LEAKEY

Population 420

Altitude 1,609

General

Small community (pronounced LAY-key) is in one of most scenic and picturesque areas of rugged Edwards Plateau, locally called the Hill Country. Elevations range from 1,500 to 2,400 feet with deep, dramatic canyons cut by Frio and Nueces Rivers. Archaeological excavations show evidence of prehistoric civilizations in area. At time of first Spanish explorers, game-rich area was inhabited by Comanche, Apache and Lipan-Apache Indians. Ranching predominates today featuring cattle, sheep and goats. Flocks of registered Angora goats produce prized mohair. Camping and hunting are popular with visitors. Game birds and animals include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, mourning dove, quail, squirrel, javelina, rabbits, and raccoons.

Stop by Texarome perfume factory and cedar mill. Texas cedarwood and its derivatives is one of the most widely used ingredients of fragrance formulas world-wide. Factory open daily. 1.5 miles east of F.M. 337. Admission. Also, factory outlet store in downtown.

Attractions

• GARNER STATE PARK-10 miles south on U.S. 83.
• REAL COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM-Historic items and articles displayed in period rooms depicting history of Real County area. Open Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Just off courthouse square. Admission.
• SCENIC DRIVES-F.M. 337 both east and west spans some of the Hill Country's most spectacular scenery-wooded steeps and tiny secluded valleys. West to Camp Wood leads to river camps on the picturesque Nueces River. East to Vanderpool and north on F.M. 187 leads to beautiful Lost Maples Natural Area.

  U.S. 83 north skirts East Frio River; 12 miles north, a roadside park offers spectacular view and picnic facilities. Texas 39 east, along Guadalupe River to Ingram is another picturesque route.

• WILDLIFE ART MUSEUM-Features art of taxidermy, sculpture, paintings and carvings. Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. On F.M. 337, 3 blocks east of U.S. 83.

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