La Vernia

La Vernia is a thriving community a half-hour southeast of San Antonio that provides a relaxing escape from big-city life. Known for its friendly residents, the city of La Vernia offers some of the best shopping, dining, and things to do in Wilson County.

Apache, Comanche, and other Native American groups were the first to occupy modern-day La Vernia, followed by European settlers in the 1840’s who came with the hopes of starting cotton plantations.  German and Polish immigration, and the completion of the San Antonio and Gulf Railroad in 1893, helped the city’s numbers grow, and by 1915 it had a population of 500.

To get an idea of how cotton, immigrants, and the railroad impacted La Vernia, swing by the La Vernia Heritage Museum. Housed in the city’s first firehouse, the museum offers permanent and temporary exhibits on early life here, and it offers resources for taking a self-guided tour of the city’s historical markers.

One of the stops is at Old Chihuahua Road, a major land route from Mexico as far back as the 1500’s. The road is so important that two of La Vernia’s annual events are named after it: the Chihuahua Trail Art Show and the Christmastime Chihuahua Trail Wassail Walk. 

Speaking of events, the city is home to the famous Bluebonnet Fest, featuring a pageant and parade with Miss La Vernia, a carnival, arts and crafts vendors, and much more. It also hosts the popular Wild West Hammerfest bike race with three levels of course lengths, as well a short course for cycling families. With the metropolis lying just a quick drive away, La Vernia is an ideal home base for experiencing the Alamo City.

Be sure to check out La Vernia’s excellent barbecue and Tex-Mex restaurants; you’ll find it will be tough to settle on a favorite. Then do some treasure-hunting at the local antique stores, boutiques, and flea market.

The bluebonnets will be waiting to welcome you to the vibrant city of La Vernia.