There are plenty of places to visit when it’s time to plan a reunion or special occasion with the girls. What appeals to one girlfriend might not necessarily appeal to another. Instead of everyone arguing over where to head next, suggest a destination that is so great, so unexpected, so perfect, everyone in the group will happily say “yes.” A place with its own character, where trendy restaurants, buzzing wine bars and great shopping are the norm and you never know what festivals and concerts will be popping up on any given weekend. A place where the locals welcome you with open arms and Texas hospitality shines. A place like Kerrville, Texas.
While Kerrville might not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to planning your next girlfriend’s getaway, it should be for all the reasons above—and more. Mix things up by rounding up the girls and heading for Kerrville, where there’s a little something for every girlfriend.
Local Must Stops
James Avery Retail Store and Headquarters is high on the list of places not to miss when you visit Kerrville. The company makes some of the most beautiful gold and silver jewelry in town. Stop into the visitor center and learn how the company started, see some of its most desirable pieces and peek in as jewelers create and craft new designs. The company was founded in Kerrville in the 1950s and is a great example of the types of businesses, and people, that have shaped the local community. And the best part about visiting the headquarters and visitors center? There’s a storefront directly next door, so you can take your very own James Avery souvenir home with you.
After spending a few hours at James Avery, head over to Kerrville Hills Winery at Schreiner University, now located at 2100 East Main Street on the beautiful Schreiner University campus. The winery has relocated from its original hilltop location and now operates from the historic 1905 Weston Home, offering the same amazing Hill Country views and quality wines in an elegant historic ranch house setting. The tasting room features different rooms with available seating, including a cozy spot next to the original fireplace, and there’s even a young vineyard in front featuring Grenache, Tannat, and the first commercial planting in Texas of Bourboulenc. Be sure to ask for a wine tasting to sample winemaker John Rivenburgh’s 100% Texas wines, crafted by an award-winning winemaker with over two decades of experience. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m., with live music on Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m.
Meanwhile, the winery’s original Fredericksburg Road location continues to operate as Rivenburgh Wine, now serving as an innovative wine incubator where John Rivenburgh mentors other winemakers and helps launch new Texas wine brands. This collaborative space has already helped numerous winemakers establish their own wineries over the past four years, making it a true hub for Texas wine innovation in the Hill Country.
What to Do Downtown
Start at Keri Kropp Goods & Finery, where you’ll find a bit of everything inside this local boutique. From clothing to handbags to perfumes and shoes, you can pretty much find it all here. Take a moment to read the plaque out front of the store to learn more about Capt. Charles Schreiner, the man who started a general store in this exact same spot in 1869. He eventually moved into the banking, ranching and wool and mohair business, creating quite a name for himself in Kerrville.
After Keri Kropp Goods & Finery, head over to West Main Street, where Rustic Elegance is the place to check out designer rugs and furniture. Its been a staple in Kerrville since 1990 for a reason.
If you’re still on the hunt for that last piece to complete your outfit for your big night out on the town with the girls, stop into The Golden Antler Boutique. In a town full of great shops, The Golden Antler stands out as one of the best—and cutest—boutiques in town.
And all that shopping will certainly make you hungry.
When you need an afternoon pick-me-up, Pax Coffee and Goods has you covered with some of the best coffee and homemade goodies in town. Grab a quick caffeine fix and a snack (the oatmeal cookies are delicious)
For a fun girls’ night out in Kerrville, start with a delicious dinner at Rails A Cafe at the Depot, where you can enjoy fine dining in a beautifully restored historic 1915 train station setting with both indoor seating and a romantic outdoor patio. The restaurant features New American and Italian-inspired cuisine, offering everything from grilled salmon salad and beef tenderloin to chicken Florentine and shrimp Alfredo, all complemented by fine wines from around the world. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, Grape Juice offers an excellent selection of wine, craft beer, and creative small plates. After dinner, head to Pint & Plow Brewing Co. for locally brewed beer and live music, or sip margaritas at El Sombrero de Jalisco. If dancing is on the agenda, Gravity Check Saloon & Arena is the perfect spot for live music and country dancing. Before ending the night grab a drink at Trailhead Beer Garden, an outdoor venue with a laid-back vibe.
After a long night out, recover the next morning with a hot cup of beautifully crafted loose-leaf tea at Brewteaful Tea House.
Explore the Art Scene
Make a visit to Kerr Arts & Cultural Center for its collection of paintings, ceramics, woodworks, jewelry, sculptures and photography at this free-to-visit museum. It’s not just what’s inside the cultural center that’s cool—the building is a former post office that sits in the historic part of town.
Schreiner Mansion is another important place to visit during your trip. Besides its gorgeous interiors and beautiful architecture, the mansion is also an important part of the city’s history. It was built in 1879 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can tour the mansion on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn more about Capt. Schreiner (the same man the plaque outside Schreiner Goods is about) and the role he played in the development of the city and how he helped shaped the town into what it is today.
Relax in a peaceful Hill Country setting
After a weekend of exploring local boutiques and indulging in Kerrville’s charming eateries, there’s no better way to unwind than by a cozy outdoor fire. Gather around the crackling flames, share stories and laughter, and maybe even toast a s’more or two. As the fire’s warmth flickers against the night sky, it’s the perfect way to end a girls’ weekend—relaxed, connected, and surrounded by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
