Fall/Winter Visitor Guide

VISIT FAYETTE

Photo by Mark

WELCOME TO FAYETTE COUNTY

It’s always a great time to be in Fayette County, but especially in the fall and winter when the Texas heat is gone and there’s always a great excuse to get outside and enjoy a culture found nowhere else in the Lone Star State.

Visit Fayette is published twice a year by the Fayette County Record in La Grange, Texas. The purpose of the publication is to provide useful information for visitors considering Fayette County as their destination for leisure travel. It is used by the Fayette County Record staff as a tool for all trade shows and sales efforts, handed out at events and distributed at all TxDOT Travel Centers.

Photo by Diane Mueller Photography

DATA, STATISTICS, & HISTORY

DATA FROM 2020 TEXAS ALMANAC

Population 25,346

Area (sq.mi.) 959.8

Altitude (ft.) 200–590

Rainfall (in.) 40.46

Jan. avg. min. 39.2

July avg. max. 95.5

Civilian labor 11,324

Unemployed 5.2%

Per Capita Income $53,564

Property Value $6,910,143,625

Retail Sales $489,599,371

HISTORY

Physical Features: South central county bisected by Colorado River; Fayette County Reservoir; rolling to level; sandy loam, black waxy soils.

Economy: Agribusiness, production of electricity, mineral production, government/services, small manufacturing, tourism.

History: Lipan Apaches and Tonkawas. Austin’s colonists arrived in 1822. Germans and Czechs began arriving in 1840s. County created from Bastrop, Colorado counties in 1837; organized in 1838; named for hero of American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette.

Recreation: Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, Faison Home Museum, other historic sites including “Painted Churches”; hunting, fishing, lake; German and Czech ethnic foods; Prazska Pout in August, Octoberfests. Golf courses (2), State Parks (1), City Parks (13), Museums (18), Art galleries (12).

Airport: Fayette Regional Air Center; 850 Airport Road, La Grange; 979-242-4056;

Major Cities: LA GRANGE (4,751) County seat; electric-power generation, varied manufacturing, tourism; Schulenburg (2,935) manufacturing, food processing; festival in August; Round Top (88) music center, tourism; antiques shows; Winedale (67), historic restorations; Carmine (258); Ellinger (386), Fayetteville (271) tourism, antiques, Lickskillet festival in October; Flatonia (1,511) food production, cattle ranching; rail history museum, Czhilispiel in October; Ledbetter (83); Muldoon (95); Plum (145); Warda (121); Warrenton (186); West Point (213), and Winchester (232).

Fayette County was established in 1837 from land given by Bastrop and Colorado Counties. It is named for the Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman who became an American Revolutionary War hero.

An early resident of Brazoria County and then Fayette County, Joel Walter Robison, fought in the Texas Revolution and served in the Texas House of Representatives.

More than a dozen historic properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Fayette County.

Fayette County is the location of the real Chicken Ranch, which was the basis of the musical play and feature film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Source: Wikipedia

WELCOME TO LA GRANGE

La Grange is on the Colorado River, between Houston and Austin on Texas State Highway 71. It is home to the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites. Monument Hill is a memorial to the men who died in the Dawson Massacre and in the Black Bean Episode of the Mier Expedition. The Kreische Brewery site commemorates European immigrants and their contributions. The population is 4,391.

The Fayette County Fair

LA GRANGE MKT DEPOT MUSEUM

PLACES TO EAT, STAY, WORSHIP & PLAY

EVENTS

October

La Grange Farmers Market on the square every Saturday

Pumpkin Patch The Jersey Barnyard

September 14-November

25

Oktoberfest on the Square

October 7

Archeology Day at Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites

October 14

Heritage Fest & MuzikyCelebration of Czech Music & Culture

October 20-21

Trick-Or-Treat on the Square

October 31

Bonfire & Spooky Stories at Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites

October 27

November

La Grange Farmers Market every Saturday

Shop Small Saturday

November 25

December La Grange Farmers Market every Saturday

14th Annual Scmeckenfest

December 7

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State

Historic Sites at Trail of Lights

December 8-9, 15-17

Christmas Open House Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center

December 9

Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites at Trail of Lights Encore

December 19-23

January Texas Blacksmithing Conference and Texas Antique Gas Engine Reunion

January 24-27

February La Grange Farmers Market every Saturday

Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center Valentines Dinner and Concert

February 10

Best Little Quilt Show in Texas

February 23-24

March

La Grange Farmers Market every Saturday

Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas

March 6-9

RESTAURANTS

Back Porch BBQ & Grill 1602 N. Jefferson St.

Bodega Wine Market 201 W. Travis St.

Celebrations by Bistro 108 127 N. Main St.

Dairy Queen 311 N. Jefferson St.

Domino’s Pizza 2001 TX-71 Ste. 10

Frisch Auf Valley Country Club 575 Country Club Dr.

Golden Chick 312 E. Travis St.

Hank’s Express 154 S. Jefferson St.

Holman Valley Steakhouse 10204 FM 155

Jay Dee’z Sports Grill 2001 TX-71

La Marina 1502 TX-71

Las Fuentes 685 S. Jefferson St.

Latte on the Square 219 W. Travis St.

Leopard Donuts 240 E. Travis St.

Lukas Bakery 135 N. Main St.

McDonald’s 2304 W. Travis St.

Pizza Hut 2230 Bus. W. Hwy 71

Reba’s Deli and Pizzeria 539 E. Colorado St.

Riverside Cafe 1225 Carroll Ln.

Sealand Seafood & Steaks 2359 W. Hwy 71

Sonic 717 E. Travis St.

Subway 109 S. Jefferson St.

Taco Bell 2201 W. Hwy. 71

Taqueria Sergios 1432 TX-71

Texas One Stop BBQ & Bakery 1704 TX-71

Weikel’s Bakery 2247 W. Hwy. 71

Whataburger 1800 E. Hwy. 71

Nearby Murphy’s Steakhouse 204 Thomas St., Winchester, TX 78945

LODGING

Ammannsville Cottages 9018 FM 1383

Bed & Breakfast on Main 512 S. Main St.

Best Western La Grange Inn & Suites 600 E. Hwy. 71 Bypass

Big Tin Flag Bed & Breakfast 714 E. Radhost School Rd.

Blue Willow Farm B&B 1412 S. US Hwy. 77

Brendan Manor Bed & Breakfast 345 E. Travis St.

Colorado Landing RV 64 E. Bluff View

Cottonwood Inn Motel 1494 W. Travis St.

Executive Inn & Suites of La Grange 1708 W. State Hwy. 71

Hampton Inn La Grange 1624 W. TX-71

Laughing Hen Silos

4741 Hwy. 159

Lodge on Lake Siesta

5145 FM 153

Lucky Penny Ranch

6822 Wied Rd.

Lutherhill Ministries RV Site

3782 Lutherhill Rd.

Oak Thicket Park on Lake Fayette

4819 W. State Hwy. 159

River Valley Motor Inn

1575 W. Travis St.

S&H RV Park

3517 Post Oak Rd.

Suite 244 Historic Downtown

Accommodations

244 N. Washington St.

Suncatcher RV Park

3033 S. US Hwy. 77

The Oak Motel 227 S. Jefferson St.

Nearby

Corral RV Park

West Point, TX 78963

CHURCHES

Assembly of God

Assamblia of God

Inglesia Vida Abundante

124 S. Franklin St.

Domingo 10 a.m.

Miércoles 7-9 p.m.

(979) 702-9749

Gospel Lighthouse

Assembly of God

144 S. College

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Worship10:45a.m.&6:30p.m.

(979) 968-5950

Baptist

Bible Baptist Church

153 E. Crockett St.

(979) 968-4981

Calvery Baptist Church

650 S. Ellinger Rd.

Bible Study 10 a.m.

Morning Worship 11 a.m.

Evening Worship 6 p.m.

(979) 966-2670

Crosspoint Community Church

1010 N. Von Minden St.

LifeGroups9:30a.m.&11:30a.m.

Worship 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

www.crosspointchurchtx.org

(979) 968-5953

First Baptist

5000 State Hwy. 71

Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Worship 10:30 a.m.

Adult, Student & Childrens

GroupsWednesdaysat6p.m.

www.fbclagrange.net

(979) 968-6084

New Bethel

Missionary Baptist

3242 Loehr Rd.

Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship 11 a.m.

(512) 947-2673

Peaceful Rest Baptist

808 E. Fannin St.

Worship 10:30 a.m.

(979) 968-6843

St. Matthew

Missionary Baptist

6341 State Hwy. 71 East

Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship 2nd & 4th

Sunday 11:30 a.m.

& Wednesday 6 p.m.

Catholic

Holy Rosary Catholic Church

936 FM 2436

Saturday Mass 5 p.m.

Sunday Mass 8 a.m.

www.hostynplumcatholic.org

(979) 247-4441

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

539 E. Pearl, La Grange

Tuesday & Wednesday Mass 6:30 p.m.,

Sunday English Mass 9 a.m. & Sunday Spanish Mass 11:30 a.m.

www.sacredheartlagrange.org

(979) 968-3430

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Ammannsville

7745 Mensik Rd.

Worship 8 a.m.

(Even Months)

Worship at 9:30 a.m.

(Odd Months)

(979) 743-3117

St. Peter & Paul Catholic 126 Plum Church Rd., Plum

Sunday Mass 10 a.m.

www.hostynplumcatholic.org

(979) 242-3600

St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Holman

9937 FM 155

Worship at 8 a.m.

(Odd Months)

Worship at 9:30 a.m.

(Even Months)

(979) 743-3117

Church of Christ

Church of Christ

646 E. Hwy. 71 Business

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship 10 a.m. & Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

www.lagrangecoc.com

(979) 968-5676

Episcopal

St. James Episcopal

156 N. Monroe St.

Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Worship 8 & 10:30 a.m.

www.stjameslagrange.org

(979) 968-3910

Lutheran

Holy Cross Lutheran

FM 1482, Warda

Worship 9 a.m.

Sunday School 10:15 a.m.

www.holycrosswarda.com

(979) 242-3333

Mt. Calvary Lutheran

800 N. Franklin St.

Sunday School & Bible

Classes 10:15 a.m. and Wednesday 10 a.m.

Worship 9 a.m.

L.C.M.S.

www.mtcalvary-lcms.org

(979) 968-3938

Saint Michael’s Lutheran

310 Frio St., Winchester

Worship 9 a.m.

Sunday school 10:15 a.m.

www.stmichaelswinchester.org

(979) 242-3444

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church

110 W. Walnut, La Grange

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Worship Saturday 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.

www.stpaullg.org

(979) 968-5657

St. Peter Lutheran Church

640 Prairie Valley Rd., West Point Worship 8:45 a.m. (361) 798-0155

Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County St. John in Rutersville

5743 State Hwy. 159 East, La Grange

Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship 10 a.m.

www.sharedlutheranministry.org

(979) 249-3155

Methodist Bethlehem AME

5218 FM 3233, La Grange (979) 247-5010

First United Methodist 1215 N. Von Minden St.

Traditional Worship 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:10-11 a.m. New Life Worship 11:10 a.m. www.lgfumc.org

(979) 968-8323

St. James United Methodist 710 N. Jackson

Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship 1st & 3rd Sun. 11 a.m.

St. Paul AME 729 E. Guadalupe

Sunday School 9 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. (979) 968-9644

Winchester United Methodist 8933 FM 153, Winchester Worship 1st & 3rd

Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Pentecost

United Pentecostal 311 N. Horton St.

Tuesday Ladies Prayer 9 a.m., Mens Prayer 7 p.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Thursday Sunday School 10 a.m. Church Services 10:45 a.m. (512) 801-6314

Presbyterian First Presbyterian 205 S. Franklin St. Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

www.firstprebyterianlagrange.com

(979) 968-9424

Seventh-Day Adventist

Seventh-Day Adventist

1000 E. Hwy. 71

Saturday-Sabbath School

9:30 a.m.

Saturday Worship 11 a.m.

www.lagrangetx.adventistchurch.org

(979) 968-8519

Cowboy Church

Colorado River Cowboy Church

5122 Hwy. 71 - between La Grange & Smithville

Bible Study 8:45 a.m.

Worship 10 a.m.

www.coloradorivercowboychurch.org (512) 575-5592

Others

Primera Inglesia Bautista

1099 N. Von Minden St.

Worship: Wednesday 7 p.m., Friday 7 p.m., Sunday 10:30 a.m.

The Living Vine Christian Church

124 S. Water St.

Sunday Morning 10 a.m.

Bible Study (adults and youth)

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. (316) 259-7435

The Remnant Church

2010 Von Minden Rd.

Sunday Service 10 a.m.

