CONTENTS Publisher/Designer: Karyn Lyn Managing Editor: Greg Forest (May his soul be
at peace). Design & Layout: Lonesome Dove Design Studio Columnists & Contributing Writers: Karyn Lyn, Greg Forest, Kathleen Hudson, Joe Herring, Phil Houseal, Jil Utterback, Gary Lockte, Mary Schenk, Genie Strickland, Betty Sharp, Homer Stevens, Colleen Brooks, Carlotta Schmittgen & Jack Armstrong. Proof Readers: Jil Utterback, Guy Barzetti, David Baroffio Layout & Web: Lonesome Dove Design Studio Photographers: Karyn Lyn, Nancy Essary Sales: Karyn Lyn, Mary Bradley, Colleen Brooks, Gary Smith, Guy Barzetti, Miranda Montemayor
Summer 2019 Mary Bradley: What's New in West Kerr County
Mary informs us of new happenings with Rita's Tacos #2 and the NEW PLACE TO BE, The Old Mexico Cantina, the Dam Center in Ingram, and the upcoming line-up at Roddy Tree Ranch!
Carlotta Schmittgen: A Tribute To Greg ForestOur "I could tell right away this was going to be a fun gig! It was so easy talking to Greg. He understood my passion for sports and respected my ideas. More importantly, he was as “pumped” about my column as I was!"
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Contact Heart Beat:
texasheartbeat.com | PO Box 1204 |Bandera,TX 78003 Karyn (210) 316-2986 karyn@texasheartbeat.com
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A Tribute to Greg Forest: By Karyn Lyn B March 18th, this publication lost the wizard due cancer. We started this publication in 2003 as just a two-person operation. He was my wingman, my buddy, and a true tech guru to many in the Texas Hill Country: "Friend" is one of the many attributes describing Greg Forest of Kerrville, as Irene Vanwinkle says, and Suzzane Freeman, one of Greg's dearest friends says it best in her poem... Allyce's Attic: Springing Into Spring
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"Summers meant one thing to me – horses. Truthfully, fall, winter, and spring also meant horses, but summer was special because it ushered in the horse show season..We competed wherever the A circuit took us from our Wisconsin home. But summers also meant the guest ranch my dad owned in Colorado...and that ranch was the beginning of my love affair with all things western, ultimately leading me to the Texas Hill Country..."
The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country is published quarterly by Heart Beat Publishing PO Box 1204, Bandera, Texas 78003. Opinions expressed in articles may not be those of the publisher and editor of the The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country, its advertisers, writers or contributors. All content is copyrighted by The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country is not liable for editorial content, typographical errors and any statements or claims by advertisers or columnists. Subscriptions are $25 per year payable to The Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country at the above address.
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Joe Herring: Kerrville's West Texas Fair
"Starting in 1899, Kerrville produced an event called the West Texas Fair every summer. It was a big deal, and continued for several decades... One postcard from the 1907 fair shows what looks to be a basketball game, played on the horse track in front of the grandstand..."
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Take the Plunge! By Karyn Lyn & Greg Forest
"The Texas Hill Country has more than a few rivers, springs and lakes to take the edge off the heat. From the banks of the Guadalupe River and tubing in Gruene to the springs in San Marcos, there are lots of ways to take the plunge into a bit of cool water."
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What's Brewing in the Hill Country
Our new section features breweries, distilleries, liquor stores, and wineries throughout the Hill Country, the latest craft libation hot spot for travellers and locals with a taste for qualilty hand crafted beers, wines, and spirits. Cheers!
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This is a VERY rare opportunity to own an AMAZING Ranchette with SOARING VIEWS sitting on TOP OF THE WORLD in the BEST LOCATION IN OUR BEAUTIFUL TEXAS HILL COUNTRY! Custom built, 3bdrm/2bath home & 3 car/truck/over-sized/2 doors/garage/ party barn was masterfully built by hill country craftsman David Burger. Extensive flagstone & concrete flatwork as well as gorgeous landscaping surround both structures. A HUGE wraparound custom viewing deck, complete w/masonry built. 2 story stone outdoor fireplace add to the expansive outdoor living space. For guests/ 2bdrm/2bath trailer w/metal roof and large viewing front porch perfect for your extended family and friends! Keep horses and enjoy the round pen located next to the charming BIG RED BARN..2-3 horse stalls, workshop, loft & storage galore!
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Don't miss this rare opportunity to own "e Biggest Little Bar in Texas". Its more than a business..it's a TEXAS Legend! 11th STREET COWBOY BAR is located in the heart of Harleys & Horses, the COWBOY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD..BANDERA TEXAS! e beer is ice cold and the live music will have you dancing' well into the night under our starry Texas sky! You could own one of the largest music venues in the Texas Hill Country!
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House Pasture Cattle Co.
Come see the World's largest Longhorn Skull!
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HEART BEAT OF THE WEB
Keep up with Heart Beat on the Internet by visiting our web site for updates and after-press offerings. If you want to be really plugged in to current and upcoming events, subscribe to our newsletter.
250 Peach Street Phone: 8306442735
Stonewall, Texas
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Kerrville's West Texas Fair Our area has long offered special events during the warm summer months. Starting in 1899, Kerrville produced an event called the West Texas Fair every summer. It was a big deal, and continued for several decades.
It was kind of a county fair, though I think Kerrville had greater ambitions for this event, hoping to include communities to our west in the festivities. There were horse races, parades, ball games, plus traditional county fair contests. Ribbons were awarded for everything from best garden produce to baking and canning. Beyond those traditional offerings, at the 1905 fair, there was also an "Art Department," chaired by a local artist, James Spicer. "Those who have fine paintings and other works of art," a news article stated, "can safely trust them to his care for no one knows better than he the value of such things." There was also an "Educational Department," where "schools of all Texas are cordially invited to enter the competition." Later years included a Chautauqua, a kind of educational lecture series. Baseball games were scheduled between neighboring communities, which probably helped attendance from those communities.
In 1908, one of the planned "amusements" was a "grand speed contest between automobiles," which took place on the horse track. "This will be the first event of its kind ever seen in Kerr County and will be well worth seeing." The first automobiles came to Kerrville that same year, so many of those attending the 1908 event had probably never seen an automobile before. In 1915 a pilot brought his airplane to the fair and gave people rides; several years earlier a hot-air balloon offered similar rides. One postcard from the 1907 fair shows what looks to be a basketball game, played on the horse track in front of the grandstand. Basketball nets and backboards can be plainly seen, and a round ball can be seen in the air. The puzzling thing about the postcard? It has this headline: "Foot Ball Game at West Texas Fair, Kerrville, Texas 1907." While it's possible the game being played was football, it's also possible the printer made a mistake. Strike that -- it's obviously a game of football, played on a horsetrack basketball court.
