The video above is a walking tour through downtown Kerrville, Texas, a Hill Country town of about 25,000 people located roughly 100 miles west of Austin and 65 miles northwest of San Antonio. The footage covers the historical buildings, restaurants, and live music spots you can find on foot in the downtown area, plus a few places just outside of it. It's a solid look at what makes Kerrville worth the drive.
A Brief History of Kerrville
Kerrville is named after James Kerr, a major in the Texas Revolution. Joshua Brown was an early settler who established a shingle-making camp here, and the town grew as it supplied lumber, produce, and craftsmen to San Antonio. Sheep, goat, and cattle ranching took hold, and the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway reached Kerrville in the late 1800s, connecting the town to broader trade routes. The Guadalupe River runs directly through the city and was central to the original settlement. Today it's still a big draw — people hang out along the river on hot summer days, and there's plenty of outdoor recreation in the surrounding hills. Kerrville also hosts some well-known events, including the Kerrville Folk Festival, the official Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair, the Kerrville Triathlon, and the Kerrville Renaissance Festival.
What Live Music Venues Are in Kerrville, Texas?
For a town its size, Kerrville has a real variety of places to catch live music. Here are the spots highlighted in the video:
- Arcadia Live — A venue that's been around since the 1920s, hosting live music, entertainment, community events, and private rentals
- Busted Sandal Favorite Saloon — Located right next to Arcadia Live, a saloon-style spot in the downtown strip
- Divine Sports Bar — A sports bar in the downtown area that features live music
- River's Edge Gallery — A framing and printing gallery that also hosts live music nights; Marathon Highway was setting up to play there during the walking tour
- Pint and Plow Brewing Company — A brewery not far from downtown; David Bridwell has played music there a few times
- Basement Brewers of Texas — Another local brewery with live music on the calendar
- Trail Head Beer Garden — Located on the Schreiner University campus, this is where David Bridwell performed during the trip featured in the video
Eating and Culture Downtown
For food, the Hill Country Cafe is a local favorite and sits at the location of the original H.E.B. store. Tino's Cafe is another good option if you're looking for tacos. On the cultural side, the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center is right downtown, the Schreiner Mansion dates back to the late 1800s and offers tours inside, and the Cailloux Theater is a performing arts center that regularly puts on plays. Between the food, the history, and the music, downtown Kerrville is easy to spend a full afternoon and evening exploring on foot.