The Perfect Texas Getaway To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Europe
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 21, 2024
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
When most of us think of a German town in Texas, Fredericksburg usually comes to mind first (it does for me, at least!). There are lots of other charming communities in the Lone Star State with German heritage, however, and Boerne is one of them. Also located in the iconic Texas Hill Country, Boerne is full of incredible attractions, from unparalleled shopping opportunities on the Hill Country Mile to the famed Cave Without a Name. Today, we’ll be focusing on some of the uniquely German aspects of Boerne, so if you’ve been dreaming of a trip to the Old World, look no further.
Boerne is one of those towns that's so easy to fall in love with. It was founded in 1849 by a group of Free Thinker German colonists and named after German author, Karl Ludwig Börne (although the town's original name was Tusculum).
If you stop by the Boerne Visitors Center, you'll see a statue of the town's namesake himself. It's like he's personally welcoming you to this little slice of the Old World right here in Texas.
One of the first places I recommend visiting while you're here is the Kuhlmann-King Historical Complex. This nonprofit museum is operated by the Boerne Area Historical Preservation Society and is housed in two gorgeous 19th-century buildings.
The museum features thousands of artifacts relating to Boerne's rich German heritage.
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Herff Farm is another must-see in Boerne. Dating to 1852, the farm is the preserved homestead of German-born Dr. Ferdinand Herff, and the original family home still remains standing.
Built by a German pioneer, this historic building is now a popular clothing store and restaurant where you can shop for all the latest trends and enjoy delicious food.
No self-respecting German town would be without a brewery, and Boerne is no exception. Tusculum Brewing Company pays homage to the town's original name and is located in the heart of Boerne's Main Street.
You'll also find an extensive food menu at the brewery, which consists of salads, sandwiches, and - of course - soft pretzels and sausage. There's even an outdoor biergarten to round out the experience.
As for other activities in Boerne, you can't miss the Cibolo Nature Center. This beautiful space spans over 100 acres and boasts six miles of walking trails that meander through four different ecosystems.
You won't feel like you're in Germany here, but it's still undeniably worth a visit.
Have you ever visited Boerne? If so, what’s your favorite thing about this charming German town in Texas? Tell us in the comments, and check out our previous article below to learn why it’s been called one of the happiest places in America. If you need somewhere to stay in town, this Airbnb housed in a little red barn is absolutely adorable.