Monday Prayer 7 p.m.

Wednesday Children & Youth Life Night 7 p.m.

www.theremnantchurch.net

(979) 968-5065

PICNICS

October

Hostyn Festival

1st Sunday in october

Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in Hostyn

936 FM 2436

(979) 247-4441

www.hostynplumcatholic.org

SHOWS & FESTIVALS

Oktoberfest on the

October 7

Square

Oktoberfest held on the Courthouse Square is filled with fun and It's a true family event. Bring the kids to enjoy activities provided by Camp Lone Star of La Grange. There will be tons of entertainment under the event tent for adults along with over 100 different kinds of craft beer to sample. Wine samples will be available throughout the various boutiques on the Square. Don't forget the homemade schnitzel and German noodles to round out your Oktoberfest experience!

Heritage Fest & MuzikyCelebration of Czech Music & Culture

October 14-15

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange will host their annual Heritage Festival & Muziky The Fest will be altered to a one-day event for 2020 only. The Fest kicks off at 10 am with heritage and culture in the Czech Village, an early 1900s recreated village complete with residential houses, barns, and stores. Demonstrations of early life for the immigrants will take place throughout the grounds all day, including working in the sawmill, the operation of the Czech Newspaper Museum press and engine, blacksmithing, corn shelling and grinding, hay pressing, and more. Plenty of food and cold beverages will be available as well.

14th Annual Scmeckenfest

December 7

Scmeckenfest attracts visitors to the Courthouse Square to sample wassail (hot cider) that shop owners make with their very own special recipe. The event also includes music, delicious treats sold by local nonprofit organizations, and let’s not forget a visit from Santa. The festivities begin with a Christmas parade and the lighting of the Fayette County Christmas tree on the Courthouse lawn.

All events are subject to change. Please check websites for the most up to date information.

Photo by Diane Mueller Photography

TRADITION, COMMUNITY, AND POLKA

The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center’s Story

Written by KIRSTEN CORNELL | Photography by LINDSEY FOJTIK

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of central Texas, a hidden gem awaits those eager to delve into the captivating world of Czech heritage. The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC), located in La Grange, serves as a vibrant tapestry of tradition, culture, and history, weaving together the stories of Czech immigrants who settled in the Lone Star State. With its rich exhibits, engaging events, and a palpable sense of community, the center stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Czech people who have made Texas their home for generations.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

As one approaches the TCHCC, the eye is drawn to a sprawling campus that seamlessly blends modern architecture with traditional Czech motifs. Stepping inside the meticulously renovated structures, visitors are transported back in time to the late 19th century, when waves of Czech immigrants set sail for the promise of a new life in Texas.

“The amphitheater was actually one of our first official structures,” explains Retta Slavik Chandler, President and Chairman of the Board of the TCHCC. The Lower Colorado River Authority had authorized a grant to specifically build an amphitheater along the lower Colorado River as one did not currently exist.

“We hadn’t necessarily planned to build the amphitheater,” Chandler laughs. “But the money was there and then Sanford Schmid stepped in and matched the grant. Mr. Schmid was an avid supporter of the center for many years and was very proud of his heritage.”

The epicenter of the Village, the museum offers a captivating journey through time, with exhibits that trace the migration of Czechs to Texas, from the Old World to the New. The stories of hardship, hope, and perseverance come alive through photographs, documents, and personal artifacts. Visitors can trace their roots and discover the challenges faced by their ancestors in carving out a new existence in a foreign land.

One of the center's most prized possessions is an authentic Czech farmhouse, painstakingly disassembled and reconstructed on-site. This lovingly restored dwelling is a testament to the resilience of the early Czech settlers, who brought with them not only their customs and traditions but also their architectural heritage. Walking through the farmhouse, with its rustic charm and vintage furnishings, is like stepping back in time.

“Many of our ancestors were required to surrender their Austrian citizenship when they traveled to the United States,” explains Chandler. “Much of what they carried was in traveling trunks and we are fortunate to have had many of these items donated over the years.”

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

The heart of the TCHCC lies in its commitment to preserving and celebrating Czech culture. Throughout the year, the center hosts a myriad of events and festivals that showcase the vibrant traditions of the Czech people. One of the highlights of the calendar is the annual Heritage Festival and Muziky on the third weekend of October, a lively, two-day celebration of music and dance that draws attendees from across Texas and beyond. “There are always several bands playing dance music: waltzes, polkas, Classic Country, swing, and marches,” says Chandler. “There will be demonstrations of early skills, farm equipment displays, and a classic car show.”

In May, TCHCC hosts the annual Slavnost and Tribute to the Immigrants where they honor descendants of those who immigrated to Texas by placing a wreath of remembrance on the Immigrants Wall to recognize them. The center has also offered a variety of workshops and classes throughout the years, from Czech language lessons to folk dance instruction. These educational opportunities allow visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the Czech Republic, fostering a deeper appreciation for this rich heritage.

Caption

The wash room in the HluchanekSalas House

Texas Czech Agriculture Museum is housed in the Janak Barn, a replica of an early 1900's barn.

Ornate solid oak pump organ in the Liturgical Music Room of the Czech Music Museum of Texas.

BRIDGING GENERATIONS

Perhaps one of the most endearing aspects of the TCHCC is its ability to bridge the generational divide. In an era of rapid change, the center serves as a touchstone for younger Czech Americans, providing them with a link to their roots and a sense of belonging.

Families flock to the center to share stories and experiences, with grandparents regaling their grandchildren with tales of the "old country" and the journey to Texas. The center's programs for children and youth ensure that the next generation remains connected to their Czech heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity.

“People are often amazed at some of the items they come across when they come visit us,” says Chandler. “We hear them say, ‘I remember that’ or ‘My grandmother had one of those.’ It’s as if the pages of a book were closed and all of a sudden, it was opened up again.”

For more than 50 years after the occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1939, communication was cut off between the Czech homeland and the US. For many, this section of time was erased, but the TCHCC has managed to put pieces back together, building a timeline and filling in the gaps for many. “We have created a time capsule that you can walk through and experience,” says Chandler. “I am so grateful to those who have saved and donated items. They have helped us replace what was missing for so many.”

PRESERVATION AND LEGACY

Preserving the past is not only the mission of the TCHCC but also its passion. The center's dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to catalog and maintain a vast collection of historical documents, photographs, and artifacts. They painstakingly preserve the stories of Czech immigrants for future generations.

The center's genealogy research library is a treasure trove for those seeking to trace their Czech ancestry. Knowledgeable staff members assist visitors in uncovering their family history, creating a deeper understanding of the journey their forebears undertook.

“Genealogy is really important to us, and we have a lot of people trace their ancestry,” adds Chandler. “We have many resources available for people to look through such as county and church records. We encourage those who are curious to call and schedule an appointment, we’d be happy to help them.”

Koláč is the famous Czech pastry. The word “kolo” in Czech means “wheels” or “round”, where the Koláč name is derived from. A round shaped, pastry that holds a portion of fruit surrounded by sweet puffy yeast dough. The plural is spelled koláče which means that in the U.S. when we add an ‘s’ to “kolaches,” this is actually a double plural.

The 1890s Velehrad SPJST Hall is restored just as it looked 125 years ago.

Instruments in the Folk Music room on display in the Czech Music Museum of Texas.

Several original photos and a display honoring military service men and women in the Melnar Library.

COMMUNITY AND UNITY

Beyond its role as a museum and cultural hub, the TCHCC serves as a vital community gathering place. It is a space where people come together to celebrate, to learn, and to connect. The sense of camaraderie that permeates the center is a testament to the enduring bonds of heritage and culture.

Local organizations, such as Czech heritage clubs and genealogy societies, regularly meet at the center. These gatherings foster a sense of unity and provide a platform for like-minded individuals to share their passion for Czech culture and history.

A LEGACY OF HERITAGE

In a rapidly changing world, places like the TCHCC remind us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. It is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Czech immigrants who, against all odds, built new lives and communities in Texas while holding fast to their traditions and identity.

As patrons wander through the center's exhibits, dance to the lively polka music, or browse the historical literature at the gift shop, they are reminded that our past shapes our present and that our cultural heritage is a source of strength and inspiration. The TCHCC stands as a beacon, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of the past, a greater appreciation for the present, and a brighter future where tradition and culture continue to thrive.

“It is a wonderful feeling to have the support of our community and welcome visitors from around the world,” shares Chandler. “We have truly created something very special here and it’s an honor to share that appreciation with others.

So, whether you are of Czech descent or simply a curious traveler eager to explore the rich tapestry of Texas Czech heritage, the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center invites you to step inside, where history comes to life, and the spirit of community is alive and well. It's a journey you won't want to miss

Visit the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center Cost: Donations Accepted Tours: Individuals are self-guided. Come anytime during business hours, call ahead for groups or schools to schedule.

Plan: www.czechtexas.org

Stop by the TCHCC for unique gift items! You’ll find everything from exquisite garnets and Bohemia crystal to home décor and books on Czech culture and history.

Willie and Mardi Kopecky Gift Shop

Original photos of Frantisek & Johana Migl and the Migl Family Reunions hang in a room in the Migl House, the house the Migl's built in 1890 after immigrating to Praha, Tx.

The 400+ seat Sanford Schmid Amphitheater was built on the grounds in 2003 and hosts many events and performances throughout the year. The amphitheater is built in the Wallachian style and the Czech words Muziky, Muziky (Music, Music) adorns the wall above the stage signifying the importance of music to the Czechs.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center

The Kaich House

Work is underway on the Blacksmith Shop and a remodel of the Country Store, with two churches, one Catholic Chapel and one Czech Brethren Church, planned for completion in the near future.

TODAY

2022 A new Archive Storage Building was completed to facilitate the preservation of historical materials.

2016: The Sladek Smoke and Wash House was added, funded by the children of Erwin A. and Frances Sladek, Sr.

2018: SPJST Lodge #19 Velehrad from Lavaca County, Texas, was moved to TCHCC and restored.2019: The Czech Newspaper Museum, featuring the Kluge Printing Press, was dedicated thanks to generous donations.

2014-2015

2007: TCHCC received the Gratias Agit Award in Prague, Czech Republic, for its contributions to preserving and promoting Czech culture in the U.S.

2008: The Hluchanek Salaš (Salac) House, built in 1889 and donated by Don and Betsy Chovanec, found a new home at TCHCC.

2009: The Library Museum Archives Complex was constructed, housing exhibits, a library, a multipurpose room, a boardroom, and a gift shop, thanks to various donors.

2010: The Immigrant Wall was added to honor Czechs who emigrated to Texas.

2005

2003: The Wallachian Bell and Belfry, a symbol of Czech heritage, found its permanent home at TCHCC, thanks to the Czech Heritage Society of Texas.

2004: The Migl House, built in 1890, was moved to TCHCC after being lovingly restored by the Migl family.

2004: The Frank J. Parma Bridge "Mostek" was constructed, crossing a small stream and funded in memory of Frank J. Parma by Patricia Parma.

1998-2002

1997: The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center (TCHCC) was initiated by the Texans of Czech Ancestry and operated from a desk at the La Grange Chamber of Commerce.

1997: TCHCC relocated to a one-room office in the BEFCO building in La Grange.

1997: TCHCC signed a lease with the City of La Grange for the property next to the Fairgrounds, laying the foundation for its future growth.

2016-2019

2014: The Krasna School Bell was donated by Raymond and Clarice Snokhous and dedicated.

2014: The Janak Barn, a replica of an early 1900s Texas Czech barn, was added, housing the Texas Czech Agriculture Museum.

2015: A Maintenance Building was constructed to house display and groundskeeping equipment, funded by Richard and Molly Cernosek.

2015: The Zapalac Sawmill, an 1895 DeLoach No. 1 Mill, was donated and erected, thanks to Donna Zapalac Mueller and the Dickson-Allen Foundation.

2007-2010

2005: An authentic circa 1904 Double Log Corn Crib with Dog Trot was donated, restored, and added to the TCHCC property.

2005: The Country Store, donated by Roy Bucek, was relocated to TCHCC and underwent extensive restoration, including an addition in 2010.

2005: The Hoelscher Haus, donated by Henry and Esther Hoelscher, became part of TCHCC and houses the Polka Lovers’ Club of Texas Museum.

2003-2004

1998: A Walking Trail and Stations were constructed around the TCHCC property, adding a touch of nature and history to the cultural center.

2000: The Kalich House, generously donated by Jonathan and Peggy Kalich of Schulenburg, was moved to the site and restored by dedicated volunteers.

2002: The Sanford Schmid Amphitheater, a state-of-the-art open-air theater in Texas Czech style, was completed.

