They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, sometimes they cannot live independently without someone by their side to provide care. Unfortunately, some older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live in the comforts or their home rather than in an assisted living community. Home care in Texas Hill, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they age. We are proud to have helped tens of thousands of seniors to maintain a higher level of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home care services in Texas Hill, TX. Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite activities and hobbies while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy other activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress helps reduce the risks of caregiver burnout.
When it comes to non-medical home care, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible. If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for clients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Texas Hill, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Texas Hill, TX gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Texas Hill,TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
An assessment of your senior loved one
An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home
Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
Texas Hill Country, where west, central and south Texas convene, is revered for its gorgeous scenery.The locale's low humidity and central location make it a top road trip destination that’s easily accessible from San Antonio. Add several Hill Country resor...
Texas Hill Country, where west, central and south Texas convene, is revered for its gorgeous scenery.
The locale's low humidity and central location make it a top road trip destination that’s easily accessible from San Antonio. Add several Hill Country resorts to the equation, and you're sure to find a relaxing getaway that makes you feel like you’re far from home.
If you're planning an overnight or weekend trip to Texas Hill Country this year, we're highlighting the best resorts and hotels the area has to offer, each with plenty of splendor along with excellent hospitality, amazing spa services, outstanding recreation and dining options and beautiful guest rooms and scenery.
The only issue becomes which Hill Country resort to choose from among an illustrious list. Pro tip: Don't feel limited to staying at only one property. You can always check out a restaurant or spa service at a resort without being an overnight guest.
In 1901, The Antlers Inn, located on Lake LBJ in Hill Country, was opened by the railroad specifically for tourists traveling via train. Now, The Antlers Inn is a Texas Historic Landmark Hotel and on the National Register of Historic Places. When you see the option of accommodation as a train car that’s been updated for lodging, it all makes sense. Other options include traditional rooms with private baths, or one or two-room cabins and cottages.
Find it: 1001 King Court, Kingsland, TX 78639; 325-388-4411
What’s not to love about Horseshoe Bay Resort? This lakeside golf resort welcomes you to a slice of paradise — from the palm trees greeting you at the front entrance to its three pools with access to a sandy beach on Lake LBJ. There’s an actual full-service marina on-site where guests may enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and water activities. Like many Texas Hill Country resorts, in addition to the 18-hole golf course, you’ll also find an exquisite spa, restaurants and beautiful guest rooms. (And if you hear about their condos, yes, it's true — you can actually live here, too.)
Find it: 200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657; 877-611-0112
The Kendall is nestled in the center of Boerne’s downtown historic district along the Cibolo Creek. This Hill Country Inn's well-appointed charm is due in part to its Southern Colonial style architecture. Elegance is a mainstay of the luxe service and the 34 uniquely designed rooms. Dating back to 1859, this gem is both a National and Texas landmark.
Find it: 128 W. Blanco Rd., Boerne, TX 78006; 830-249-2138
Whether you stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa to enjoy its stunning landscape and its nine-acre water park with an 1,100-foot lazy river or to dine among its six resort restaurants, it’s all going to be spectacular. There’s a children’s pool and play area too, as well as a game room and kids club. On the other hand, the adults-only infinity edge pool beckons grown-ups for some peace and quiet.
Find it: 23808 Resort Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78261; 210-276-2500
BEST OF MYSA
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa was previously the historic Rogers-Wiseman family ranch built on 300 acres, so it’s no surprise the Texas hospitality is still in full effect. Here you'll enjoy an upscale resort with down-home charm that includes a 27-hole golf course, a five-acre water park (including a two-story water slide, heated pools, a FlowRider wave machine and a 950-foot black bottom Ramblin' River), recreational activities such as hiking trails and sand volleyball and six types of restaurants including fast casual.
Find it: 9800 Hyatt Resort Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251; 210-647-1234
Miraval Austin is an adults-only resort and spa that's all about wellness. In addition to enjoying a rejuvenating massage or other treatments on the spa menu, you can partake in a plethora of daily activities such as a chakra meditation, nature walk or slow flow yoga. Attend a culinary experience such as art of the cocktail, or learn how to create a showstopping charcuterie board. And when you’re there, remember to unplug completely. After all, it’s a digital device-free environment.
