City Escape: San Antonio, Texas
This City Escape, northwest of San Antonio, is a fun foray into the Texas Hill Country. The route is nicely curvy, features some great state and regional parks, and even a nod to the Celtic druids along the ride. SR 39 sits at the midpoint of the route and is one of the Lone Star State’s best motorcycle roads. It’s a more relaxed version of the famed Three Sisters farther west. Undulating hills, varied vegetation, lakes, and cool rivers highlight the scenery on this escape. Texas Hill Country sits in pleasant contrast to the state’s open desert topography.
Aside from the heavier traffic of the San Antonio metro area, the route is a smooth ride with light to medium traffic. Traffic does pick up a bit in the Kerrville area. The curves are less technical than those found on the Three Sisters. Riders need to be constantly vigilant due to the area’s high deer population, though. There are also several spots where washes run over the road. Especially after rain, dirt and sand may be present. The tarmac is well maintained on most of the route.
Length
Approximately 190 miles
Lunch Stop
The Hill Country Café offers friendly service, good food, and daily lunch specials that make it a satisfying choice for a mid-escape meal. Find it at 806 Main St, Kerrville, TX, (830) 257-6665.
Points of Interest
Government Canyon State Natural Area
This Texas State Natural Area protects over 12,000 acres northwest of San Antonio. There are a variety of hikes including short, easy-to-navigate introductory trails, as well as longer hikes to intriguing dinosaur tracks and historical structures.
Stonehenge II
You can see this interesting smaller-scale replica of the original Stonehenge from the road. It is on private land, but is often open to the public and free to visit. Find it at 120 Point Theatre Rd S, Ingram, TX.
Bandera Natural History Museum
This small-town museum is big on entertainment and education. The facility’s dioramas, dinosaur replicas, and natural history displays appeal to kids and adults alike.