Helotes

Hill Country Trail Region
(210) 695-8877
Website

SMALL TOWN IN A BIG CITY

Today Helotes finds itself surrounded by the ever-expanding reach of the big city San Antonio. But thanks to surviving places like the Gugger Homestead, built by Arnold Gugger and one of Helotes’ founding fathers, and the renowned Texas honky-tonk John T. Floore Country Store, Helotes has managed to keep its small town character intact. Gugger built a home in 1881 along the east bank of Helotes Creek, establishing the location of the original townsite and also providing a mercantile store, blacksmith shop, saloon, and post office where Gugger served as postmaster. In 1908 he sold land to Bert Hielman who would establish Helotes’ first dance hall. But it was the opening of the John T. Floore Country Store in 1942 that managed to shine the spotlight on Helotes and make it a routine stop for musicians on the nation’s country and western circuit. Floore’s enterprise serves as a bar, café, grocery store, and dance hall where country acts like Bob Wills, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and legend Elvis Presley performed. Today, Floore’s Country Store continues to host musical events and draw crowds from around the country. Visitors to Helotes will also find a variety of other activities as well, including events and festivals like the monthly MarketPlace in Old Town Helotes, the annual Cornyval Parade and Festival, and the lighted holiday parade in December!

Mapped location of Helotes

Helotes

(210) 695-8877

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