1997

Czech Newspaper Museum of Texas

Hanslik Banquet Hall

YOU CAN COUNT ON THE KATY

written by LARRY JACKSON

Just as the tiny locomotive pulling its string of freight cars passes the Fayette County Courthouse on its way toward what appears to be a church, the youngster is startled by the sudden blare of a full-size locomotive, soon followed by the clanging of crossing bells and the ground begins to tremble. A fully loaded coal train of more than 100 cars is passing the M-K-T Depot Museum on its way to the Fayette Power Plant.

The child is thrilled by the model train operation; her dad has stepped just out the museum door to watch the coal train rumble past.

Regardless of the size, there’s something about railroads and trains that fascinates young and old alike. And for the visitor to La Grange, the M-K-T Depot Museum has something appealing to just about everyone.

“It’s the movement that seems to draw them over here,” volunteer docent Gary Lincke says of the N-scale replica of downtown La Grange. One of the first things a docent does when opening the depot – usually about 10 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday – is to switch on the model train layout. You never know how early a visitor might pop in.

“The kids like the scavenger hunt we have for them, too,” adds Bill Karisch, another depot volunteer. “If they find all the objects, they get to put their name in a drawing for a Dairy Queen gift card.” And Karisch makes sure just about everyone succeeds.

Folks pulling into the Dairy Queen easily spot the bright yellow caboose just steps away on the museum grounds. The depot itself is over 125 years old – built on the same spot in 1897. It’s the oldest MKT railroad depot in Texas still in its original location.

Photo by Angel Girl Photography

In the other direction, the museum is adjacent to the parking lot for the Texas Quilt Museum, which draws hundreds of visitors from all over the world to La Grange.

“A lot of times husbands get tired of quilts before their wives do,” Karisch observes. “You’d be surprised how many of them find their way over here to the depot.”

Some visitors are railroad fans who specifically come to La Grange to see the museum, but many simply discover it while in La Grange for some other reason. Regardless, the volunteers with Friends of the La Grange Railroad Depot, the group who manages the La Grange MKT Depot Museum, try to have something for everyone.

For those interested in history, the museum has a well-curated display of rail-related artifacts, photographs, maps and posters. For those more interested in models, there’s the operating N-scale layout with trains, cars, houses, churches, stores, people and animals – all designed to reflect the real town of La Grange. There also are HO and O-gauge models in authentic Katy livery (color schemes), along with a G-scale train that high-balls along a track suspended from the depot ceiling.

Besides the air-conditioned depot, the museum also provides alwayswelcome public restrooms and outdoor picnic tables. Even when the museum isn’t open, visitors are welcome to explore the two cabooses on site and enjoy train-watching from behind the platform’s safety fences.

Whether you’re a native, a longtime resident or a first-time tourist, the La Grange MKT “Katy” Depot Museum lives up to the old M-K-T motto: “You can count on the Katy.”

HOLIDAYS AT THE DEPOT

Even when the museum is closed, visitors are welcome to explore the cabooses and use the picnic tables that are painted in true Katy green and yellow.

Christmas is a special time at La Grange’s historic M-K-T Depot Museum. It’s when Santa arrives –riding on a Union Pacific locomotive. Each Christmas season, Friends of the Depot sponsor a special day for youngsters and their families – complete with an opportunity to tell Santa their wish lists.

It’s all free, including games and refreshments. And most likely, there will be rides on the Katy Flyer. This amusement-park style train is set up in the parking lot for special events like Santa’s arrival.

For up-to-date information on events and activities at the Depot Museum, check their Facebook page.

When Santa arrives at the depot aboard a real UP locomotive, it’s a Christmastime highlight for La Grange.

inside the depot

FROZEN CHARLOTTE

Historic artifacts help to enhance our understanding of how people of the past lived, what they enjoyed, what they found worth preserving, and sometimes, what they may have lost or forgotten. At Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites, the archeological collections include thousands of objects that illustrate the history of the Kreische family and their life on the Bluff. Though most of the items are related to the family’s successful brewing business, several toys and game pieces are also present and provide insight into the everyday lives of the Kreische children.

One recent discovery includes a small bone-white figurine that could easily fit within a child’s pocket. She is only a few inches long, with minimal details on her face, and she does not have legs. Her white complexion makes her look almost as if she was frozen to death. In the Victorian era, she was one of the most popular dolls and was commonly referred to as “Frozen Charlotte.”

“Frozen Charlotte” dolls originated in Germany but quickly spread in popularity in the United States throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. The dolls were

written by JENNY TOWNZEN

affordable and accessible and could easily be bought with pocket change or children’s allowances. The name derives from a folk story about a young Charlotte who was on her way to a ball on a cold winter night but refused to wear warm layers to cover her dress. By the time she arrived at the ball, she was frozen solid. Victorian mothers used this cautionary tale to warn their children to always dress warmly when it snowed, or they would freeze to death like poor Charlotte.

Tiny in size but treasured by children of all ages, these dolls are commonly found at historic archeological sites because their porcelain material does not degrade and stands the test of time. Whether this collectible belonged to the Kreisches or to one of the many children who journeyed to a Bluff Schuetzenverein event, archeologists may never know, as the doll was not excavated but discovered as a surface find on one of one of the trails of the sites.

Curious to learn more about the sites’ historical objects and heritage? Visit Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill on October 14 for the sites’ annual Archeology Day, where families can step into the

shoes of an archeologist and discover how the past is still alive through the objects left behind. With family-friendly activities such as mock digs, artifact identification, presentations, and more, visitors can put on their thinking caps to investigate the history of Heinrich Kreische and his family on the Bluff.

EVENTS

In the mood for more thrilling tales like Frozen Charlotte’s? Mark your calendar for our Spooky Stories and Bonfire event on October 27 to hear local stories and legends. And don’t forget about the sites’ annual Trail of Lights throughout December, which has become a community staple for celebrating the holiday festivities through lights, living history, and more. Trail of Lights Festival Nights will be held on Dec. 8,9, 15-17, and Encore Nights are 19-23. For more information, visit www.friendsofkbmh.org or www.visitkreischebrewery.com

Photo by Diane Mueller

FAYETTE COUNTY'S HANDYMAN

Written by WILLIAM SICKON

Whether you are here to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, down-sizing, or up-sizing your home or property, turning your house or property purchase into a place you call home is my specialty. As I was wrapping up a job for a client near Round Top, the homeowner said to me that she was thankful for my expertise. And that every time she and her husband think they have a disaster of a project to tackle, I show up and make it look easy. It instills a sense of pride and humbleness to be a part of preserving Fayette County properties.

Through marriage is how I came to be a Fayette County resident. My wife, Tara, grew up here, and now that my fatherin-law, Wallie, is in his 90’s, he is finally considered to be a local since most of the people who remember when he moved to the county are no longer alive. You will discover that we are a close community. That was quickly revealed to me when I stopped at Bloomin’ Junction. I wanted to get Tara some flowers as a bright spot during a tough day. Brooke and Jordan asked me to come back later to pick up the arrangement

since they were waiting on fresh flowers. When I picked up the arrangement, they said they knew Tara would love the flowers they selected. This is just one of many examples of my experiences with local businesses. Bill’s Barn La Grange is proud to be a member of the La Grange and Fayette County business community. I too enjoy providing the same care of service to my clients that I receive as a client.

My construction history can best be viewed as you fly into southwest Florida which ranges from building 40,000sq ft beachfront homes to high-rise condominiums and commercial space remodels. My construction career transformed over time as I added home inspector and real estate associate to my skill set because I wanted to have a more flexible schedule due to my son, Jonathan, being in middle school. He is now grown and living in Houston with his fiancé. When I look back, I loved the big construction projects, but even more so enjoyed inspections as it gave me time to raise my son. It was a natural progression for me, and my customers even named me

an Angie’s List Super Service awardee.

Having moved to Fayette County three years ago, I have found that I enjoy the challenges of working in the hundred-year-old homes and shoring up old barns that were built with a parent who has since passed on, which are quite plentiful in Fayette County. To do my part in serving our community, Bill’s Barn La Grange is a Prime Member of the La Grange Chamber of Commer, Bronze Sponsor of the Fayette County Fair, and volunteer for the Colorado Valley Independent Cattlemen’s Association.

My trailer is equipped to handle most any home inspection report repair suggestions and handyman repairs while on site. I can be contacted on my website at www. billsbarnlagrange.com or by calling me at 979-639-1044. Licensed and insured in the State of Texas, let me help you complete your projects list so that you can enjoy your home, your property, or your workspace. With your local support, we can provide Fayette County with quality services at an affordable price.

Photo by Diane Mueller

THE FAISON HOUSE

written by MARIE WATTS

A LIVING HISTORY

The story begins when N.W. Faison left Tennessee for Texas to seek his fortune in the 1830s. After surviving the Dawson Massacre and imprisonment in Mexico, he returned to work in La Grange, Texas as Fayette County clerk, surveyor, real estate agent, settler of estates, cotton broker, and liquor license holder. Upon his death in 1870, he was one of the richest men in Texas, owning over 35,000 acres of land and $4,700 in gold. Thirty men owed him money. He scandalized the City of La Grange by giving his home and a portion of gold to his mulatto housekeeper, Louisiana Brown.

Brown, a freedwoman, owned the house from 1870 until 1872 and went by the last name of Faison for the remainder of her life. One of the first freedwomen in the state to own property, she was popular with both blacks and whites. By making astute real estate deals, she overcame the odds and continued to be a property owner until her death in 1909.

Nathaniel’s brother, Peter, and his family occupied the house beginning in 1872. The original furniture of the Faison family highlights life for the well-to-do in the late 1800s. Despite all their wealth, the Faison children did not live happily ever after. None had children. Peter’s daughter, Maria, mysteriously died in 1888 at the age of twenty-six. Her ghost is said to inhabit the residence.

Percy, the middle child, failed as an attorney and eventually held a position of Sanitation Inspector for the City of San Antonio. After his mother’s death in 1921, he and his brother, Jimmie, sued each other over the estate.

Jimmie, the youngest, lived at home and did not marry until age fifty, when his mother died. His widow lived in the house until her death in 1960. The La Grange Garden Club bought the house and turned it into a museum. Its care was handed over to the Faison Preservation Society in 2022.

NATHANIEL W FAISON HOUSE

LG'S TOP RATED RV PARK

written by TRACIE WHORTON

Colorado Landing RV Park is nestled six blocks from the town square. We have large, shaded pull thru sites in a peaceful settng by the Colorado River. Originally Colorado Landing RV Park was more of a mobile home park with 12 pull thru RV sites. When we purchased the park in October of 2004 our intenton over time was to become strictly a RV Park. Hurricane Harvey made that decision for us in 2017 and Colorado Landing has now become solely an RV Park with 94 full hookup sites.

We are a stopover for many RVer’s heading down to the coast we're a 1-day drive to the Rio Grande Valley.

In 2016 we became a Top-Rated Park with Good Sam Campgrounds and have proudly maintained that top rating of 9.5/9.5*/10. We are located 2 blocks from Las Fuentes at the corner of Cedar and Main St. We are only a few blocks from the town square for shopping, antiquing, cafés, and bakeries.

AT COLORADO LANDING

RV PARK WE OFFER:

*94 Prepared Sites*Propane Sales*Big Rig Friendly*24hour Quiet Park*Walking Trails along the Colorado River*Sparkling Swimming Pool*Laundry Facility*Cable TV*WIFI*Picnic Tables*Community Center with full kitchen**Groups Welcome**

*We are a pet friendly park and have 2 Bark Parks. One is about 3 acres and is sunny, shaded with swings and picnic tables. The smaller Bark Park is completely shaded*

*Your Fur Babies Will Love the Bark Parks* Make a reservation by calling at 979.966.9465 or visit www.coloradolanding.com

Deer at the park

FALL INTO FUN AT THE TEXAS QUILT MUSEUM

written by DEBORAH BRADLEY

When you think of quilts, do you think they are fun?

If your answer is, “No”, you most likely haven’t experienced the Texas Quilt Museum, in downtown La Grange.

The Texas Quilt Museum (TQM) is the only quilt museum in Texas, but that’s not what makes it so special.

TQM will leave you changed.

You will see our wonderfully restored, 19th century building, home to amazing works of art in three separate galleries, covering more than 10,000 square feet, an array of quilts by artists from around the world, the largest quilt research library in the Southwest, our Koval Antique Textile Exhibit (with samples dating back to the 1700’s, donated by Mary and Joe Koval), a wonderful gift shop with something for everyone and every budget, and also Grandmother’s Flower Garden, just outside.