Find it: 13500 FM2769, Austin, TX 78726; 855-690-8163
Synonymous with luxury, suites and guest rooms at La Cantera Resort & Spa embody Hill Country inspiration in features like rich cherry wood and rustic linen. On one hand, the style is calming to feel like home, and on the other hand, it’s elegant and plush. Definitely enjoy a Texas Hill Country sunset as you grab fireside seating at Plaza San Saba to toast some s'mores. You can get a s'mores kit by the pool shop and then pair it with wine at the Sweetfire Bar. You can thank us later.
Find it: 16641 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256; 210-558-6500
The pet-friendly AAA four-diamond Lakeway Resort and Spa, in the heart of Texas Hill Country, offers stunning views of Lake Travis as well as water activities such as sailing and boating. Other equally amazing vistas are of the hill, so you can’t go wrong with either one. There’s an adults-only pool bar, a hot tub, and a pool grill and bar menu if lounging at the pool is what you're after.
Find it: 101 Lakeway Dr., Lakeway, TX 78734; 844-822-2621
Farm-to-table dining, golf and live music are some of the highlights at the Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort. Whether you lounge poolside, book a session at the salt cave, hike on a nearby trail or tee up for golf on the award-winning course, this resort once owned by country singer George Strait embodies relaxation.
Find it: 1 Resort Way, Boerne, TX 78006; 855-627-2243
Harold's Chicken is celebrating the grand-opening, this week, at its new franchise location in Cedar Hill.CEDAR HILL, Texas — People from across North Texas are traveling to Cedar Hill to experience Harold's Chicken.The iconic Chicago-based restaurant is celebrating the grand opening of its new franchise location in the city of Cedar Hill this week.“I’m always excited when we expand,” said Corporate Owner Kristen Pier...
Harold's Chicken is celebrating the grand-opening, this week, at its new franchise location in Cedar Hill.
CEDAR HILL, Texas — People from across North Texas are traveling to Cedar Hill to experience Harold's Chicken.
The iconic Chicago-based restaurant is celebrating the grand opening of its new franchise location in the city of Cedar Hill this week.
“I’m always excited when we expand,” said Corporate Owner Kristen Pierce-Sherrod.
Pierce-Sherrod’s father started Harold’s Chicken 73 years ago as a late-night dining location. Customers have been supporting the brand for its flavorful made-to-order chicken, seafood, and its signature sauce.
“We have a lot of natives from Chicago that’s in this area. We just saw the need for it and decided to come here,” explained Pierce-Sherrod.
The Cedar Hill franchise location owners are a young husband and wife team who said they were intentional about moving from Chicago to open in Cedar Hill, due to opportunities in line with their business plans.
Fans of the Harold’s Chicken brand are also excited.
“When the sign actually posted Harold’s is coming… Oh, my God,” said Cedar Hill resident Rosie Moore.
Moore is a Chicago-native who grew up on Harold’s Chicken brand. She’s happy the location opened so close to her current home.
“The six-piece! The six wings with the extra mild sauce! Oh, my God,” said Moore about her go-to menu item.
Harold’s Chicken is among 67 businesses the city of Cedar Hill issued a new Certificate of Occupancy over the past year, according to city leaders. It’s helping the community maintain its status as a regional hub for restaurants and shopping, according to city leaders.
“Believe me, I know there’s going to be opportunities for more young people to let them know, hey, we can do this too,” said Moore.
With the restaurant’s introduction to North Texas, its owners say you better get used to seeing its brand and logo.
“We’ve got, like, five more locations coming,” said Vincent Sherrod.
The owners are already discussing expanding across Dallas-Fort Worth.
Junior Day season is officially upon, ladies and gentlemen. While I know some of you guys are probably still recovering from the 2023 cycle, it is officially time to mash the gas and go full steam ahead into the 2024 recruiting cycle.The Texas coaching staff has prepared itself to host a plethora of visitors this coming weekend for their first Junior Day weekend and there will be some big names on the 40 acres, as Steve Sarkisian and his staff begin to lay the groundwork early in the cycle.Lets take a look at some of the names ...
Junior Day season is officially upon, ladies and gentlemen. While I know some of you guys are probably still recovering from the 2023 cycle, it is officially time to mash the gas and go full steam ahead into the 2024 recruiting cycle.
The Texas coaching staff has prepared itself to host a plethora of visitors this coming weekend for their first Junior Day weekend and there will be some big names on the 40 acres, as Steve Sarkisian and his staff begin to lay the groundwork early in the cycle.
Lets take a look at some of the names that are slated to be in Austin this weekend, so we can get acquainted with some of the targets already on the radar for the Longhorns in 2024.
