Local Area: Bandera, Texas

Cowboy Capital of the World!

Bandera, Texas is known worldwide as the Cowboy Capital and just south of Valley Oaks Ranch. The unique landscape and architecture show why it is a one-of-a-kind city. Bandera has played an extremely important role in keeping the unique American traditions of the Texas cowboy alive.

Ranching fell to an all-time low in the 1930's. This is when an innovative rancher decided to take in "dudes" to help him through the depression. Because of this, Bandera has become well-known for having many popular Dude Ranches. Bandera Dude Ranches provide a hands-on experience of the cowboy lifestyle through horseback riding, chuck wagon meals, and trail rides. One of the more popular ranches near Bandera is the Mayan Ranch.

More on Bandera, Texas!
Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale
Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Dude & Guest Ranches
Bandera, Texas is known as the Cowboy Capital of the World! The unique landscape and architecture show why it is a one-of-a-kind city and this beautiful "old town" has played an extremely important role in keeping the unique American traditions of the Texas cowboy alive. When ranching fell to an all-time low in the 1930's an innovative rancher decided to take in "dudes" to help him through the depression. Because of this, Bandera has become well-known for having many popular Dude Ranches. Bandera Dude Ranches provide a hands-on experience of the cowboy life through horseback riding, chuck wagon meals, and trail rides. One of the more popular ranches near Bandera is the Mayan Ranch. Or experience all the "cowboy" activities offered at the Flying L Dude Ranch Resort.

• Dixie Dude Ranch • Flying L Ranch Resort • Hill Country Equestrian Lodge • Mayan Dude Ranch • Rancho Cortez • West 1077 Guest Ranch • Willow Creek Ranch • 2e Twin Elm Guest Ranch & RV Resort

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Shops & Restaurants
There is always something to do at the local Bandera honky-tonks where Texas artists and musicians mingle with ranchers and tourists, giving Bandera an exciting, unique atmosphere. Traffic around Bandera, consists of horses and motorcycles, as much as cars and trucks. If you enjoy shopping there's plenty of that here too at many local boutiques including the Fickle Pickle, The Cowboy Store, HyO Silver, Bandera General Store, several clothing boutiques, an antique mall, and more. When you're ready to get some grub, there are a number of local joints to choose from in the area including:

• 5 Points Market • Backyard Bistro • Brick's River Café • Burger King • Busbee's BBQ • Chuckwagon Café • Church's Chicken • Coconuts Cowboys • Cowgirl Coffee Company • Dairy Queen • The Dough Joe • FatBoyz Sandwich Shop • Jimmy's Burgers • Keese's Barbecue • La Cabana Café • Maggio's Pizza • Mendoza's Mexican Grill • Old Spanish Trail (O.S.T.) Restaurant • Out of the Way Café • Pap's Italian Grill • Snowflake Donuts • Sonic • Subway • The Patio Café • Trail Boss Steak & Grill • TJ's at the Old Forge • Whiskey Tango Foxtrot BBQ

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
• 1 Week Calendar • 11th Street Cowboy Bar • 4 Way Bar & Grill • Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar • Bandera Brewery • Bar 16 • Branding Iron Bar & Grill • Jakes at Polly Peak • Kickback Korner • Monkey Cage Saloon • Red Horse Saloon • Wild Horse Saloon

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Recreation & Museums
This is also a fantastic place to come experience the great outdoors with your family at one of Bandera's State Natural Areas. The area of Bandera County is home to over 200 different bird species, which can be seen at the Natural Area and Bandera City Park. Horseback riding, popular scenic drives, rodeos, hunting are all popular activities. For golfing enthusiast, check out the newly refurbished Flying L Ranch golf course. For individuals that enjoy Texas history, there are several museums and historical tours offered in Bandera. Do not miss out on seeing the Frontier Times Museum, located in Bandera. This museum serves tribute to the legacies of the American cowboy and ranching practices. The Museum has a large collection of artifacts from Bandera's early days. Many of these gems were donated from all over the world. Also be sure to visit the Bandera Natural History Museum and Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.

• Bandera City Park • Bandera County Park at Medina Lake • Hill Country State Natural Area • Lost Maple State Natural Area • Love Creek Orchards • Medina Garden Nursery • Sandidge Park • Silver Spur Skate Park

GOLFING
• Flying L Ranch Resort • KRM3 Golf Ranch & Lessons

San Antonio

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Valley Oaks is an easy drive from San Antonio, Texas, opening the door to enormous possibilities. This presents the ideal opportunity to live in the tranquility of the country, while still being just a short drive from the entertainment, attractions, dining, and fun of San Antonio! Below are just a few of the events and attractions offered within this vibrant city, situated just a quick trip down the road from your new homesite at Valley Oaks.

