Main Street, Star Hill Ranch

Ways of the West - Texas Style

Way out West of Austin, well about a 30 minute bus ride from downtown, a unique slice of Texas history can be found in a place called Star Hill Ranch. The dream of fifth-generation Texan Adam Woolley, Star Hill Ranch is an assemblage of Old West buildings moved from different parts of Texas and reassembled as a small town in the Texas Hill Country.

SC08 Technical Program attendees will have the chance to immerse themselves in this unique setting during the Thursday night Technical Program Reception. Under the theme of “Ways of the West – Texas Style,” the event will showcase the historical and cultural diversity that has shaped the Lone Star State. When Star Hill Ranch is not hosting special events, it also plays occasional supporting roles in TV and film.

From the moment attendees step from their coaches onto the broad main street, they’ll be greeted by the sights, sounds and aromas of an unforgettable event.

For entertainment, there will be Mariachi music and Flamenco and Salsa dancers, cowboy poetry, toe-tappin’ country music and line dancin’, the rhythms of Native American drums, and the shouts of brave SC buckaroos as they ride the mechanical bull. The menu will be just as diverse, with authentic foods served at many sites around the ranch. There will even be s’mores served up hot and gooey from a campfire, as well as hand-rolled SC08 brand “ceegars.”

Drinks ranging from Texas beer to margaritas to soft drinks will also be available wherever you go on the ranch. And finding your way around the spread will be half the fun. Take a look inside the old school house, check out the old West saloon, then set a spell in the chapel before headin’ over to the Fitzhugh place. Then follow the sounds of the drums and explore the Native American encampment just around the corner.

Headin' out to Star Hill Ranch

Due to its secluded site, it’s recommended that SC08 attendees ride the conference-provided buses to the Thursday night reception. This keeps you from getting lost and will also give you a chance to learn about the fun in store.

Buses will begin loading at 5 p.m. in front of the Austin Convention Center, with buses departing from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Buses will leave Star Hill Ranch and return to downtown Austin starting around 8 p.m. The wranglers will be roundin’ you up to get on your way back to the hotels at 9 p.m.

Please note that admission to the Thursday night reception is for SC08 attendees registered for the Technical Program. Other attendees may purchase a ticket for $80 from the SC08 store in the Austin Convention Center lobby.