But what really stands out for our visitors is the energy in this old building. Everyone is welcome, young and old. Our

staff and volunteers are very helpful. Even our “quilting rock stars,” who have created the art on display, are often present and always willing to discuss their techniques and personal stories. Our wonderful docents mostly from the Colorado Valley Quilt Guild, who volunteer their precious time, are also quilters who are at your service with quilting wisdom and to turn a quilt corner with their white-gloved hands.

Come check-out the new Autumn Exhibit (August 31December 16, 2023) featuring over 75 quilts from the:

Antique Quilts from the Koval Collection; "All Creatures Great & Small" - 2nd Founders' Juried Art Quilt Exhibit; Fun Memorabilia and a Video from the World of James Herriot Museum of Thirsk, England

Also on the calendar this fall, join us for…

TQM FUNdraiser Raffle - Try your luck and purchase a chance to win...

Siegfried’s Favorite Script This original script is from Samuel West’s favorite episode of the hit PBS show, “All Creatures Great & Small” Autographed by the cast! OR

Autographed Book “All Creatures Great & SmallWelcome to Skeldale House” A wonderful companion book to the hit TV show, Autographed by the cast!

LITTLE PUNKIN' PARTY - Saturday, October 7, 2023 @ 10:30 am – Noon Bring your little punkin' for a fun time in Grandmother's Flower Garden! Beginning with the great pumpkin hunt, carving or painting of pumpkins, and a fun "knee-high" buffet of festive food to celebrate Autumn! All ages are welcome for this fun family event. (Seeking sponsorship to underwrite the cost for this event.)

TRICK-OR-TREAT ON THE SQUARE Join us on Tuesday, October 31 from 4 – 6 pm - Every Halloween, the ghouls and goblins are welcomed by the local businesses on the downtown La Grange Square to trick and treat the night away. TQM loves to offer treats to all our families!

GALLERY TALK with Mary Koval - Wednesday, November 1, 2023 @ Noon Mary Koval joins us to share stories and details about the beautiful antique quilt collection on display at TQM. The Gallery Talk will finish with plenty of time for guests to return to Houston for the Festival Preview that evening! Better yet...make it easy on yourself and ride to TQM in comfort on one of the busses heading to La Grange that morning!

TQM

DAY TRIPS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS...

STORY TIME SATURDAYS! The ever popular, Storytime Saturdays will continue every Saturday at 3 pm, with FREE museum admission for children and their families. Pull up a cushy quilt square and enjoy exciting stories read by a talented array of local readers.

Storytime with Santa will be Saturdays, November 25, December 2, 9, and 16th @ 3pm!

CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY EXHIBIT!

Featuring fun activities, including puzzles, a “hands-on” sewing activity, Oh, Say Can You Sew, and an “I-Spy” Family Scavenger Hunt and SEW much more quilting fun!

KIDS GARDEN SAFARI! Adjacent to the Museum, our Grandmother’s Flower Garden will be in full bloom with flowers and activities for kids of all ages. Get your Flower Garden Safari Kit at the Front Desk inside the Texas Quilt Museum. ($10 per child).

The Texas Quilt Museum is located at 140 W Colorado Street, in beautiful downtown La Grange, Texas. We are open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am – 4pm; with private tours available by appointment. For more information, please call us at 979-968-3104 or visit our website at www.TexasQuiltMuseum.org.

So, make plans to visit the Texas Quilt Museum… where there’s something fun for everyone!

QUILT

FESTIVAL

IN HOUSTON... Catch a ride to the country...Let us do the driving, as you ride in comfort to beautiful La Grange, Texas! Enjoy a day trip to see incredible antique quilts, art quilts and MORE! Includes a VIP tour of the Texas Quilt Museum, Lunch, a TQM T-shirt, Shop 'til you drop; then relax with chauffeur-driven transport from the International Quilt Festival at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, Texas. For more details and to reserve online, go to: www.TexasQuiltMuseumStore.com

JOIN US AT SCHMECKENFEST!

... This year during Schmeckenfest (Wassail-tasting Festival) on Thursday , December 7 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm - we are creating an entire evening that would showcases the All Creatures Great & Small exhibit. This homage to James Herriot's novel will feature 58 colorful, animalthemed art quilts. It will be a wonderful way to share TQM with the Schmeckenfest crowd and also offer some additional fun. Hence...

CHRISTMAS WISHES GREAT & SMALL

In addition to the FREE Gallery Walk, we will have live music, ornament-making, The Great Story Fairy will be reading Christmas stories and more. The M-K-T Railroad Museum (located behind TQM) will offer rides on the "Polar Express" antique train and Depot Tours, and a friend of mine will bring her llamas, dressed in Christmas regalia, for the kids to pet. Santa & Mrs. Claus will visit with kiddos in Grandmother's Flower Garden. The Garden will be aglow with many additional lighting accents and Holiday décor, as well as directional signage throughout the Garden, creating a fun and picturesque "wait" for the parents / kids.

WELCOME TO CARMINE

The City of Carmine is a charming and relaxing stop on busy highway 290. Enjoy shopping in the antiques shops in town or visit the City Park, created by donations of land to the city by the Albers and Muehlbrad families. The park was dedicated in 1982. The population is 250.

Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

PLACES TO EAT, STAY, WORSHIP & PLAY

EVENTS

October

Carmine Night out

October 5

Ledbetter Fireman's Feast

October 7

Fall Antiques Show

October 13-October 30

February Bob Springer’s Sweetheart Classic Car Show

February 10

March

Carmine Chamber of Commerce Mixer

March 1

RESTAURANTS

JW’s Steakhouse

122 South Haupstrasse St.

The Village Market

115 West Sylvan St.

Busted Oak Cellars

6195 Round Top Rd.

Nearby

Stuermer Store

100 East Hwy. 290 at FM 129

Ledbetter, TX 78946

LODGING

Cala Lily

215 North Haupstrasse St.

Carmine Coop

1318 Spur 458

Cottages on Cedar Creek

1040 Carmine Cemetery Rd.

Falcon Hill

7615 Kieke Rd.

Hillside Acres on 237 1970 Koether Rd.

Pecan Grove Inn

233 Augsburg St.

Prairie Wind Farm

4507 Havemann Rd.

Reindeer Ranch at Round Top 1000 Deer Haven Rd.

River Oaks Farms at Round Top

2156 Hwy. 237

Rocking Horse Retreat

2655 Homeyer Mountain Rd.

Round Top-Carmine RV Park

308 Centennial St.

Solid Rock Ranch

1324 Schoenberg Rd.

The Bunkhouse 12330 Young Circle

The Front Porch

12135 Young Circle

The Vintage Hideaway

3820 Schoenst Rd.

Nearby

Ideker’s Country House

340 Greens Creek Rd.

Ledbetter, TX 78946

Little Oaks Lodging

7908 Goehring Rd. Ledbetter, TX 78946

Stable House at Ledbetter

1365 FM 180

Ledbetter, TX 78946

CHURCHES

Lutheran

Martin Luther Lutheran

211 Luther Ln.

Saturday Worship 6 p.m.

Sunday school 9 a.m.

Worship 10 a.m.

www.mllcarmine.com

(979) 278-3388

Waldeck Lutheran

6915 Waldeck Church Ln.

Ledbetter Worship 8 a.m.

Sunday school 9:15 a.m.

(979) 249-3802

SHOWS & FESTIVALS

Fall Antiques Show

October 13-October 30

It's the fall edition of the worldfamous Round Top Antiques Show. Shop the more than 100 antique venues across Round Top, Carmine, Burton, Warrenton, and Winedale area. It is nationally recognized as one of the largest antique markets in America, drawing thousands of dealers to tents, fields, and buildings.

Martin Luther Lutheran

Church Harvest Festival

October 15

Worship and dine with the family at the Carmine Hall, located at 300 N. Hauptstrasse St. They will be serving their traditional kettlefried chicken with side dishes. There will be a live and silent auction along with children’s activities. Come and enjoy the season!

The “Polar Express”

Christmas Fest

December 3

Carmine Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Carmine Christmas Fest at the Carmine Hall. This year’s theme is “Polar Express” with lots of activities for children. They can “ride” in the “Polar Express” and visit with Santa. Enjoy kettle-cooked beef stew or eat an old-fashioned hamburger & chips. Shop for unique and exciting Christmas gifts at the many special booths & bid at the silent auction.

All events are subject to change. Please check websites for the most up to date information.

BUSTED OAK CELLARS

Cooke family invites you to their charming Carmine winery

written by MaKenzie Givan photography by Lindsey Fojtik

Growing up in a large family can teach you a lot of things. For the Cooke family, it taught them the importance of sticking together and supporting one another. Patrick and Sherrie Cooke co-own Busted Oak Cellars in Carmine, TX, and their son, Kevin, is the Cellars’ manager.

The Cooke family’s philosophy is that every customer, regardless of whether they’re new or returning, should feel at home when they step through the doors of the Cellars’ tasting room.

“We treat customers like family. Our goal is to have our patrons leave feeling good and wanting to come back,” said Kevin. “They could be spending their money anywhere, so we just hope they leave knowing that we care.”

Patrick Cooke grew up the youngest of six kids, Sherrie grew up with three younger siblings and Kevin is one of three Cooke children.

Sherrie and Patrick met while attending Texas A&M, where Sherrie was studying business management and Pat was studying chemical engineering. After graduating from the university, Pat began a job in the oil industry that took him, Sherrie and their slowly-growing family around the world.

They bought the property in 2004. It was their weekend getaway. A brotherin-law said they should open a winery because it was at such a great location. They started the winery in 2020.

They planted the vineyard when we were living in Israel.

Busted Oak Cellars hosted its grand opening in February of 2020, but business came to a screeching halt the very next month when COVID rolled around. In order to stay open through the pandemic, Busted Oak Cellars’ revenue would need to consist of at least 51% of sales in food rather than their alcohol.

Luckily, with the support that they had from the community, the winery was able to create a quicklypopular menu and stay open.

Equipped with a tasting room, a pond, yard games and a spacious patio, Busted Oak Cellars is guaranteed to be able to cater to any group’s specific needs and wants. The business has hosted every type of event one can think of, from staff get-togethers to bingo nights, and even small weddings.

“When I’m planning events, I’m willing to try anything,” said Sherrie. “Sometimes we try something and it does just ok, it doesn’t go as expected. But, we try two or three more times and it ends up working out.”

Busted Oak Cellars also offers the ability for customers to stay overnight in a rentable cabin if they so choose. Those cabins may have a homey feel, and that’s because what now functions as the tasting room actually used to be where the Cookes lived while building their dream business.

The place where the winery is located was always a weekend home. A place where they gathered with friends and family.

Now, the business has expanded from the one cabin that the Cookes once lived in to four beautiful retreats.

Busted Oak Cellars also offers its very own wine club that comes with great perks for those who enjoy tastetesting. There are no fees to become a member, but in order to stay active, you’ll need to purchase three bottles per quarter. Once a member, the benefits include a free wine tasting or a complimentary glass of wine with every visit, 15% off every purchase and various exclusive offers throughout the year.

“Several of our out-of-town wine club members come here just to meet up,” said Patrick. “Some come from Austin, others from Houston. It’s like a halfway point for them.”

The winery currently makes five of its wines using grapes from the vineyard that Patrick Cooke regularly maintains, with all the rest being outsourced to vineyards around the state. They grow Blanc du Bois at their vineyard.

And, there’s a reason why the wine they make is popular enough to have its own club. Several of their wines have been entered into the Houston Rodeo’s taste-testing competition and won. If you’re curious to see just how many have earned a buckle from the rodeo, you can give the Cellars a visit and look at the buckles displayed side-by-side.

At the end of the day though, the Cookes see competition as merely friendly. Busted Oak Cellars isn’t the only winery in the area, but they don’t see any of the others as their rivals. In fact, they encourage customers to stop at every winery or brewery in the area to see what all small-town Texas truly has to offer.

“Hopefully, we have something to offer everyone, but there are a lot of nice wineries around here,” said Sherrie.

“We love seeing customers make a day out of their trip. Everyone should come to Round Top, La Grange and Brenham and just experience country living.”

Patrick Harvesting Grapes

WELCOME TO ROUND TOP

Round Top is well-known for interesting events. Round Top Antiques Fair is an outdoor gathering of antiques dealers and customers each year in the spring and fall. The Round Top Festival Institute is a training ground for young musicians. The Shakespeare at Winedale program is administered by the University of Texas at Austin English Department. The town is also known for Moore’s Fort, the oldest building in Fayette County, which was moved there from La Grange. The population is 87.

