I used to live in Austin, which is in that general area. There's a place called Living Desert Cactus Nursery. When I went there 20 years ago, it was great. I haven't been back since, but according to online reviews the place is still operating and gets high ratings. It would be about a 90-minute drive north of San Antonio.

Thanks for the info. We are actually planning to visit Austin to see sixth street so I will definitely look them up.

On your way out to Living Desert take, Bee Caves Rd and stop of at Barton Springs Nursery in West lake. Also in Oak Hill on Old Bee Caves rd is The Natural Gardener. Both of these places have a better collection of cold hardy cactus than Living Desert. ALL are good. If You are out west of town on 71 at the Living Desert, go past the big mall about 2 miles and take a left at the light where you can only take a left and drive about 10 miles on Hamilton Pool Rd to hamilton Pool (on the right) and go for a swim in a sunken grotto with a water fall and a walk down to the Pedernales river. There is also a biological preserve just as you cross the river that has all sorts of central Texas cactus growing ( lace cactus, O. englemani, O leptocaulis, claret cup , and another gorgeous smaller grotto with stalactites and a travertine dam. Tours are on the weekend on the even hour. You can continue down this rd and hit 281, hang a left and drive to SAN Antonio not on the dreaded IH 35 (awful highway). You will have a gorgeous drive in the hill country. This area has some amazing jewels hidden away. Great cajun truck stop just as you get out onto 281 in Round Mountain. Refugees from Katrina that are part of the "Smoking for Jesus Ministries". Don't worry, they do not wear their religion on their sleeves or push it in your face. Good people. Man, I am just a latent travel agent at heart and Just a tad off topic.

'Smoking for Jesus Ministries' - that's awesome on several levels.

'Smoking for Jesus Ministries' - that's awesome on several levels. Ha Ha yeah really! Well wantonamara you certainly know your way around TX and thank you for the great info. Can you tell me if you ever heard of or have been to Paul's Desert in Shertz?

Thanks!

No I have never been to Shertz. I need to look into this, Thanks..

The Smokin for Jesus is a reference to something in the bible that states mild reverence is an insult to god so these guys believe in smokin hot reverence and Good food. Google them, There is a site about them.