The wife and I have to make a trip to Houston and San Antonio next week, and I would like to make a side jaunt and see some of the painted churches down that way. Any suggestions - places to stay reasonably, places to eat, possible brewery tours, etc. greatly appreciated. We'll probably have one afternoon and evening to do this and spend the night somewhere down there.

For the painted Churches try Schulenberg. About half way between Houston and San Antonion. Shiner Brewery is located is located 35 miles southwest of there. Never been to the Brewery but my wife spent a day taking picture of the churches and liked it.

Some world class BBQ in Luling and Lockhart. I like to eat lunch at the Clear Spring restaurant in Clear Springs east of New Braunfels. Great onion rings.

Thanks for the info. Look forward to seeing the churches. We may very well give the onion rings a try in Clear Springs. Good onion rings are hard to come by. What else do they have?

you WILL NOT beat Clear springs onion rings ANYWHERE!!!!! They have a location in Midland as well, That is the only thing I look forward to when I have to go out west. lol

Where exactly is Clear Springs east of New Braunfels? Would like to stop there - the onion rings are making my mouth water already. Thanks.

Clear Springs is on Hwy 46 just a couple of miles east of New Braunfels.

Fishspanker told you everything you need to know: "Some world class BBQ in Luling and Lockhart."

ESPECIALLY LOCKHART!!!!!!!!!!

what are painted churches?

To answer the question about what the churches are - there are several of these located around Schulenberg, mostly a few miles north at Dubina, Allmansberg, and High Hill. These were thriving communities in the early 1900's, but nothing there now. They were built in the late 1800's by the immigrants from Europe, and the interiors were hand painted with intricate designs and patterns in beautiful colors. They are all definitely one of a kind. I learned a lot of history by visiting them and would highly recommend it as a side trip if you are down that way.