Photo by Rustic White Photography

PLACES TO EAT, STAY, WORSHIP & PLAY

EVENTS

October Fall Antiques Show

October 12-29

10th Annual OktoBierFest

October 28

November Round Top Wine Fest

November 3-5

24th Annual Theatre Forum at Round Top

November 17

December Round Top Lighted Christmas Parade

December 2

Nutcracker Ballet at Festival Hill

December 9

Round Top Rifle Association’s New Year’s Eve Dance

December 31

January Winter Antiques Show

January 18-21

February

Library Fundraiser and Valentine's Day Concert at Festival Hill

February 10

Mollie B & Squeezebox perform at Round Top Rifle Hall

February 14

March

James Dick Piano Recital at Festival Hill

March 9

Spring Antiques Show

March 14 - April 31

27th Annual Herbal Forum and Plant Sale

March 15-16

RESTAURANTS

Local Roots Cafe 102 North Live Oak St.

Lulu’s 204 East Mill St. Mandito’s 102 South Washington St.

Popi Burger 104 North Washington St.

Round Top Coffee Shop 111 West Wantke St.

Round Top Mercantile 438 North Washington St.

Royers Pie Haven 190 Henkel Circle

Royers Round Top Cafe 105 Main St.

The Garden Co. Feed and Firewater 104 West Wantke Rd.

The Stone Cellar Pub & Round Top Dance Hall 550 North Washington St.

Nearby Warrenton Grocery Store 4309 Hwy. 237 Warrenton, TX 78961

LODGING 304 On The Hill 304 West Mill St.

A Light Unto My Path 2195 FM 1457

Abbieland RV Park & Guest Cottage 2336 South Hwy. 237

Armandos Round Top Houses 304 South White St.

Bediko’s International Retreat 475 West FM 1291

Big Sky Barndominium 1919 Rhode Rd.

Black Dog Cabins 3643 Noak Rd.

Cot-N-Coffee at Walhalla 1724 West FM 1291

Coyote Station Lodging 701 North Hwy. 237

Crazy Cow Ranch Marburger Ln.

Dippel’s RV Park 702 Rhode Rd.

Double K Lodging 9999 Klaus Rd.

Dragonfly Cottages & RV 4100 FM 2714

Dragonfly Ranch 524 FM 954

Drift & Holler 1440 Hwy. 237

Elisa’s Sunday Haus 611 Bybee Rd.

Farmhouse Round Top 5728 St. Hwy. 237

Farmhouse Round Top Cafe 204 N. Washington St.

Farmstead 219 FM 954

Festival Hill Lodging 248 Jaster Rd.

Flophouze Hotel 1132 West FM 1291

Good Haus Cottage 4749 South Hwy. 237

Gray Moss Farm 3233 State Hwy. 237

Green Acres Bed & Breakfast 6621 FM 1457

Lone Star Farm 2218 Hartfield Rd.

My Red Bird Farm 3942 Hatfield Rd.

Rancho Pillow 11222 Schuster Rd.

Rocky Creek Farms Barndominium 1530 Kneip Rd.

Round Top Inn 407 South White St.

Round Top Ranch Cottages 2545 Hwy. 237

Round Top’s Little Colony 2250 Hartfield Rd.

Round Top RV Park 601 North Washington St.

Stay in Round Top 2260 Hartfield Rd.

Stone Meadow 146 Rohde Rd.

The Arbors 1503 North Hwy. 237

The Cottages on Mill Creek 5696 Wagner Rd.

The Creek at Round Top 3142 FM 1457

The Frenchie

311 North Live Oak St.

The Ranch RV at Round Top

4245 Leonhardt Rd.

The Ridge at Round Top 125 Huenefeld Ln.

The Silverspur at Round Top

7045 FM 954

The Vintage Round Top

1450 North Hwy. 237

Three Oaks Farm

5728 Hwy. 237

Wander Inn

1215 Hwy. 237

Wellspring Retreat

580 North Washington St.

Whippoorwill Haus

2949 Kneip Rd.

Windmill Ranch Retreat

2226 West Hwy. 290

Nearby

Alpen Haus

8116 Bauer Rd. Oldenburg, TX 78940

Hillcrest Inn

4339 S. State Hwy. 237

Warrenton, TX 78961

Lone Star Glamp Inn

4212 South Hwy. 237

Warrenton, TX 78961

CHURCHES

Baptist

Concord Baptist Church

Worship 10:30 a.am. every second Sunday of the month.

Shared Lutheran

Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County

St. John’s in Warrenton

4446 South State Hwy. 237

Worship 8:30 a.m.

www.sharedlutheranminitstry.org

(979) 249-3155

Lutheran

Bethlehem Lutheran

412 South White St.

Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school 10:15 a.m. on first and third Sunday

Fourth Sunday, Friendship Bunch, 10:15 a.m.

(979)249-3686

Others

City of Refuge Holiness Church

437 North Washington

Worship 11 a.m.

www.cityofrefuge.org

(979) 249-3197

RT Church Christian Fellowship

440 East Mill St.

Sunday school 9:15 a.m.

Worship 10 a.m.

www.roundtopchurch.org

(979)249-5085

SHOWS & FESTIVALS

Fall Antiques Show

October 12-29

It's the fall edition of the worldfamous Round Top Antiques Show. Shop the more than 100 antique venues across Round Top, Carmine, Burton, Warrenton, and Winedale area. It is nationally recognized as one of the largest antique markets in America, drawing thousands of dealers to tents, fields, and buildings.

OktoBierFest

October 28

An annual event showcasing German tradition at its finest. Hosted by the Round Top Schützen Verein at the historic Round Top Rifle Hall, the all-day event will feature German food, German music, and of course, German biers.

Round Top Wine Fest

November 3-5

The Round Top Wine Fest is three incredible days of sipping, shopping, savoring, and celebrating in the town that’s big-time small. Stop in and experience Round Top right. Cheers!

All events are subject to change. Please check websites for the most up to date information.

Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

invitis gou to thi 11th 1lnnua1 Okto�iirf i$t

Saturday, October 28th

Gates Open at 11am

Ceremonial Keg Tapping at 12Noon

Bratwursts, K assler-Style Pork Chops, German Potatoes, Sauerkraut & Sides

Keg and Bottled Bier Imported from Germany

Masskrugstemmen (Steinholding) Contest

Music until 8pm

Featuring:

The Round Top Brass Band, Auf Geht's and Enzian Buam

Entry is FREE

All are Willkommen!

www.roundtoprifle.com

Hall located at 710 FM 1457

Round Top, TX

'Round Top 'Rifti 11$$0

Round Top Courthouse

Photo by Emil Knodell

CUSTOM HOMES

RENOVATIONS | BARNDOMINIUMS

FLOOR PLAN DESIGN

INTERIOR DESIGN

Royers Cafe

Photo by Emil Knodell

WELCOME TO SCHULENBURG

Schulenburg is a city known for its German, Austrian, and Czech culture. It is home to the Texas Polka Music Museum, which honors Texas polka bands and musicians of Czech, German and Polish ancestry. Enjoy the Painted Churches Tour, the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum, and visit local Vineyards & Wineries. The population is 2,633.

Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

PLACES TO EAT, STAY, WORSHIP & PLAY

EVENTS

October

Turtle Wing Monster Dash

October 22

Trunk or Treat

October 29

November Sunset Shopping in Schulenburg

November 4

Holiday in the Country Arts & Crafts

November 12

Chamber Membership Gala

November 15

Shop Schulenburg Days

November 24

Chamber Christmas Tree Decorating Contest

November 27

Chamber Opening Day for the Merry Art's Contest

November 28

ARTS of Schulenburg Plein ARTS Contest

November 29 - December 2

December Chamber Letters to Santa Opening Day

December 1

Schulenburg Chamber Sesquincentennial & Santa's Party in the Park

December 2

Christmas Tree Decorating Contest Business & Residental

December 15

January

Turtle Wing Toast

January 25

RESTAURANTS

City Market Schulenburg 109 Kessler Ave.

Faith’s Barbecue 609 Kessler Ave.

From Scratch Foods 610 Lyons Ave.

Joe's Place 621 N. Main St.

Lucy Tequilas 50 Kessler Ave.

Mi Casita Restaurant 514 Summit St.

Momma’s at Senglemann Hall 531 N. Main St.

Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant 712 US-77

Original Kountry Baker 110 Kessler Ave.

PJ Fresh Marketplace 709 US-77

Rise & Stein 610 Lyons Ave.

Subway 14 N. Kessler Ave.

T&T Super Donuts 304 Kessler Ave.

Taco Bell 709 US-77

The Garden Co. Marketplace & Cafe 217 Kessler Ave.

Tillie’s Cafe 621 N. Main St.

Tulum Cafe 405 Summit St.

Tom’s BBQ 1306 Lyons Ave.

Vicenza’s Italian 746 East US Hwy. 90

Whataburger 40 N. Kessler Ave.

LODGING

3 Oaks RV Resort 55 East Ave.

Americas Best Value Inn 205 West I-10 Frontage Rd.

Blue Haus on High Hill 1649 US 77 N.

Best Western Plus Schulenburg Inn & Suites 101 Huser Blvd.

Das Meyer Haus 527 Anderson St.

Executive Inn & Suites 800 US-77

Farmhouse & Cabin at Freyburg Abbotts Grove School Rd.

Farmhouse Haven 5343 Schilab Bottom Loop

Hattie’s Haus 12020 FM 1383

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 200 Heinrich St.

Klekar-Gin Farm 5921 Klekar-Gin Rd.

Middle Creek Place 2301 Demel Rd.

Moore Ave Cottage 1005 Jame Ave.

Paradise Hill Rental 2700 Bruno Rd.

Rosies Homestead (Airbnb)

Schulenburg RV Park 65 N. Kessler Ave.

Squawk & Skedaddle Campground 2466 Bryant Rd.

Summit House 508 Summit St.

The Gathering at Mulberry Creek 5718 Kainer Rd.

The Roost at Mulberry Creek (Airbnb)

The Otto House (Airbnb)

The Stoopover(Airbnb)

The Sinclair 1319 Summit St. CHURCHES

Catholic Sts. Cyril & Methodius Dubina

Sunday Mass 8:45 a.m. (979)725-6715

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Ammannsville 7745 Mensik Rd.

Sunday Mass 9:30 a.m.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

7026 FM 957

www.discovermass.com

(979) 798-5888

St. Mary’s Catholic High Hill

2833 FM 2672

Saturday Mass 6:30 p.m. & Wednesday Mass 7 a.m.

www.stmary-highhill.com

(979) 561-8455

St. Rose of Lima

1010 Lyons Ave.

Saturday Mass 5 p.m., Sunday Mass 7:30 a.m. & 10 a.m., Noon Spanish Mass

www.victoriadiocese.org

(979) 743-3117

Lutheran United Evangelical Lutheran Swiss Alp

2038 FM 3171

Worship 9:25 a.m.

Sunday School 10:15 a.m.

(979) 247-4151

Zion Lutheran 103 Keuper Ave. Sunday School 9 a.m. Worship 10 a.m.

(979) 743-3842

Methodist First United Methodist 209 N. Upton Ave. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

www.schulenburgmethodist.com

(979) 743-3333

Freyburg United Methodist 4520 FM 2238

Worship 8:30 a.m. every Sunday

www.freyburgumc.org

(979) 217-1151

Presbyterian

St. Paul Presbyterian 712 Summit St.

Adult Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30

(979)743-3426a.m.

Others

Crossroads Christian Fellowship Contemporary Worship, Non-Denominational 621 Lyons Ave.

Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Worship 10:30 a.m.

www.ccfellowship.net

(979) 743-9040

Temple Israel of Schulenburg 211 Baumgarten St.

High Holy Days, Pesach

Kabbalat Shabbat

www.templeisrael.webs.com

THE SCHULENBURG HISTORICAL MUSEUM

written by WANDA CARPENTER

The Schulenburg Historical Museum was established in 1988 by John and Karen Wolters. John is the great grandson of Robert A. and Anna (Bohm’s) Wolters. Robert A. Wolters built the building in the early 1900’s and started a mercantile business in Schulenburg and he became one of Schulenburg’s most prominent citizens. The Schulenburg Historical Museum is located in the Wolters mercantile. In 2014 the Wolters Family gifted deeded the Wolters mercantile building and the building next door which was constructed in 1886(formerly known as The Bohms Building). The museum board of directors have plans to expand the museum into the Bohms building. In the museum you will experience the history of Schulenburg, a town founded in 1873 when the railroad came thru this area. The town was named after Louis Von Schulenburg who settled in this area in 1867 and whose land the majority of the town was built on. The town was incorporated in 1875. Historical Artifacts of the development of Schulenburg and the surrounding communities are on display in the museum.

