Sometimes, you just need to unplug and escape. This past weekend, we did just that, celebrating Santiago’s birthday with a much-needed getaway from Waco. Our destination? The Devil’s Backbone—a rugged, scenic stretch of Texas Hill Country that feels like stepping into another world. We’ve now spent 16 birthdays together, traveled thousands of miles, and seen countless landscapes. The Texas Hill Country will always draw us back. No signal, no internet—just the open road, breathtaking views, and a touch of the supernatural.
Taking the Scenic Route
We didn’t rush to get there. Instead, we took the long way, winding through some of the Hill Country’s most charming towns. Our first stop was Cooper’s in Llano for some delicious Texas BBQ. Kerrville, with its rolling hills and the Guadalupe River, was the perfect spot to stretch our legs. We stopped in Fredericksburg for a bit of shopping (and maybe a little wine), soaked up the easygoing vibe of Luckenbach and paid our respects to Hondo while we were there, then finally made our way to Canyon Lake, where our lodge awaited.
The Backbone of Texas Hill Country
The Devil’s Backbone is more than just a scenic drive—it’s a place where history, mystery, and natural beauty collide. This limestone ridge stretches through the heart of the Hill Country, offering some of the most stunning views in Texas. Rolling hills, deep valleys, and rugged terrain make it feel like a land untouched by time. But it’s the stories tied to this place that make it even more fascinating.
Legends and Ghost Stories
If you spend any time near the Backbone, you’ll hear whispers—some from the wind, others from the locals. The area is steeped in legend. Some say you can hear the cries of long-lost Confederate soldiers still marching through the hills. Others speak of Native American spirits, restless from battles fought long ago. There’s even a tale of a spectral cowboy who rides along the ridge, appearing on foggy nights before vanishing into thin air.
Some of the eeriest stories involve a woman searching for her lost husband and child. They say she walks the hills, calling out for them, her voice carried by the wind. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that the Backbone has an energy that’s hard to explain. The land holds its history well, and if you listen closely, you might just hear its secrets.
A Personal Connection
This part of Texas has always been a favorite for me. Maybe it’s because I’ve been coming here for years—long before this weekend getaway. We usually come at least once a year. My kids’ Nana also lived near here for a long time, so we made plenty of visits to these hills. There’s something comforting about returning to a place that holds so many memories, where the roads feel like old friends and the landscape never fails to impress.
A Simple, Perfect Escape
We spent our time soaking in the scenery, driving with no real destination in mind, stopping whenever a view caught our eye. We walked a lot, fished a little, and just enjoyed the slower pace. No emails, no notifications—just the sound of nature and some good old-fashioned exploring.
As for the ghosts? Well, if they were there, they didn’t bother us. Maybe they were just enjoying the view too. Either way, the Devil’s Backbone gave us exactly what we needed: fresh air, open roads, and a damn good weekend.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.