Quarterback
Trey Owens - Cypress (TX) Cy-Fair - Three Star - Texas
Owens committed to the Longhorns a little over a week ago now, and will be in town with his recruiting hat firmly on. After chasing Arch Manning into the summer this past cycle, the Longhorns have their signal caller in the boat before the end of January.
Running back
Jerrick Gibson - Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy - Five Star
They don’t get much more elite at the running back position in 2024 than Jerrick Gibson and Tashard Choice has been prioritizing him for some time now. Choice has shown he can go into Florida and pluck one of the nation’s top backs already and he is trying to do it again with Gibson.
James Peoples - San Antonio (TX) Veterans Memorial - Four Star
Peoples is another top 100 running back talent that will be making the trip to Austin this weekend. It is clear from some of the names at the position that will be in town that Texas is big game hunting once again after landing Cedric Baxter in 2023.
Taylor Tatum - Longview (TX) - Four Star
NEW — ‘24 @Lobo_Football product, @On3Recruits No. 2 RB overall Taylor Tatum will visit Texas for Junior Day on Saturday.DETAILS: https://t.co/vou3WzromU (On3+) #HookEm #bEASTtexas @InsideTexas Try IT+ thru 8/31 for ONLY $29.99: https://t.co/8nJFUTtwFv pic.twitter.com/DgTiw3BQeR
— Justin Wells (@justinwells2424) January 19, 2023
Yet another top 100 level talent at running back that will be in Austin this weekend. Tatum rushed for over 1800 yards and had 33 touchdowns on the ground this past fall for the Lobos. He already has over 30 reported offers from some of the best programs in the country.
Wide Receiver
Micah Hudson - Lake Belton (TX) - Five-star
Gekyle Baker - Brownsboro (TX) - Four Star
Baker is a productive, multi-sport athlete from East Texas that has has tallied almost 1800 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns in the past two seasons. Baker is similar to Jelani McDonald in the sense you make room for guys like this in your class every cycle.
Offensive Line
Daniel Cruz - North Richland Hills (TX) Richland - Four Star
We know by now that Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood likes to lock in on his guys early and that has been the case with Daniel Cruz. Cruz is viewed as a potential center at the next level and Texas has showed considerable interest early on.
Nyier Daniels - Oradell (NJ) Bergen Catholic - Three Star
We all know Kyle Flood has a type and Daniels fits that bill perfectly. Daniels checks in at 6’7, 330 pounds and is a former teammate of Texas signee Sydir Mitchell.
Michael Uini - Copperas Cove (TX) - Four Star
Uini is another massive framed tackle that Flood has prioritized early on. Uini visited for a game in the fall and will be backing an appearance on campus for the Junior Day this weekend.
Defensive Line
Alex January - Duncanville (TX) - Three star
You won’t find many defensive tackles that are capable of legging out triples on the baseball diamond. January is a Texas legacy and the Longhorns offered in late December.
D’antre Robinson - Orlando (FL) Jones - Four Star
KingJoseph Edwards - Hoschton (GA) Mill Creek - Four Star
Linebacker
Justin Williams - Conroe (TX) Oak Ridge - Four Star
Defensive Back
Kobe Black - Waco (TX) Connally - Five Star
After landing his teammate Jelani McDonald earlier this month, the Longhorns will be putting a full court press on McDonald’s teammate Kobe Black. Black is is viewed as one of the top defensive back prospects in the country for the 2024 class and already holds over 30 offers.
Jaden Allen - Aledo (TX) - Four Star - Texas
Allen has been committed to the Longhorns for awhile now, and much like Owens he will be in town with his recruiting cap firmly on to bolster the staff’s efforts this weekend.
Athletes
Hunter Moddon - Clear Lake (TX) - Four Star - Texas
This is not a comprehensive list of all the players scheduled to be in town, so there will names added and subtracted once we start seeing arrivals start to trickle in.
KVUE spoke with Dr. Amin Mery of Hill Country Allergy and Asthma about cedar fever.AUSTIN, Texas — Cedar fever season is here, and we all know it's a miserable time for people who have allergies. But there are some ways to find relief.Doctor, for people who are new to Austin, will you explain why this time of year is called "cedar fever" season?Dr. Amin Mery: "Yes. In Central Texas, there is a unique pollen season in the winter that stems from an ash juniper...
