How to spend a few hours in Boerne
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A Netflix Christmas movie can take place here. Photo: Shafaq Patel/Axios
Looking for a small town to visit during the holidays? Boerne, near San Antonio and just under four hours from Houston, feels especially cozy, with lights strung along Main Street and a postcard-ready gazebo and Christmas tree.
Driving the news: I made a stop in Boerne during a road trip and was charmed by the small town. We meant to stop for a quick break, but the people and town were so sweet that we wandered longer — and it was absolutely worth it.
What to do: Walk the main strip and park, and explore small businesses.
- Stop at Fickle Pickles for their unique, delicious pickles — Boerne is home to the original location. The pickles have a sweet note with a small kick at the end. Great brine, great gift.
- The Christmas Shoppe, open year-round, feels extra fitting this time of year. There are a couple of other shops that look like holiday stores, including a festive home decor shop (with solid book finds too).
- Don't miss Jac's Personal Touch, a Main Street home goods and decor staple that's closing soon. Local artisans are using the space through the end of the year, selling art, goodies and treats — including cookies and Swiss chocolate. (I'm still thinking about the tiramisu and Maracaibo chocolate from Swiss Chocolate Shoppe.)
What to eat: Pit stops mean fueling up, so grabbing some food and snacks is a must.
- Try Tre Pizzeria. The wait staff recommended the goat cheese and balsamic onion pizza and the pear burrata. While a bit pricey, it was so darn good and made me want to play with those flavors in my kitchen.
- For dessert, have some solid ice cream at Salty & Sweet and chat with the sweet family owners. Yes, even in the cold, the ice cream is worth it. They also have freshly made pretzels and candy.
The bottom line: It's fun to pull over somewhere cute and see where the detour leads — and Boerne's warm hospitality and holiday spirit made it extra special.
Go deeper: More ways to make the most of your visit, including holiday events and activities.