Backroads of the Texas Hill Country - (Backroads of ...) by Gary Clark (Paperback)

About the Book

A backroads guide to the myriad attractions of the Hill Country of Texas--the wildflowers and dude ranches, natural areas, historic sites, and quaint towns rich in history.

Book Synopsis

Texas has hill country? Who knew? Well, the Lonely Planet guide to Texas, which calls the Hill Country "rightfully one of the state's biggest tourist draws . . . an area of gently rolling hills and valleys freckled with cacti and cattle ranches, lined with rivers and dotted with peaceful, picturesque little towns." And any self-respecting Texan might know as much. Forty miles west of Austin and fifty north of San Antonio, the Hill Country is within an easy drive of two of the state's biggest cities, putting back-country quiet and beauty within reach of countless urban dwellers seeking respite.

This book brings the remarkable Hill Country of Texas home to the back roads traveler. Whether it's wildflowers you're drawn to, or dude ranches, natural areas, historic sites, or quaint Texas towns redolent of history, this is your passport to an experience like no other. Backroads of the Texas Hill Country introduces travelers and armchair tourists alike to the emerging wine country of the Lone Star State, the meticulously preserved culture of East European immigrants, the "cowboy capital of the world" (Bandera), and the childhood home of LBJ at Johnson City. Follow this irresistible guide into the Hill Country, and find yourself deep in the heart of Texas.

Review Quotes

This quality paperback is a colorful guide to 30 scenic drives through the heart of the Lone Star State. With over 175 spectacular photographs, maps and detailed driving directions, this is all you need to explore off the beaten path and beyond the common tourist attraction. -- RVLifestyle

...will awaken your sense of adventure and spur you to get back on the road. Whether you are a native Texan or a wandering full timer, the beautiful imagery in Backroads of the Texas Hill Country will inspire you to explore... The photos documenting these graceful old buildings, particularly of Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose -- where services are still held in the church -- are beautiful. --www.motorhomemagazine.com

The economy is in a tailspin but gas prices remain reasonable, so maybe this is the year of the road trip... Need Help? Backroads of the Texas Hill Country features 30 drives with detailed directions, beautiful photographs, maps and stories about the history and geography of the area. -- Austin American-Statesman

About the Author

Gary Clark is the weekly nature columnist for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express News and a professor at Lone Star College-North Harris. The winner of eight writing awards, he also publishes feature articles in state and national magazines and has written several books, including Backroads of the Texas Hill Country, Texas Wildlife Portfolio, and Portrait of Houston.

Kathy Adams Clark has worked as a professional photographer since 1995. Her photos have been published in many magazines, calendars, and books, including Backroads of the Texas Hill Country and Portrait of Houston. Her images have also appeared with her husband Gary's weekly nature column in the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express News. Kathy is a past president of the North American Nature Photography Association. She teaches photography and is a popular speaker at local and national events. Kathy remains a proud native Texan; her family settled in Texas in 1845.