MUSEUM MISSION

The mission of the Schulenburg Historical Museum is to identify, preserve, and display historical artifacts and events in order to educate the current and future generations about the development of Schulenburg and the lifestyles of their ancestors. Our displays tell the story of hardworking pioneers and the communities that they built.

A COLORFUL HISTORY

Schulenburg’s world-famous Painted Churches blend art and history in spectacular ways

written by KIRSTEN CORNELL

Photo by Stephanie Steinhauser

St. Mary's in Praha

Photo by Candace Rhea Photography

In the early 1800 and 1900s, Czech and German immigrants settled in Texas bringing with them traditions, craftsmanship, and artistry. They built dozens of churches that while seeming commonplace from a distance, house incredible mastery of art, color, and history.

Much like their successors, these churches served as the cornerstones of their communities symbolizing hope and collective strength.

“These churches, first and foremost, show how deeply engrained faith was for these people,” says Terri Wagner, Executive Director for the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. “Once they had established their livelihood, they turned their eyes to God. And they spared no expense.”

These elaborate works of art tell the living history of the courage it took for someone to leave their home, travel thousands of miles, and establish their lives in a place where they didn’t know the language, were unfamiliar with the culture and had to raise crops they had never heard of.

TOP DESTINATION

Over the years, most of the churches have undergone extensive preservation efforts. For example, from 2015 to 2016, St. Mary’s at Praha was closed. They refinished the floors, repaired and repainted the statuary and baptismal font, built a new confessional, cleaned and repainted the walls, and added paintings to the doors. The community has more than embraced its slice of history and put forth incredible efforts to preserve the workmanship within the church walls.

In 1989, Sandra Michna was serving as the manager of the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce when she received a phone call from a tour company out of San Antonio. Enthralled by the enchanting churches, they had been bringing tour buses of people in to see the wondrous sights.

Father Hanacek of High Hill asked for Michna’s help organizing the interested parties and official tours of the counties’ Painted Churches began.

Now a top Texas destination and drawing visitors from all over the world, the Chamber conducts nearly 500 tours a year. “On the outside you see a plain country church resting in a small

community in the middle of a Texas prairie,” Wagner shares. “But once the doors open, you feel as if you have crossed an ocean and stepped back in time, for inside is a little piece of Europe’s past.”

NATIVITY OF MARY, THE BLESSED VIRGIN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Every inch of the “Queen of the Painted Churches”—from the wooden altar to the towering columns adorned with life-sized Biblical figures—is swathed in grandness.

One of the first churches built by notable Texas architect Leo M.J. Dielmann, Blessed Virgin Catholic Church was built in 1906. In the late 1800s and 1900s, church leadership was encouraging communities to build from brick or stone as many early wooden churches were destroyed by storms. This makes this church’s red brick exterior even more important, protecting its interior.

The decorative painting was executed by Ferdinand Stockert and Hermann Kern in 1912. Parish historians state that the artists first painted on canvas, later gluing them to the wooden walls. If you look closely on a tour, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of bubbles in the now hardened canvases. The columns, seemingly marble, are carefully designed and hand-painted wood. Parishioners and visitors are greeted by ornate stained glass dancing fractured light across the long-used pews.

With a high spire and pitching windows, St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill is draped in rhythms of gothic mastery.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Known as the “pink church,” St. John the Baptist in Ammannsville is liberally dusted in rose-colored hues. While the color itself is eye-catching, the stunning canvases and statues are what will really steal your breath.

Built in 1919, this is the third building to occupy this hallowed land. The first, built in 1890, was destroyed by a tornado in 1909, and the second burned down in 1917. The determination to restore the church speaks of their importance to the area and the community’s deeprooted commitment to maintaining this fabric of their history.

Gold stenciled patterns line the base with ivy and angel depictions throughout the sanctuary. The rich green carpeting

The Painted Churches are located in the communities of Dubina, High Hill, Praha, and Ammannsville. They appear unassuming as you approach them, but as you enter the front doors prepare to have your breath taken away by the incredible beauty found inside.

Guided tours of the Schulenburg area are offered year-round, Monday through Saturday, except for certain holidays and Catholic holy days.

The Painted Churches on the tour are active churches, therefore, tours are not available on Sundays. The tour typically covers 4 churches in the area surrounding Schulenburg, however, by special request we can add 2 more churches to the tour.

There is no minimum or maximum number of visitors per tour. The Chamber strives to accommodate groups of all sizes, whether 1 or 100.

For all tours, but especially larger groups, we do ask that you call the Schulenburg Chamber, 979.743.4514, to book your tour.

John the Baptist, Ammansville

Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

and impressive statues only add to the grand factor of this church. Paying homage to early settlers, visitors are given glimpses of the area’s Czech roots and history through the panes of the church’s stained-glass windows.

Several of the original statues and a cross saved from the fire stand in tribute to the past and the resilience of the community.

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Originally constructed in 1895, St. Mary’s in Praha is the oldest of the region’s painted churches. More so than some of the others, this church has undergone a series of additions from various artists. The original artwork was completed in 1901 by Gottfried Flury and in 1901 the pastor and dabbling artist, Father Netardus, added embellishments.

In the mid-1900s, another artist named Gene A. Mikulik added gold leaf to parts of the sanctuary and created the church’s signature mural of the Virgin Mary named “Our Lady of Victory.”

One of the overwhelmingly stunning features of this parish is the arched, blue-green ceiling featuring a Garden of Eden replica filled with Texas flowers. Equally eye-catching are the grand chandelier and stained-glass windows.

However, visitors might argue that the real showstopper is the white altar gilded in 24 karat gold. Behind the hand-carved altar is a serene mural of three angels dressed in pink, blue, and yellow, floating around a cross. Painted cornices and wooden beams only serve to enhance the majestic effect.

SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS CHURCH

In the mid-1800s, a group of families from the northeastern part of Moravia landed in central Texas, and after happening upon a grove of oak trees, they decided to call the area home, naming it Dubina. Post-Civil War, these families had a mission to build a church—which is now known as Saints Cyril and Methodius. Unfortunately, the 1909 hurricane that ravaged central Texas took down Saints Cyril and Methodius. Undeterred, the people of Dubina commissioned another church in 1912 and were able to salvage their original guidon, an iron cross made by a freed slave, Tom Lee.

Cloaked in powdery blues, the church is marked by uniform domes stenciled with delicate florals and offset by gold stars. The ornate altar is wreathed by saintly statues and commands its deserved attention. Recognized as the most elaborate of the painted churches, you may find yourself holding your breath upon entry.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina

Photo by Candace Rhea Photography

St. Mary's in High Hill

Photo by Candace Rhea Photography

SCHEDULE A TOUR

In addition to being jaw-droppingly beautiful, these churches are still active, hosting everything from Sunday services to weddings and church picnics. Tours are available Monday through Saturday through the Chamber office. Whether you’re a lone traveler or a family reunion, they can accommodate your party and tailor your tour specifically to you—even including local additions such as museums and a winery.

For Wagner and many of her docent volunteers, the wonder and awe visitors experience when the doors open and they walk inside is their favorite part of sharing the churches with guests. “Our tours provide the unparalleled history of each church and the community in which it resides,” adds Wagner. “Each guide gives their unique perspective. Some guides are more versed in the artwork, while others discuss the meaning behind the statues in-depth. Others can give an extensive explanation of the Catholic Church’s doctrine.”

Whether you are viewing one church or six, you will not leave disappointed. “Take advantage of this gift,” urges Wagner. “These churches help us to connect with others across the globe as we all share a love of the artistry, elegance, and charm these buildings offer.”

WELCOME TO FLATONIA

Flatonia is a historic town located on Interstate 10 and the Southern Pacific Railroad, 12 miles west of Schulenburg. It is home to the historic Flatonia Railroad Tower, used from 1902 to 1996, one of Texas’ longest standing, manually-operated railroad switching towers with north-south and east-west cross rails. Enjoy a round of 9-hole golf on the well-maintained golf course. If you’re up for sight seeing, check out the six beautifully painted churches within easy driving distance. The population is 1,308.

Darlin's Diner in Flatonia

Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

PLACES TO EAT, STAY, WORSHIP & PLAY

EVENTS

October FGA Golf Port Steak Drive Thrugh Fundraiser Meal

October 18

FGA Golf Czhilispel 2 Man Scramble

October 28

Czhilispel 49

October 27-29

November

E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum Stew Dinner Fundraiser

November 11

December

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Christmas Village Lighting & Santa at Gazebo

November 29

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Wonderful Winter Wine Walk

December 1

Merry Market Vendors’ Cookie & Candy Carnival with Santa & Photos

December 2

FGA GolfJingle Bells 2 Man Scramble

December 10

January Relay for Life Breakfast Tacos Kick-Off at the Civic Center

FGA Golf Snowman 2 man Shamble

January 7

Flatonia FFA & 4H Stock Show & Sale

January 11-13

Flatonia CofC Gala

January 27

February

FGA GolfPunt Pass and Kick 2 man Scramble

Feburary 4

Flatonia Golf Association “Fandango” at the Flatonia American Legion Hall

February 17

March

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Parade of Quilts

March 1-31

Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Market Day with Texas

Market Day with TIR

March 23-24

FGA Golf Old Man Scramble

Last Sunday of the month

FGA Golf Scramble

Every Wednesday RESTAURANTS

Amigos Country Corner 1415 FM 609

Cowgirl Provisions 116 East South Main St.

Dairy Queen 605 North La Grange St.

Darlin’s Diner 114 South Main St.

Jamie’s Cafe 1500 East US Hwy. 90

Joel’s BBQ FM 609 & Interstate 10

Josesitos Mexican Grill 507 East I-10 Frontage RD

McDonald’s 709 North La Grange St.

Olde Town Tea Room & Bakery 625 North La Grange St.

Red Vault Bistro 124 East South Main St.

Robert’s Steakhouse 1241 North TX-95

Sonic Drive-In 1415 FM 609

Subway 230 East I-10 Frontage Rd.

The Market 116 West North Main St.

Wine Haus 110 West North Main St.

Nearby

Cistern Country Store 12604 North State Hwy. 95

LODGING

Best Western Plus

Flatonia Inn

310 B East Hwy., I-10

Frontage Rd.

Carefree Inn

718 North La Grange St.

Flatonia RV Ranch

2055 FM Rd. 609

Goose’s Roost Ranch

Cottages 815 Scott’s School Rd.

Olle Hotel

218 South Market St.

The Ranch Retreat

1826 County Road 283

Sunset Inn 420 East I-10 Frontage Rd.

Town Cottages

705 East North Main St.

CHURCHES

Baptist

Flatonia Baptist

225 E. 6th St.

Sunday school 9:30 a.m.

Worship 10:45 a.m.

www.flatoniabaptist.com

(361) 865-3013

Muldoon Baptist

300 Cochran St. Muldoon

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Worship 11 a.m.

www.muldoonbaptist.com

(361) 865-3013

New Union

Missionary Baptist

715 Martin Luther King St.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Worship 11 a.m.

Catholic

Sacred Heart

516 Faires St.

Sat. Mass 5 p.m. & Sun. Mass 9:30 a.m.

www.shsscm.org

(361) 865-3568

Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cistern

Sun. Mass 8 a.m.

www.shsscm.org

(361) 865-3568

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Praha

Sat. Mass 4:30 p.m. & Sun. Mass 8 a.m.

www.stmaryspraha.org

(361) 596-4674

Methodist

First United Methodist

403 East North Main St.

Sunday school 9:30 a.m.

Worship 10:30 a.m.

www.flatoniaumc.org

(361) 865-2622

FESTIVALS

Czhilispel

October 27-29

Czhilispiel is a nod to Flatonia’s Czech and German heritage. First, the name comes from a play on the word “Chili.” The addition of the “z” is a play on Czech spelling and the German word “spiel” means play. Three days of live entertainment, biergarten, carnival, parade, contests, arts and crafts market, 5K, Czhili & BBQ cook-offs, and various family fun activities throughout the weekend. It is held every year on the fourth full weekend of October.

All events are subject to change. Please check websites for the most up to date information.

Flatonia City Park

Photo by Captures...By Stephanie Steinhauser

Olle Hotel

Photo by Captures...By Stephanie Steinhauser

FLATONIA VETERANS MUSEUM

Written by JUDY PATE

The uniform of US Air Force Captain Barney Wotipka, complete with an attaché case, gas mask, and life jacket, is seen in this display. Wotipka had need of his life jacket as his airplane went down in the Bay of Bengal following a bombing run to Sumatra in 1942. A friendly village chief helped rescue Wotipka and four other survivors from the water.

