Head Out on the Highway

Willow City Loop

The Willow City Loop is a 13-mile stretch of farmland back road where time slows down and gentility returns to city drivers who climb behind the wheel.

The narrow, dusty pink road winds up and down over green-washed hills streaked with wildflowers -- a primary-color jumble made up of bluebonnets, firewheel, Indian paintbrush, and daisies. Drivers putter over slatted cattle guards, through farm gates, over mellow creeks, and sometimes through them if there's been rain. The Loop is just wide enough for two cars, provided both hug the side and the cows move out of the way.

Since no one's in a hurry to leave this Shangri-la, the journey takes about 30 minutes. Make sure you wave at everyone you pass. They'll wave back.

When in Willow City, stop at Harry's on the Loop, a bar/restaurant promising "Ice, Beer, BBQ & More." Harry's comprises pretty much the whole of Willow City. It's a great place to swill an icy Lone Star, either in the small, smoky interior or outside in the grove of picnic tables. If you haven't irritated Harry by the time you leave (he's a crusty guy in a cowboy hat and not particularly fond of city folks), he may ask you to sign the building's graffiti-covered walls.

Take 290 West to Fredericksburg. From there, go 13 miles north on Highway 16, then right on FM 1323. Go about two miles to Willow City; the Loop begins there.