KVUE spoke with Dr. Amin Mery of Hill Country Allergy and Asthma about cedar fever.
AUSTIN, Texas — Cedar fever season is here, and we all know it's a miserable time for people who have allergies. But there are some ways to find relief.
Doctor, for people who are new to Austin, will you explain why this time of year is called "cedar fever" season?
Dr. Amin Mery: "Yes. In Central Texas, there is a unique pollen season in the winter that stems from an ash juniper tree that carries the title of cedar. And so, it pollinates in the winter. We're one of only two places in the world that has a winter pollen as robust as this – U.S. and Japan, another type of cedar tree. And so, what happens in the winter is that it actually pollinates. It likes the colder climate here in Central Texas."
I had no idea. Well, some people don't develop cedar allergies until years after they move here. So why is that?
Mery: "Everyone's immune system's a little bit different. And if you have the underlying genetic predisposition to have allergies and, you know, it's a very allergenic antigen or allergen, and so, ultimately, depending on your exposure, your overall health, you can develop a sensitivity in one to five, 10 years. Everybody's a little bit different."
OK, so it's also the time of year when we get to play that very fun guessing game of "flu or allergies?" And we even get to throw COVID into the mix this time around. So, how can you tell the difference?
Mery: "The distinction is typically made on timing and concomitant symptoms. So, for example, if you have the flu or COVID, let's say, generally, that's associated with a fever above 100.4. Cedar fever, while you can have a low-grade fever is, let's say, in the high 90s. It doesn't typically elevate beyond what we call a 'normal' fever, which is, you know, 101 or something of that nature.
And also duration of symptoms – colds typically last seven to 10 days. Cedar season can last 90 days. So, it's that, that may be a difference-maker."
All right, Doctor, what are the ways people can treat their cedar allergies at home? I know we all have our trusty tissues with us this time around. And when should they actually go see a doctor?
Mery: "Generally, people try over-the-counter remedies first, and those may have a modest success rate. You know, your antihistamines or nasal steroids are typically available over-the-counter, sometimes decongestants. Oftentimes, these medicines become less effective over time as more people start to have adverse side effects. So, for example, you know, pseudoephedrine, to get them a rapid heart rate or keeping up at night. And so, at that point, these are also these infections – these allergies can lead to an infection. And so, you can have a subsequent infection if your mucus starts to turn color.
Some people have difficulty breathing, and that's usually when you come into this, one, when the over-the-counter remedies aren't sufficient. And two, if they start to have a progression of symptoms that lead to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, things of that nature."
While San Antonio barbecue is some of the best in the state, there are also a plethora of delicious barbecue restaurants in Central Texas — all within an easy drive from Austin.From juicy brisket to smoked turkey jalapeño sausage, we're shining the sp...
While San Antonio barbecue is some of the best in the state, there are also a plethora of delicious barbecue restaurants in Central Texas — all within an easy drive from Austin.
From juicy brisket to smoked turkey jalapeño sausage, we're shining the spotlight on five Central Texas towns (all within a 100-mile radius of Austin) with standout barbecue joints. Just remember, standing in line for barbecue is a Texas pastime, so be sure to plan ahead and arrive early to get the best selection of meats and sides. (Often restaurants will have free beer and drinks for those in line). And bring a camping chair.
Distance from San Antonio: 67 miles
Located only 34 miles southwest of the capital city, Lockhart is the official barbecue capital of Texas, according to a Texas Legislature proclamation. The small town has four iconic and award-winning barbecue restaurants. Famous for not serving barbecue sauce, Kreuz Market opened in 1900 and is the oldest. When owner Rick Schmidt moved the business to its current location in 1999, his sister, Nina Schmidt Sells, opened Smitty’s Market in the original building. (You have to ask for sauce at Smitty’s.)
Located a short walk away is Black’s Barbecue. Opened in 1932, Black's is one of the oldest barbecue restaurants in the state that has been owned and continuously operated by the same family. (When he was president, Lyndon B. Johnson, a longtime fan of Black's, reportedly had Black's sausage flown directly to Washington, D.C.)
In 1978, Floyd Wilhelm sold his fishing boat to start Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Que, the newcomer to town. Along with Black’s, Chisholm Trail has a wide variety of side dishes, from macaroni and cheese to fried okra.