Two young visitors to the Veterans Museum in Flatonia were thrilled to find a picture of their great grandfather, Daniel Freytag, on the Wall of Honor. Freytag was fresh from high school, graduating from Flatonia High in 1943 shortly before enlisting in the Marine Corps during World War II. He was wounded in Okinawa in 1945 and was awarded a Purple Heart.

Daniel Freytag’s photograph is but one among almost 400 gracing the long hallway of the former Flatonia State Bank building and dubbed the Wall of Honor. Preserving these photographs for posterity, along with the stories and memorabilia that go with them, was long the dream of some local veterans. The goal was realized when Flatonia’s American Legion Post 94 and the Arnim Museum teamed together to create a forum to honor all area men and women who had served in the nation’s armed forces for their service to the country, whether during peacetime or times of war.

The displays fill 2,000 square feet on the second floor of the E. A. Arnim Archives & Museum and opened to the public in the fall of 2007. Then President of the Board for the Arnim Museum, retired Army Colonel Ervan Zouzalik was a driving force in establishing the veterans section. One of the rooms holds his personal collection of memorabilia from his worldwide career in the service.

Unique exhibits from World War I include a German water-cooled submachine gun and a scrapbook of wartime news clippings kept by Betty Foitik for her brother Harry. US Army Private Harry Foitik was serving in France. Betty carefully snipped newspaper articles that recorded the war as it was seen from the home front, as well as letters published in the Flatonia Argus from hometown boys as they experienced it in their service abroad. Two such letters are seen on the album’s pages where it is opened. One is from Army Private Willie Roths, dated October 1, 1918, and vividly describes the experience of being shelled in his dugout in a battlefield in France. One shell did not explode but landed so close that he could reach out and “pet” it. Also seen is a poignant letter from US Navy Electrician First Class Adolph Tauch to his parents, written

in Norfolk, Virginia on September 4, 1918. Though he never saw combat, Tauch died of influenza in France later that same year.

Among the many exhibits of WWII are a collection of pins pulled from bombs dropped in the Pacific Theater by Bombardier Barney Wotipka. There is a spoon used by Leroy Richter in a German prisoner of war camp—his most precious possession at the time because he knew if he lost it he would be reduced to eating with his fingers. Many more small items displayed remind the visitor of details often overlooked in the history of war. Army Sergeant Alfred “Fritz” Zapalac’s copy of “The Army Baker,” a technical manual he used in his service as a baker for the troops in Leyte, is a reminder of the old saying that an army travels on its stomach.

Lieutenant Richard Earl Brunner learned to fly in 1945-46 while still a student at Flatonia High School. He later became a US Navy pilot during the Korean War. His aviator’s log book is now in the museum collection and notes that he qualified for landing on the USS Monterrey aircraft carrier in 1952. A collection of pictures from Vietnam document the military career of US Army Specialist E4 Joe Velasquez before he was seriously wounded in 1969 and subsequently received a Purple Heart.

These are but a small fraction of the exhibits of wars and conflicts housed in Flatonia’s Veteran’s Museum. There is also a small library that holds a collection of military history books and DVDs available to anyone wishing to study the tragic effects of war in greater detail.

The Veterans Museum has been a source of pride to local families who know their loved ones will always be remembered for their service to their country. It is, however, of interest far beyond the bounds of the Flatonia area. Visitors from far and wide are moved by the exhibits and the way they incorporate the personal as well as the national history of our armed forces through the decades. We invite you to see these displays of service and valor.

Museum hours are 1 - 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 am – 12 noon and 1 -3 pm on Saturdays; other days and times by appointment.

Clive and Otis Freytag from Hailey, Idaho on a recent visit to the Veterans Museum in Flatonia, looking at the photograph of their great grandfather, US Marine Corps PFC Daniel Freytag, Purple Heart Recipient who served in Okinawa.

The spidery handwriting listing no less than 85 Flatonia area World War I veterans is even more faded than the forget-menot flowers pressed between the pages of this scrapbook from 1917-1919.

WELCOME TO ELLINGER

Ellinger’s is Fayette County’s newest town, With a population of 203, residents voted to incorporate into a city in 2020. Joseph Ehlinger, the town’s namesake, was born in France, served in Napoleon's army before its defeat. He received a grant of land and built a house in Fayette County. His son, Charles Ehlinger became a surveyor and laid the original town plat, which was then known as Live Oak Hill, just north of the present day Ellinger. The son was the first postmaster and became a merchant, farmer and board member on the First State Bank of Ellinger. The Southern Pacific Railroad came to the area in 1873 and missed Live Oak Hill by two miles. In 1880, land was donated for its present location. The name changed from Ehlinger to Ellinger when the railroad came through. In 1954 citizens joined together to acquire the building and land from the school to have a community hall. The school had just disbanded to join La Grange. This hall, which is still available for rent for different functions, can be found just a few blocks from Highway 71. Through many economic cycles the area produced cotton, tomatoes and other agricultural items. The town is famous for its Tomato Festival which honors that history.

Photo by Diane Mueller Photography

PLACES TO EAT, STAY, WORSHIP & PLAY

EVENTS

October

Chicken Noodle Soup Lunch & Bake Sale at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall

October 29

Bingo Night at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall

October 28

December 29th Annual Polka Fest

December 2

January

Ellinger Chamber of Commerce

Chicken Noodle Soup Lunch & Bake Sale at the Ellinger Chamber of Commerce Hall

January 28

RESTAURANTS

Hruska’s Store & Bakery

109 West Hwy. 71, Ellinger

Maria Taqueria

209 West Hwy. 71, Ellinger

Peters BBQ

301 West Hwy. 71, Ellinger

LODGING

Blackbird Farm Cabins

1488 FM 2503

Ellinger, TX 78938

www.blackbirdfarmtexas.com

(713) 818-9766

CHURCHES

Catholic St. Mary Catholic Church

815 St. Mary’s Church Rd. Fayetteville, TX

Mass Schedule: Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.

www.stmaryellinger.com

(979) 378-2277

Lutheran Shared Lutheran Ministry of Fayette County St. John in Ellinger

110 West Fayette St. Worship 8 a.m.

www.sharedlutheranministry.org

(979) 249-3155

FESTIVALS

Ellinger Tomato Festival

May 24-26

Come out and enjoy a BBQ

Cook-Off Friday & Saturday, along with a Dollar Dance and a Live Auction. Then on Sunday don’t miss the Grand Parade, Chamber Fried Chicken & Sausage

Lunch, a Tomato Growing Contest and so much more!

All events are subject to change. Please check websites for the most up to date information.

Photo by Lindsey Fojtik

WELCOME TO FAYETTEVILLE

Fayetteville is a charming town, roughly halfway between Austin and Houston. Come enjoy the arts of Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Picking Park hosts live acoustic bluegrass jams almost monthly, along with other musical and arts events regularly. There are a plethora of cottages and cabins to stay in for a fun getaway. The population is 246.

Photo by Kevin McCourt

Wo�’� �o� �o�� u�? OCTOBER 21-22, 2023

On The Square in Historic Fayetteville

Thursday, October 19th • 6:30pm

Saturday, October 21st • 7pm - 10pm

Lickskillet Queen’s Pageant in the FISD Cafetorium

LICKSKILLET KICKOFF PARTY

Cocktails available from 5D Travelin' Tavern, a bar on wheels! STREET DANCE featuring SOUTHBOUND 955

Polish up your dancing shoes and bring a lawn chair

Hamburgers by the Fayetteville Baseball Association & Joe Simpson

Sunday, October 22nd • 9am - 1pm

Sunday, October 22nd • 9am

Sunday, October 22nd • 9am - 2pm

Sunday, October 22nd • 10am - 2pm

Sunday, October 22nd • 10:45am

Sunday, October 22nd • 11am - 1pm OR WHEN SOLD OUT

Baked Goods, Kolaches, Rolls, Pies & Pastries in the old fire station

COUNTRY STORE

SILENT AUCTION IN THE COURTHOUSE

Kids Crafts by ARTS

ANNUAL LICKSKILLET PARADE

Grand Marshalls - Fayetteville Volunteer Department & EMS

CATERED MEAL BY PETER’S BBQ

Barbecue beef, sausage, green beans, buttered potatoes and iced tea

Tickets available online: www.greaterfayettevillechamber.org

Click on www.signupgenius.com/go/mealticket

Also available at Fayetteville Bank, Orsak’s, Joe’s Place & the Wine Bar

Sunday, October 22nd • 12 NOON - 1pm

Sunday, October 22nd • 1pm

Sunday, October 22nd • 1:15pm

Sunday, October 22nd • 1:30pm

Fayette Czech Singers & Dancers

Lickskillet Queen’s Pageant Winners Announced

SKILLET LICKING CONTEST

PLACES TO EAT, STAY, WORSHIP & PLAY

EVENTS

October

Arts for Rural Texas' Joey McGee

October 3

Fayetteville Picking Park

October 7

Arts for Rural Texas' Ellen Story and Friends

October 10

Lickskillet

October 21-22

Antiques on the Square-Fall Show

October 15-21

Arts for Rural Texas' Brennan Nase

October 24

Arts for Rural Texas' Chad Richard

October 31

Halloween on the Square

October 31

November

Fayetteville Picking Park

November 11

December

Homes Tour

December 9

Country Christmas and Lighted Parade

December 9

Arts for Rural Texas' Holiday Show

December 9 - January 6

January

Arts for Rural Texas' Phoneix Rising

January 20 - February 24

March

Arts for Rural Texas' Vanishing into Plein Air

March 4 - May 18

RESTAURANTS

Joe’s Place 120 North Live Oak St.

Orsak’s Cafe 121 West Fayette St.

The Wine Bar at the Grand Fayette Hotel 201 West Fayette St.

LODGING

Blue Bunk House 821 FM 954

Caesura Cottage 6950 Skull Creek Rd.

Cottages on the Square 110 West Main

Fayette County Hills RV & Boat Storage 800 North Rusk

Grand Fayette Hotel 201 West Fayette St.

Granny’s Retreat 3506 Skalitsky Rd.

Gray Rooster Guest House 422 Shumacher Rd.

Hiltop Hideaway 5946 Gebhard Rd.

Joy’s Country Cottage 2836 Ehlinger-Becker Rd.

KO Guest Haus 1469 McElRoy Ln.

Frelsburg

Market Street Inn 101 East Market St.

Orsak’s B&B 126 North Washington St.

Red & White Inn 102 West Main St.

Roline's Guest House 209 W. Market St.

Rolling 7 Guest Cottage 1377 East Hwy. 159

Saddle Creek Cabins 9549 FM 389

Sealy House 1537 Kramer Rd.

Stagecoach Cabins 7344 FM 1291

Swedish Cottage

420 North Rusk St.

Texas Bicycle Farm 124 Fayetteville Ln.

The Tipton Cottage 8235 FM 2981

Vitkova’s Veranda 575 East Franklin St.

Westview Ranch & Retreat 1060 Brushy Rd.

CHURCHES

Catholic St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

205 E. Bell St. Sat. Mass 6 p.m.

Sun. Mass 10 a.m. & Wed. 7 p.m.

www.stjohnfayetteville.com

(979) 378 2277

St. Mary’s Catholic 815 Church Rd., Fayetteville

Sun. Mass: 8 a.m.

Thurs. 6 p.m.

Wed. & Fri. 7 a.m.

www.stmaryellinger.com

(979)378-2277

Church of God

Cedar of Lebanon Church of God in Christ

1946 TX-159, Fayetteville

Bible Study Wed. 7:30 p.m.

YPWW - Friday 7:30 p.m.

Worship 11:30 a.m.

Shared Lutheran St. Paul in Fayetteville

201 N. Rusk

Worship 10:30 a.m.

www.sharedlutheranministry.org

(979)249-3155

Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran Shelby

6814 Skull Creek Rd., Fayetteville

Sunday School 10 a.m.

Worship 8 a.m.

www.stpaulshelby.org

(979) 836-8972

Others

Fayetteville Brethren 1022 Kramr Rd. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. www.fayettevillebrethrenchurch.org (979)378-2239

Mars Hill Tabernacle Hwy. 159

9 a.m. Saturday with Bible Study 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month

FESTIVALS

Lickskillet

October 21-22

The festival takes place right in the historic Square. The can’t-miss parade starts on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Live entertainment and street dancing begin Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. The traditional celebration will include beer, wine, BBQ dinners, cotton candy, hamburgers by the Fayetteville Show Fund, and handmade treats in the “Country Store.” The Kid’s Zone includes a bouncy house, face painting, and lots more, so come out for some good old-fashioned, family-friendly fun.

All events are subject to change. Please check websites for the most up to date information.

