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BANDERA, TEXAS—Texas Rangers persuaded Apache and Comanche
raiders to leave and cattle-drive trails have been paved over, but you'll
still see cowboys on horseback in downtown Bandera. And yes, rodeos
are still some of the best entertainment around.
Bandera's relative isolation over the years—due to the railroads
bypassing the hilly terrain—contributed to the preservation of the "Old
West" character of this historic Texas town where the abundance of
limestone and cedar (ashe juniper) dictated the enduring architecture
of the region. The people of Bandera are proud of their past and will
happily "spin a yarn or two" as they welcome new arrivals. Think of it as
resettling the frontier—without the hardships.
Of course, isolation is a relative term. Today Bandera is only 19 miles
from Boerne, a very commutable 32 miles from San Antonio—and the
scenic drive to Kerrville is just 25 miles. Now you can practically live on
a ranch without leaving the city.
At Bridlegate, you'll splash in waters that were
visited by Native Americans, walk the land where
thousands of longhorn cattle trailed their way to
market, and watch sunsets that turned cowboys
into poets. Bridlegate is a magnificently preserved
piece of Bandera history.
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