Nestled Deep In The Heart Of Texas Is An Idyllic Little City With Quaint Boutiques And Breathtaking Natural Views

Think of Texas and you might instantly imagine cowboys amidst the dusty plains of the Wild West. But what you might not expect are quaint towns and verdant landscapes where you can savor some of nature's best delights. Plan a road trip along this delectable trail to visit some of the best wineries in the southeast, or catch some sunshine on the shores of the world's longest undeveloped barrier island on the Texas Gulf Coast. And if you're looking for idyllic charm coupled with breathtaking scenery, make your way to Johnson City. Flung across the rolling meadowlands of Texas Hill Country, this enchanting community — once the hometown of President Lyndon B. Johnson — offers travelers thrilling cultural diversions and exhilarating outdoor escapes.

Fragments of President Johnson's legacy remain throughout town, from his childhood home, which is now a museum, to the pioneer settlement built by his grandparents. You would even think Johnson City was dubbed in the president's honor, but it has had the same name ever since its founding in the 1870s by James Polk Johnson (the former president's distant relative). Head downtown to divert yourself with an afternoon of shopping along Main Street, where you'll find art galleries, clothing boutiques, and cozy gift shops for unique souvenirs. Pick up elderberry syrup and beef tallow at Grace & Gratitude, while the Haloed Hippie offers stylish outfits to pick from.

Northeast of the town border is the Pedernales River Nature Park, a picturesque landscape of gushing waterways fringed by lush woodlands. Spend the day swimming, fishing, or lounging on the riverbank, or explore the hiking trails and stop for a picnic amidst the scenery. Just under an hour's drive from Austin, and a similar distance from San Antonio, the quaint Texas town of Johnson City makes the perfect weekend getaway.

To spend the day amidst the great outdoors, head straight to the Pedernales River Nature Park. Stretching over 200 acres along the banks of the Pedernales River, you'll find endless adventures here. Serene lakes shaded by thick trees offer plenty of opportunities for fishing, along with canoeing and kayaking. Cool off with a dip in the refreshing waters, but as there are no active lifeguards, swimming is at your own risk. Stroll the nature trails to bask in the tranquil scenery, particularly in the spring when meadows of bluebonnets and wildflowers burst into bloom. There are even horseback riding trails to enjoy, or head out mountain biking for a thrilling ride.

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Head over to the Pedernales Falls State Park, only about 20 minutes east of Johnson City by car. As the name suggests, you'll see stunning cascades here, along with breathtaking scenery of the Pedernales River framed by limestone rock formations and shady trees. Jump for a swim along the rocky riverbed, but keep in mind flash floods are common in the area, and the water levels can quickly rise. Always be aware of the weather conditions.

Scenic hikes in the state park can be found at the Twin Falls Nature Trail, where an overlook gives you fantastic views of the waterfall. Challenge yourself on the Wolf Mountain Trail, which meanders through picturesque canyons carved by babbling creeks, or launch a kayak out on the river to paddle through the incredible scenery. And with 10 miles of horse trails, equestrians can take their steeds out to admire the rugged terrain for an unforgettable ride. Head back to Johnson City at the end of the day's adventures to indulge in local flavors and fill up on a scrumptious meal.

History buffs should head to the Boyhood Home of LBJ, a stunning farmhouse not far from Main Street, where the former president lived for most of his childhood. Run as a museum by the National Park Service, you can take a tour of the rooms for a fascinating glimpse 100 years back in time to the rural Texas way of life. Next, make your way over to the LBJ Ranch for more sightseeing delights. Only about 20 minutes outside of Johnson City, you can take a driving tour of the ranch grounds in your own vehicle, stopping at notable landmarks like the president's birthplace and the Johnson family cemetery. Surrounded by serene wilderness, a previous visitor noted it feels like "taking a step back in time".

From the LBJ Ranch, just across the Pedernales River is the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, where more endless excitement awaits. Hike the nature trails for a breath of fresh air, or visit the historical exhibits within the park to learn more about President Johnson's legacy. To feel like you've traveled back in time to the American frontier, spend the day at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, also within the state park. Once the homestead of German immigrants dating back to the 1870s, tour the farm cabins and you'll see park rangers dressed in historic garb as they recreate the daily lives of the early pioneers. Watch the rangers feed the livestock, prepare meals, and toil away in the smithy for a truly unforgettable afternoon. With so much to see and do here, a trip to Johnson City is a must. And if you're making your way back to San Antonio, don't miss a stop at this state park where you can see dinosaur footprints.