Bandera
Known as ‘The Cowboy Capital of the World’, Bandera is overflowing with old west charm and cowboy heritage. It was once a major stop along the historic Western Trail and its origins date back to a time when it was the staging area for the great cattle drives of the 19th century. The town certainly lives up to its name, looking like you could be on the set of a western film, with the main street thronging with cowboys, cowgirls and even longhorns!
History states that many battles between the Comanche Indians and the Spanish Conquistadors took place in Bandera Pass and legend recalls that for years afterwards a red “Bandera” (which is Spanish for flag), was flown to create the border between the Spanish and Indian hunting grounds. A visit to Bandera is essential when road tripping around Texas Hill Country, so here are my top alternative recommendations when visiting.
1. Stay on a Working Ranch at Twisted Horns Ridge
Thirty minutes outside of Bandera, the first stop on our Texas road trip was checking into a wonderful Tiny Cabin at Twisted Horns Ridge. Located on a 72-acre ranch in the middle of Texas Hill Country, it was the most beautiful setting for a two-night stay.
As you drive up the gravelled track you will be greeted by numerous longhorns and exotic antelope all roaming freely around the ranch. You can choose from eight unique homes on the private site, which you can book via Airbnb.
We opted for ‘The Tiny Home’ which looked even better in real life than in the photographs, with western style interiors and design it was exactly what we were looking for. The home wasn’t overlooked and we loved spending our mornings relaxing in the hammock, reading in the loft room and taking walks to see the wildlife. Then as the sun began to set we were lighting up the fire, eating on the porch and jumping in the hot tub under the starry Texas sky. There’s also a splash pool when the weather gets too hot and you can even feed the longhorns on an evening as well!
Surrounded by nature, it's one of those places which you will remember forever and I would highly recommend a stay here - I know we will certainly be back!
2. Drive the Famous Twisted Sisters and Visit the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
If you have time during your trip, tie in a drive along the famous Twisted Sisters motorcycle route which is in fact on the way to Bandera. It is renowned for its Texas Hill Country terrain with twisting corners, sweeping canyons, steep hill climbs and fabulous panoramic views. The name Twisted Sisters relates to three roads, TX 335, TX 336 and TX 337 and forms approximately a 170-mile loop, which takes around four hours to complete. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to drive the full route but managed to do part of it including a visit to the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, which is a slight detour from the intersection at Vanderpool but well worth a visit.
A true hidden gem, the museum is a fascinating place featuring over sixty motorcycles owned by Allan Johncock and his wife Debbie. Originally from South Australia, Allan had a fascination with motorcycles, especially those which were British made. Originally the building was used as a place for Allan to store his motorcycles and work on restorations but it soon became a hangout for locals who would visit to see his collection…and, as they say, the rest is history!
Some of the bikes on display date back to the early 1900’s and all apart from one, are still running! I loved wandering round and admiring the different types of motorcycles in the collection, plus you are allowed to take a seat on their vintage 1934 Harley-Davidson, which makes for a great photograph!
3. Hang Out in the Bandera General Store
When you arrive in Bandera, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time, particularly if you take a stroll down Main Street. Here you will find the legendary Bandera General Store, loaded with vintage cowboy boots, hats and western themed souvenirs. Take a seat at the counter and enjoy a classic soda from their traditional American soda fountain, which is one of the few that remain in the whole of the state. Alternatively, you can opt for one of their famous Ice Cream Sundaes made with their unique hand scooped ice cream which originates from Brenham, Texas.
4. Go Antique Hunting at Western Trail Antiques
One of the most fascinating places I found whilst in Bandera was the Western Trail Antiques marketplace. Absolutely crammed with a huge variety of western collectibles, vintage clothing, authentic furniture and old road signs, it’s a maze of thousands of unique items all housed under one roof. They provide booths for many different sellers to showcase their goods creating a fascinating treasure trove, which, if you are a vintage junkie like me, will amuse you for hours. Located on the ground floor towards the left of the store you will find the vintage stall called ‘Rusty Cowboy’, which was jam packed with unique pieces.
Other stores I would highly recommend visiting are Thick Chicks Vintage, that’s just around the corner from here and Bandera Motorcycle Company, which is located a little further down Main Street.
5. Stop for Lunch at the O.S.T Restaurant
The perfect local spot for lunch is the historic O.S.T Restaurant which stands for ‘Old Spanish Trail’. Opening in 1921 they have been cooking up fine Hill Country fare for over a century and it seems just as popular now as it has ever been. With an extensive menu of traditional dishes, an all you can eat salad bar and bottomless ice teas, you are in very good company at this celebrated eatery.
6. Do the Texas Two-Step at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar
Bandera is famous for its live music offering and how the locals love to dance the Texas Two-Step. As a last stop, one of the best joints in town is the 11th Street Cowboy Bar where you can catch some live country music, dance the night away and enjoy some ice-cold beers!
Thanks for reading!
Make sure to tag me on Instagram @thealternativeguide_ if you visit any of the places I have recommended or if you find any other off-beat locations in Bandera, as I love seeing the places you have visited and sharing them with the wider alternative travel community!