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July / August 2014

Texas Hill Country Map inside!

Small Business Spotlight: Ryder’s Bar & Grill Dance Hall Historic Hill Country: Dead Man’s Hole

Birds of the Texas Hill Country Railroads in the Texas Hill Country BBQ in the Texas Hill Country

Cover photo provided by Tony Plutino www.headforthehillcountry.com

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In This Issue...

Railroads in the Texas Hill Country

pg 6

Historic Hill Country:

Dead Man’s Hole

pg 8

Water You Waiting For?

pg 10

Llano River Adventure

pg 12

Birds of the Texas Hill Country

pg 14

Texas Hill Country Map BBQ in the Texas Hill Country

Y’all visit us online now, Ya Hear!

Contact:

pg 17

Texas Hill Country Tourism PO Box 3 Brady, Tx 76825 MrHillCountry@Yahoo.com

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Cookin’ in the Hill Country:

Tomato Basil Capellini

pg 21

Getting Outdoors:

Summertime Weddings

pg 22

Dining & Libation

pg 24

www.TexasHillCountry.com www.Texas-Hill-Country.com www.facebook.com/TexasHillCountry www.twitter.com/MrHillCountry

Small Business Spotlight:

Ryder’s Bar & Grill Dance Hall

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B&B’s & Hotels

pg 28

Index of Advertisers

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JARco Publishing, LLC has partnered with Texas Hill Country Tourism, LLC and converted Hill Country Spotlight Magazine to TexasHillCountry.com Magazine.

The TexasHillCountry.com Magazine is owned by Texas Hill Country Tourism, LLC, and JARco Publishing, LLC provides design, production, and publishing services.

We are very excited about this union and we are still committed to bring you small town feel in the magazine. We know you will find this new and improved magazine to be interesting, informative, and fun-filled.

Thank y’all for supporting us in our endeavors!

Jesse & Audra Ratliff

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©2014 JARco Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

P.O. Box 704 Llano, Texas 78643 www.JARcoPublishing.com

830.201.0830

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Railroads in the Texas Hill Country T

Civilization reaches into the rugged Texas hills

he arrival of the railroad, beginning in the 1880s, changed the course of Texas Hill Country history.

No longer could the rugged landscape keep civilization at bay.

Fifty years earlier (in 1830), the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad had established the first network of rail service in the eastern United States, and its 536 miles of track played an important role in the Civil War. After the war, the nation focused its energy on creating a transcontinental railway – a project which was completed in 1869.

In the meantime, railroads were spreading across east Texas, arriving at Austin and Waco in 1871, then creating a major inland city at Dallas, when north-south and east-west railroads met there in 1873. San Antonio finally obtained rail service in 1877.

In 1878, rail service was extended north from Austin to Georgetown, on the eastern border of the Hill Country. In 1880, service was introduced from San Antonio to New Braunfels; that line was joined from the north by the International-Great Northern Railroad through Austin and San Marcos in 1881. Also that year, a line was built west from San Antonio through Castroville,

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by John Hallowell

“Railroads turned some small Hill Country towns into boomtowns, but sounded a death knell for others. Either way, the course of Texas Hill Country history was forever altered.”

Hondo and Uvalde – a line at the edge of the hills which still serves as the southern boundary of our Hill Country map.

But the first real venture into the heart of the Hill Country was the rail line built by the the Austin and Northwest Railroad company from Austin to Burnet in 1882.

That line made Burnet into a Hill Country boomtown as a shipping center for all towns west, and spawned a brand-new town -- called Bertram, for one of the railroad executives – along the way. Also in 1882 the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway built a line from Temple to Lampasas, bringing commerce and tourism to the town famous already for the healthful qualities of its sulphur springs. Lampasas was transformed from a rowdy cattle town into a popular and elegant resort, sometimes called the “Saratoga of the South.”

The railroad was extended from Burnet to Granite Mountain (near Marble Falls) in 1884 to simplify shipping stone for the construction of the state capitol, then again to Kingsland and Llano in 1892, where an iron-and-precious-metals boom was already underway.

In the meantime the rail line had been extended from Lampasas to Brownwood and beyond in 1885, leading to the establishment of several towns, including Lometa,

Goldthwaite and Mullin, along the way. Another railroad came to Brownwood through Comanche from the north in 1891, making the previously sleepy little town into a major regional center. In 1887, another track had been built from San Antonio, through Boerne and Comfort, to Kerrville, where steep hills and deep canyons squelched plans for further extensions.

A decade or more passed before the railroads expanded again in 1903, this time from Brownwood southwest to Brady, which also experienced a period of explosive growth. In 1907, railroad service came to Hamilton (from Stephenville), and in 1911 two more extensions were built: one from Lometa, going west through San Saba, Richland Springs, Rochelle, Brady and eventually Eden; the other from Brady, southwest to Menardville (which changed its name to the simpler “Menard” in deference to the railroad’s sign-painters.

The last (and most complicated) Hill Country railroad was the line from Comfort to Fredericksburg, built in 1913. Fredericksburg had long been the Hill Country’s largest town, and several attempts had been made to have accessible by railroad. Construction had started and stopped on tracks north to Llano (in 1889) and south to Comfort or Kerrville (in 1909). Because it crossed the high divide between the Guadalupe and Pedernales

Valleys, the southern route required high trestles and a 920-foot tunnel along the way. The line was precarious throughout its short life, and was closed in 1929, when highways from the east and the south made Fredericksburg accessible by truck. Blanco, Mason and Kimble Counties were never reached by a railroad.

The popularity of the automobile and improved road construction led to a sharp decline in rail travel during the 1930s, and many of the passenger routes closed down in the 1940s and 50s. Railroad depots were neglected for decades, and some were torn down. In recent years, efforts have begun to restore these symbols of a bygone era. Several have been used as restaurants, visitor centers or museums.

John Hallowell is the past editor of several Hill Country publications. He has been exploring the Texas Hill Country for almost 25 years.

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Dead Man’s Hole

Historic Hill Country:

by Ronnie Ratliff

A few of miles south of the Colorado River, near present day Marble Falls, Texas; a natural sinkhole cut into the rocks lies hidden.

Ferdinand Lueders, the first known European to discover it, in 1821, was in the area to study night-flying insects. He luckily avoided falling into the 7 feet in diameter mouth of the natural well-like hole.

He left it as a nature’s curiosity: a rocky entrance, hidden within the cedar trees, with a tall stout oak tree growing near the mouth of it, a strong limb reaching out to shade the entrance of the hole. Later in the century, settlers wouldn’t be lucky enough to only view it in passing. This grave history anoints this hole with the sinister moniker of both Dead Man’s Hole and the Devil’s Well.

The Civil War littered the United States with death and destruction. Family, friends, and neighbors who held opposing views were pitted against each other. In the south, groups of vigilante secessionists formed. Texas was perhaps one of the most violent places during this time. These gangs, called fire-eaters or bushwhackers, harassed, robbed, and murdered those with opposing political views. Often, the targets of this violence were Texans who had not supported the Confederate cause. In Texas, during the Civil War and the reconstruction following the war, fear, assaults, intimidation, and murder, became common.

Groups such as these were prevalent right here in the Texas Hill Country. Burnet County was no exception, even though the majority of voters in Burnet County voted against secession, with a vote of 248 to 159. It was here, that the fire-eaters turned the hole in the ground, in the southern part of Burnet County, into an unofficial makeshift court; executioner’s hanging tree, and hidden burial tomb.

Men were often captured and taken to the area to be tried on the spot. After being found guilty, the Unionist were often disposed of into the hole, either thrown in alive, or hung from a oak tree branch that grew out over the hole in the ground. After the hanging, the ropes were cut, letting the bodies drop down into what became known as Dead Man’s Hole. During the war and the years after, to

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avoid being murdered and disposed of into the Devil’s Well became a serious affair for Burnet County Unionists and sympathizers.

John R. Scott, who was born in New York, found his way to Burnet County. He became Burnet County’s first Chief Justice. Despite having four sons serving in the Confederate army, Scott was deemed guilty of having Union sympathies. He was threatened anonymously many times. Mr. Scott decided it would be safer if he were to flee to Mexico. Scott didn’t make it far before he was attacked by a group of bushwhackers who shot him and dumped his body in the Dead Man’s Hole. Before the war’s end, others accused of not being sympathetic to the Confederacy came upon the same fate and found themselves or their corpse occupying the dark depths of the Devil’s Well.

Another victim, who ended up at the bottom of Dead Man’s Hole is Adolph Hoppe. Though the history of the exact events leading to his death is muddled; there is no disputing where his body came to rest after being murdered. Walter Richter, great grandson of Adolph Hoppe, wrote an article on the history of this event as handed down by his family. The article was included in the March 1941 issue of Frontier Times and later

(August, 1971) in the local Marble Falls newspaper (see page 20 for the excerpt of that article).

In 1866, a party of men set out to explore Dead Man’s Hole. First, a lantern was lowered into the hole so that the quality of the air might be determined. The flame emerged still burning which left the group satisfied that the air quality was good enough. One man in the group was lowered into the hole with a rope. When the man emerged from the hole, he brought with him a pair of shoes which was clearly identified as having belonged to Adolph Hoppe. He also brought up additional pieces of Hoppe’s harness. It is also reported that the man stated there were “thousands of bones” at the bottom, both human and otherwise.