Joe Herring Jr. is a Kerrville native who stands in solidarity with the printer of that 1907 postcard.
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Fresh cuts of the Finest Beef, Pork, and Chicken.
EXPERT KNOWLEDGEABLE SALES STAFF!
Ranch house Steakhouse - BBQ - Catering
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It can get a bit warm during a Texas summer. Weeks on end with 3-digit temperatures is enough to put a bit of sweat on any brow. But fear not - the Hill Country has more than a few rivers, springs and lakes to take the edge off the heat. From the banks of the Guadalupe River and tubing in Gruene to the springs in San Marcos there are lots of ways to take the plunge into a bit of cool water. This list of favorite swimmin' holes is hardly comprehensive - there are lots of options not listed here but this is a pretty good place to start. Many of the best plunges are in Texas State Parks. If you are going to visit the state sites, you might want to look into a yearly pass for considerable savings. Remember to take your trash with you and help keep Texas rivers & springs clean and ready for the next visitor. You can check texasheartbeat.com for more aquatic adventures. Stay wet.
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HAMILTON POOL This Travis County plunge is so popular that reservations are required to jump in. In the summer, due to the proximity to Austin, the park is packed with sun seekers. The grotto features a 50-foot waterfall into an emerald green pool. Ferns and moss adorn the roof of the grotto giving it a jungle-like experience. Hamilton Pool is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and is a protected environment.
MEDINA RIVER Up Medina and Bandera way is the Medina River which meanders for miles through a canopy of old cypress trees that afford plentiful shade on your downstream journey. To say it's been a local favorite is underlined by the fact the river was named in 1689. The Medina is primarily fed by springs that bubble up from the Balcones Fault, keeping the water cool year round.
FOOD TRUCK FEATURE
FRIO RIVER IN CONCAN The spring-fed Frio River offers crystal clear water and, depending on the flow, some of the best kayaking and swimming in Central Texas. With a variety of in and out points on the river, you can decide how long you want to stay in the water before hopping in. With lots of accommodations and only a hop skip and jump from Garner State Park, staying cool is a breeze. Local counties may be dry so be sure to fill your ice chest on the way to the river.
BLANCO STATE PARK
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Blanco State Park, along a mile of the Blanco River, is a 104.6-acre park on the southern edge of Blanco, Texas. A favorite for decades with locals, the park has many amenities including camping, picnicking, screened shelters, swimming, tubing, nature trails, and a wildlife viewing station. Its less than an hour from both San Antonio and Austin. The fishin' is almost as good as the swimmin' with anglers casting for bass, catfish, sunfish and rainbow trout (stocked in winter). Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country Summer 2019
GARNER STATE PARK
Garner State Park is probably the most popular natural water destination in the Texas Hill Country. From Spring Break until the onset of Fall, the park is floating thousands of sun-loving rafters, kayakers and tubers. Be sure to bring your own alcholic beverages and lots of sunscreen.
INKS LAKE STATE PARK Ink's Lake State Park has it all - you can swim (no lifeguards on duty), boat, water ski, scuba dive and fish to your heart's content. The park also has a large, no-wake zone for paddling. The re are 9 miles of hiking trails and is also home to the famous Devil's Waterhole. You can rent paddle boats, canoes, one- to two-person kayaks, life vests and paddles at the park store. texasheartbeat.com Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country
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Summers meant one thing to me – horses. Truthfully, fall, winter, and spring also meant horses, but summer was special because it ushered in the horse show season. We competed wherever the A circuit took us from our Wisconsin home. But summers also meant the guest ranch my dad owned in Colorado. Horses were the central activity there, too, and that ranch was the beginning of my love affair with all things western, ultimately leading me to the Texas Hill Country. To say we were “off the grid” is an understatement. The ranch sat at 7,200 feet in the Rocky Mountains. Seventeen miles of winding, climbing, dirt road challenged drivers and created many a queasy guest. Once guests made the trek “up the mountain”, in local vernacular, they seldom ventured down until they were headed home. Unlike Bandera where honky tonks, a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions are an easy drive from local guest ranches, our ranch location was a one-stop destination for most people. It wasn’t a bad place to be isolated. The Cache La Poudre River ran through the backside of the property, tucked into the rugged Roosevelt National Forest, and guests loved fly fishing for rainbow trout and brownies or just splashing in the clear mountain river. The food was sturdy and good, cooked on an old wood stove nicknamed “Leapin’ Lena”. After riding, swimming, fishing, hiking, and just living at the high altitude, working up an appetite was not hard. We did have a pool, a pool table, a “3.2” beer license, and a dance hall where we square danced with guests six evenings a week after dinner. But two daily horseback rides in the mountains were the biggest drawing cards for most folks. The accommodations weren’t fancy. Cabins and rooms in the old lodge, dating to the 1890s, were rustic. If you wanted upscale, this ranch was not for you! And yet, we were fully booked up to a year 28
ahead and our repeat families were not just paying guests – they became friends, greeted each year with a heartfelt, “Welcome home!” Earlier I said there were differences between our ranch and Bandera. There were, but look at the similarities. Both lie in picturesque western landscapes, a bit out of the way. A pristine river runs through both locales. Accommodations and food options vary, but those looking for 5 star fancy will probably go elsewhere. That’s not why folks come here. They do come to see and interact with horses and longhorns, and the cowboys and cowgirls who come with them. Opportunities to ride horseback and rub elbows with westerners abound. It’s easy to find a cold beer – from domestic brands to locally brewed craft beers and locally produced wines. Dancing a western two-step is available at any honky tonk or venue, curtesy of some of the best musicians anywhere. You’ll run into people who return year after year, whether as Winter Texans in the RV parks or tourists who come for a week or more, like our friend Mark from Ireland, Sigrid and Volker from Germany, writer Artur from Poland, or the families from all over the United States and the world who fall in love with the Texas Hill Country and this quirky little place where a western lifestyle is embraced. Both the Colorado ranch and the town of Bandera, as well as much of the Hill Country, rely on tourism and repeat visitors say we’re what they’re looking for. As we say good bye ‘til next fall to our Winter Texans, we welcome our summer visitors who come to tube and play in the river, dance the night away, celebrate the big summer holidays and generally enjoy what those of us fortunate enough to live here sometimes take for granted. Let’s not forget why they come here. Boots, hats, spurs, a friendly “Howdy”, “Welcome back”, the ubiquitous “Yes, m’am” and “Yes, sir” all go a long way and remind us why the world loves this corner of Texas. And, of course, horses. There have to be horses. Happy summer - see you next fall!