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Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

San Antonio's Riverwalk
Visit San Antonio's famed Riverwalk, and experience everything from museums and entertainment to shopping, nightlife and dining. The Riverwalk is a charming stretch of walking paths lined with shops, bars and restaurants that wind along the banks of the San Antonio River. Also known as Paseo del Río, the Riverwalk passes one story below downtown San Antonio, Texas and offers a splendid walking tour that includes the San Antonio Museum of Art, Rivercenter mall, HemisFair Park and much more. The Alamo or San Antonio Museum of Art are full of history and worth a visit with the family, or if you're looking for more adventure, take the family to Six Flags Fiesta or catch a San Antonio Spurs game!

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Shopping, Food & Drink
If you like to shop, you will be in retail heaven! The Shops at La Villita is a historic arts village that features a number of art galleries and collectives. San Antonio's historic Main Plaza, at the heart of the city, dates back to the early 1700s. This beautiful public space, with huge trees, bubbling fountains, sidewalks, tables and soft landscaping, vitalizes the city's center core. Or take a trip to Market Square with family-owned cafes, working artists and the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande also known as El Mercado. From early morning until late at night, Market Square is alive with activity. Visitors browse through 32 shops at "El Mercado," and 80 specialty shops in the Farmers Market Plaza.

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Attractions
Experience one of the world's premier caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns. Take the Discovery Tour and get an up-close and most spectacular show cavern in Texas. Or go higher up to the Tower of the Americas. The rotating tower has panoramic views and is a San Antonio landmark. Looking for a great game of golf? Check out The Resort Course at La Cantera featuring five sets of tees on each hole to accommodate every player skill level. There are six holes with breathtaking views of San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta, plus many natural water features.

Hondo, Texas

"This is God's country"

One of the best features of living at Valley Oaks Ranch is the close proximity to the town of Hondo. Many every day essential are just minutes away, making running errands quick, easy, and convenient. Stop in at the HEB for groceries or the Walmart for everything else you could need for your new country homesite at Valley Oaks Ranch!

Spanish explorers, a gang of brothers, and the world's largest air navigation school are all part of Hondo's heritage. So, are the "welcome" signs at either end of town along Highway 90, which state, "This is God's Country, Please Don't Drive Through It Like Hell." There's plenty of shopping for antiques, collectibles, and specialty items in downtown Hondo. You can even catch a first run movie at the restored 1940s-era Raye Theatre. The Medina County Museum Complex is also another site to be seen, as it spans a whole city block! The main building is the restored, 1893 Southern Pacific Hondo Depot, which displays pioneer artifacts. The grounds also showcase a one-room schoolhouse, a buggy and farm equipment shed, and a Southern Pacific caboose.

The Hondo Public Library offers fantastic programs to the community including Tiny Tot Tales and StoryTime. The Hondo Public Library brings programs and services to all the citizens of Hondo and the surrounding area. It's a great place to visit for an afternoon, catch up on reading, or relax and unwind with a good book.

Opportunities for outdoor recreation, adventure, and fun are abundant in Hondo, with a good variety of local parks and nature trails as a staple here. The Hondo City Skate Park is a favorite among younger residents, as it is a unique opportunity to get outside and show off their skills. There really is something for everyone here in Hondo, from parks and playgrounds to a golf course, library, and recreation center. Hondo also hosts special events and festivals throughout the year, including the Cowboy Country Roundup in February, the Medina County Fair in September, and Christmas in God's Country Market Days and night Parade in November.

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Hondo Dining & Shopping & More!

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

The town of Hondo has everything when it comes to dining out, from classic Mom & Pop's restaurants to neat little hole in the wall, family-run places with some of the best food in Texas, offering a wide variety of cuisines including Italian, Mexican, American, Chinese, TexMex, and many more within minutes of your new homesite at Valley Oaks Ranch. Check out one of our team's frequently visited local places in Hondo - Silver Creek. They call it the Starbucks of Hondo, because it has the absolute best coffee, always smells amazing, and (their personal favorite feature) you can get any kind of meat your heart desires, ready to cook-up for dinner that night!

• Whataburger • McDonald's • Taco Bell • Bill Miller • Hermann Sons Steakhouse • Hondo Café • Heavy's BBQ – featured on the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joint! • Billy Bob's Hamburgers • Hon Dough's Pizza – featured on Texas Eats! • Church's Chicken • El Restaurante Azteca • Dairy Queen • Pizza Hut • Sonic Drive-In • AND MANY MORE!

You will also enjoy great shopping. Both H-E-B and the Walmart Supercenter are 10 minutes away from Valley Oaks Ranch making picking up groceries or last minute items super convenient.

Premier Medical Facilities

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Just over 10 minutes from Valley Oaks Ranch is the Medina Regional Hospital. Enjoy the comforts of living that relaxed country lifestyle at Valley Oaks Ranch, while still being close to premier medical facilities in Hondo. Home to a great hospital and great medical network, the Medina Regional Hospital is ready and able to provide you and your loved one's care, should a routine visit or medical emergency arise. Medina Regional Hospital provides quality care close to home with compassion, innovation and accountability. Let them help you take care of your health close to your new home here at Valley Oaks Ranch.

