When the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change, it sets off a natural reaction in many of us: shop! With Christmas just a couple of months around the corner, it's not too early to start thinking about some unique presents.

Late October means the Boerne Fall Antique Show, an antique extravaganza that brings vendors from both within Texas and outside the state lines. The antiques show boasts furniture and collectibles from all periods with something to fit just about any budget, and everything at the show is a genuine antique. No reproductions or arts and crafts are permitted.

The antiques show takes place on the Kendall County Fairgrounds, located just outside the town of Boerne. While the main action may be taking place within the fairgrounds, plan to start your shopping before you ever pass the gates. "Dealers set up along the river and on the way out to the show," explains Paul Fallon, coordinator of the event. "Antique collectors have a chance to shop on the way to the show."

Many of the antiques you'll see reflect back to the Hill Country's early days, to the German heritage that is so strong in this region. Boerne (pronounced "Bernie") was founded in 1847 by German immigrants, members of the same group who settled nearby New Braunfels. They named the town for author Ludwig Borne, whose writings inspired many men to leave Germany for the New World.

During the 1880s, Boerne became known as a health spot, and vacationers came by railroad to soak in mineral water spas and enjoy the clean country air. Although no mineral spas remain today, Boerne still offers a quiet country atmosphere and plenty of attractions to fill a day trip.

If you arrive in Boerne on a weekday or on Saturday morning, start your visit at the Chamber of Commerce office at One Main Plaza. Here you can pick up some free maps and brochures to area attractions and shopping areas.

Also on the Main Plaza you'll find Ye Kendall Inn. In 1859 the owners of this two-story structure began renting rooms to stagecoach travelers, eventually developing the property into an inn. Over the years, it's famous guests included Confederate President Jefferson Davis and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Today it's still a bed and breakfast, with seven rooms furnished with period antiques.

Even if you're just in Boerne for the day, stop by Ye Kendall Inn for a look around. The inn includes a restaurant with adjoining bar that serves favorites such as burgers, salads, and soups along with specialties like lemon chicken schnitzel, chicken fried steak, and Gulf shrimp.

Outdoor lovers will be thrilled with Boerne's many natural attractions, ones located both above and below ground. One of the newest attractions in town is the Cibolo Wilderness Trail in Boerne City Park. Located just off Highway 46, the trail preserves some of the natural habitat of this area with a reclaimed prairie and reclaimed marsh. You'll find several walking trails, including a one mile historic farm trail, a 1/4 mile prairie trail, and a 1/2 mile marsh loop. These areas are filled with native plants as well as birds and animals native to the Hill Country. Look for great horned owl, opossum, white tailed deer, and cottontail rabbits in the Cibolo Wilderness.

Other Boerne attractions are out of sight, tucked beneath the Hill Country. Cascade Caverns, located off exit 543 on I-10, is a family-owned cavern. It boasts a spectacular 100-foot waterfall. Guided tours take about 45 minutes.

Boerne is also home to Cave Without a Name. This 50-million-year-old cave is also privately owned and it boasts many beautiful formations. A 45-minute tour takes you through a series of rooms, including one with Texas-sized stalagmites.

History buffs will also find plenty of activity in Boerne. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, tour the Kuhlmann-King Historical House and the Graham Building. The home was built by a local businessman in 1885 for his German bride, and today it is staffed by volunteer docents who provide weekend tours. Next door, the Graham Building, formerly an office in the 1880s, is today a museum and store with exhibits on local history.

Agriculture was important to the history of this community, and its contribution is remembered at the Agricultural Heritage Center, on Texas 46. This museum features farm and ranch tools used by pioneers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a working steam-operated blacksmith shop. Six acres surrounding the museum are covered with hand drawn plows, wagons, early tractors and woodworking tools.

You'll find Boerne is a quick 22 mile drive northwest from San Antonio on I-10.

For information:

• Boerne Chamber of Commerce

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