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200 ACRES
Gifts-Gardens-Nursery Pottery-Wine-Biergarten www.wildseedfarms.com 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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TWO Locations to Serve you in Bandera County!
1002 MAIN ST. BANDERA, TX 78003 (830)-796-3861 8950 FM1283, LAKEHILLS, TX 78063 (830) 751-4040
Check out their monthly For Bargains!
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The year was 2004, and I had purchased a ticket at the door to hear John Prine at the Majestic Theater in San Antonio. I was a little late, and as I walked across the lobby, I was stopped in my tracks by this voice. I looked on stage to see a woman in black leather pants, a red shirt, sitting on a stool delivering a song. First it was her voice, but quickly it became the song. This was my introduction to Mary Gauthier. I found my seat behind old friends and music lovers from Switzerland, Aschi Maurer (RIP) and his daughter Dahlia. Serendipity. I was there to give John Prine a copy of my book on Texas songwriters after the show, but I ended up with another treasure, the work of Mary Gauthier. I had heard her name in a Ray Wylie Hubbard song. I had heard her song Filth and Fire while walking through Hastings Bookstore once. That much I knew.
May 26, 2019, she will perform at the Kerrville Folk Festival (again) joined by Eliza Gilkyson and Gretchen Peters. Three Women and the Truth. These women all speak truth to power. Gauthier was nominated for a grammy for her album of 11 songs composed at workshop with veterans, Rifles and Rosary Beads. Her life has fueled her writing. She could relate to the stories of the veterans. Born in 1962 in New Orleans and given up by her birth mother to St. Vincent Infants’ Asylum, she was adopted at age 1 by an Italian Catholic family. By 1990 she had a final arrest for drunk driving and has been sober ever since. She wrote her first song at age 35, after deciding to be a songwriter. I love her 2005 album, Mercy Now, produced by non-other than another favorite of mine, Gurf Morlix. I am listening to his new album, Impossible 36
Blue, as I drive each day. And we do “need a little mercy now.” As she says. Bob Dylan, Nobel Laureate of Literature in 2016, chose her song “I Drink” to be featured on his XM radio show, Theme Time Radio. He chose songs he liked then riffed on them in the Dylan voice. And Gauthier, after writing short stories, is writing a book, The Art of Songwriting. After working with the stories of veterans and co-writing her last album, she declares her 7th studio album, Rifles and Rosary Beads, is her best. I use the writing of songwriters I love in my classes at Schreiner. Sometimes the words become prompts for students to write their own stories in essay format. Sometimes the song or youtube version become a source of inspiration for thinking and talking about writing. My dissertation at TCU in 1982 was a collection of what writers say about writing. Tune in to an interview with Mary Gauthier (or Patti Smith, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Terri Hendrix et al.....) and see what starts moving around in your brain. Could lead to some writing. “Chilling and gothic, gutpunched,” are words that show up in reviews of her albums. But that is not all; Gauthier conveys the human experience, lost love, family challenges and deep emotions in ways I find profoundly moving. Her TedX talk, “Saved by a Song,” conveys her story of her 1990 arrest that caused her to leave her body and look down to see a hopeless person. “Shortly after that I heard the call to write songs,” she said. She wrote about what got her into that jail cell, what called her to medicate her self. Her songs were heavy and difficult. Some complained, but some came up to the CD table after the show, tears in their eyes, and whispered, “Thank you.” Yes, we can be saved by a song. Ils sont partis. KH
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DANCING BEAR CANTINA A MUSIC DESTINATION SPOT AND DAILY GETAWAY TO RELAX!
Overlooking Beautiful Medina Lake 7794 County Road 271, Mico, Texas 78056 830.751.2160 * www.dancingbearcantina.com 105 S. Llano
Fredericksburg, TEXAS Late Night Dining Chef/Owner Family Dining Home-Made Food Hours: Mon-Thurs. 11am-10pm Fri. Sat 11am-12am Sun. 12pm-6pm
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Once again summer is upon us and fresh vegetables are plentiful. This month I will share 3 favorite salads and as usual I like “Easy� because we want to be outdoors during the summer! The first one is a Mediterranean kale salad. I enjoy this and I made it to take to a pot luck and got asked by several people for the recipe so it is worthy of sharing. Besides, what do you do with all that kale?
Place a steamer insert into a saucepan filled with water just below the bottom of the steamer. Cover and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the kale and cover and steam until tender. 7-10 mins. depending on thickness. Whisk together the other ingredients. Toss with the steamed kale until well coated. Chill and serve.
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By Karyn Lyn
Ever wonder where to eat when you visit the Hill Country?
Backyard Bisso, Pipe Creek, Tx
The Backyard Bistro and Chef Aaron's "Farm to Table Fare" proudly serve their dishes using only the finest fresh ingredients available, including: organic eggs from their own chickens and herbs from their very own garden-picked daily for your culinary delight. Available for parties, catering & wine tastings. Live music Fridays & Saturdays. 167 Panther Ridge, Pipe Creek, Texas 78063, Hwy 16 South (Behind Country Accents Antiques) (830) 535-4094 www.backyardbistrobandera.com
The 199 Hole, Bandera, TX
Located next to the Golf Pro Shop at the Flying L Ranch Resort, The 19th Hole has a full menu serving breakfast and lunch daily, snacks and candy, grab-n-go meals, and beer and wine. We proudly brew Starbucks! Guests have the option of sitting inside the restaurant or outside on the covered patio. Large TV screens located indoors and out. Also, come check out the Classic Car Show the third Friday of each month. Open daily 7:00am-6:00pm (some summer hours extended). Breakfast: 7:30am-10:30am, Lunch: 11:00am-2:00pm. 566 Flying L Drive, Bandera, TX 78003, www.flyingl.com, 830-796-7745.
Branding Iron Bar & Grill, Bandera, TX
Located at the Main House at the Flying L Ranch Resort, the Branding Iron Bar & Grill is open daily this summer! Come and check out this unique place with full bar and menu. There are four large TV screens to catch all your favorite games! Family friendly, great prices, and we offer indoor and outdoor seating. Monday-Friday 2pm-midnight, Saturday & Sunday Noon-Midnight, LIVE Music every Friday at 7:30pm DJ/Karaoke every Saturday at 7:30pm, Happy Hour Thursday’s 5pm-8pm 675 Flying L Drive, Bandera, TX 78003, www.flyingl.com, 830-796-7745.