In a turn of the tides after the war and during the reconstruction phase, Burnet County resident and loyal Confederate supporter Benjamin McKeever ended up in Dead Man’s Hole as well. The story goes that one day in August 1872, McKeever fired shots at a dog snapping at the heels of his horse. He missed his target several times, and also missed when he fired a shot at the dog’s owner, who was yelling at McKeever to stop shooting at his dog. The dog’s owner was a freed Black man. During this time, this meant that local authorities would not be overly concerned about pursuing any charges against McKeever.

However, the Freedman had friends that took matters into their own hands. Days later McKeever was ambushed and the friends of the dog’s owner didn’t miss when they unloaded rounds from their shotgun on Benjamin McKeever. Friend’s of McKeever soon noticed him missing and a search party was organized to find him. Part of the party rode out to the limestone grave known now notoriously as Dead Man’s Hole. Here a blanket and shoe belonging to McKeever were recognized as they hung on a ledge several feet down in the hole. It took some effort, but volunteers were able to finally pulled McKeever’s body up from the bottom. The venture became apparently more dangerous after the sheriff passed out from accumulated gases in the hole.

The gas dissipated over time. In 1951 a group from the University of Texas successfully descended the hole. They reported that Dead Man’s Hole was seven feet in diameter at the surface and about 160 feet deep. The hole split into two arms, one extending straight back for about fifteen feet, and the other sloping downward at a 45° angle for about thirty feet. In 1998 a state historical market was put up at the site. In 1999, land owner Ona Lou Roper deeded Burnet County 6.5 acres around the hole for use as a park. The opening to the hole has been sealed with a heavy metal grate for safety reasons.

Time changes most that it pertains to. Dead Man’s Hole is no different. The old oak tree that grew near the hole in the ground is no longer there. The limb from that tree that grew out over the hole no longer exists to show the scars from ropes adorned with hangman’s nooses thrown over the limb. With the safety grate that was added, the scary dark abyss no longer stares back at you, with the chilling effect that can only come from a Devil’s Well. Our country has well recovered from the deadly civil war and dark days of reconstruction.

We will never know exactly how many bodies came to be dumped into the hole or the stories that go with them. Reports vary from 17 to over 36 bodies found their way to the bottom. We do know that the demise of men who were sentenced to death in the haunting depths of the Devil’s Well; and the realness of the history associated with the Dead Man’s Hole remains a dark part of the history of The Texas Hill Country.

Ronnie Ratliff, born and raised Texas Hill Country, has a great interest and respect for the history of our region. With a multitude of that history involving his ancestors, it just seems fitting .

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Water You Waiting For? Visit the Highland Lakes

W

hen Canyon of the Eagles resort opened, on the shore of Lake Buchanan, it was the culmination of the first truly cooperative effort between state government and private business in Texas to create an affordable vacation destination that offered something for everyone, while leaving the area in as near its natural state as possible. A more quintessentially Texas spot could not have been chosen.

Joseph Fitzsimmons, who represented private enterprise in the undertaking, would fly over the resort during construction, and a foreman on the ground would signal that he wanted permission to remove certain trees to facilitate various building projects. Joe said, “I would waggle my wings up and down to tell him, ‘No.’” I asked Joe how he indicated ‘yes.’ He said, “I never told him ‘yes.’”

Texans care about Texas. We respect the land and most of us do our best to leave it better than we found it, for future generations.

Nowhere in the state is this more obvious than in the Highland Lakes region northwest of Austin.

Encompassing Lake Buchanan, Lake Travis, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, and Lake Austin, the Highland Lakes region sits smack in the middle of the state, and represents the best Texas has to offer. The only problem is deciding exactly which lake to visit, and what to do once you get there. The choices are

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By: Kendal Hemphill

abundant and overwhelming.

When most people think of lakes they think of boating, but even that activity must be broken down into sub choices. Boaters generally fall into two main categories – skiers and fishers – and the boats they use have evolved into hybrids with little overlap. The good news is that there is plenty of water in the Highland Lakes area for both, with enough left over for one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the state: bird watching.

But boating barely scratches the surface of recreational opportunities available among Texas’ premiere vacation area. There is also hiking, biking, camping, hunting, stargazing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming, not to mention the many shops and historical venues in the towns nestled among the region’s lakes. If you can’t find something to do in the area, you’re just not trying.

Besides the many private parks and campgrounds available, the area is dotted with state parks rife with attractions and activities.

Colorado Bend State Park, north of Lake Buchanan, lounges along the banks of the Colorado River, and offers guided tours to famous Gorman Falls, one of the most beautiful spots anywhere.

Scuba divers are attracted to the clear waters at Inks Lake State Park, southwest of Burnet. And Longhorn Caverns, just west of Marble Falls, provides a fascinating and cool respite from the Texas heat on hot summer days.

For those interested, the history of the Highland Lakes area is steeped in legend and lore. When early pioneers to Texas were looking for a place to settle down, the rolling hills, plentiful grassland, and abundant waters of the area were difficult to pass up.

The founder of the city of Marble Falls, Adam Johnson, found the Highland Lakes country so enchanting as a young man that he returned years later to establish a settlement there.

Johnson, like many of the early Indian fighters, was a surveyor who worked near Lake Travis during the 1850s. He made a reputation for himself during the Civil War, earning the nickname of ‘Stovepipe’ by duping Union troops with ‘canons’ made from wagon wheels and stovepipes. After the war he returned to Central Texas and built the railroad and started the town of Marble Falls. Though, he was never able to see the Highland Lakes region

Authority (LCRA), the entity that still controls all the lakes in the area. The dam was built on a site marked with an X on a map in 1854 by Stovepipe Johnson. The rest of the dams in the area followed through the 1940s, eventually providing hydroelectric power and much-needed flood control, and finally fulfilling Stovepipe’s visions of developing the Colorado River.

A standout of the region today is the Horseshoe Bay development, which began in the early 1970s, when cousins Wayne and Norman Hurd saw the potential of the Highland Lakes area. They bought the Lupton Ranch for $2 million, known locally as the ‘Coke Ranch,’ since the Luptons were Coca-Cola bottlers in Ft. Worth.

When the LCRA lowered the level of Lake LBJ by over 30 feet that year to begin work on the power plant, Wayne and Norman walked out on the dry lakebed and found a horseshoe. They took it as a sign, and named the development Horseshoe Bay. That horseshoe still hangs on the wall of Wayne’s office, and Horseshoe Bay has become one of the most beautiful and desirable places in Texas to live.

The dams not only create the lakes, but because they are built in a chain along the Colorado River, they allow the LCRA to control water flow, and keep Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, and Lake Marble Falls at full capacity almost at all times. This keeps visitors from having to wonder whether to show up for vacations with a ski boat or an inner tube. Even during the dry times of late the lakes are all still open for business, although the water levels in some have been somewhat below what the locals would like.

The Highland Lakes dams, themselves, are worth visiting, and some would rather take a dam vacation than make use of the lakes they create. Tourists should take care to follow all the dam rules and avoid restricted areas, and try not to bore uninterested relatives later with endless dam pictures.

Today, the lakes created by the hard work and dreams of those who came before provide recreation and public service for one of the prettiest and most accessible parts of the Lone Star State. Water is, by far, the most precious natural resource Texas has to offer, and the Highland Lakes region serves as an example of how this precious commodity can be harnessed, protected, shared, and enjoyed for generations.

But be careful – a visit to the lakes can certainly be habit forming, but it could also change your life.

Kendal Hemphill is an outdoor writer, humor columnist and public speaker who is very intolerant of coyotes.

You can write him at: PO Box 1600, Mason, TX 76856 or Jeep@Verizon.net p. 11

Llano River Adventure

A Llano doctor explores the Hill Country in a kayak

By John Hallowell

“I may not be the only one who’s done it,” admits Dr. David Hoerster, “but I can almost guarantee that I’m the oldest.” “It” is a 125-mile kayak trip from Telegraph to Kingsland – almost the entire navigable length of the Llano River. “And it’s longer than that by canoe or kayak,” Dr. Hoerster explains, pointing out that there’s a lot of back-and-forth across the river. “Sometimes, in really shallow water, you’ve got to get out and push the boat along.”

Dr. Hoerster first thought about making the trip three or four years ago (when he was only 54 or 55 years old), and the idea had been growing in his mind for quite some time. Some time last spring (when he was 57), he mentioned the idea to his nephew, Davis Willman and family friend Andy Virdell, both college students. While neither was able to commit to making the whole trip, both liked the idea and agreed to start the trip with him near the historic Kimble County community of Telegraph.

Now, Dr. Hoerster is no stranger to the Llano River. His family was one of the earliest pioneer families in the area, and one of the most influential. He himself has lived in Llano all his life; he wasn’t very old when his father, Dr. Dan Hoerster, introduced him to the joys of fishing on the Llano River. Things were a little more relaxed back in the 50s, and Dr. Dan was well known to ranchers all around, so it was no big deal for the family of seven (three boys, two girls) to just go camping on the riverbank.

By the time he had reached junior high school age, David was an avid fisherman. He and his two younger brothers would

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often go fishing with their friends, the three Wallace boys, at the lake below the dam just upstream from Llano. When David was a junior in high school, he planned what he now calls his “first escapade,” where he, his brother, and two cousins, floated down the river in “beat up canoes” on a two-day trip to Kingsland. He remembers that they had no sunscreen, and were badly sunburned by the time they reached their destination, but it didn’t discourage him from making the same trip “at least 20 times” in the intervening years. As a matter of fact, he had explored the river as far west as White’s Crossing in Mason County. But this particular recent adventure took him farther west, and more than forty percent of the distance was new territory for the intrepid doctor.

