Country Roads
Hippie Chic’s River Shack in Concan is today’s lunchtime destination. So, as we back out of the driveway this early Thursday morning, I check Google Maps to see how long it will take to get there from Wimberley — I know it won’t be a quick ten-minute jaunt. The answer is pretty much as I expected. Two hours and thirty-seven minutes through San Antonio. Two hours and forty-six minutes through Bandera. Michael ignores both options and noses our car toward Sisterdale. It’s not only the destination that matters, for me the journey is half the fun, and just as important.
I love these back-country roads and FM 473 has always been a favorite, winding its way past old German farmhouses, biker bar hangouts, through valleys and up along the high Texas Hills. Sporting streets lined with buildings of yore, we pass through Sisterdale, which could be awarded Queen of Cute if the title existed. Turning left we sail through the outskirts of Comfort, founded by German immigrants in 1854, which also vies for that Queen of Cute title.
We continue curling dipping and climbing through Medina, barely touching the edge of Vanderpool, heading toward Leakey, driving south to Concan. Lunch at Hippie Chic’s River Shack seems the perfect excuse for my favorite pastime of inhaling this land under hot summer skies. We should be in my convertible.
NOTE: To get directions on the most scenic way to wind your way to Concan, check the end of this blog.
Hippie Chic’s River Shack
With only one misstep we soon find ourselves driving down River Road toward our lunchtime adventure. Not knowing what to expect, but hoping for the best, we arrive to an almost empty nest. No chick’s in sight, and only one other car. I feel we are in luck, arriving soon after they open for the day seems to be perfect planning on my part.
Stepping from our car, I can imagine that Hippie Chic’s becomes a very happening place. Sounds of past laughter whisper to me through the branches of these wonderful old trees. I can hear faint echoes of children squealing with delight as they romp and play on the spread of green lawn. Hippie Chic’s River Shack is cute – country charm personified.
Everything is enchanting. I love the rustic barn-type building that looks like it has been here forever. The old grain silo that is now an outdoor dining bar beckons Michael to come and sit. All of the shade under the spreading oaks and the artful whimsy that punctuates the grounds wherever I look lures me in. The comforting sounds of country music wafting through the air, does, in fact, seal the deal. I’m hooked.
We haven’t even thought about ordering lunch, but I think we better decide on what to eat rather quickly. I look up while perusing the menu and notice car after car unloading hungry diners.
Taking our turn at the window where we place our order, I still haven’t decided what I want to eat.
Hard Choices
“I’m torn,” I say, “I can’t decide between the Pancho and Lefty or the Willie and Waylon. And then there is the Psychedelic Cowboy. What would you recommend?”
An intense discussion ensues. Meanwhile, Michael who has already decided on a C’mon Baby Light My Fire, stands there, arms folded, shaking his head at my inability to commit. It’s just a burger after all. But—along with the half-pound of Angus beef, there are also all of those additions and toppings to consider. Fried pickles and Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, and bacon and cheese and cheese enchiladas and pico de gallo and guacamole and flautas and queso and Mexican fries. I’m just bumfuzzled.
Arnold Palmer Comes to the Party
Smiling, Rayann Shudde, one of the owners and founders of Hippie Chic’s River Shack, takes me by the proverbial hand and guides me in my dilemma. I eschew the regular burger and lean toward the unknown, finally making my decision. Before paying and walking toward the silo eating bar, I order an Arnold Palmer to drink — half unsweetened tea, half lemonade.
My ordinary MO of having a glass of wine with food — rosé would be great — won’t work today. This is a BYOB kind of place and the wine and beer are tucked away in the back of our fridge at home.
Pancho & Lefty
Not long after we take our seats, Terri Archer, the other Hippie Chic owner, and co-founder delivers our food, introducing me to my entrée. She points to the guacamole-topped cheese enchilada-topped burger and says, “That’s Pancho.” Then pointing to the side of Mexican fries, tells me, “and that’s Lefty.” Digging into my burger, using a fork and eating it open-faced style, taking a bite of fries in between, I like them both. I think we are about to become very good friends.
Michael, telling me his choice is delicious, polishes off his burger before I am even halfway through my order. So of course, he offers to help as soon as I offer to share. However, the fries with queso and Pico I keep all to myself.
When lunch is nothing but a happy memory both Hippie Chics have a brief break in the action and drop by to check on their guests. I discover that this is their third year of serving up peace, love, and good food among the shade trees across from the Frio River, and they plan on being here again next year. They reopen for the season beginning with the advent of Spring Break and will close after Labor Day.
Once again, I have to thank serendipity for causing me to pick up Texas Highways and read the article that was instrumental in guiding me here. I can’t believe it took three years of their being open before I discovered it for myself.
The Particulars
Location
Hippie Chic’s River Shack
721 River Road, Concan, Texas 78838
(830) 232-5459
Hours
Open From Spring Break – Labor Day
Peak Season (June through Mid-August)
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 – 7 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Off-Peak Season
Monday – Wednesday: Closed
Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Frio
After our long leisurely lunch, we begin the journey home. Driving along the ubiquitously named River Road we cross the river for the third time. At the aptly named Third Crossing, the clear waters of the Frio are broad and green, beckoning us to stop. Slowly splashing along the low water crossing, Michael does stop the car just long enough to look and say, “We should have brought our bathing suits.”
“Next time,” I tell him.
Scenic Directions to Concan & Hippie Chic’s River Shack
From Wimberley:
Drive North on FM 2325 taking a left on Fischer Store Road.
Just outside of Fischer, take 484 to FM 32 turning left at FM 473
Follow FM 473 through Kendelia, Sisterdale, and Comfort.
In Comfort, FM473 turns into Texas 27. Follow 27 to Center Point, turning left on San Antonio Street in Centerpoint. (See below for another option at this point.)
Take a right on FM480.
Turn left on TX173.
Turn right on FM2828.
Take a right on TX16, driving through Medina.
After passing Medina, take a left of FM337 toward Vanderpool.
Take a right on FM187, picking up RR337 when it turns left toward Leakey.
In Leakey turn left on US83 to Concan.
In Concan, turn left on TX127, and almost immediately take the first left which is River Road
From Austin:
Take Hwy 290 West toward Dripping Springs.
In Dripping springs turn left on RR 12 toward Wimberley.
From RR12 take a right on Jacobs Well Road.
Take a right of FM2325 and follow directions above.
Another VERY Scenic Option:
When you reach Center Point:
Take a left on San Antonio.
Turn right on Skyline.
Take a right on Park Avenue.
Turn left on Center Point River Road and drive along River Road till you reach TX173.
At TX 173, turn right.
From TX172, take the next left on FM2771 (a.k.a. Lower Turtle Creek Road) Follow FM2771 till you reach TX16.
Turn left on TX16 toward Medina.
Before you reach Medina, turn right on FM337 and continue to follow the directions above.
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