Real Estate Photographer in Wimberley, TX

Over a year since teasing an opening in one of the hottest cities in the Texas Hill Country, a popular barbecue truck has revealed the premiere date for its very first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Fusing Tex-Mex flavors with classic Texas barbecue, the new smokehouse aims to be a place locals and visitors alike will find mouthwatering.

Neon Armadillo has been offering delicious bites in Wimberley Square for a full year, serving guests from July 2024 to July 2025. Now the fusion concept is officially moving into a permanent restaurant, set to open in early November, within The Junction, a "vibrant satellite city center just four miles from the Wimberley Square," Neon Armadillo shared in a news release.

"Under the culinary direction of Chef Adam Puskorius, Neon Armadillo is reimagining family-style Tex-Mex BBQ with an emphasis on sustainability," the release shared. "The restaurant proudly sources from local ranchers and farmers committed to regenerative, pasture-raised and organic practices."

Guests will be able to treat themselves to a variety of meats, such as brisket smoked over Texas hardwoods, smoked grass-fed lamb carnitas, al pastor-style pulled pork and pasture-raised smoked chicken. Some starter highlights include smoked wings with poblano ranch, Neon Twinkies — bacon-wrapped brisket-stuffed smoked jalapeños — and Neon 'Dillo smoked salsa with local beef tallow-fried chips. Craving a cocktail, folks can drink an ode to Texas actor Matthew McConaughey with the Spiritual Cowboy, a cocktail made with McConaughey's Pantalones Organic Tequila, Ancho Reyes Poblano Liqueur, fresh cucumber, lime and a touch of house-made Texas pequin pepper syrup, the release shared.

"In collaboration with WTX, operations for Neon Armadillo are helmed by Heal Country Concepts," the release shared. "Co-founded by Ryan Zachry and Chef Adam Puskorius, Heal Country Concepts brings a combined 40 years of expertise in both restaurant operations and culinary innovation. Their seasoned approach ensures that Neon Armadillo not only delivers standout Tex-Mex BBQ but also a top-tier dining experience grounded in a true love of the Hill Country."

Zachry and Puskorius have been friends since high school and Neon Armadillo is the culmination of a 20-year dream to open a restaurant together. While an opening date has not been officially released, Texans everywhere will be able to dine in for a new type of barbecue this November.

Find it: 9595 RR 12, The Junction, Wimberley, TX 78676

In Texas, there's a hidden gem known to many hikers as the Blanco River Narrows. The mythical spot is hard to get to and fiercely protected by private property owners, but Travel + Leisure believes it's worth it, calling it one of the best swimming holes in Texas.

The travel magazine praised the Blanco River Narrows in a September 2 article, raving about its "deep, clear pools, fern-covered canyon walls, and otherworldly geological formations." But the swimming hole is only accessible after a strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike through a riverbed.

Located on the Blanco River in the Texas Hill Country, the Narrows is a rigorous hike (that I hope to brave someday) but a beautiful sight. However, it's not a welcoming area. Landowners stay on the lookout for anyone stepping foot on private land, according to Texas Highways. But, if you dare, here's what to know about the Blanco River Narrows:

How to get to Narrows Blanco River?

The Narrows is hidden somewhere on the Blanco between the triangle of Henly, Blanco and Fischer. There's no map on how to get there, and you'll most likely need a guide, according to Texas Highways. If you don't have a direct connection to one of the landowners, there are currently only two routes to reach the Narrows.

You can start at a low-water bridge over the Blanco along Chimney Valley Road, as the Travel + Leisure writer did. Or, take another route that starts downstream. It's a slightly shorter hike, but there are more water crossings, according to Travel + Leisure.

Both points require hikers to stay in the public riverbed.

Landowners on watch at Narrows Blanco River

Landowners have been known to be unkind to visitors. Texas Highways shared how a friend of his tried to hike the Narrows in 2022 and returned to her car to find every one of her stem valves ripped out, along with her tires being flat. Friendly neighbors helped her out as she waited for a tow truck, but the locals confirmed that not everyone is welcoming to visitors in the area.

Texas Highways recommends watching out for purple paint sprayed on rocks or brushed on fence posts to warn you about the boundary line.

Travel + Leisure heard the reports of the landowners and decided to ride-share to the location (which has been recommended to me as well by other hikers).

Hiking the Narrows Blanco River

The hike is about 4.5 hours long, according to Travel + Leisure. If rain has occurred recently, the river can get pretty deep, to the point where your feet can't touch the river bottom. However, Travel + Leisure noted that much of the rest of the hike was dry. You can expect to travel through gentle gravel bars, smooth limestone expanses, grassy buffs and rocky cliffs.

You'll know you're close to the swimming hole once you see the riverbed widen into an endless field of tall grasses interspersed with boulders, according to Travel + Leisure. When the limestone bed split open, you'll see the gorge and encounter you're first pool.

The Narrows extends for a quarter mile, according to the magazine writer. At times, the 40-foot-tall canyon walls are no more than 10 feet apart.

"If you choose to visit this magical place, be respectful and practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack out what you pack in, and don't take fossils or artifacts you find. Before you begin your adventure, do research on the hike," the writer wrote.

Guides for Narrows Blanco River

On Facebook, you can join a private group called Trek to the Narrows. There are nearly 5,000 members who can share tips and tricks, as well as recommend guides.