Dr. Hoerster planned the trip carefully, and “trained lightly” for a couple of weeks before the trip. He chose as his starting point the southernmost low water crossing on Highway 377, just a couple of miles from the old Telegraph store. The trio put into the river on Tuesday afternoon (May 26), carrying a tent, a small Coleman cooker (“It will boil water in five minutes,” Dr. Hoerster explains), a small supply of water and dried foods, and one change of dry clothes to sleep in. They built a fire each night where they camped, usually on an island in the middle of the river.

The first leg of the trip, on the south branch of the river, passes through the beautiful scenery of the South Llano River State Park and 700 Springs, an area so beautiful that it was chosen for the filming of the 2007 movie, River’s End, produced by Glen Stephens and starring Barry Corbin. The weather was good and three kayakers were having a wonderful time. They stopped to camp the first night just upstream from Junction.

The scenery was still beautiful after they passed Junction and followed the river’s meandering path through the unspoiled Hill Country to the east, but the miles of paddling weren’t exactly easy. When Davis got out of the river at FM 1871 the third day, he was “almost worn out.” That night there was a thunderstorm, and the two remaining kayakers had to move their camp from a sand bar in the river up on to the river bank. Andy went as far as the Hwy 87 bridge (the starting point for the Great Castell Kayak Race just eight days later) before he (and the tent) had to leave the river.

Dr. Hoerster kept paddling. He knew he had to get to Castell that day to have any hope of completing the trip on Saturday, so it was a tremendous relief to come around a bend and see the church steeple reaching into the sky. He stopped in Castell for a barbecue sandwich before continuing on with his trip.

That night, Dr. Hoerster camped with just a thin backpacker’s “ground pack” on a rock below Schneider’s Slab, under the stars.

He got started early the next morning (“a beautiful morning,” he recalls), figuring he had to make it to town by noon to stay on schedule. “I got frustrated once,” he remembers. “There were real hard rapids by the Slator Ranch.” But at 10:58, he could see the bridge in Llano. He used his cell phone to call his wife, Malinda, who met him in Llano with “a Subway sandwich and Gatorade.”

He “gave her everything but the drinking water,” and was back in the river before 1 p.m.

The end was almost in sight, but Dr. Hoerster still had a pretty tight schedule. “I was still worried,” he says. “I knew I had to make it to the crossing (off Hwy 29 in eastern Llano County) by 4:30, so I kept paddling hard.”

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He made it to the crossing at precisely 3:08, and knew that he could easily make it to Kingsland by nightfall. “I relaxed for the last 3 or 4 hours,” he remembers, smiling. “I swam and explored in some of my favorite spots, watched the wildlife, and just enjoyed the scenery.” He arrived at his destination, the Kingsland Slab, somewhere between 7 and 8 p.m. only to find that his cell phone battery was dead. Fortunately, he saw his friends, Ken and Jean Rostrum, driving across the slab, and was able to wave them down. “I must have looked bad,” he says. “They kept wanting to give me water, but all I needed was a cell phone. At that point, I could have kept on going quite a bit farther.”

It was a huge adventure, and Dr. Hoerster admits that it gave

him “tremendous satisfaction” to successfully complete the trip.

His adventure meant even more to him because of the memories that it rekindled in his mind. “I paddled by the first place my dad ever took me fishing,” he recalls. “Also, the last place I fished with him, and the first place I took my son to fish.” It reminded him, too, of times that “Malinda and I went canoeing when we were engaged.” It was a wonderful experience to be “immersed in God’s creation” along the mostly unspoiled river, and perhaps most of all, at 57 years old, “I can almost guarantee I’m the oldest” to travel the length of the Llano River by kayak. Congratulations to Dr. David Hoerster!

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B

ird Watching in the

B

Texas Hill Count��

ird watching has become an increasingly popular recreational and social activity. The hobby satisfies many desires of outdoor enthusiast. Birds are beautiful and many have plumages that are appealing to the eyes.

Their songs vary from species to species and are a treat to the ear. Birds also have a complex behavior, including feeding routines, mating dances, and their behavior is intriguing to observe.

Birds appear almost everywhere and the Texas Hill Country is flocked with many species. They are active both day and night which increases viewing opportunities. Birding can be done with the naked eye, or with the use of a visual enhancement device like telescopes, binoculars, or spotting lenses. Bird watching often involves an auditory component as well. Often, bird species are more easily detected by ear.

Birding can be simple or complex, depending on the person’s preference. The hobby takes place outside balcony windows, in backyards, or while traveling to exotic

By: Ronnie Ratliff

locations. Bird watching is also a hobby you can do while enjoying other outdoor activities such as: walking, gardening, watching the kids in the park, fishing, hunting, and so on. Observing the playful activities of birds in your surrounding area can definitely brighten up the day.

Slow down and take time to view the birds of the Texas Hill Country this summer.

Here is a list of birds to keep an eye out for this summer:

Vermilion Flycatcher The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small bird in the Tyrannidae family. Most flycatchers are rather drab in color, but the Vermilion Flycatcher is an exception, making it a favorite with birders.

They prefer open areas and are found in trees or shrubs usually near water. The flycatchers feed mostly on insects such as flies, and grasshoppers. The species grows to about 7 inches in length. The males are have a crown, lower face, and underparts that are brilliant scarlet or vermilion in color. Upperparts, nape, and the mask through the eye are blackish brown. The wings and tail are dark blackish brown. Outer tail feathers may be edged with white. They usually have a narrow white tip on their tail. Females have upperparts that are grayish brown. Their underparts are white near the throat, becoming pale salmon or orange-ish under the tail. Breast, sides, and flanks are streaked with grayish brown. Females also have a dull white eyebrow stripe and gray lines through the eyes. The wings and tail are dark grayish brown. Some may have a few pinkish red feathers on the crown or breast.

Painted Bunting

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The Painted Bunting is a species of bird in the Cardinal family. They are medium-sized finches with stubby, thick, seed-eating bills It is found in thickets, shrubbery and brushy areas.

It is also found along roadsides and in gardens with dense, shrubby vegetation. Painted Buntings are shy and often difficult to observe for the human eye, though can be fairly approachable where habituated to bird feeders. They eat seeds, insects, and can often

be found robbing insects from spider’s nest. Males are stunningly colored with blue heads, red underparts, and green backs. Females and young buntings are a uniform, bright yellow-green overall, with a pale eye ring. With their vivid fusion of blue, green, yellow, and red, male Painted Buntings seem to have flown straight out of a rainbow.

Yellow-breasted Chat The Yellow-breasted Chat is a large songbird. It is widely considered the most atypical member of the New World warbler family, thought there is some disagreement on rather it really belongs within that family.

They are found in areas where dense shrubby growth is common. Today, its habitat often consists of abandoned farmland and other rural areas where overgrown vegetation dominates. They feed on berries and small insects.

Yellow-breasted chats reach a total length 6.7 to 7.5 inches and a wingspan of 9.1 to 10.6 inches. They have olive colored upperparts with white bellies and bright yellow breasts and throats. Yellow-breasted Chats also have large white eye-rings and blackish legs. This species is unlikely to be mistaken for any other bird.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is also widely known as the Texas bird-of-paradise. It is a kingbird in the Tyrannus family. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers breed in open habitats and are found around scattered trees or utility lines. They tolerate human presence well and frequently breed in towns. These birds perch on utility lines and fence lines to watch for insect prey that they feed on. They are highly territorial, and will chase other birds out of their territories accompanied by loud, squeaky, bubbling calls. Scissor-tails are agile in the air, spreading their long tails wide to make abrupt turns and stalls. They are slender, stout-billed kingbirds with very long, stiff, deeply forked tails. Males have longer tail feathers than females. Adult birds have pale gray heads and upper parts, light underparts, salmon-pink flanks, and dark gray wings. Their long forked tails are black on top and white on the underside. At maturity, the bird may be up to 14.5 inches in length. (continued on page 21)

Bullock’s Oriole

The Bullock’s oriole is a medium sized songbird in the Icteridae family. A member of the northern oriole group, Bullock’s orioles were once considered the same species as Baltimore orioles. However, recent studies suggest that Bullock’s orioles are members of a distinct species that does not share a most-recent common ancestor with Baltimore orioles. The Bullock’s oriole is especially fond of tall trees along rivers and streams.

They mainly eat insects, berries, and nectar. Males are more brightly colored than females and adult males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. Adult males are have strongly contrasting orange and black plumage, a black throat patch and a white wing bar. The underparts, breast, and face are orange or yellow. The back, wings, and tail are black. A black line extends from each eye to the black crown. The wing coverts are fringed white, forming a wing patch. Although the tail is mostly black, the outermost three or four flight feathers are tipped orange, forming a T shape. Adult females have gray-brown upperparts, duller yellow on the breast and underparts, and an olive crown. Some females may also have a dark throat patch. Females lack the black eye-line present in adult males.

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in the

I

By John Hallowell

Texas Hill Country

don’t know if it’s ever been made official by any government decree, but barbecue is the national food of Texas.

