Time to unpack the picnic blankets

By KEN ESTEN COOKE Editor and Publisher

edbuds. Mountain laurels. Bluebonnets. Peach tree buds. These are some of our favorite signs of spring. They represent life, rebirth, hope, and give us an optimistic look at what is ahead.

This spring, Rock & Vine looks both back and ahead. Sallie Lewis tells the story of Enid Collins, who was a national design star in the 1960s and ’70s with her iconic box purses. She brought a lot of recognition to Fredericksburg, even as she expanded her operations nationwide.

For fun, we had Ada Broussard pen her ode to the picnic, as we leave our winter coats and sit among the wildflowers. Another fun addition are stories on winery cats and dogs, those beloved best friends who work the vineyards with their owners.

We also feted our talented women winemakers with our Grape Dames story, honoring those who bring a determination and feminine touch to this region’s fastest-growing industry.

Fredericksburg isn’t all wineries, either. One talented and industrial local family has created an in-demand product with his experience in the precision metal industry. His Fredericksburg Cast Iron Co. is already getting orders from around the nation.

And Megan Willome wrote a tribute to one of this state’s most talented food creators, Rebecca Rather of Emma + Ollie. You must visit this restaurant when you come to Fredericksburg.

We also featured Covington Winery and Vista Brewing, two Drinkery places to experience.

-R&V-

Lastly, please allow a moment of reflection about one of Rock & Vine’s biggest supporters, Severn Giles, who died in early February. He was the rock of his only daughter, Kimberly, who is this magazine’s marketing director and creative spark. We will miss his friendly voice, and his daughter will miss his counsel, guidance and love. His legacy lives on in her, and it’s a force of nature. Rest in peace, Mr. Giles.

-R&V-

COPYRIGHT: Rock&Vine Magazine is published by the Fredericksburg Publishing Company. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice or endorsement, but is considered informative.

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Michael Barr is a retired teacher who writes a history column. Read his bi-weekly column in the Fredericksburg Standard newspaper.

Jeremiah Dearinger is our HAUS contributing photographer. See more of his work at jeremiahdearinger.com

Barney Kane is our resident ad production designer on staff at Rock & Vine Magazine.

Lee Nichols is a freelance writer based in Austin. He loves beer and two-stepping in Texas dance halls.

Ashley Odom is the chef and owner of Feast and Merriment. Living and working in the Hill Country keeps her creatively motivated, and she feels lucky to live in this area with so much food, wine and talent.

Ada Broussard is a writer, gardener and goat wrangler, who was raised in South Louisiana. Her love of regional foods has led to a career in agriculture, where she has overseen CSA operations, from digging to marketing, and consulted with food producers to cook simple and seasonal fare. See more at instagram.com/adalisab/

Kimberly Giles is our Rock & Vine Ambassador, who is always scouting for stories in our Texas Hill Country, email her @ kgiles@fredericksburgstandard.com

Megan Willome is a freelance writer and author of "The Joy of Poetry." To read more of her work visit meganwillome.com.

Andrea Chupik is a graphic designer / art director living in Aledo. View her work at designranchcreative.com.

Sallie Lewis is a San Antonio writer currently based in Fredericksburg. She has a Master's Degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University and her work has been published in The WSJ Magazine, Garden & Gun, and Town & Country. Find her online at sallielewis.co.

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