Sunday drive is back. Check out these routes.
3 routes in Medina Lake area take the stress out of a hectic pandemic-era week
How does a long, scenic drive in the country sound? After months of working from home and social distancing, the Sunday drive is back, so we’ve put together three outstanding driving routes in and around the Medina Lake area.
Along the way, we’ve included some can’t-miss places of interest and, with the help of our Taste team, some restaurants to stop at in case you get hungry. As always, you should call or check the websites in advance to make sure these places are open and what Covid-19-related precautions they’re taking.
Medina Lake, southern route
It takes a while to leave suburban San Antonio behind on this route, but once you start seeing 100-yearold stone buildings among the new subdivisions, you’ll know you’re on your way. The approach to Medina Lake from the south is truly magnificent, first cutting through the towering cliffs of Paradise Canyon, carved over the millennia by the waters of Medina River, and then curving around the southern shore of the man-made reservoir.
Don’t miss
Paradise Canyon: 2220 County Road 2615, 830-751-9911, paradisecanyon.com. The campground and lodge on the banks of the Medina River is nestled against a backdrop of echoing canyon walls. Day trippers can swim, tube, fish and more for $35 per carload.
View of Medina Dam: Perhaps the most majestic view of the dam and the lake beyond is from just north of the intersection of County Roads 271 and 2616. There’s usually not much traffic, so you can safely stop the car and enjoy.
Saint Francis Chapel: 7500 County Road, Mico. This tidy stone church was built in 1926 and holds Mass Sunday evenings. There’s a lovely view of the lake from behind the church.
Where to go for a bite: Enjoy a weekend brunch of chicken and waffles along with a locally brewed beer at Hop & Vine at Alamo Ranch, 5619 W. Loop 1604, 210-878-4071, hopandvinesa.com.