And most of the best “barbecue joints” in Texas are right here in the Texas Hill Country!

To be fair, I should point out that some form of barbeque (the other accepted spelling -- I’ll just say “BBQ” from now on) exists all around the world; the term applies to a lot of different kinds of slow-cooked meats with a lot of different rubs and sauces. In the U.S., BBQ is popular in one form or another across the Midwest and South, with Kansas City in particular as the center for one particular flavor.

But it was very enlightening to me to see that two “BBQ experts” (Ardie Davis and Paul Kirk, who put “Ph.B” after their names), both from Kansas City and trying to include all possible states, rated 15 Texas BBQ joints in their “Top 100” nationwide. To show how tolerant they were, the list includes entries from states like Washington, Minnesota, New York and even Vermont! At the end of their book, “America’s Best BBQ,” the authors each listed their top ten favorite BBQ joints; Cooper’s BBQ in Llano was rated #1 by Ardie and #4 by Paul.

Another book (“Republic of Barbecue,” by Elizabeth Engelhardt) zeroes in on BBQ joints in Central Texas. Again, to be fair I should point out that several towns east of I-35 are noted for their excellent BBQ: Lockhart, Elgin and Taylor immediately come to mind. But many of the best and most popular BBQ joints anywhere are in the Hill Country.

I should back up here and point out that cattle have always been a huge part of the Hill Country economy (much of the Hill Country’s tremendous growth in the late 1800s was fueled by the cattle drives to Kansas for shipment by railroad to the packing yards of Chicago). Early German and Czech pioneers were experts at sausage-making, and experimented with ways to prepare the tough “briskets” or heavy chest muscles, from the butchered cattle. At first, the briskets were cooked at low temperatures in dutch ovens, but eventually it was found that a long, slow cooking process in a closed “pit” with indirect heat made for tender and delicious briskets. So while there is

an assortment of BBQ meats (pork being the main ingredient across most of the South), brisket rules in Central Texas.

Cooper’s in Llano is the Hill Country’s BBQ king. Nowhere else do so many people come from such great distances to eat BBQ in such a rustic setting. Among the celebrity diners are former President George W. Bush and current Governor Rick Perry, but businessmen regularly fly into Llano from Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston to enjoy some of Cooper’s BBQ. With that in mind, it may come as quite a surprise that, in a listeners’ poll done by Austin radio station KVET, the winner was not Cooper’s but a competitor just a few blocks west on Highway 29. Inman’s Kitchen (“Home of the Famous Turkey Sausage”) offers not only a full line of brisket, sausage, ham, turkey and chicken, but also homebaked bread and fresh side dishes. It also enjoys a very good reputation among BBQ enthusiasts. Notwithstanding, many locals in Llano will tell you that neither of these BBQ giants is as good as the smaller (and homier) Laird’s BBQ, on the south side of town. Llano is probably capital of the “Republic of BBQ!” Other towns have excellent BBQ joints, as well, and some have very familiar names. Cooper’s in Junction and in Mason are two other wonderful establishments, but not connected with Cooper’s in Llano. And Inman’s in Marble Falls is another excellent BBQ place (with its own loyal following) which is not connected to Inman’s in Llano. nother tremendously popular BBQ joint in the Hill Country is Salt Lick BBQ, founded 43 years ago in Driftwood. It now has four locations. Rudy’s Country Store got its start in Leon Springs, just north of San Antonio; it now operates about thirty locations across the southwest (Cooper’s of Llano has recently expanded, too, opening large BBQ restaurants in New Braunfels and Fort Worth). But there are connoisseurs who swear that Lum’s BBQ in Junction is the best anywhere, but it could be Mac’s or The Spread in Brady.

Almost every town in the Hill Country has its own local favorite, and sometimes two or three. I have particularly enjoyed BBQ at Bertram BBQ, the Feed Store BBQ (in Burnet) Opie’s in Spicewood and Gage’s BBQ in San Saba. If for some reason you have to go into the city, County Line BBQ in Austin and Tom’s Ribs in San Antonio also made the “Top 100” list in “America’s Best BBQ.”

A

John Hallowell is the past editor of several Hill Country publications. He has been exploring the Texas Hill Country for almost 25 years. p. 18

p. 19

The following is an excerpt from an article published in March 1941 issue of Frontier Times and again in August 1971 in a local Marble Falls newspaper:

p. 20

At that time, Adolph Hoppe, his wife, a small daughter, and a ten-year-old son (my maternal grandfather) were living about six miles below the present site of Marble Falls on the Colorado River.

One morning Hoppe, accompanied by a friend, a Mr. Flour, who was visiting in his home, left in his wagon to get a load of cedar posts for the construction of a sheep stable from the cedar brakes south of Flat Rock Creek, which runs within a mile or so of “Dead Man’s Hole.”

Little did he anticipate the tragic happenings of the day as he drove off or realize that he had looked on his little family for the last time.

Having laboriously secured the required number of posts, the two had just started on their way home when they were halted by a Ranger captain and a group of men. Apparently these men had first gone to the Hoppe home and had been directed to this spot by Mrs. Hoppe.

While this cannot be substantiated, it is a reasonable deduction for otherwise the two men could hardly have been located in the densely wooded wilderness.

The proceedings, recounted later by the Ranger, were somewhat as follows:

“Gentlemen,” said the Ranger, “I have been requested by these men to arrest you for attending secret Union meetings, so I shall have to trouble you to come with us.”

“As far as I am concerned,” answered Hoppe, “your accusation is wrong. Besides, I have a wife and children waiting for me at home.” But after some discussion he and Flour agreed to allow themselves to be tried then and there.

After a short examination enough evidence was produced to convince the Ranger that Flour was guilty of the charge. Then turning to Hoppe he asked, “You sir, do you plead guilty of the charge that you have been attending secret Union meetings?”

“Not guilty,” said Hoppe. “I voted for secession and I defy you to prove otherwise.”

“Oh, yes,” sneered one of his accusers, “then what are you doing in the company of this skunk?”

“Understand,” answered Hoppe, “I do not choose my friends by their political beliefs.”

There followed some harsh words between Hoppe and various members of the group, and matters were not helped when the Ranger declared the evidence insufficient to hold Hoppe further. After sending the angered accusers off with Flour as their prisoner, the Ranger called Hoppe aside and said, “To my notion these men are bushwhackers and are in a hostile mood. I feel it my duty to accompany you safely home.”

But Hoppe would have none of it, saying that he felt perfectly able to take care of himself. (It later developed that Flour, whom the Secessionists were to take to San Antonio, never arrived there and was never heard of again.)

Shortly after Hoppe had taken his departure a shot rang out in the direction he had taken, the Ranger captain reported. Sensing foul play, he dashed in that direction but the density of the cedar brake and the growing dusk soon made his search quite futile.

Hoppe did not come home that night but his team of horses did, still wearing part of their harness which had been cut to disengage the team from the wagon. A group of his friends living in the area, who called themselves the Home Guard Company, called a meeting and the next day a few men volunteered to investigate the ominous developments.

These men finally discovered the wagon load of cedar. Knowing of “Dead Man’s Hole” and its evil reputation, the men went there, expecting the worst. Sure enough, on arriving there they saw a small strip of leather on a ledge some fifteen or twenty feet below the opening, which is almost a perfect circle about ten feet in diameter and extending virtually straight down for some 135 feet. One man was lowered on a rope to this ledge and procured the leather which was identified as part of Hoppe’s harness.

Written by Walter Richter, great grandson of Adolph Hoppe

Birds of Texas Hill Country (continued from pg 15)

Golden-cheeked Warbler The Golden-cheeked Warbler is also known as the gold finch of Texas. This small songbird is an endangered species. The Golden-cheeked Warbler is the only bird species with a breeding range confined to Texas. Golden-cheeked Warblers nest in ash, juniper, and live oak trees in ravines and canyons. They have black throats, extending as stripes down sides of chest. They have distinctly yellow faces and black lines through they eye region. Their crowns and backs are black ad they have two white wing bars and a white belly. ird watching is a great way to enjoy nature. It allows us to enjoy the awe of nature and the curious lifestyles of different birds. The hobby allows us to become more aware of our surroundings and enjoy the natural areas. While you are out birding, you are also breathing fresh air, seeing the natural fauna and flora, and sharing the environment with each of the species. It gives us a better sense of how everything interacts and allows us to appreciate how everything fits together in the larger scheme of life. Take time to slow down, notice the wildlife around you, and gain a larger respect for nature and its occupants in the Texas Hill Country.

B

Tomato Basil Capellini 8 Ounces Angel Hair Pasta 6 Garlic Cloves- Pressed Salt and Pepper to taste 2 tbs olive oil 8 Fresh tomatos diced 20 Basil Leaves Shredded Parmesan Cheese Cooking Instructions Add Pasta and salt to boiling water 1. Heat olive oil and add garlic; cook until it turns white.

2. Add tomatoes and pepper and heat through, stirring constantly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Tomatoes should not lose their shape. Remove from heat.

3. Add Basil to the tomato garlic mix After Pasta is cooked toss the tomato mix with the pasta and top with parmesan.

Serve Warm.

Recipe Provided by Franklin Hester p. 21

Getting Outdoors:

Summertime Weddings

by Wende Morren

Summer is the time of year I look forward to most in the hill country. Having lived here my entire life, there are sounds and smells that scream “Summer” in the good ol’ Texas Hill Country. Waking to the not so distant sounds of jet skis and boats may sound odd, but I love that sound.

