Fifteen miles east of Rio Frio via Hwy-1050, on the Sabinal River, is the town of Utopia (“This is Paradise—Keep it Nice,” a sign says). Seven churches and a population of only 250 represent a legacy left by frontier circuit preachers who found this spot a heavenly place to hold camp meetings and save souls. Playing up the heavenly connections, Utopia’s best place to eat is the Garden of Eatin’ (830/966-3391), at 301 Main Street, serving simple, fresh sandwiches and a full range of breakfasts; there’s also a pizza place.
The Sabinal Canyon Museum (Sat. 10 am–4 pm, Sun. 1–4 pm; 830/966-3747) down Main Street displays local arts and crafts, including antique handmade quilts, historic photos, farm implements, arrowheads, spurs, and other artifacts that outline Bandera County history.
