffeinated during your Hill Country adventure.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
For a decadent treat, head over to Turtle Creek Olives and Vines to satisfy your sweet tooth. In addition to their lush vineyards and upscale wine tasting room, you can always stop in for a smooth and creamy cup of frozen gelato. Their luxury gelato comes from Oro Bianco, a water buffalo farm in Blanco, Texas. Local artisans raise water buffalo and create a medley of fine cheeses and mouth-watering gelato sent directly to the vineyard.
On any average day, Turtle Creek Olives and Vines holds up to 4 different flavors, but they always have their Italian imported Umbria extra virgin olive oil infused gelato on hand. Each cup is dressed with a sprig of fresh thyme, a dash of sea salt, and topped with juicy blackberries. Located only 8 minutes from their vineyard, this healthy frozen dessert comes from the milk of water buffalos with reduced butter fat content and enzymes to ease those who are lactose intolerant.
Tip Back a Pint of Ice-Cold Beer
As inviting as the Guadalupe River is, it’s not the only place you can go to beat the heat. Treat yourself to a refreshing pint of cold craft beer at one of Kerrville’s two breweries. Pint & Plow Brewing Co. brews up sessional brews like light and crisp San Y’bon Lager and the big and hoppy Tchoupitoulas IPA. The brewery even has its own restaurant that serves salads, sandwiches and pizzas, as well as a coffee shop if caffeine is what you crave.
For those of you that are into beers that are a little out there, swing by Basement Brewers of Texas. Purveyors of frequently rotating small-batch brews light and dark, you can always find something new here. While the house-made beers are delectable, Basement Brewers of Texas has a multitude of other craft beers from Texas and beyond. Needless to say, you could hang out here for a while. With all the brews to try, why wouldn’t you?
Admire the Art of the American West
Sometimes, all you need is a bit of sweet, sweet air conditioning. When you’re ready for a break from the sun, find your way to The Museum of Western Art. The museum celebrates the iconic imagery of the American cowboy with its collection of artifacts, 150 sculptures, and 250 paintings created by some of the most celebrated artists in this genre. Along with its permanent collection, the museum has a special exhibit (The Children’s Gallery: Journey West) with interactive elements that share the story of a family traveling west. Temporary exhibits showcase the events and people that helped shape the region, meaning there’s always something new to see at The Museum of Western Art.
Whether you’re cooling off with a pint of locally made craft beer or enjoying a spectacular show, there are many ways to chill out here in Kerrville.