Gringo’s Burritt, Bandera, Tx
Fast and fresh burritos, tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, and salads! Gringo’s has all the toppings! Meat lover’s, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free, you decide how healthy you want to be. Outdoor dining right on Main Street! 702 Main Street Bandera, TX 78003. www.gringosburritos.com
If you would like to be included in our Menu Board, “Where to Eat in the Hill Country” section, please contact Karyn @ (210) 316-2986
Chicken Charley’s, Bandera, TX The BEST Brisket!!
Chicks Prime Market Spring Branch, Tx Porterhouse TBone
Paao Cafe, Love Creek Orchards, Medina, Tx
Homemade 5 cheese Pimento spread burger
Backyard Bisso, Pipe Creek, Tx Pecan Crusted Chicken
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ummer in Texas Hill Country is all about long, lazy and idyllic days spent by the river, followed by some good Texas fare. We have BBQ, Tex-Mex, and traditional southern classics like chicken fried steak. Now that I have your attention, here’s where to get just that.New Braunfels just might be one of my favorite places. Home to Cooper’s, Rudy’s, and now Black’s BBQ, I’d say it’s a BBQ lover’s paradise. Standing in line at Cooper’s will really test your decision-making skills – and while it’s hard not to play favorites, I’d have to go with their brisket and pork ribs if I had to choose (but please don’t make me). Rudy’s is also a go-to spot for BBQ and home to my favorite creamed corn and new potatoes. Black’s BBQ is new to New Braunfels, and I really enjoy their sliced turkey and ambiance after a day at the river. Truth be told, I never leave New Braunfels hungry and without my next meal to go! I won’t judge if you do the same.
The water scene in New Braunfels is just as exciting - adventure seekers will love Schlitterbahn Waterpark, with attractions for all ages. Texas Ski Ranch has a variety of adrenaline-inducing water sports. If a laid-back day is more your thing, Landa Park offers a gorgeous spring-fed pool
with a slide and rope swing, an Olympic-sized pool, a children’s splash pad, paddleboats, and a children’s train. Or, you can head down the street to the city tube chute at Hinman Island Park. And if staying dry is your thing, Natural Bridge Caverns, located just past New Braunfels, offers a comfortable year-round temperature of 70-degrees. Just over the bridge in Gruene, you’ll find several river outfitters to supply you with everything you need for a trip down the Guadalupe. After you’ve splashed to your heart’s content, stop in Inferno’s Pizza, the Gruene River Grill, or the Gristmill for chicken fried steak, towering onion rings, or fun adult drinks. Don’t worry if you overindulge, you can work it off by two-stepping in Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall. Be sure to check out their amazing collection of memorabilia while you’re there. Make a splash in Wimberley by booking a reservation at Blue Hole Regional Park. Locals and guests alike enjoy jumping from the rope swings attached to these beloved century-old cypress trees. There’s also a wading area for families with little ones. Jacobs Well is another popular spot, book your reservations in advance. When hunger hits, check out The Wimberley Cafe, Linda’s Fine Foods, I’noz, or the Leaning Pear – all offer fantastic fare with indoor and outdoor seating. Finally, end your day at the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens with a live outdoor performance, or at the Corral Theatre, the nation’s only walk-in movie theater. Ahhh, sweet summer days when the sun doesn’t set until 9:00 PM and your head hits your pillow after an incredibly fulfilliing day. These are the magical days we’ll remember!
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Newly expanded riverside deck 17 screens of sports Monday Night Football
Karaoke Wednesdays Open Mic w/Mark Piper Thursdays Live Bands on Weekends Family operated & owned Two large decks overlooking the Guadalupe River Gift cards available
1521 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028 - (830) 896-7437 Summer 2019
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SALOON & ARENA
3979 HWY 173 KERRVILLE TX 78028
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gruenehall.com 702 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003
1281 Gruene Rd.
New Braunfels, TX September 28, 2019 11am - 10pm Always the 4th Saturday of September
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Sweikei Insert
I’ll never forget the day – May 5, 2015 - 5:09PM. The email read, “Hi Carlotta, Long time no see. Was wondering if you would care to write for our magazine. Noticed that Happenings has gone dark and I always loved your columns. Would you have any interest? Either way keep writing cowgirl! -Greg” The following day, our call lasted over an hour. I could tell right away this was going to be a fun gig! It was so easy talking to Greg. He understood my passion for sports and respected my ideas. More importantly, he was as “pumped” about my column as I was! For the fall issue that year, he dropped me a line a couple of weeks before deadline. “Do you think you could focus on Texas football? Your take on the upcoming NFL/college season? Hoping to have all editorial in by the 15th. We're at third down and goal to go!” I already had the column finished when I read his email. It started with, “For those of you reading this that haven’t lived in Texas, let me explain. Football is the culture — an array of delicacies from the traditional fantasy football leagues to Friday Night Lights to Big 12 and SEC rivalries to The ‘Boys at Jerry’s House or JJ Watt and Company at the NRG. Fall is Texas football!” Greg’s response? “Girl -- You rock!” Go figure – it was what he wanted. Greg not only communicated with me in sports lingo, he also recognized my other passion – the canines! He already knew about my years of chairing the Bark For Life cancer fundraiser. When I asked him to run a flyer on a Kerr County Bark in one of the issues, he said he would. A few days before print, he discovered the copy in his spam. He emailed me, saying, “Hi, somehow you got in my spam list. Just noticed this morning. All is good now. Thanks! (I mean, "Woof!")” I normally decided which sport my column would touch on. Last year, he had a special request. “How about a piece on Manu Ginobili? I know NBA season will be over by summer but I would like a tribute to him.” I had just volunteered for and attended the NFL draft in North Texas. My plan was to write about that. Instead I went with a Ginobili tribute. It’s always nice to keep the boss happy. And apparently it made the readers happy too! The feedback, as Greg would say, “Rocked!” I delayed the NFL Draft to the fall issue. When he got the copy and pictures, he called me. “Girl! You met the NFL Commissioner! Girl! You have your picture with him!! Girl!! You were on the floor of the NFL draft! You didn’t tell me about THAT when I asked you to run something on Ginobili! Manu could have waited! “ We both laughed! That was the last time we laughed together. Greg was diagnosed with liver cancer that fall. I tried to reassure him. I had been on a caretaker’s journey back in 2015 with my husband’s cancer. Medical science had made great strides. Get the treatment and stay on it no matter how awful the side effects are. Attitude is 99% of the cure. Stay strong and listen to your body. Get lots of rest. You will get through this. We talked one more time in early March. There was nothing more the doctors could do and the end was near. He passed away on the 18th of that month. While others think they will see Greg again on the beach in the Jamaican part of Heaven, I know I’ll find him near the San Antonio Spurs angels waiting on Manu. You rock, Angel Greg. RIP. 58
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My tribute to Greg
Best Business Partner Ever!