Find it:Black’s Barbecue, 215 N. Main St., Lockhart, TX 78644Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Que,1323 S. Colorado St., Lockhart, TX 78644Kreuz Market, 619 N. Colorado St., Lockhart, TX 78644Smitty’s Market, 208 S. Commerce St., Lockhart, TX 78644
Distance from San Antonio: 130 miles
Once a secret for Lexington locals attending the weekly cattle auction, in 2017 Snow’s BBQ was named Texas Monthly's top barbecue spot in the state. Ever since, there’s been a line outside this Saturday-only restaurant. The joint became even more famous in 2020 after its pitmaster, Tootsie Tomanetz, was featured in the Netflix series “Chef’s Table: BBQ." Today, dedicated barbecue lovers from across the world camp out overnight to be the first in line when the doors open at 8 a.m.
The media attention has turned pitmaster Tomanetz, who's in her mid-80s, into a Texas barbecue celebrity. Watch her and co-pitmasters Kerry Bexley and Clay Cowgill hard at work over the smoker and direct-heat pit. Be sure to try a range of Snow’s quality smoked meats and traditional sides, but save room for banana pudding for dessert. Plan to arrive early (before sunrise) and bring cash for tips. There are free drinks (Vodka Sunrises, Bloody Marys and beer) for those waiting in line, a typically Texas barbecue tradition.
Find it: 516 Main St., Lexington, TX 78947
Distance from San Antonio: 108 miles
Historic Llano lies along the banks of the spring-fed Llano River and is the bluebonnet capital of Texas. And, of course, there’s no shortage of barbecue spots in town. Join the line at family-owned Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, which starts outside by their steel-closed pit. There, diners tell the pitmaster their meat choice (sauce or no sauce) before going inside to choose from a wide range of sides, including jalapeño mac and cheese. Their most famous menu item is the Big Chop, a two-inch-thick bone-in pork chop.
Another well-known barbecue spot is two and a half blocks down the street, Inman’s Kitchen Bar-B-Q, famous for its’ smoked turkey sausage. To help decide what to order, try a free sample of their jalapeño turkey sausage with Swiss cheese or other smoked meats ranging from brisket to smoked ham. In between meals, be sure to explore this scenic Hill Country town that was one of Bonnie and Clyde’s favorite haunts.
Find it:Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, 505 W. Dallas St., Llano, TX 78643Inman’s Kitchen Bar-B-Q, 809 W. Young St., Llano, TX 78643
Distance from San Antonio: 73 miles
This unincorporated community in northern Hays County is home to the family-owned Salt Lick BBQ. Current owner Scott Robert uses the same method — searing then slow cooking the meat over coals — that his great-great-grandmother used in the mid-1800s. In 1967, Robert’s father, Thurman, built a large barbecue pit, and a screened-in porch was later added. The limestone pit, made from rock quarried on the land, evolved into Salt Lick BBQ. Local flavors — chili, cayenne, cumin — were added to the family recipe. Salt Lick's meat menu consists of brisket, ribs (pork, beef and bison), turkey and sausage. For dessert, there’s a range of homemade cobblers. On an average Saturday, the restaurant will serve nearly 2,000 people.
Find it: 18300 Farm to Market Road 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
Distance from San Antonio: 149 miles
Brenham, Texas is famous for being the home of Blue Bell Creameries, but it’s also a hub for some great Texas barbecue. In a small shack off Highway 290, Leonard Botello IV opened TRUTH BBQ in 2015. Two years later, the restaurant made Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Texas BBQ List; Truth's Houston outpost, opened in 2019, later ranked third place in 2021. Botello is committed to making sure everything is made from scratch daily, including sides like tatter-tot casserole and corn pudding. For dessert, there is a selection of homemade cakes, made by Botello’s mother and head baker Laquinta Williams.
There is also another ranked barbecue restaurant in town — LJ’s BBQ. It was founded in 2015 and also made Texas Monthly's Top 50 List in 2021. The main menu staples include smoked brisket, pulled pork butt, ribs, sausage and turkey. (During Christmas, they serve pork tamales.) Don’t miss their brisket mac and cheese and choose between peach cobbler or banana pudding (or both) for dessert.
To ward off your barbecue-induced food coma, explore the town of Brenham, the main hub of Washington County. The Texas Cotton Gin Museum and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed, are within a 30-minute drive of both restaurants. For an overnight trip, consider visiting Botello’s second TRUTH BBQ location, in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood.
Find it:TRUTH BBQ, 2990 US-290, Brenham, TX 77833LJ’s BBQ, 1407 W. Main St., Brenham, TX 77833