Hondo Parks & Recreation

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

The Parks Maintenance Division operates and maintain 107 acres of parkland at 14 city wide parks which are all equipped with picnic tables, BBQ pits and playground equipment. Among the city parks you'll find a Skate Park, Memorial Square/Veterans Park, Soccer Fields, Ball Fields, Nature Trail Park and Sports Complex.

At the Rick Taylor Recreation Center you will find friendly faces with a desire to promote health and wellness while encouraging fun participation. Some of the amenities include commercial cardio and weight equipment, Life Fitness treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, and stationary bicycles. You will also see a full-size basketball court that converts into two half court playing areas. Volleyball court and pickle ball courts are available upon request. If you seek other fun activities the recreation center also has 1 racquetball room, 1 fitness room, and a multipurpose activity room with games such as ping pong and air hockey tables. The Recreation Staff is also responsible for the City's swimming pool facility. The pool offers a wading pool, diving boards, and a slide for children to enjoy. For your convenience changing rooms, restrooms, and a concession stand are available. The pool is also available for rental during its open season.

South Texas Regional Airport

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

SOUTH TEXAS REGIONAL AIRPORT AND INTERMODAL PARK

The Hondo South Texas Regional Airport is close to Valley Oaks Ranch and is a vital resource for the City of Hondo. The airport welcomes everyone visiting the City of Hondo looking to establish a business or enjoy the surrounding area. The airport is part of Hondo's Intermodal Park providing access to railways and Highway 90 that allows for 3 modes of transportation in and out of the area for goods and services to be delivered.

Castroville, Texas

The Little Alsace of Texas

Nicknamed the "Little Alsace of Texas," the small town of Castroville is best known for its Alsatian architecture (including a 17th-century home imported from France!) and culture –and as a result, there are many interesting things to do in Castroville! Situated just 25-minutes from your new country homesite at Valley Oaks Ranch, Castroville will make you feel like you're in the fields of France without leaving Texas! Come explore all that this quaint and charming town has to see and experience everything from parks to great food, to golf, to swimming, and much more.

The Castroville Municipal Airport (CVB/KCVB) is 22 minutes from downtown San Antonio, and located just off of Highway 90 on the east side of the city. The Airport consists of 458.88 acres used partly for aviation-related uses, as well as for farming. The CVB is classified as a B-II General Use Airport. The CVB is an uncontrolled (no control tower) field located in Class G Airspace. The field is lighted from sundown to dawn. The Airport's runway is 5,001 feet in order to accommodate corporate jets.

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale
Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Parks & Recreation
Castroville Regional Park: is located on the Medina River and the perfect place to walk, swim, play, and enjoy views of the river. Lion's Sports Complex: is two city blocks donated in 1957 to the City of Castroville with the stipulation that it be used for sporting activities and events. Lion's Park currently offers baseball fields, soccer fields, and walking trails. Houston Square: is the town square in the historic commercial district of Castroville. Several events are held at Houston Square every year including Market Trail Days, Old Fashioned Christmas, and Pet Faire on the Square. September Square: commemorates the founders of Castroville and a State Historical Marker honors Henri Castro. Two monuments honor veterans of World War I and World War II. Castroville Regional Park Swimming Pool: is an outdoor pool with an instructional area, six 25-yard lanes for lap swimming, and diving well.

Alsatian Golf Club is known as one of the best golf values in the San Antonio area. The Alsatian Golf Club offers an outstanding golf experience on a well-designed links-style track.

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

About Town & Events
Julianna's – A Unique Dining Experience is one of the best places to eat in Castroville – voted the BEST in Medina County! Offering that one-of-a-kind dining experience you've been hoping to find near your new country homesite, Julianna's has a wide-selection on their menu including steaks, seafood, pastas, beer, and wine – all with a modern twist.

Haby's Alsatian Bakery located just across the street from the Steinbach Haus, it is a must-see (and photograph) in Castroville. Be sure to try the cinnamon rolls!

Special City Events
There are several annual events that take place in the City of Castroville including: • Tour de Castroville • 4th of July • National Night Out • City Wide Yard Sale • Porkin' in the Park • Boo Bash • Movies In the Park!

Valley Oaks Ranch - Texas Land for Sale

Local Attractions
St. Louis Church: Built between 1868 and 1870, this beautiful limestone church stands proudly along the edge of Houston Square and features stunning stained-glass windows and a park right next door. Steinbach Haus: operates as Castroville's visitor's center, but it didn't begin its life that way. Built between 1618 and 1648 in Wahlbach, France, the Steinbach Haus was imported to Castroville in 1998 as a gift from the people of Alsace to the city of Castroville. Without a doubt, this is one of the most unique buildings in Texas and one of the best places to explore in Castroville! Landmark Inn State Historic Site: not only one of 32 Texas State Historic Sites and a museum, but also a functioning inn that you can stay in. Castroville Public Library: provides and promotes open and equal access to the resources and services of the library in order to meet the informational, educational, and cultural needs of the community. The library encourages reading and the use of current technology for life-long learning.