Gregory Mayer Forest February 17, 1952-March 18th, 2019
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Greg Forest: By: Irene Vanwinkle “A force of nature,” photographer, musician, writer, mentor, computer tech guru, slacker and “partial Jamaican,” are many attributes describing Greg Forest of Kerrville. Sadly, a lingering health condition took Forest too soon on March 18, 2019. “He pretty much lived until he died (and) was surrounded by 11 close friends,” said dear friend Linda Bullard, who added, “How many people get that when they pass?” Forest, a Tivy High School graduate, was a Ken Kesey-like original who attracted his own band of merry pranksters...a string of creative, freewheeling spirits. He had a rare combination of leftbrain/ right-brain output...both technician and artist. He was an IT whiz as well as musician, performer and videographer. Forest became part of Kerrville’s mythic 13th Floor Elevators psychedelic rock group formed in 1965, along with other bands. His constant musical companion was Ronnie Leatherman. Forest left behind uncounted recordings, many still unpublished, and videos from everywhere he went. He was rarely without either a camera or guitar. Bullard added that he was the most generous person she knew, not only with sharing all his knowledge, but also often financially for those in need. He founded the Music Office, out of which came a film, his first short, “Memory Hole,” released Nov. 22, 2013. It commemorated the 50th anniversary of the JFK Assassination in which 62
a crack team of researchers discover a “cure” for Alzheimer’s, with unexpected results. He also wrote books published by Hal Leonard; the largest music publisher in the U.S and was the founder of Hill Country Film Group. Not only did Greg inspire musicians, he also traveled, taught and played abroad, in places like Norway, Denmark, Greece and elsewhere where he helped spread the Texas Hill Country music culture.
One Love To You Dearest Greg:
Beth Williams, former mate/ music partner, aired a tribute on KFAN in Fredericksburg, during Indie Americana Songwriter Show Episode #100 rebroadcast practically around the world. “Coming to you from Colorado, USA. I’m taking you on a different journey... to the Texas Hill Country where Greg lived most of his life (who) was carried away by the Texas wind recently. He’s the reason I’ve been able to do this radio show.” Williams, who met him in 1979, sang with him, as the duo, Sloe Cotton. She said Forest granted her wish for her own recording studio, ordering the equipment and showing her step by step how to set it up and run it. There was never a time I called and he didn’t stop to help me. Show 100 is my way of saying thank you Greg and honoring his precious memory. Williams played Forest’s own songs/cover tunes, including Tipsy Gypsy, Living it Up, Valentine Song and Fishing Blues, recalling the Texas Tune Strangers album and End Times Lullabies.
By his own admission, he pissed away two fortunes on toys, travel and generosity to the point of poverty.
Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country
Greg and Karyn Lyn founded and published Heartbeat of the Texas Hill Country magazine since 2013, which Karyn is continuing in his honor. Summer 2019
Upon hearing his diagnosis he responded in typical fashion with the following comment: “I’ve had 67 years of debauchery—I can’t complain.” The poster child for youthful excess, in his prime he could blow perfect smoke rings, pull the caps off beer bottles with his bare teeth, ingest heroic doses of whatever substance he could get his hands on.
In relentless pursuit of beauty, he claimed he turned countless females into lesbians, but the women he didn’t chase away remained bonded to him “against all odds and logic,” as he liked to say. A self-taught Biblical scholar and political pundit, he gleefully dished out offense and aggravation with his rantings and ravings, but we always forgave him,this devilish wit machine, this merry-making maestro of ten thousand gigs. He was the hub of a vast and ever-expanding wheel of friendship connections. But now the wheel has come off the wagon, and how do we go on without the person who was the most fun to be with? He would want us to remember: The good times are here and now. The good times are here and now. One Love to you, dearest Greg. May you rest in Eternal Jamaica.
– Suzanne Freeman, March 2019 texasheartbeat.com
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LIVE MUSIC IN THE HILL COUNTRY KERRVILLE Kerrville Festivals 3876 Medina Highway, Kerrville, TX (830) 257-3600 Texas Heritage Music Foundation 2100 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, Texas (830) 792-1945 The Ridge Marketplace 13439 S Ranch Road 783, Kerrville, TX (830) 896-0420 Pier 27 1521 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 896-7437
Chuck Wagon Dinner & Show Saturdays 6:30-8:30pm *Reservations only Flying L Ranch Resort 675 Flying L Drive 830-796-7745 Jake’s @ Polly's Peak 3810 Hwy 16, Bandera, TX (830) 535-6699 Bandera Ale Project 3540 Hwy 16, Bandera, TX (830) 522-4226
Azul 202 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville, TX (830) 896-9338
BOERNE/BLANCO
Callioux Theater 910 Main Street, Kerrville, TX (830) 896-9393
Cave Without A Name Frequent Concerts in the Cave 325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, TX (830) 537-4212
Ol Watering Hole 1109 Broadway, Kerrville, TX (830) 257-4653
Blanco Riverside Bar 18 Main Street, Blanco, TX 78606, USA (830) 833-0208
Gravity Check Saloon & Arena 3979 Hwy 173, Kerrville, TX gravitychecksaloonandarena.com
COMFORT/CENTERPOINT
BANDERA
Toucan Jim’s 5814 Texas 27, Center Point, TX (830) 634-2640
Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar 308 Main Street, Bandera, TX (830) 796-8826 11th Street Cowboy Bar 307 11th St, Bandera, TX (830) 796-4849 4 Way Bar & Grill 9742 FM 1283 Lakehills, TX (830) 751-3400
Flying L Ranch Branding Iron Bar & Grill Every Friday 7:30pm
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The Rockbox 109 N Llano St, Fredericksburg, TX (830) 997-7625
Freiheit Country Store 2157 FM1101 New Braunfels, TX
Silver Creek 310 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX (830) 990-4949
Oma Gruene’s Secet Garten 1263 Gruene Road New Braunfels, TX
El Milagro Twenty Twelve 249 East Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX Phone:(830) 307-3051
Tavern in the Gruene 830 Gruene Rd New Braunfels, TX
