What to do, what to do, what to do... you won't be asking that question very long when you stay at Ladera Vista! Day or night, in the cabin or out, you won't be lacking for things to do or not to do! Here are some suggestions.

Outdoors

Float the Frio - the main reason most come to Ladera Vista in Concan is to enjoy a relaxing ride down the crystal clear waters of the Frio River. Many a youngster has followed in the footsteps of George Strait and "...first learned to swim" here.

Water Sports - Okay, forget floating. There are plenty of spots on the river to just plunk in and swim, snorkel, or canoe.

Fishing - get your rod and reel or cane pole and see if you can hook a bass, catfish, or perch for supper right out of the Frio.

Birdwatching - The National Audubon Society proclaimed Concan, Texas to be "one of the best bird-watching areas in the United States." Depending upon the season, you might see any of over 225 bird species, including the golden-cheeked warbler, the black-capped vireo, the cave swallow and/or the green kingfisher. Even if you're not an expert, bring your binoculars and marvel at nature's colorful aviators.

Batwatching - Witness one of nature's most incredible spectacles as one of the largest populations (estimated at 17 million) of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the cave and make their ascent into the evening sky. For a guided tour or information on Sunset Bat Flights, call (830) 966-2320 for reservations and pricing. Located at FM Road 2690, 4.5 miles from the intersection of Highways 83 and 127, March through October.

Hiking - put on your walkin' boots and get back to nature on the banks of the river or at the tops of the surrounding hills. Garner State Park (located less than 10 miles north of us) has many trails to be explored for beginning or expert hikers. Check at the Frio Country Store for information on the best hiking areas.

Cycling - Another fun way to enjoy the spectacular scenery here. Bring your own bike, or rentals/repairs are available at Hill Country Bicycle Works at 1412 Broadway (Hwy 27E) in Kerrville (830-896-6866). Many come specifically for the Annual Texas Hill Country River Region Classic held every October. Call 1-800-210-0380 for more details.

Horseback Riding - Available through the nearby House Pasture Restaurant; arrange for a ride through the Texas Hill Country and exotic ranch. Exotics include axis bucks, elk, brown and white fallow and white tail bucks. The cost is $15.00 per hour. Hayrides can also be coordinated through the House Pasture Restaurant.

Hunting - Many hunt packages are available. Quarry includes white tail deer, some exotics (such as axis and fallow), and white and morning doves. Visit Frio Country for more information.

Area

Garner State Park Dances - On long summer evenings, young folks (and the young at heart) meet at the concession building for jukebox dancing every night during the summer season. Nearby is a miniature golf course, which is lighted for nighttime playing.

Garner State Park Cowboy Sunset Serenade - This program gives an overview of the history of the American Cowboy through songs and cowboy poetry. These performances are held from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. There is a charge for this program.

Lost Maples State Natural Area - The park is an outstanding example of Edwards Plateau flora and fauna. It is a combination of steep, rugged limestone canyons, springs, plateau grasslands, wooded slopes, and clear streams. It features a large, isolated stand of uncommon Uvalde Bigtooth Maple, whose fall foliage can be spectacular. Generally, the foliage changes the last two weeks of October through the first two weeks of November. The park is extremely popular during the fall and is often crowded. Parking is limited to 250 cars, so for maximum enjoyment and serenity, we suggest visitors schedule trips during the weekdays, if possible. Click here to obtain fall foliage updates or call 1-800-792-1112.

Golf - Three reasonably close golf courses enable you to add this activity to your Frio Country vacation.
The Alsatian Golf Club (830-931-3100) in Castroville is about an hour and a half drive from the resort.Weekday rates are $18 for nine holes, $25 for eighteen holes. Weekends it's $20 for nine holes and $30 for eighteen. Special discounts are offered for seniors (over 60) and twilight (or post 3 p.m.) play.
Uvalde Golf Course (830-278-6155) is located about 25 miles from the resort. Nine hole golf course. $10 greens fee weekdays, $12 on weekends. Open year-round Tuesday-Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to dark. Availability on a first come, first served basis.
Fort Clark Springs Golf Course is also about an hour's drive from the resort. 18 hole golf course. Greens fees are $14 weekdays, $18 on weekends. Tee times strictly enforced.

Mini-Golf - A fun family activity located just 1.6 miles up River Road. River Oaks Golf Links (1-800-800-5773) charges $4.00 per game, $6.00 for two.

