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February 2014 Hike, bike, explore new nature trails at
Indian Blanket Ranch Paradise found near Utopia
R Suzy Moehring Mallard’s
Hill Country Parks R Special B&B mixes old with new
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Calendar of Events Serving Austin, Bandera, Blanco, Buda, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Comfort, Concan, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Gruene, Henly, Johnson City, Kerrville, Kyle, Llano, Leakey, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, Medina, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Sattler, Sisterdale, Stonewall, Wimberley, Utopia, Vanderpool & More
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Suzy Mallard Moehring hill country Parks An upscale traditional B&B on 5 wooded acres Art v Antiques v Books v Fireplace Internet v Satellite TV v Fine Linens Homemade Breakfast served daily Delicious Snacks, Coffees & Teas Close to Wimberley & outlet malls
Call Rosemary at
512-667-0107 alexandrashousetx.com 250 Hugo Rd. • San Marcos, TX
Find inspiration at Wildflower Center
I
needed a trip to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in far South Austin. The truth is I needed some inspiration. These freezes have played havoc with my gardens. I gave up carpet grass a couple of summers ago – what with the drought and two dogs who love to run in the backyard – so my backyard is full of native plants: bushes, berries, ornamental trees, grasses, year-round bloomers loved by the birds, bees, and butterflies. But now, in the deep of what is called in song and poem “the bleak midwinter,” the gardens are not all that garden-y. I have a pile of pulled up passionflower vines that looks like a bale of hay. The chile pequin is a sea of dead yellow against the wood fence. The Texas lantana is huge arching boughs of dried, brown leaves. The American beautyberry has a few dried berries on its leafless limbs. And the coral berry is working hard to keep a few lively looking leaves among its bright berries. I spent an hour wandering the grounds of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center recently – a cold, blustery, semi-sunny afternoon – and was rewarded with glimpses of what was to come in the spring and the
beauty of what is in this coldest, bleakest part of our Central Texas year. Much of what I saw at this magical place is what we see all over the Texas Hill Country right about now. Grasses are the most beautiful things on the grounds right now. As I came through the entryway, the low, bright sun made seed heads in a little meadow looked as though they were glowing. And a huge, deep-ringing chime hanging in the entryway tolled the windy day along with the grasses swinging in the wind. That chime was just about my only companion at the Wildflower Center on that late Sunday afternoon. My favorite place is the Display Garden between the Hill Country Stream and the Butterfly Garden. Every plot is a different theme in the Display Garden, and I was rewarded on this visit with lots of ideas for my gardens – ideas that would stay green in a re-do of this Hill Country weather that has bounced us day-to-day from parkas and gloves to flip flops and T-shirts. Agarita and its pointy leaves and red berries, damianita with its strong cedar smell and long-lasting yellow blooms.
My visit became a challenge to find growing green, and in doing that I realized that I have a lot of the same growing green in my backyard and front yard gardens: asters and goldenrod going to seed but with a corona of new green leaves at ground level; little leaflets of winecup and bluebonnet spreading out flat on the ground as their roots get a good strong hold over winter; woolly ironweed and purple coneflower still offering their seedpods to birds while new growth peeps above the ground for summer blooms. Maybe my gardens aren’t as bad as I thought. Maybe they are just what they are supposed to be in this season: quiet, waiting for new growth, gathering strength underneath, poised for their next season. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is at 4801 La Crosse Avenue in South Austin, just south of the intersection of Loop 1 and Slaughter Lane. Llano native Nettie Plueckhahn will show her watercolors and acrylics of Hill Country landscapes, colorful florals, and still life pieces at the center starting in February through May 26 in a show called “Art of Nature.”
Young jazz pianist Dylan Meek returns in concert February 6 WIMBERLEY H Native son Dylan Meek returns from New York City for a reunion concert Thursday, February 6, at Wimberley United Methodist Church. Since his last concert in Wimberley three years ago, Dylan has had the opportunity to perform with some of the world’s best living jazz musicians and at a multitude of diverse venues such as Jazz Cruise 2012, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Dylan has worked with legendary bassist Reggie Workman (former bassist of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Art Blakey, Cedar Walton, Thelonious Monk, Lee Morgan, Roy Haynes) and has shared the stage with drummer Thelonious Monk Jr., Roy Hargrove, Richard Bouldger, Alex Foster, Alex Han, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Marcus Printup and others. Now 23, Dylan is releasing his official debut album “And When” with great jazz veterans drummer Gregory Hutchinson and bassist Ben Wolfe. “Dylan Meek is one of the up and coming talents of the modern music scene. He’s a virtuoso pianist, fresh sounding composer and soulful singer.
PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
His first album illuminates all his talents and is the first shot across the bow of his upcoming long and successful career,” says Michael Wolff, jazz pianist, composer and producer. FYI • Dylan Meek will perform in the main sanctuary, across the hall from Susanna’s Kitchen at Wimberley United Methodist Church Feb- Dylan Meek. ruary 6. Doors open at Photo courtesy Dylan Meek. 7 pm, music at 7:30 pm. Early arrival is encouraged, as Dylan’s prior Wimberley shows have been standing room only. Tickets are $15 donation at the door (free for students). Dylan’s CD “And When” will be available at the Wimberley reunion concert and Dylan will sign copies following the show. The CD is also available on iTunes and Amazon.com. For more information, email DylanMeekMusicNYC@gmail.com. You can follow Dylan at www.facebook. com/dylanmeekmusic.
Hill Country SUN Julie Harrington Publisher Advertising Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor Bonnie Eissler Suzy Moehring Mallard Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie DeLane Ibarra Adelle Spell Distribution
February 2014 Volume 24 • Number 9 ISSN: 1524-2315 Entire contents copyright © 2014 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher. • The Hill Country Sun is published monthly. For advertising rates or information, call Julie Harrington at 512-484-9716 (email julie@hillcountrysun.com). Credit cards accepted. • Circulation: 22,000. Distributed monthly to more than 450 popular Hill Country locations (see list of towns on front cover) and home delivered to all 5,276 Wimberley homes and 8,663 Dripping Springs homes by the US Postal Service. • Cover: (See story, Page 6.) Male Eastern Bluebird. Photo by John Park. Explore the Bluebird Nestbox Nature Trail; enjoy hiking, biking, exploring and more at new nature trails on 250-acre Indian Blanket Ranch (located 10 miles west of Utopia, 5 miles east of Garner State Park on Farm Market 1050). Inset Left David and Bailey Fink take in the idyllic view during their hike on Indian Blanket Ranch. Photo by Kelley Fink. Inset Center Hideaway Cabin (at Indian Blanket Ranch), nostalgic 1800s style property furnished in antiques. Photo by LeAnn Sharp. Inset Right Biking the Indian Blanket Ranch nature trails. Photo by TJ and Carla Jones. www.friolodging.com. • Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month. Email events/press releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun
www.mercerstreetdancehall.com 332 Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, TX (512) 858-4314
www.hillcountrysun.com julie@hillcountrysun.com • melissa@hillcountrysun.com
INDEX
HENLY
Texas Hill Country Locator Map
© 2014 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.
Austin J5 Bandera B10 Bergheim D9 Bertram I2 Blanco F6 Boerne D9 Buchanan Dam F2 Buda J7 Bulverde G10 Burnet G2 Camp Verde B8 Canyon Lake G9 Castroville C12 Center Point B8 Clear Springs H11 Comfort C8 Concan A11 Driftwood H7 Dripping Springs H6 Fischer G8 Fredericksburg C5 Georgetown K2 Granite Shoals G2 Gruene H10 Hancock G8 Helotes G6 Henly G6 Highland Lakes F2/3 Hondo B13 Hunt A7 Hye E6 Ingram B7 Johnson City F5 Kendalia F8 Kerrville B7 Kingsland F2 Kyle I8 Lampasas G1 Leakey A9 Llano D2 Liberty Hill I12 Luckenbach D6 Luling K10 Marble Falls G3 Martindale J9 Mason B2 Medina A9 New Braunfels H10 Oak Hill I6 Oatmeal H2 Pipe Creek C10 Round Rock K3 San Antonio F12 San Marcos I9 Sattler H9 Seguin I11 Sisterdale D8 Spring Branch F9 Startzville G9 Stonewall D6 Utopia A10 Vanderpool A9 Wimberley H8
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HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2014 PAGE 3
wimberley
EAGLE MOUNTAIN FLAGS • Flags & Flagpoles • Patriotic Gifts • Knives & Cutlery
333 FM 2325 • Wimberley, Texas www.EMFlag.com Mon-Thurs 9 am-5 pm • Friday 9 am-3 pm
512-847-0010 • 800-385-5605 “Best Vintage Find” Southern Accents • “Where to Buy” London Financial Times 2006
The
O
Wild West Store
HUNDREDS OF VINTAGE COWBOY BOOTS •Buy! Sell! Trade!