Auslander Restaurant 323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX (830) 997-7714
The Brauntex 290 West Seguin New Braunfels, TX
INGRAM / HUNT
Watering Hole Saloon 1390 McQueeney Rd New Braunfels, TX
Roddy Tree Ranch 820 Texas 39 Ingram, TX 830-367-2871
CONCAN/UVALDE
Crider’s Dancehall 2310 hwy 39 Hunt TX (830) 238-4441
House Pasture Cattle Co 2 River Rd, Concan, TX (830) 232-6580
The Hunt Store 1634 Highway 39, Hunt, TX (830) 238-4410 Old Mexico Cantina 3130 Junction Hwy, Ingram, TX (830) 367-3088
FREDERICKSBURG Luckenbach 412 Luckenbach Town Loop Fredericksburg, TX (830) 997-3224
NEW BRAUNFELS GRUENE Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX (830) 606-1281
Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse 305 W Main St, Fredericksberg, TX (830) 992-3288
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Billy’s Ice House 1193 Loop 337 New Braunfels, TX
Encore Restaurant 122 Pointe Theatre Rd
Cocky Rooster 7 US Hwy 87, Comfort, TX (830) 996-5501
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Hondo’s on Main 312 W. Main St. Fredericksburg, TX (830)-997-1633
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Roger grew up working with his Dad from a very young age, he has fond memories of riding down highway 173 in the back of the service truck on top of the pipe rack! Once he turned 15 he began working during the summer for Buddy’s. He graduated from Bandera High School in 2005 and started working full time and has recently taken over for his Dad and given his parents the gift of retirement. In 2008 Roger married Melinda Griffin, and she began working for the company after graduating from UTSA in 2009. Together they have 4 children, Brenna, Charlie, Adelle, and Ruby. They will continue to carry on the Buddy’s legacy by supporting the community in all aspects. As a company Buddy’s is always present in parades, local charity fundraising events, and rodeos! They employ over 20 employees, and are extremely fortunate to have an amazing team of individuals working to serve the community. They pride themselves on being very competitive in the industry with price and quality of work. Well drilling and septic installation are state licensed, Buddy and Roger both hold licenses for all aspects of the business. The employees are licensed as apprentices and attend annual continuing education along with the owners Buddy and Roger. As they like to say at Buddy’s, “When you gotta go, go with the BEST”.
BUDDY’S SEPTIC & WATER WELL SERVICE A FAMILY TRADITION IN BUSINESS & SERVICE
B
uddy and Karon Byrd, the founders and owners of Buddy’s Septic & Water Well Service, began their journey together when they were married at only 17 and 16 years old. In the early 1980’s Buddy and Karon started their company, Buddy’s Septic & Water Well Service. They began with drilling & servicing water wells. They later added installation and servicing septic systems along with providing portable toilets. During this time, they started their family as well, their daughter Stephanie was born in 1980 and their son Roger came along in 1986.
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What’s New in West Kerr? By MaryBradley The Best Gets Better...The original Rita’s Famous Tacos first opened their doors on Earl Garret nearly twenty years ago. A tradition of preparing authentic Mexican food has been passed from generation to generation. Rita’s Famous Tacos #2 opened in Ingram with Mary, Rita’s daughter, as general manager and soon became the Hill Country favorite. There are a variety of tacos served-all individually prepared -anyway you like. Topped off with Mary's own “ Liquid Gold," a freshly prepared hot sauce (red or green) now available for purchase. Now with extended hours, you can get these Famous Tacos anytime from 6am-9pm Mon-Sat & from 7am-2pm Sun.
A Dream Come True...“It has always been a dream of my mother’s to open a bar, a cantina, where friends can meet, to gather after work,” states Kris Yanez, Mary’s youngest son. Newly opened, Old Mexico Cantina is located adjacent to Rita’s #2 on Junction Hwy. in Ingram. A festive atmosphere where every night is “Specialty Night." Whether it’s karaoke, Country, Tejano, or an occasional hip-hop night, there is something for everyone. Open Wed-Sat from 2p.m.-12a.m. Always a premium beer available at $2; you can order any of the Famous Tacos until 9pm. After all, what could be better than a Rita’s Famous Taco and a cold beer with friends? The Ingram Dam Store Is Back!
Complete with a new look and filled with new tenants, Joan and Steve Edelstein have reopened The Dam Center. Located directly across from the Ingram Dam, you’ll find everything needed for a day on the river. You can even shop for antiques, get some pizza, or even a tattoo. There is plenty of parking whether you choose to slide down the Dam, get a snow cone, or do some shopping. Finally, the place to get live bait and experience some of the best fishing around. Welcome back...2019 Concert Series announced at Roddy Tree Ranch Lazy Days Canteen, located at Roddy Tree, offers live entertainment on weekends from Spring-Fall. Located on 50+ acres between Ingram and Hunt, along the Guadalupe River, top performers including recording artist Dana Cooper, Savoy Brown, Ghost Town Blues Band, to name just a few, have appeared at Lazy Days Canteen. July 6-Dirty Red & The SoulShakers, Aug.17-Two Tons of Steel and Sept. 14-Monte Montgomery. In addition, a new house band, KokoKelo will be playing on weekends. Described as RetroCountry with a touch of Blues, KokoKelo features talented singer and bass player, Courtney Ward (Koko) whose incredible voice you won’t soon forget. James Keith with Nautical Nation, fresh from two new videos, frequently performs at the Canteen at Roddy Tree-a place he likes to call home. Check their 2019 Concert Series lineup for ticket availability.
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THE PLACE TO MEET! Wed-Sat 2pm-12am
(830) 367-3108 Ask About Our Specialty Nights!
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RITA'S Cantina
HEART BEAT ADVERTISERS
We've grown like a weed over the past five years and have our awesome advertisers to thank. Recognizing the value and doing their part to support Texas Music and Hill Country tourism, some of them have been with us since the 1st issue and for this we are grateful. Please do your part to support our mission and theirs by supporting our advertisers. Tell them you saw them in Heart Beat!
