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- TexyHills
- About Me
Planning a Texas Hill Country trip?
Start with the places that are actually worth your time.
If you’ve started researching the Texas Hill Country, you’ve probably already noticed the problem: there’s a lot to do, it’s spread out, and how to know what’s truly worth building a weekend around.
TexyHills exists to make that decision easier—so you can plan a trip with great towns, great meals, great wine, and a pace that feels like a getaway (instead a scavenger hunt).
Who this site is for
TexyHills is for travelers who:
- travel often and want a trip that feels well-chosen
- care where they eat, drink, and stay (not just “things to do”)
- want real-world context: what’s near what, what’s worth a detour, and what to skip
If that’s you, you’re in the right place.
How TexyHills helps you plan
(without getting overwhelmed)
Most Hill Country planning breaks down in the same places: picking the right town to base in, knowing what’s close enough to combine, and finding quality spots that fit your taste and budget.
Here’s how can I help:
- Clear starting points (maps, towns, and weekend ideas)
- Recommendations organized around real planning decisions—location, drive time, and “what pairs well together”
- Practical trip-building help: where to stay, where to eat, wineries to consider, and what to do between stops
The goal isn’t to give you the longest list. It’s to help you put together a weekend that works.
Why you can trust TexyHills
Jeff (or Hipshot, or Buddy)I’m Jeff Slankard—the person behind TexyHills.
I’ve been living in, exploring, and road-tripping the Texas Hill Country for over 35 years.
This site is built from firsthand experience and repeat visits. And from the kind of notes you only get by actually driving the routes, trying the places, and paying attention to what changes.
A quick note about disclosures
Sometimes I may earn a commission if you purchase through a link I share. It doesn’t change what I recommend—my goal is still to help you plan a trip you’ll be glad you took.
And... there is no expense to you.
Start here: the weekend plan I built for you
If you want a ready-to-go plan you can use right now, start with my Fredericksburg Weekend Planner:
Fredericksburg Wine Weekend Planner + Map Pack (3-Day Itinerary Templates)
It’s designed to cut your planning time way down—so you can choose well, get oriented fast, and spend your weekend enjoying the Hill Country instead of figuring out "what now".
How TexyHills started (the short version)
J & J on the RiverwalkI wasn’t born in Texas—but once I got here, I stayed (Kansas winters can be harsh).
Over the years, my wife Judy and I have traveled a lot, but the Hill Country is the place that keeps pulling us back. It’s the mix of small towns, rivers and lakes, German heritage, and Texas hospitality.
After decades of exploring, I started putting everything in one place—maps, town guides, and practical planning help—so other travelers could build better trips with less confusion and guesswork.
A little personal (because you should know who’s talking to you).
My dad called me Buddy. Coworkers in the West Texas oilfields called me Hipshot. But Jeff works fine.
And on travels back home to Kansas (where I grew up), sooner or later someone’s going to grin at Judy and ask her to: “Say something in Texan.”
Jeff and Shane, relaxing in Ft DavisBut now... Texas feels like home.
And being able to live in the Texas Hill Country, I guess you could say we are sitting pretty.
Or, as my son-in-law, Shane, puts it... walkin' in high cotton.
So, if you like travel advice from a real person (not a faceless list), that’s the spirit of this site.
More ways to plan
If you’re early in the planning stages, and still trying to decide where to go, these are good next steps:
Free checklist: “10 Things to Book First” (PDF)
A simple way to get your first key decisions made—plus follow-up tips by email to help you plan.
Ultimate Texas Hill Country Guide (overview)
A longer, step-by-step overview if you want the big picture before picking a town.
What makes the cut
My decisions about which winery, restaurant, etc. to write about are based on a combination of my opinion of it, and whether I think you would like it too.
But, you can always suggest something for me to write about at Contact Me.
You can even review your own favorite places at Travel Stories.
So... Welcome! And Happy Travels!
What's New?
-
Safari Winery is one of the most exciting Texas Hill Country wineries.
Safari Winery sits on the famous Highway 290 wine trail. Just East of downtown Fredericksburg, it's a great starting point for discovering other wineries. -
Arch Ray Winery may be the perfect Texas Hill Country getaway.
Arch Ray Winery is just one part of the Arch Ray Resort, which sits right next to Fredericksburg on the 290 wine road. It's more than just a sip of wine. -
Andreucci Winery is a stand out among all the Hill Country wineries.
Andreucci Winery is located just east of Fredericksburg, on the famous 290 Wine Road. It gives you a classic Hill Country style with a modern, elegant twist. -
Fredericksburg Texas: The center of the Texas Hill Country
Fredericksburg Texas is in the center of the Texas Hill Country, but is also a central hub of activity, shopping, wineries, and events. -
The Gristmill River Restaurant has a history as rich as the food.
The Gristmill River Restaurant opened in 1977. The century-old brick walls and native stone creates an atmosphere that feels both ancient and inviting.
