Tapatio Springs: Strait in the Hill Country

“Well excuse me, but I think you’ve got my chair, no that one’s not taken, I don’t mind if you sit here, I’ll be glad to share,” country music legend and 2018’s Texan of the Year, George Strait serenades from the speakers in the lobby of Tapatio Springs. With over 40 hit songs and numerous awards, the singer, songwriter, actor and music producer also owns luxury resort Tapatio Springs. I don’t know if there’s a chance of sharing that table with the artist, but I do know he can occasionally be seen on the grounds.

“Come for a good time, stay for a long time,” a familiar Strait song lyric in opposite order is Tapatio’s tagline. Perhaps best known for his Texas rodeo ballads, where else would the King of country choose to have a resort but Texas?

Located 30 minutes northwest of San Antonio and only eight minutes from historic and charming downtown Boerne and Main St., Tapatio Springs offers all the respite, relaxation and amenities of bigger resorts, in an intimate setting, which provides a personable and exclusive experience.  The 111-room location offers genuine and warm-hearted hospitality in a non-stuffy resort environment.

Director of Sales and Marketing Jonathan Falloon said the resort has the most unique and versatile 18-holes golf course in the area, featuring carts with Visage GPS, a first-class Driving Range and Short-Game facility. “If you’re looking for an authentic Hill Country experience that feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle, but in reality, is only minutes away from it all, Tapatio Springs is that place,” he said.

He continued, “With most hotels/resorts that claim Hill Country, you are usually sacrificing something. If you want an authentic Hill Country setting with easy access to everything that San Antonio and the Hill Country have to offer, Tapatio Springs is the perfect choice for your getaway.”

When asked what sets Tapatio apart from its friendly competitors, Falloon said, “Tapatio is an enjoyable and exclusive environment. The serene setting of the landscape combined with a boutique resort means you can enjoy all the desires of a typical resort in a more intimate setting.”

With two swimming pools (one adult only and one resort), the property also offers a spa day and the only true European salt cave in the area, Puresol.

After a fire the resort recently rebuilt its clubhouse which houses on-site restaurant, La Cascada Table & Bar with outdoor patio dining and live music on weekends. Numerous fire pits can be found throughout the property for guests to enjoy at their leisure each evening (perfect for sitting around with friends sipping a glass of wine or a cocktail, roasting s’mores with the family). Falloon noted, “It’s a very walkable property. You don’t need a shuttle or a golf cart to get from your room to the restaurant or other areas of resort.”

Among many others, celebrities and officials that have visited include Dean Dillon; Ray Bensen; Jamey Johnson; Randy Rogers; Toby Keith; Colin Powell; Cheryl Ladd and Rooster McConaughey. Some of those visits are likely due to Strait’s annual private, invitation only-golf tournament benefitting Troops First.

What would a trip to George Strait’s place be without horseback riding and a trip to the rodeo? Visit the Diamond C Stables nearby for trail rides and beginner to advanced lessons. Diamond C Stables and Ranch is a family-oriented facility that offers riding lessons, boarding, breeding and parties. Owned and managed by the Culver family for 16 years, their goal has been and continues to be to create a fun, clean and safe place for children and adults to become acquainted with the enjoyment of horseback riding and ownership. With a large covered arena, two round pens and acres of open pasture, there’s always a place to ride, in the company of friends or in peaceful solitude just you and your horse.

Boasting “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” Tejas Rodeo Company hosts a family-friendly rodeo and live music series which starts the first weekend in March and continues each Saturday through the last weekend in November. You’ll want to be sure to have a famous KC Steak at the on-site Tejas Steakhouse & Saloon. Grab an ice-cold beer and watch the Western sky turn red as you take advantage of walk-up ordering from the “Tejas Smokehouse” and the “Tejas Mercado” available during the Rodeo.

Boerne offers several other attractions including a private hunting ranch for sporting clays and fishing; paddleboard and non-motorized watercraft activities; ziplining; charter sailing; cavern tours and flight training and aircraft rentals name only a few.

With Tapatio Springs as your base stay, this city is full of room to play. Besides who can turn down the possibility of seeing The King of Country, George Strait. Even the mystique of George Strait’s presence at Tapatio Springs is a fun experience. Plan a stay with Tapatio for an experience that you won’t soon forget and one that will “leave you with a smile.”

“I ain’t here for a long time

I’m here for a good time.

So, bring on some sunshine, to hell with the red wine.

Pour me some moonshine.

When I am gone put it in stone, he left nothing behind’.

I ain’t here for a long time,

I’m here for a good time.” –George Strait, Here for a Good Time

By Michelle Keller