19th Hole 15 4 Way Bar & Grill 69 1011 Bistro 79 Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar 22 Authentic Indian Jewelry 2 Back in the Saddle 2 Backyard Bistro 85 Bandera Ale Project 89 Bandera Bank 33 Bandera Bunkhouse 52 Bandera General Store 23 Bandera Meat Market 16 Bandera Wine and Spirits 35 Branding Iron Western Gifts 2 Branding Iron Bar & Grill 14 Buddy's Water Well & Septic 68 Buffalo Nickel Bar & Grill 37 Cartridge World 57 Central Texas Gun & Pawn 76 Cocky Rooster 56 Country Accents Antiques 84 D'Spain Sales & Service 31 Dancing Bear Cantina 37 Deep Eddy Vodka 90 Double U Barr Ranch B&B 94 Flying L Ranch & Resort 14 Gravity Check Saloon & Arena 50-51 Gringo's Burritos 55 Gruene Hall 54 Herring Printing Company 29 74 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country
Hill Country Distillers 91 Hill Country Referral Services 53 House Pasture 9 Hunt Real Estate 6-7 HYO Silver 21 Kerrville Folk Festival 10 Larry Allen Concrete Construction 87 Luckenbach Texas 95 Monroe's East End Grill 100 McKenna Children's Museum 98 Old Mexico Cantina 70-71 Peak Fitness 82 Pier 27 49 Real Ale Brewing 93 Rita's Famous Tacos #2 70-71 River's Edge Gallery 18-19 San Martin Creek 23 SB Western Silver and Knives 22 Schlitterbahn 24 Schreiner University 83 Southern Extreme Landscape CO 25 The Apple Store and Patio Cafe 67 The Creek Boutique 73 The Dam Center 72 The Ranch House 16 The Resort at Schlitterbahn 24 The Ridge Marketplace 33 The Silver Sage 46 Thunder in the Hill Country 71 Toucan Jim's 99 True Value Hardware 35 Twin Liquors Fine Wine & Spirits 92 Western Trails Antiques 8 Wildseed Farms 32 Wilson's Ice House 100
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838 Sidney Baker Street Kerrville, Texas (830) 257- 8757 www.centraltexaspawnshop.com 76 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country
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Climate change is occurring, so let's do away with C6H1206+6 02 ->6 CO2+6 H20. Hydrocarbons burning to by using oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water. It's bad to take oxygen out of the air because we need it to breathe. However, this is the exact same equation that describes the breathing process. Adding carbon dioxide to the air is bad because it traps the heat from the sun contributing to global warming. Water vapor in the air does the same thing. So let's do away with all facets that contribute to the equation. This would all include all internal combustion engines whether it be to operate automobiles, construction equipment, or power generators to produce electricity. Cows, horses, and other domestic animals have even entered into speculation as being threats to the climate situation. After all they exhale CO2 and fart (CH4 (methane) and other green house gases. The above statement is not privileged information or really any kind of rocket science, but the situation is sufficiently complex that any politician that proposes to have a solution should be questioned, and please let's not expect government regulation to solve climate change. The most likely thing that government might do is create books of paper that will not have any consequential effects on anything. Having a large number of people individually doing what may seem to be insignificantly tiny little things for a cause they believe in is frequently the best way to affect changes in nature. Consider the reverse of the respiration equation 6CO2 + 6H2O --> C6H12O6 + 6O2 (Photosynthesis). Note that carbon dioxide and water vapor are being taken out of the atmosphere and carbohydrates and free oxygen returned. Again this is not rocket science, but it seems that most of the time results from education are only derived by repeating facts over and over again. Part of the point here is to speculate that it may be easier to get folks to buy into planting and encouraging the growth of attractive foliage as opposed to giving up their cars. The informational tidbit that might contribute to someone's green landscape is regarding Sacahuista, Nolina Texona, bunch grass or bear grass. Sacahuista is a member of the lily family. It is a perennial, suckering evergreen with flexible grasslike smooth leaves that form neat clumps. According to Wasowski's "Native Texas Plants," Sacahuista is the most winter-hardy Texas nolina and the one most commonly grown and cultivated. It is used mainly for its grasslike evergreen foliage, which blends well with flowers and shortgrasses on dry slopes, or fills in shady areas under spreading live oaks. The blades are sharpedged and sparingly toothed--after all, Sacahuista is close kin to yuccas and sotols. Don't plant any nolinas where livestock can graze them; they are toxic, especially to sheep." Here on the Farm, Sacahuista was first described in a publication called "The Farm Country Chronicles" in July of 2001, having been one of the first native plants used in the fledgling landscape in about 1993 or1994. It has proven to be an excellent accent plant, but is especially useful as a border for large areas. It serves as an order for several planter beds in front of the restaurant and in front of the RV park entrance. More recently Sacahuista has been used as a border in new landscaping leading from the parking area to the swimming pool. It has proven to be easy to transplant from clumps found wild in the pasture. While Wasowski's sources cite it as being toxic, the plant is so unpalatable that there doesn't seem to be much real danger. The undesirable leaf texture makes Sacahuista one of the most deer proof plants that can be used in any hill country landscape. Interestingly enough, although not rare, it is certainly not abundant in the pastures here on the Farm. While it's almost funny to write about an almost rare landscape plant having any effect on climate change, it is also unrealistic to consider doing away with internal combustion engines as has been alluded by some politicians.