The smell is barbecue, of course, and it catches a ride on the summer breeze through neighborhoods and back yards all around us. Typically around this time in June I’m busy preparing for trips to church camp, stocking up for trips to the lake and day dreaming of my toes in the sand of some Texas beach. But at the moment, my brain is programmed for our son’s July wedding. Wedding dresses, cakes, bridesmaids and groomsmen, food to cater, not to cater, venues; and I’m only the mother of the groom! Do not misunderstand, I’m not doing the planning and hard work my daughter-in-law and her family is tasked. I’m just in on the brain cluster of a whirlwind otherwise known as wedding planning. All are affected and I could not feel more blessed to be included in the planning. It’s been the best tearful roller coaster ride of my life and I would not trade it for the world.

p. 22

(Bridal Portrait courtesy of Jessica Floyd) I’m sure by now you are wondering what our son’s wedding has to do with the outdoor corner of this magazine.

Well, it’s an outdoor wedding, of course! Our search for an outdoor venue has been fun, intriguing and an educational experience. For views of the Lake, you have the ever-popular Quail Point in Horseshoe Bay overlooking LBJ with beautiful views outdoor and a lovely indoor sit down for dinner. There’s Lake Side Pavilion overlooking Lake Marble Falls also with indoor seating for dinning.

First Baptist Church Marble Falls has a beautiful Pavilion overlooking Lake Marble Falls you could pull off a quick change from wedding to dinner or have reception at another location. Either way, it’s a beautiful place. For a small group, River City Grill also offers outdoor and indoor; all with views of Lake Marble Falls. Another top contender of views takes us outside of Austin in Crystal Hills, Chapel Dulcinea on the edge of a cliff overlooking the beautiful hills. They offer several free outdoor areas for a wedding and several indoor reception halls including a bridal suite (reception halls are not free but extremely discounted) don’t let the word free give the impression of cheap. This place is gorgeous and has the finest touches. The story behind this facility is almost as beautiful as its views.

Longhorn Caverns is a place I think of when I think of field trips, but a wedding? Well, they offer formal and informal wedding settings literally down in the caverns.

I can just visualize a themed Bonnie and Clyde wedding there, how fun and rustic! They offer catering and formal

sit down dinning, so this would fit anyone’s style. If you are looking for super casual but would like to stick with historic hill country then Krause Springs is another great choice.

Other options were, Twisted Ranch in Oatmeal, Circle H Ranch and too many Hill Country vineyards to list and all gorgeous rustic charm.

We only scraped the top of the barrel with outdoor venues, and honestly we didn’t have to look long or far. Our son met his bride to be as a teenager while we were a part of a real life group of Hill Country Fellowship church, so being married at the church where they met seems fitting. Our son who wanted an indoor church wedding and daughter in law who has dreamed of an outdoor wedding her whole life found out early what compromise really means.

They will be married at Hill Country Fellowship along the churches outdoor prayer walk built by Eagle Scouts who just happen to be sons of a couple who also attended that same real life group. Did I mention God is Good? Well He is, and like King David our cup overflows.

We pray your summer is full of jet skis, boats, water rushing or cool, lazy rivers flowing through the hills; just the right balance of rain, loads of barbecue, family, friends, and lots of laughter. May there be many blessings from our corner of the Texas Hill Country to yours.

p. 23

Dining & Libations Bertram

El Rancho, 535 TX 29, Good Graz’in Café, 240 W. TX 29, Hwy 29 BBQ, 110 Texas 29, Las Rosas Mexican & American, 102 Castleberry Court, Tony’s BBQ, 200 CR 258, Young Guns Pizza and Cafe, 525 I TX 29,

Buchanan Dam Area

Hoover’s Valley Country Cafe, 7203 Park Road 4 W., Reverend Jim’s Dam Pub, 19605 E. TX 29, Rolling H Cafe´, 318 CR 222, Tamale King, 15405 E. TX 29, The Dam Grille, 15490 E. TX 29, Chris’ Landing, 3630 Park Road 4 West Burnet,

Blanco

Blanco Bowling Club & Café 310 4th St, Chess Club Café, 1020 U.S. 281, Oak Creek Cafe ,419 3rd st, Old 300 BBQ, 318 4th st, Papa Joey’s Pizzeria and Italian Food, 306 Pecan St, Redbud Café, 410 1/2 4th St, Uptown Blanco Restaurant, 503 3rd St,

Brady

Boondocks, 2027 S Bridge, Cactus Creamery , 1417 S Bridge, Chicken Express , 2206 S. Bridge St, Dairy Queen , PO Box 1187, Jacoby Feed & Seed & Cafe , PO Box 806 Melvin, Mac’s BBQ , 1903 S. Bridge St, McDonald’s , 2106 South Bridge Street, Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant , 100 S Church, Moonlight Catering , PO Box 725, Mr. China , 300 S. Bridge, Patio on Church Street, 801 Crothers Ave, Sonic Drive In , 1311 South Bridge , The Spread Pit BBQ , 2010 S. Bridge St,

Burnet

512.355.3759 512.355.9340 512.277.7020 512.355.3542 830.613.4292 512.355.2432 512.715.9574 512.793.3333 325.379.1707 512.793.2677 512.793.2020 714.323.4023 830-833-4416 830-833-4930 830-833-3063 830-833-1227 830-833-5305 830-833-0202 830-833-1579

(325) 597-9009 (325) 340-3484 (325) 597-1056 (325) 597-2955 (325)286-4244 (325) 597-6227 (325) 597-7211 (325) 597-1037 (325) 456-1386 (325) 597-2141 (325) 597-0569 (325) 597-1722 (325) 597-1111

Aranya Thai Restaurant, 1015 E. Polk St., 512.756.1927 Burnet Feed Store BBQ Restaurant, 2800 S. Water St., 512.715.9227 The Overlook at Canyon of the Eagles, 16942 RR 2341, 800.977.0081 Café Twenty-Three Hundred, 2300 West TX 29, 512.756.0550 Crazy Gal’s Café, 414 Buchanan Drive., 512.715.8040 Don Pedro’s Mexican Food, 609 E. Polk St., 512.756.1421 El Rancho, 608 E. Polk St., 512.715.0481 Gude’s Bakery & Deli, 307 W. Polk St., 512.715.9903 Hacienda El Charro No. 2, 306 Water St., 512.756.7630 Highlander Restaurant & Steakhouse, 401 W. Buchanan Dr., 512.756.7401 Juanes Mexican Restaurant, 504 Buchanan Dr., 512.715.0415 Las Comadres, 1001 S. Water St., 512.715.0227 Las Palmas, 200 S West St, 512.234.8030 Longhorn Cavern Grill, 6211 Park Road 4 512.756.4680 Mei Yuan, Asian Cuisine, 402 N. Water St. 512.756.8000 p. 24

Payne’s BBQ-Shack, 616 Buchanan Dr., Post Mountain BBQ, 310 S. Main St., Storm’s, 700 N. Water St., Texas Tea-Licious, 216 S. Main St., Texas Pizza Co., 903 Water St., Suite 400, The Cookie Café & Bakery, 107 E. Jackson St., The Green Fly Bar-B-Q, 10425 NH 281 North, The Maxican, 3401 S. US 281,

Fredericksburg

Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille, 310 E. Main Street, K-Bobs Steakhouse, 518 East Main Street, August E’s, 203 E. San Antonio Street, West End Pizza Co. 232 W. Main St, Hondo’s on Main, 312 W. Main St, Friehelm’s Bavarian Inn, 905 W Main St, Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse, 305 W Main St, Clear River Ice Cream, Bakery and Deli, 138 E Main St, The Sunset Grill, 902 S Adams St, Bejas Patio Bistro, 209 E Main St, Porky’s Hamburgers and Onion Rings Co. 904 W Main St, Gatti’s Pizza 2931 S State Hwy 16, Airport Diner, 155 Airport Rd, St, Vaudeville, 230 E Main St, St, Cotton Gin Village, 2805 S Hwy 16 St, Pasta Bella Italian Restaurant, 103 S Llano St,

The Peach Tree Gift Gallery & Restaurant, 210 S. Adams St,

Fredericksburg Pizza Kitchen, 326 E. Main St, Mahaley’s Café,341 E. Main St, Rose Hill Manor, Inc,.2614 Upper Albert Rd, Race Barn,35 Fair Dr, Rathskeller Restaurant, 260 E. Main St, Hilda’s Tortilla Factory,149 FM 2093, Auslander Biergarten & Restaurant, 323 E. Main St, Fredericksburg Bakery,141 E. Main St , Java Ranch Espresso Bar & Café, 114 E. Main St, Otto’s German Bistro316 E. Austin St, Fredericksburg Brewing Company, Inc. 245 E. Main St, Lincoln Street Wine Market, 111 S. Lincoln Street, Cranky Frank’s BBQ Co., 1679 Highway 87 South, El Milagro Twenty Twelve, 249 E. Main St, Der Lindenbaum, 312 E. Main St, Ginger & Spice,116 N. Crockett St., Ste. A, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, 405 Whitney St, Wheeler’s Restaurant, 204 East Main St, Cultures Grill & Bar, 318 E Main St, David’s Old Fashion Pit BBQ, 342 W Main St, Sweet Marley’s, 107 S Llano St, Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant, 506 E Main St, Navajo Grill, 803 E Main St, Fredericksburg Gourmet Coffee & Tea, 338 W Main St, Andy’s Steak & Seafood Grill, 413 S Washington St, Buc’s Bar & Grill, 304 N Llano, Buffalo Nickel Bar & Grill, 105 S. Llano, Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country, 2805 S Hwy 16, Cruz, 222 W Main St, Hill Top Café, 10661 Hwy 87 N,