Shopping (and Antiques) - Retail therapy can be a part of your vacation at Ladera Vista. For basic needs and necessities, there's the resort grocery store. Next door is the Concan Trading Post featuring western and southwestern art and collectibles. Or go on a treasure hunt through a host of nearby antique stores:

Alice Antiques (Castroville), 830-931-9318
The Attic (Castroville), 830-931-9602
Curiosity (Hondo), 830-426-4162
Antiques & Collectibles (Hwy 90, Knippa), 830-934-2237
Sallie's (Leakey), 830-232-5588
Coon's Antiques (Sabinal), 830-988-2178
Hart's Antiques (Sabinal), 830-988-2733
Antiques & Things (Uvalde), 830-591-0034
Market Square (Uvalde)

Uvalde Grand Opera House - Where savagery met civilization on the Texas frontier, the Uvalde Grand Opera houses both a museum and performing arts theater. Built in 1891 and fully restored in 1982, it offers a variety of musicals, theater productions and dance performances. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Guided tours offered by reservation. Call (830) 278-4184.

John Nance Garner Museum - Tour the home of former Vice President John Nance (Cactus Jack) Garner, Vice President of Franklin D. Roosevelt. This museum, under the direction of the University of Texas Center for American History, displays items from his political career and personal life as well as Uvalde County history. Open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Call (830) 278-5018 for more information.

Briscoe Art Collection - The Uvalde First State Bank displays the extensive art and antique collection of former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe and his wife Janey. Works by Rembrandt, Gainsborough, and American western artists such as Warren and Salinas. Tours available Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Call (830) 278-6231.

Fort Inge - Built as a U.S. Calvary post in 1849 to protect settlers from Indian raids, located at the base of an 80,000,000 year-old extinct volcano along the Leona River. Hiking, picnic tables, birding. Call (830) 278-3499.

Texas Air Museum - World War II training facility showcases a variety of aircraft: PT-17 Antique Stearman; Liaison-4; 1946 Ercoupe; a Fairchild; and a PT-19 under restoration. Offers an extensive collection of Garner Field and World War II memorabilia. Tours of facility can be arranged by appointment. Call (830) 278-3361.

National Fish Hatchery - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hatchery offers refuge to endangered species including striped bass and channel catfish. Hiking, picnicking and bird watching. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (830) 278-2419.

Day Trips To Mexico - Excursions across the border for shopping and dining are popular with many of our guests. The border towns of Del Rio or Eagle Pass are about an hour and a half drive from Ladera Vista. For more information on where to go and how to get there, ask at the Frio Country Store.

Dining

The House Pasture Cattle Co. Restaurant - offers a variety of entrees and specializes in prime mesquite grilled steaks. An adjoining patio offers outdoor dining, weather permitting, where you can enjoy the wonderful view, watch the local wildlife and, at night, enjoy your meal under a Texas full moon. Call (830) 232-6580 for more information.

Neal's Cafe - open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the summer season and on many of the weekends during the off season. Take in the beautiful view from their casual country dining room, built in 1926, or from their patio dining area. Hearty breakfasts, daily specials and menu favorites such as chicken fried steak, fried chicken, steaks, barbecue and sandwiches are served cheerfully and promptly. Call (830) 232-6118 for more information.

Frio Canyon Smoked Meats - Outdoor café specializes in jerky and smoked sausage. Their menu generally consists of breakfast tacos, BBQ plates, sandwiches, and Mexican food. Catering is available. Located at the junction of U.S. Hwy. 83 and 127. Call (830) 232-6605 for more information.

In the Cabin

Barbecue - Use the grill on the deck to cook up your favorite foods.

Campfire - Fill the chimenea up with some mesquite and roast marshmallows, smores, or hot dogs.

Games and Puzzles - Don't forget to bring your favorite game or puzzle, or your deck of cards or Uno.

Stargazing - Concan is far from the ambient light of any big cities, so it is an astronomer's paradise on a clear summer night.

Tanning - Ladera Vista's deck has an extension from under the roof to allow you to soak in some rays.

Ghost Stories/Camp Songs - whether using the fireplace or the chimenea, what better way to finish off the day? Don't know the words? Need a scary story?

Satellite TV - With our satellite hook-up you can vege out in seclusion.