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ROCK STEADY Enchanted Rock. Climbing Rock. Rock Paper Scissors. Rock Garden. Rock Candy. Rock of Ages. Petrified Palmwood. Wait—how did that get in here? I’ll tell you later. Rocks are on my mind because my spring Hill Country road trip was with a friend who is a geologist. We’ve been rock solid friends for nearly sixty years and talked about a “bluebonnet” run in the Hill Country for a decade. This year we finally made it. We had a great time driving, enjoying the wildflowers, talking to people, eating handmade chocolate, visiting an olive oil ranch and attending a writer’s seminar. There’s so much to see and do it’s difficult to make choices but one thing is certain if you travel with a geologist--you’re going to spend time in a rock shop. We had a lovely wildflower abundant drive from Fredericksburg to Llano one morning and ended up in Enchanted Rocks & Jewelry (“The Llano Uplift Rock Shop”) on the Llano square. Crammed full of gorgeous rocks, unique jewelry, made in the USA T-shirts and a couple of shelves of books, it’s the kind of place everyone hopes to find in a small town. The best thing about the shop is listening to Patti Felts talk about rocks and tell stories. You’ll have some laughs while getting an education and you’ll leave with some good book suggestions, such as Finding Treasure: A Field Guide or Lost Mines and Buried Treasures of the Civil War, both by W. C. Jameson. Patti also has suggestions for young readers who are potential rockhounds. I left there with a lovely piece of Ilmenite in Quartz from Mason County, Texas, which is holding down paperwork on my desk. I also bought a soft pink piece of quartz. According to legends about stones
that I read a few years back, quartz supposedly brings one’s physical heart and heart chakra peace and emotional wellbeing, and sometimes a new love. At my age, finding a new love usually means I’ll acquire another dog. I probably should have looked for citrine since that’s the stone that supposedly attracts wealth. If you want to know the difference between rocks, stones and gems, you’ll have to do your own research because all I can tell you is that stones are rocks used by humans for a specific purpose, rocks are those big formations like Enchanted Rock, and all the gems in the world were once owned by Elizabeth Taylor. The serious minded will enjoy learning about the Llano Uplift, a fascinating and unique geological formation surrounded by the Edwards Plateau region, which itself is bounded by the Balcones Fault to the south and the east. I suggest two places to visit for both fun and geological education. First, make the drive on 32 between 12 and 281. This gorgeous limestone ridge is called the Devil’s Backbone. As I wrote in a previous column, there is something mystical about looking across the Balcones Fault Zone while standing on the Edwards Plateau at the Devil’s Backbone scenic overlook. My geologist friend says the legendary ghostly nighttime sounds are likely caused by rock formations not paranormal phenomenon, but whether you’re drawn to academics or the quirky this drive will feed your soul. Next, visit the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. This is one of the
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most wonderful places in Texas, just north of Fredericksburg and south of Llano. You can climb the trails to the top of the 425-foot-high pink granite dome in 3 or so hours. Besides miles of hiking trails, this fantastic state park offers camping, stargazing, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and importantly is making every effort to preserve the area and become one of the “greenest” state parks in the country. This means reduction in light pollution so we can see the stars, water conservation, recycling and so much more that is good for our beloved Hill Country.
Speaking of which, let me put a commercial in here. Whether a resident of the Hill Country or a visitor, remember to leave the lightest footprint possible and use common sense. This means you abide by the rules in the state parks, you don’t take plants or rocks, respect other species and leave them alone and you keep off private property. Sadly, my friend and I learned that during bluebonnet season people were stopping in unsafe locations, climbing over fences onto private property and disturbing livestock just to get a picture. A few ranches were so heavily invaded that the owners mowed the wildflowers down to protect their property and their livestock and wildlife. Many gorgeous drives in the Hill Country do not have public viewing places to pull over so it is best to just enjoy the drive. Ask the volunteers in any Hill Country Visitor Center for advice on where to drive and where to stop. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and can tell you about places you might otherwise miss. As to driving along the Devil’s Backbone and other winding roads, it is important that the driver pay attention to the road not the view. There is one fantastic scenic overlook on 32 along Devil’s Backbone. Stop there, not on the side of the road. If you want to hunt for the Texas State gem—the Blue Topaz—look up one of the ranches in Mason County that welcomes visitors who want to try their luck finding blue topaz. And that Petrified Palmwood? That’s the Texas State stone but it is really a fossil. Yes, I know, that confused me too, but you’re not likely to find petrified palmwood in the Hill Country. Try the East Texas Piney woods or the Gulf Coast. We haven’t touched on Austin limestone or the best places to view Hill Country limestone homes. Well, start with a walk down Main Street in Fredericksburg, then visit the Visitor’s Center. As for me, my world has been rocked by my spring road trip. For some reason I want to watch an old Elvis movie—Jail House Rock—while eating a pint of Rocky Road. texasheartbeat.com
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BILL WRIGHT (210) 863-8797
MODELS ON SITE - OFFICE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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Country Accents Antique’s is a gem that has evolved into a destination property over 26 years. Some admit driving past for years, but once they set foot inside they are hooked! The main antiques building is bursting with Quality American furniture, Country Store, jewelry made from antique religious artifacts and rare coins,), Veo Essential oils, French soaps, handmade candles, natural bath products (most of which are locally sourced). At the front counter, you may meet Polly, our French Bulldog/Boston Terrier rescue mix, or Pot Belly pigs Wilbur and Templeton. Enjoy the garden area showcasing architectural pieces: gazebos, arbors, antique corn cribs, metal signs, complete windmills, blades, fans, tails, and fountains. Vintage metal gliders, whimsical seating are for sale, except our huge petrified rock/bench but also offer a spot of relaxation while enjoying the on-site butterfly garden in full bloom. Olde Town is your next stop, housing vintage furniture, light fixtures and accessories from a time many of us may remember. We also source this area for our own Vintage Trailer Restoration. The Country Store Museum is like walking through a turn-of-thecentury emporium where everything is “For Sale”. These rare Country Store Displays tell the story of our American Heritage. Apothecary Cabinets, Back Bars, Country Store counters and our specialty Hardware store cabinets all made in America when Craftsman took pride in the quality of their trade. All have been professionally restored to their former glory on-site in our own restoration shop. The Backyard Bistro offers exquisite Farm-To Table Cuisine. Neiman Marcus Trained Executive Chef Aaron Gonzalez/Sous Chef Juan Ceniceros use the freshest Herbs from our own Herb Garden. Our hens and gardens provide as much as we can, then we locally source. This multi-award winning Bistro offers an upscale dining experience in a casual country setting. Reservations are appreciated by calling (830) 535-4094. Hours are Thursday/Friday 10:302:30/5-9 pm, Saturday/Sunday 8:00-2:30/5-9 pm. Private-Parties and Catering are a specialty. We invite you to “stay awhile” in one of our many on site accommodations. Pick from two quaint fully furnished Log cabins, our restored Vintage 44 foot/ 2 bedroom 1952 Spartan RV, or our newest addition - “The Nest” a country themed apartment. Country Accents Buildings is our on-site dealer for Woodtex buildings and Eagle metal buildings. Design your own man-cave or she-shed from on-site inventory or custom design your own to be delivered from their Texas Factories. It’s much more than just a store; our Destination Property of 26 years is an “experience” of a time when life was simpler. Country Accents Antiques and Backyard Bistro open Thurs-Sun. or by Appt. Country Accents Buildings & Country Accents Lodging Open 7 days a Week. 86 Heart Beat of the Texas Hill Country
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What’s Brewin’
in the
Brew/ Wine
Texas Hill Countryy
BAND ERAB REWE RY.CO M BEER FLIGHTS LIVE MUSIC FOOD TRUCK BIER GARDEN & FAMILY N' PET FRIENDLY 830.522.4226 HIGHWAY 16 S BANDERA, Texas
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realalebrewing.com
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mckennakids.org New Braunfels, TX
Wilson’s Ice House