512.756.8227 830.613.1055 512.756.7143 512.756.7636 512.715.8070 830.613.0199 830.385.6635 512.756.1213 830- 990-4949 830-307-3125 830- 997-1585 830-990-8646 830-997-1553 830-997-6300 830-992-3288 830-997-8490 830-997-5904 830-997-5226 830-997-6882 830-997-9797 830-997-4999 830-992-3234 830-990-5734 830-990-9778 830- 997-9527 830-990-4044 830- 997-4400 830-644-2247 830-997-4058 830- 990-5858 830-997-6105 830-997-7714 830-997-3254 830-990-4517 830-307-3026 830-997-1646 830-997-8463 830-997-2353 830-307-3051 830-997-9126 830-997-9919 830-997-8615 830-990-8180 830-997-8100 830-997-7753 830-307-3104 830-997-9546 830-990-8289 830-997-8327 830-997-3744 830-990-1283 830-997-3700 830-990-5734 830-997-2140 830-997-8922

Dining & Libations Granite Shoals

Autenticamente El Mexicano Taqueria, 4110 Valley View Lane,

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant, 6924 W. RR 1431, Farm House, 8037 W. RR 1431, La Cabana Mexican Food Restaurant, 7005 Hwy. 1431, Ryder’s Bar & Grill Dance Hall, 7911 W 1431

830.596.1699 830.598.2394 830.598.2934 830.598.5462 830.598.8232

Horseshoe Bay & Cottonwood Shores

Hole in 1 Sports Bar and Grill, 7401 West FM 2147, Julie’s Cocina, 4119 W. RR 2147, Plaza del Sol, Lantana Grill & Bar, 200 Hi Circle N. On the Rocks, 4401 Cottonwood Dr. Pizza Mia, 4119 RR 2147, Ste. 3. Plaza del Sol, Saucy’s Restaurant, 4005 Hwy 2147, A, LBJ Donuts, 3817 FM 2147,

Johnson City

AJ’s Pizza Shoppe 104 N Us 281 Black Spur Emporium, 100 W. Main Street Chantilly Lace Country 625 Nugent Avenue Chrome Cactus Burgers 801 South Highway 281 Friendly Bar Bistro 106 N. Nugent Avenue Pecan Street Brewing 106 E Pecan Ronnie’s BBQ 211 Hwy. 290/281 S. Silver K Café 209 E. Main

512.731.5320 830.265.5804 830.598.8600 830.637.7417 830.693.6363 830-693-4838 830.693.4209

830-868-2404 830-868-7675 830-660-2621 830-868-2375 830-868-2182 830-868-2500 830-868-7553 830-868-2911

Pier 27 & 8 Ball Billiards & Pizzeria, 1521 Junction Hwy, Pinnacle Grill, 3074 Bandera Hwy, Rails…a Café at the Depot¸ 615 Schreiner St, Save Inn Restaurant, 1806 Sidney Baker N, Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant, 2190 Junction Hwy, Valentino’s Italian Café, 809 Sidney Baker, Yeo-Bo’s, 804 Water St,

Kingsland

Alfredo’s Mexican Restaurant, 4139 RR 1431, El Bracero, 1516 RR 1431.

Grand Central Cafe, 1010 King Court, Kingsland Coffee Co., 1907 RR 1431, Lighthouse Grill and Lounge, 118 Club Circle Dr., Spyke’s Bar-B-Que, 14601 W. RR 1431, Sweet Things Bakery, 3003 RR 1431,

Lampasas

Sweet Pickle Deli & More 1908 S Hwy 281 County Seat 402 Live Oak Eve’s Café 521 East Third St.

2 Brothers Smokehouse & Restaurant 904 North Key Avenue

Country Kitchen 307 N Key Avenue

830-896-7437 830-895-8500 830-257-3877 830-257-7484 830-257-0606 830-257-2634 830-890-5873 325.388.0754 325.388.0022 325.388.6022 325.270.0863 325.388.6660 325.388.6996 325.388.3460 (512) 556-8330 (512) 556-2400 (512) 556-3500 (512) 556-5230 (512) 556-6152

(Dining & Libations continued on next page)

Kerrville

1011 Bistro, 1011 Guadalupe St, 830-896-1169 Acapulco Restaurant, 1718 Sidney Baker N, 830-257-6222 Alpine Lodge, 1001 Junction Hwy, 830-257-8282 Bamboo Asian Buffet, 1303 Sidney Baker N, 830.895.2878 Bella Sera, 2124 Sidney Baker Suite A, 830-257-2661 Bella Vita, 1550 Junction Hwy, 830-895-0820 Billy Gene’s Restaurant, 1489 Junction Hwy, 830-895-7377 Bonzai Sushi & Sake, 218 Sidney Baker S, 830-315-6888 Branding Iron, YO Hotel, 2033 Sidney Baker N, 830-257-4440 Cafe at the Ridge, 13439 S. Ranch Road 783, 830-896-0420 Chili’s on the River, 1185 Junction Hwy, 830-895-2445 China Town, 735 Hill Country Dr, 830-896-6688 Conchita’s on Main, 810 Main St, 830-895-7708 Cowboy Steak House, 416 Main St, 830-896-5688 Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, 2110 Sidney Baker N, 830-896-7808 Del Norte, 710 Junction Hwy, 830-257-3337 Denny’s Restaurant, 209 Sidney Baker S, 830-257-7115 El Sol de Mexico, 1028 Water St, 830-257-9777 Francisco’s, 201 Earl Garrett St, 830-257-2995 Grape Juice, 623 Water Street, 830-792-9463 Guadalupe River Club Oyster Bar, 1483 Junction Hwy, 830-896-3354 Hill Country Cafe , 806 Main St, 830-257-6665 IHOP Restaurant, 1429 Sidney Baker N, 830-792-4940 Kukaroo Pub & Eatery, 701 Water St, 830-896-2000 LaFour’s Seafood Restaurant, 1705 Junction Hwy, 830-896-1449 Lakehouse, 1655 Junction Hwy, 830-895-3188 Mamacita’s Restaurant & Cantina, 215 Junction Hwy, 830-895-2441 Meltdown Grill, 1201 Broadway, 830-890-5894 Mencius’ Gourmet Hunan, 208 Cully Dr, 830-257-8868 p. 25

Dining & Libations Llano

Acme Cafe, 109 W. Main, Badu House Wine Pub, 601 Bessemer, Bella Sicilia, 901 W. Young, Berry Street Bakery, 901 Berry St., Burger Bar Cafe, 608 Bessemer St., Castell General Store, 19522 TX 152 at Castell, China Wok, 103 E. Grayson St., Chrissy’s Homestyle Bakery, 501 Bessemer St., Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, 604 W. Young Fuel Coffee House, 106 E. Main, Inman’s Kitchen & Catering, 809 W. Young, Laird’s BBQ & Catering, 1600 S. Ford (TX 16 & 71), Hungry Hunter, 702 W. Young, Rosita’s Mexican Restaurant, 101 E. Grayson St. Stonewall’s Pizza Wings & Things, 101 W. Main St., Sweet Home Cookin’, 102 W. Dallas, The Country Fryer, 303 E. Young, THE JUAN BURRITO, 103 E. MAIN,

325.247.4457 325.247.2238 325.247.5511 325.247.1855 325.247.4660 325.247.4100 325.247.5522 325.247.4564 325.247.5713 325.247.5272 325.247.5257 325.247.5234 325.247.4236 325.247.3730 325.248.0500 830.613.7893 325.247.3289 325.423.0088

Marble Falls

Bella Sera, 1125 US 281, 830.798.2661 Bluebonnet Cafe, 211 US 281, 830.693.2344 Brothers Bakery, 519 US 281, 830.798.8278 Chili’s, 702 First St., 830.798.1298 China Kitchen, 705 First St., 830.693.2575 Chuspy’s Burritos, 1808 US 281 N, 830.693.1407 Darci’s Deli, 909 Third St., 830.693.0505 Doc’s Fish Camp & Grill, 900 RR 1431 W. 830.693.2245 Double Horn Brewing Company, 208 Ave. H, 830.693.5165 El Rancho, 2312 N. US 281, 830.693.4030 Ginger & Spice, 909 Second St., 830.693.7171 Grand Buffet, 1208 RR 1431 830.693.7959 Holy Smokes BBQ and Catering, 2704A Commerce St., 830.201.4145 Houston’s Depot, 307 Main St., 830.637.7282 Inman’s Ranch House Bar-B-Que, 707 Sixth St., 830.693.2711 Janie’s, 710 Ave. N, 830.693.7204 Ken’s Catfish BBQ & Bakery, 1005 Main St., 830.693.5783 Main Street Coffee, 108 Main St., 830.613.5054 Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 1205 W. RR 1431, 830.693.7434 Noon Spoon Café, 610 Broadway, 830.798.2347 Papa Murphy’s, 1008 US 281, 830.693.9500 Peete Mesquite BBQ, 2407 US 281, 830.693.6531 Real New Orleans Style Restaurant, 1700 W. RR 1431, 830.693.5432 River City Grille, 700 First St., 830.798.9909 Russo’s Restaurant, 602 Steve Hawkins Pkwy., 830.693.7091 R Bar and Grill, Third & Main, 830.693.2622 Super Taco, 2200 US 281, 830.693.4629 Tea Thyme Café, 2108 C US 281, 830.637.7787 Thai Niyom, 909 US 281, 830.693.1526