LOOKING FOR ART IN RURAL TEXAS?

written by AMANDA DANNING

“ARTS is the heart of art in this part of Texas.” Amanda Danning, Artist Liaison for Arts for Rural Texas knows that the best artists and most abundant variety of art being shown, created, or taught in this area is happening under ARTS’ banner. “This year, ARTS will have shared the art of more than 185 professional artists with Fayette County through our galleries in Fayetteville and Schulenburg. And our Children’s Programs are the heart of ARTS! With our Art After School, Summer Camps and Fine Art Assemblies, we offer more than a thousand opportunities for children in 9 communities to participate in the arts each year.”

ARTS is celebrating 20 years of enriching lives through art. ARTS’ Ross Gallery sits on the historic Fayetteville Square across from the iconic Fayetteville Courthouse. Each year, ARTS hosts ARTWALK, a two-day art festival full of tents and 50 to 60 artists competing for prizes in 2-D and 3-D art categories. With food, music, and some of Texas’ best artists, the quaint Texas Courthouse lawn is one of the best opportunities to find original art in the state. Ross Gallery also hosts one-man shows for professional artists, an annual youth art show – Emerging Artists, and a Holiday Show that features art from the local community.

The ARTS Gallery in Schulenburg is in the old Stanzel Model Aircraft manufacturing building next to En Point Dance Studio. With more than 130 linear feet of wall space, the sleek gallery hosts our annual International Competition as well as one-person shows and a very special event for Schulenburg, The Flight Challenge.

The Flight Challenge is a group show that honors the history of the building and the Stanzel commitment to the Schulenburg Community. ARTS invited more than twenty artists to participate and then challenged them to incorporate items related to space and flight into assemblage works. The show is a flight of fancy through the artist’s creativity and includes

the paper airplanes of more than two hundred students from ARTS After School programs and summer camps.

This unique experiential art show runs from September 30th until November 18th. STEM learning events accompany the show focused on youth participation.

A magical, old-time Christmas will be had in Fayetteville with a community potluck supper, Santa Claus in a Christmas Tree Forest, Lighted Christmas Parade, and ARTS’ Holiday Show. ARTS Ross Gallery will be filled with works from local artisans.

Merry ARTS, in Schulenburg, brings award-winning artists from far and wide to paint the early Christmas Season, the Painted Churches, and the Texas countryside to compete in the general Plein Air Category, miniatures category, and the Quick Draw Competition. From November 29 through December 2, the artists will be painting from roadsides, around the Churches, and around town – watch for their signs, “Watch Me Paint” to have an opportunity to stop and have a visit with them. Saturday the 3rd, artists will paint in a concise downtown location in ARTS’ Quick Draw competition, they will be easy to find! The competition will culminate with a VIP Reception leading up to the opening of the public reception and awards ceremony.

The Merry ARTS show will be on display from December 3rd through January 27th.

Another Plein Air event – Vanishing Small Town Texas – Will happen in early March, starting in Round Top and ending in Fayetteville. The artists will paint from March 6 – 9. The show is to run from March through May. Come enjoy some of the best art and support ARTS' mission to Enrich Lives through Art, especially those of children.

HISTORIC SPJST HALL IN FAYETTEVILLE

This Century-Old Gathering Place is Home to the Antiques OFF The Square Fall Show Oct. 15-21

written by EMIL KNODELL

Fayetteville, Texas, is a treasure trove of historic buildings. One of the most iconic of these is SPJST Hall located at 507 E. Main Street. This is the site of Antiques OFF The Square, the town's popular spring and fall antiques show.

SPJST stands for the Czech phrase Slovanska Podpurujici Jednota Statu Texas. Translated, this means Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas. The historic hall was constructed in 1910 by SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville, the first of 25 chartered lodges for the benevolent order established in Texas at that time. There are now 102 SPJST lodges in the state.

SPJST Hall is an outstanding example of Texas wood-frame vernacular architecture. The 113-year-old building is clad in white board-and-batten siding with a gabled roof and

The dedication of SPJST Hall in 1911.

Construction of SPJST Hall was completed in 1910.

SPJST Hall today. “This wonderful building is 113 years old,” says Lisa Stansbury, producer of Antiques OFF the Square. “It’s perfect for our show. We’re always very excited to be here.”

simple black shutters. The interior of the 4,000 square foot hall features a vaulted open ceiling, tall doublehung windows and vintage longleaf pine floors. It sits on parklike grounds surrounded by sprawling oak trees.

This landmark building is one of over 300 structures contributing to Fayetteville’s “historic district” designation conferred by the U.S. Department of the Interior's National Park Service. The abundance of historic structures in Fayetteville earned the entire city a listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Two people who have played key roles in the management and preservation of SPJST Hall and its historical heritage are Ronnie and Debby Pflughaupt. Both are lifelong Fayetteville residents with deep roots in the community. In fact, Ronnie’s great-grandfather, J.R. Kubena, is considered the “Daddy of the SPJST.” He played a key role in the formation of the original SPJST fraternal order, helped draft the statewide organization’s constitution and singlehandedly ran the SPJST for 40 years from his Fayetteville general store.

Originally founded to provide fraternal life insurance to the widows and orphans of its members, the SPJST benevolent order also sponsored a wide range of social activities including sports teams, picnics, plays, orchestras, dances and other events that enriched the community. Carrying on the family tradition, Ronnie and Debby are both officers of SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville. Ronnie served Fayetteville as mayor for over 20 years. And Debby can be found any Saturday at the Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum. Between the two, there are few questions that can't be answered about local Fayetteville lore.

For over a century, SPJST Hall has served Fayetteville residents as a gathering place for meetings, dances, family reunions, weddings, barbecue and chili cook-offs, school functions and graduations, stock shows and many other community events, including Antiques OFF The Square.

The Antiques OFF The Square Fall Show is slated for October 15-21, 2023. Carefully curated by knowledgeable and friendly dealers from several states, the show presents an impressive array of American antiques, primitives and other unique vintage treasures. Show hours are 9 am to 8 pm daily with a complimentary happy hour at 5:30 each afternoon. Admission and parking are free.

Fayette County Record

THREE SPLENDID DAYS IN FAYETTE COUNTY TEXAS

written by ROCHELLE HEWITT

So, you want to relax and get away from it all, be it big city traffic or the cacophony of sirens, alarms and leaf blowers? My suggestion is to make a bee line for this fun and happening central Texas county. We jumped in our car with our weekender bags and headed for Schulenburg, a small Texas town with deep roots in German and Czech heritage and a mere 90 minutes (95.4 mi.) from Houston off Interstate 10 West. Here’s what we did.

DAY 1 FRIDAY 3

We checked into the sweet retreat, Das Meyer Haus in the afternoon and relaxed a bit, which was so easy in this lovely space. Das Meyer Haus is a luxe Victorian cottage where you will feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule. The home was built in 1905 and is outfitted in soft sheets, comfy beds, billowy towels, attractive, cozy furnishings, eclectic artwork and a well-appointed kitchen. You get the whole house to enjoy, and you are just a block away from Main Street with eateries, coffee, shopping, and entertainment. The front porch, complete with porch swing was a lovely place to drink coffee in the early morning and listen to the mockingbirds. Yes, it got hot by 9:30 and we enjoyed the excellent AC in the Haus! The owners are nice folks too! Oh wait, I am the owner! www.dasmeyerhaus.com

We had an early dinner that evening at a favorite restaurant in Flatonia which is just 12.7 miles down the road from Schulenburg. The historic Red Vault (yes, it was once a bank) is a treasure! Owned by Master Chef, Gabriel from France and trained in Switzerland and Elizabeth of Cuban heritage, this delightful and charming couple serve up some delectable offerings. Hubby had seared duck breast with port reduction, garlic mashed potatoes and fresh sauteed asparagus. Et pour moi, the grilled to perfection fresh wild Atlantic salmon. Dessert was a shared crème brulee which was delish. The real French baguette, warm from the oven was very comforting and so Wow. Slather on the butter! The wine list is excellent, and the service is top notch. Oh, and our appetizer was the crab cakes, yummy! www.TheRedVaultBistro.weebly.com

After dinner we made our way to La Grange (22.3 miles) and took in some brilliant live music at The Bugle Boy Listening Room. We have been there several times now and it never disappoints as the talent is exceptional and the venue intimate and engaging! The staff are wonderful too! We made the short drive back to Das Meyer Haus (16.6 miles) and took a walk on Main Street in the coolness of the night (sort of) with a bright moon in the sky and a sense that the world was at peace in this little patch of Texas. www.thebugleboy.org

Before we rounded the corner for home, we stopped in at a new place, Joe’s, #Hometown Hangout, for a nightcap. It’s a lively spot for meeting up with friends, and the food and spirits are delicious. The staff and owners, Holly and Michael, are attentive and very friendly. Try their fried green beans! www.joestx.com

DAY 2 SATURDAY

We greeted the day with a short walk to Tillie’s Café Coffee & Wine Treats & Eats on Main Street and stopped in for breakfast. Holly and Michael own this fine establishment too and they have some of the most talented baristas I have ever seen. The wide array of

Red Vault Bistro, Flatonia Lyric Theater, Flatonia Kasper Meat Market

creative steamed coffees, signature drinks and spirits are amazing! The food is scrumptious. Try the shrimp and cheddar grits. This is also a perfect place for lunch or to hang out with a coffee. Try the besto pesto or the goodburger. And we love the retro décor! www.tilliescafe.com

We set off for Weimar, 7.6 miles down the lane and stopped in at Kasper’s Meat Market. You will be amazed at the variety! We bought a fat and juicy 6-pound hen, a rib eye and a T-bone to take back to Houston. The place was bustling, and we had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Kasper and chatting with him. He is 3rd generation and the store oozes character and good old-fashioned neighborliness just like him! He was the highlight of our day, and we will be back!

Google Kasper’s Meat Market

Well, it’s lunchtime now and we head to La Grange to the Back Porch BBQ & Grill. We loved the chopped brisket sandwich and the chicken tacos which have a wonderful smoky flavor. The staff is very efficient and friendly, and make you feel right at home. www.thebackporchbbq.com

A light dinner was enjoyed at home. We left for Flatonia at 6 pm and were so excited to be going to the Lyric Theater to watch "My Cousin, Vinny" on the big screen complete with popcorn and a Pepsi. The movie was hilarious, and it was a pleasure taking it all in in this beautiful historic building. Plushy red seats and plenty of room to stretch your legs helped to make this a great movie experience. The owners, Terry and John, were a delight to talk with and we learned a

bit about how their business is run. We can’t wait for our next movie outing there! It was truly a refreshing place to be!

www.thelyrictheater.com

DAY 3 SUNDAY

We attended Mass at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Schulenburg just 2 minutes from the Haus. No traffic, so easy! We then set out for lunch on Main Street and enjoyed fried chicken, pork tenderloin, squash casserole, German potatoes and cherry cobbler for a very reasonable price at Momma’s at Sengelmann Hall. The Hall is filled with vintage charm and a pleasure to be in. The food and my craft beer were just the thing to hit the spot, so scrumptious. Garrett, the owner, is delightful and the staff are warm and accommodating!

www.sengelmannhall.com

It’s late afternoon now and we are thinking about the trip back to Houston. We never want to leave! People are so friendly and genuine, and the small-town vibe is priceless! We seem to have nice chats with neighbors and folks everywhere we go. We also enjoy the rolling hills and the grazing cows in the countryside, a nice break from the asphalt. I’ve just scratched the surface here! There are so many festive events year-round that would make your head spin like the gorgeous Round Top Performance Center concerts (world class), Round Top shopping, antiquing, and restaurants, Church Picnics, Shakespeare at Winedale, Painted Churches Tour, Quilt Museum, Stanzel Model Airplane Museum and so much more! Come and visit awhile and you’ll see what I mean. Bon Voyage!

Above: Fayette County Courthouse

Photo by Diane Mueller

Below: Historic Faison House

Photo by Diane Mueller

Wake up

If you snore or stop breathing while you sleep, or you know someone who does, get these issues treated before it is too late.

Do you fall asleep while driving? Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea can shorten your life from 8.7 years up to 20 years.

Red Vault Bistro Restaurant in Flatonia

Photo by Captures...By Stephanie Steinhauser

Roger Cagle, M.D. Family Medicine

Kristi Salinas, M.D. Family Medicine

Kyle Hudson, M.D. Family Medicine

Eslam ElHamMAdy, MD Obstetrics / Gynecology

Saima Ghazal, M.D., FACOG Obstetrics / Gynecology

Tess Bruette, M.D. Pediatrics

Lana El-Asha, DDS General Dentistry

Gina Lawrence Licensed Professional Counselor

Esther Kirov, M.D. Pediatrics

Dr. Kimberly Locke Psychology