Mason

Coopers Pit Bar-B-Q, Hwy 87 South of Square, 325-347-6897 Nacho’s Café ,621 Ft. McKavitt , 325-347-6759 Santo’s Taqueria , South East Corner of Square , 325-347-6140 Texas Deadwood BBQ , 1005 Ft. McKavitt, Hwy. 87 N, 325-805-1007 Topaz Confections , 106 S Live Oak St, 325-347-7055 p. 26

Short Stop (Pizza Pro), Hwy 87 North of Square , Square Plate, 212 Ft. McKavitt Northside of Square, Willow Creek Café , North Side of Square ,

San Saba

Bar D Brewhouse, 213 N High St, Diggs Steakhouse, 1035 E Hwy 190, Larry’s Corner Café, 902 W. Wallace, Pepperbelly’s Mexican Food Restaurant, 517 E Wallace, Rick’s Pizza, 306 N. High, Top Donuts, 106 S. Cherokee,

Spicewood

Angel’s Icehouse, 21815 TX 71, Down Under Deli & Eatery, 21209 TX 71 West, It’s All Good Bar-B-Q, 22112 TX 71 W., J5 Steakhouse, 21814 Hwy 71 West, La Cabaña, 21103 TX 71, Lee’s Almost by the Lake, Pace Bend & Bee Creek Rd., Little Country Diner, 22000 TX 71 W., Moonriver Bar & Grill, 2002 N. Pace Bend Road, Opie’s BBQ, 9504 Hwy 71 E, Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill, 22308 TX 71, R.O.’s Outpost, 22518 W TX 71, Spicewood General Store, casual cafe, 9418 TX 71, Willie’s Burgers & BBQ., 21018 Texas 71 Spicewood,

Sunrise Beach

Boater’s Bistro, 667 Sandy Mountain Dr., Mosca’s, 106 Sunrise Dr., Sunrise Cove Lakeside Grill, 218 Skyline Dr., Francesco’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzaria, 701 US 281,

325-347-6648 325-347-1911 325-347-6124 325-372-6100 325-372-3010 325-372-5094 325-372-4462 325/372-6028 325-372-3121 512.264.3777 512.264.8000 512.264.1744 512.428.5727 512.264.0916 512.264.2552 512.264.2926 512.264.2064 830.693.8660 512.264.0318 512.264.1169 830.693.4219 512.264.8866 325.388.9393 325.388.4774 325.248.1505 830.798.1580

Small Business Spotlight:

Ryder’s Bar & Grill Dance Hall

The Texas Hill Country is home to many small businesses, and many of these are cafes and small bars that feature live music. Live music is an important part of the Hill Country, from the streets of downtown Austin to famous Luckenbach. There are also other less well known venues throughout the Texas Hill Country, from Marble Falls to Llano to Fredericksburg. In May of this year, a new venue opened in Granite Shoals (near Marble Falls) that features live music every weekend. Ryder’s Bar & Grill is also a great Dance Hall. The building had previously been a live music venue in the 80’s and 90’s, but was most recently a Bingo Hall. Local business owner Jim Stahr was already familiar with the many live music venues throughout the Hill Country because his ice company, Stahr Ice, delivers ice to small businesses and outdoor events in the area.

With a vision of returning the premises to a dance hall, the inside of the building was basically gutted and rebuilt. In May 2014, Ryder’s Bar & Grill opened its doors featuring seating for about 200, two bars, a

1500 square foot dance floor, and plenty of pool tables for extra entertainment. Ryder’s features live music almost every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm – 12pm and you can find talented bands including dance hall favorites like Glen Collins and the Alibis, the Texas K.G.B. and vocalists like The Texas Duet. Ryder’s has also featured blues bands like the Smokehouse Guitar Army.

Ryder’s isn’t just a dance hall, but also serves lunch and dinner every day, starting at 11am. The menu includes Hamburgers, Buffalo Wings, Grilled Chicken, Chicken Fried Streak, and even a Certified Angus Beef Ribeye. Ryder’s represents not only a great place for entertainment, but also renewed growth for the City of Granite Shoals, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. If you are looking for a place to eat or have a good time dancing to live music on weekends, check them out at www.rydersdancehall.com for more information.

Ryder’s is located at 7911 W Highway 1431 in Granite Shoals.

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Bed & Breakfasts / Hotels B Bertram

Cedar Creek Inn, 352 E Vaughan St, San Gabriel River Inn, 8327 CR 210,

512-355-3400 512-355-2102

Blanco

Blanco Riverside Cottages, 20 Main Street, Blanco Settlement, 1705 Ranch Road 165, River View B&B, 52 Pecan Street, Tow Dam Guest Cottages, 240 Water’s Edge,

Brady

Best Western/Brady Inn , 2200 South Bridge, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brady , 2320 S Bridge, Selah Springs Ranch , 507 W 13th St, Sunset Inn , 2108 South Bridge St,

830-330-4324 830-833-5115 512-968-8989 830-549-3141

(325) 597-3997 (325) 597-1800 (325) 597-2602 (325) 597-0789

Burnet

Airy Mount Historic Inn, 1819 Polk St, Arrowhead Motel, 100 N West St, Best Western Post Oak Inn, 908 Buchanan Dr, Canyon of the Eagles, 16942 RR 2341, Highland Lakes Hotel, 810 S Water St, La Vista Motel, 502 Buchanan Dr, Painted Sky Inn, 1400 CR 128, Sundown Inn, 205 N Water St, Verandas Guest House, 108 E League St, Circle H Lodge, 931 C.R. 301,

512-756-4149 512-756-6151 512-756-4747 512-334-2070 512-756-1789 512-756-4367 512-715-9896 512-756-2171 512-715-0190 210-870-9075

Fredericksburg

Texas Wine Country Camping Resort, 10618 US Highway 290 East, 830-990-2267

Absolute Charm Luxury B & B, 709 West Main St., Grape Creek Vineyards, 10587 East US Highway 290, Buffalo Creek Ranch Cottages, 5108 S. Highway 16, The All Seasons Collection, 708 W. Main Street, Alamo Springs Country Cabins, 110 Alamo Road, The Lazy T B and B, 2203 Upper Live Oak Road, Carriage House of Fredericksburg, 312 E. Travis St, Sugarberry Inn, 210 N. Llano Paradise Loft on Main, 223 E. Main Street, 115 Austin Place,909 E. Main Street, Cotton Haus, 501 East Creek Street, Barons CreekSide, 316 Goehman Lane, Ab Butler’s Dogtrot at Triple Creek, 801 Triple Creek Road, The Roadrunner Inn, 306 E. Main Street, The Blue Cottage, 606 N. Adams Street, B & B on Knopp School Road, 580 Knopp School Road, Metzger Sunday House, 406 W. San Antonio Street, Country Inn & Cottages, 1644 Highway 290 West, 1 Big House, 2805 S. Hwy 16, A Barn at the Quarry, 154 Deike Hunter Lane, 2 Wee Cottages, 108 E. Morse Street, Clover Haus B & B, 505 East Creek Street, Ada’s Peach Street Hideaway Guesthouse, 529 W. Peach Street, Spotted Pony Ranch, 343 Black Bear Lane, The Back Forty of Fredericksburg, 457 Bob Moritz Dr., Cameron Inn, 106 S. Washington, Meusebach Creek Enterprises, 1735 Meusebach Creek Rd., 202 and Cottage @ 202, 202 South Crockett, Bungalow on College, 309 E. College St., Main Street Bed & Breakfast, 337 E. Main Street, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, 405 Whitney Street, Barrister’s Guest Quarters, 807 S. Adams Street, p. 28

866-244-7897 830-644-2710 361-332-9554 830-997-7797 866-427-8374 972-658-6252 855-955-2623 512-963-9145 866-244-7897 830-997-0443 830-456-2513 830-990-4048 830-456-8335 830-997-0153 866-427-8374 830-997-3080 830-997-3967 830-997-2185 830-990-5734 830-997-8687 877-437-7739 830-456-2513 254-722-1776 830-443-4520 830-992-9034 830.997.0153 830-997-7896 830-992-1719 830-998-1650 830-997-0153 830-997-8615 830-997-3437

Inn on the Creek, 107 N. Washington Street, 866-244-7897 Palo Alto Creek Farm, 90 Palo Alto Ln, 800-997-0089 A. L. Patton Suites on Main, 232 W. Main Street, 830-997-0443 Keidel Inn & Gasthaus, 403 E. Main Street, 830-997-2749 Day Dream Cabins, Inc., 323 Pioneer Lane, 830-997-8027 Kitty’s Kountry Kottage, 9693 Highway 87 North, 830-669-2530 830-669-2253 A Quiet Hill Ranch, 110 Quiet Hill Ranch Road, Cottages at Limestone on Main, 706 W. Main Street, 830-997-8396 Alte Welt Gasthof, 142 E. Main Street, 830-997-0443 Legacy Suite on Main, 604 Prickly Pear Court, 830-997-2749 830-997-4833 John’s Cabin, 630 Bear Creek Road, Messina Hof Hill Country, 9996 US Highway 290 East, 830-990-4653 The Schandua Suite, 205 E. Main Street, 830-990-1415 Diamond Belle at Palo Alto Crossing, 616 W. Main Street, 866-427-8374 Austin Street Retreat, 408 W. Austin Street, 866-427-8374 830-997-7194 Pullman Train Car Bed and Breakfast, 303 E. Live Oak , Lillie Marlene, 406 N. Adams Street, 830-997-8566 Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast, 101 E. Hackberry Street, 830-997-0306 Amoroso Cottage, 202 S. Bowie, 830-992-2006 830-997-1615 Angels Lodge Above the Creek, 415 E. Austin Street, Baines House Bed & Breakfast, 112 West College Street, 830-997-3048 A Place in Time, 614 S. Washington Street, 830-997-5110 Cat’s Meow Bed & Breakfast, 9848 Highway 290 West, 830-997-0888 Commander’s Place/ Nevels House B & B, 514 Franklin Street, 830-997-6891 Dalton House, 908 N. Crockett, 830-992-0696 Rose Hill Manor, Inc, 2614 Upper Albert Road, 830-644-2247 Ava Haus, 1447 Royal Oaks Place, 830-997-5612 Hoffman Haus, 608 E. Creek Street, 830-997-6739 Palazzo Toscana Resort, 207 N. Edison Street, 830-998-5134 Agarita Farms, 968 Braeutigam Road, 830-896-9140 Runnymede Country Inn, 184 Fullbrook Lane, 830-990-2449 Fredericksburg Bed & Brew, 245 E. Main Street, 830-997-9990 Way of the Wolf B&B and Retreat, 458 Wolf Way, 830-977-0711 Fredericksburg Guest House Reservations, 321 East Main Street, 830-997-5839 Cotton Gin Village, 2805 S. Hwy 16, 830-990-5734 Brickner Guest House, 243 Emu Lane, 830-997-0772 KingWood Suites, 401 South Lincoln Street, 830-992-9681 The Italian Place, 236 Loring Street, 888-802-7288 Chuckwagon Inn B&B, 1156 FM 2093, 830-990-2777 Settlers Crossing, 104 Settlers Crossing Road, 800-874-1020 The Victorian Mansion, 302 West Travis, 866-244-7897 Trois Estate at Enchanted Rock, 300 Trois Ln, 830-685-3090

Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay Resort, 200 Hi Circle North,

Johnson City

Chantilly Lace Country Inn Bed & Breakfast, 625 Nugent Ave, Exotic Resort Zoo, 235 Zoo Trail, Hillside Acres, 4032 R 3232, Lighthouse Hill Ranch, 4951 Hwy 281 S, Sandy Road Guest Haus, 9242 RR 1320, Songbird Meadows B&B, 1022 Stanton Ranch Loop, Stanton Ranch Vacation Rentals, 203 Stanton Rd,

Kerrville

Riverhill Cottages, 107 Riverhill Club Lane, Days Inn of Kerrville, 2000 Sidney Baker N, La Quinta Inn & Suties, 1940 Sidney Baker, Super 8, 2127 Sidney Baker St, Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel, 2033 Sidney Baker n, Flagstaff Inn, 906 Junction Hwy, Hampton Inn, 2038 Sidney Baker,

830-598-8600

830-660-2621 830-868-4357 830-868-7515 512-587-9656 281-300-7177 830-868-2468 254-793-3363

830-896-1400 830-896-1000 830-896-9200 830-896-1511 830-257-4440 830-792-4449 830-257-0600

Bed & Breakfasts / Hotels America’s Best Value Inn, 1804 Sidney Baker, Motel 6, 1810 Sidney Baker, Holiday Inn Express, 2114 Sidney Baker N, Comfort Inn, 2001 Sidney Baker, Inn of the Hills Resort, 1001 Junction Hwy, Hill Country Hideaway, 101 Hidden Hollow, Best Western Sunday House, 2124 Sidney Baker,

830-896-8200 830-257-1500 830-895-9500 830-792-7700 830-895-5000 830-257-9004 830-896-1313

Kingsland

Antlers Hotel, 1001 King St, Packsaddle Motel,2919 W RR 1431, Llanorado Lodge, 223 RR 1431, Lake LBJ Resort and Marina, 667 Sandy Mountain Dr, Lake LBJ Motel, 13813 W FM 1431, Kingsland Inn, 1500 RR 1431,

Lampasas

The Inn at Lampasas, 1200 Central Texas Expwy Country Inn, 1502 S Key Ave Our Friends Campground, 7360 E HWY 190 Boone RV Park, 1907 S HWY 281 The Peach House B&B, 502 N Walnut M & M Creekside, 1177 County Road 3010 Loose Nuts Lodge, 1702 CR 2800 Lometa Tx 76853

Llano

325-388-4411 325-388-4943 325-388-4823 325-388-9393 325-388-4571 325-388-5002

(512) 556-9292 (512) 556-6201 (817) 312-1833 (512) 556-5171 (254) 223-1377 (713) 857-8159 (512) 752-5321

Circle Your Wagons Bed & Breakfast, 2236 West RR152, Best Western, 901 W Young St, Birmingham House, Cabim at Crooked Creek, Casa de Catell, Castell Cottages on the Llano River, Chaparral Lone Star Inn, 700 W Young St, Dabb’s Railroad Hotel, 112 East Burnet St, Llano Motel, 507 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643, M&M Bed & Breakfastt, Phoenix Nest Guest House, Rio De Looney, Rockin River Cabins, Sandstone Street B&B, 508 E Sandstone, The Sunday House, Days Inn & Suites, 609 Bessemer Ave, Century Ranch Lodging, 2725 County Road 412,

Marble Falls

Best Western Plus,1403 Hwy 281 N, Hampton Inn On the Lake, 704 1st St, Hill Country Motel, 1101 US Hwy 281, Holiday Inn Express 714 Corazon Dr, La Quinta Inn & Suites, 501 Hwy 2147 W, Motel 6, 1400 Ollie Ln, Quality Inn, 1206 Hwy 281 N,

Mason

Hill Country Inn, 2 Blocks North of Square on Hwy 87 North, Fort McKavitt Inn, Half Mile North of Square on Hwy 87, A Storybook Cottage, 511 West Rainey Street , Apple Cottage Bed & Breakfast, 517 Austin Street, Kozy Kottage, 714 San Antonio St, Stagecoach Stop, 405 Magnolia St, The Townhouse, 716 Westmoreland ,

325-423-1040 325-247-4101 325.247.2720 719.337.0098 325.248.3805 325.248.4270 325-247-4111 325-247-2200 325-247-5786 325.247.3422 325.247.2720 512.454.6962 830.693.5549 325.423.2581 325.247.2720 325-247-1141 325-247-4074

San Saba

Bar D Inn & Suites, 702 W Wallace, Evening Star Cottages, 702 W. Wallace, Executive Inn, 1010 North High, Fisher Street Bed and Breakfast, Goldthwaite, Tx, Freedom Acres Retreat, 744 CR 110, Hill Country Inn, 1805 E. Wallace, Springs of Cold Creek Bed & Breakfast, 14762 CR 310, Sulphur Springs Camp, Inc., 2935 CR 446, Two Rivers Lodge, 2301 W Wallace,

325-372-7530 817-559-5995 325/372-5191 325-938-6619 325/372-3881 325-372-4111 325-251-6611 325-628-3252 325-372-5408

Y’all visit us online now, Ya Hear!

Serving the Texas Hill Country’s layout, design & production needs Magazines, Brochures, Menus, Booklets and more

830-693-5122 830-798-1895 830-693-3637 830-693-0707 830-798-2020 830-265-6565 830-693-7531

325-347-6317 325-347-5750 325-347-0809 325-347-1885 325-347-2968 325-805-1212 325-347-5733

JARco P.o Box 704 Llano, TX 78643

Publishing, llc 830-201-0830 jarcopublishing.com p. 29

Arrowhead Bank Pg.21 Ben E. Keith Pg.32 Café Twenty Three Hundred Pg.25 Choccolatte’s Pg.15 Circle Your Wagon Pg.7 Cypress Valley Canopy Tours Pg.8 It’s all Goode Pg.5 J & J Construction Pg.27 JARco Publishing LLC Pg.29 Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce Pg.6 Lampasas Chamber of Commerce Pg.23 Lighthouse Country Club Pg.19 Lyssy & Eckel Feeds Pg.13 Marble Falls Lake Fest Pg.11 New Dawn Interiors Pg.20 Perri Mancil/Joe Bruns Realty Pg.22 Satellite Station Pg.19 Sheppard Family Insurance Pg.14 Summit Rock Pg.31 Texas Tea Licious Pg.5 TexasHillCountry.com Pg.16 Texas Hill Country Wineries Pg.10 The Exotic Zoo Pg.9 Whitman Insurance Agency Pg.12 Thank you to all of our supporters.

Contact:

Texas Hill Country Tourism PO Box 3 Brady, Tx 76825 MrHillCountry@Yahoo.com

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www.TexasHillCountry.com www.Texas-Hill-Country.com www.facebook.com/TexasHillCountry www.twitter.com/MrHillCountry

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