“The Boot Whisperer”
as seen on BBC World News July 2013
Just off the Wimberley Square Olde Towne Plaza - 13709 RR 12
512-847-1219 www.koolboots.com
“Go for a consultation with the Boot Whisperer, who reads feet like a psychic reads palms.” Texas Monthly, August 2010 Open by appointment. Please call in advance 512-293-4890.
Send calendar events to melissa@hillcountrysun.com
A DISTINCTIVE COLLECTION OF in the
Fine Art
Hill Country
Manuel Garza, Going to Church, Oil, 12 x 16
On the Square at • 100 Oak Drive, Suite 200 in Wimberley, Texas (Across from Kiss the Cook) TERRY GRISHAM, DIRECTOR
512-847-7278 TheArtGalleryAtWimberley.net PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
Mixing old, new proves delicious recipe for B&B
A
By Bonnie Eissler
lexandra’s House, a traditional Bed-and-Breakfast situated midway between the shopping malls and university in San Marcos and the art galleries, antique stores and boutiques in Wimberley, attracts visitors from near and far and has quickly become a fivestar favorite retreat for anyone who has ever spent a night in one of the three guest suites. Reed and Rosemary Lyday’s master plan always included having a B&B in their home, which was custom built in 2008 with that future goal in mind. This year marks the four year anniversary since Alexandra’s House opened for business in February 2010. Named after Rosemary, whose middle name is Alexandra, the B&B accommodates a total of six guests in three individual suites that are named after the couple’s granddaughters and niece – Diana, Ashley and Emma. Before moving to Wimberley, Rosemary owned a restaurant in Houston where she honed her culinary and business skills. Along with that valuable experience, her artistic talents and natural hospitality are put to good use in the daily operation of a successful B&B. “I enjoy meeting new people and making them feel welcome,” she says. The number of B&Bs in this country began to rise dramatically in the late 1970’s with greater interest in historic preservation; however, the custom of opening one’s home to travelers goes back to the earliest days of colonial America when inns were few and wayfarers depended on the kindness of strangers for a meal and bed for the night. While times have certainly changed since the horse and carriage era, the lure of the B&B as a more personal alternative to the standard motel experience harkens back to those early days. Many guests enjoy the personal touches in décor and din-
Rosemary and Reed Lyday, proprietors of Alexandra’s House B&B, located between San Marcos and Wimberley. Photo courtesy Alexandra’s House. ing that distinguish the B&B from the more predictable chain lodgings. For cozy ambience updated with 21st century amenities like internet and cable, Alexandra’s House provides just the right mixture of old and new. “Those who seek out this type of B&B want that personal connection and expect it,” says Rosemary, “and they come prepared to be engaged.” The charming Craftsman house and barn are surrounded by over five acres of rustic woodland, a picturesque natural habitat with an abundance of live oak, cedar elms and wildflowers that’s a haven for local wildlife such as deer, grey fox, wild turkeys, roadrunners and other small critters. A running stream with pond, falls and lichen covered rocks provides a tranquil spot for guests to leave their cares
See ALEXANDRA’S HOUSE, page 5
WIMBERLEY
ALEXANDRA’S HOUSE, from page 4
TOP LEFT and TOP RIGHT The lovely exterior of Alexandra’s House. BOTTOM LEFT Alexandra’s House’s well appointed interior. BOTTOM RIGHT Rosemary’s perfectly delectable pancakes. Photos courtesy Alexandra’s House. behind and meditate to the relaxing sounds of babbling water. The interior of the house features an open design, wood floors, numerous windows, and a long wide center hall lighted with hand-crafted blown glass sconces from the nearby Wimberley Glass Works. Every room is beautifully furnished with original art, antiques, rugs, photographs, heirloom quilts, and books. Rosemary is a talented artist and her paintings are displayed throughout the house. Her great grandfather, Abbott H. Thayer (1849-1921), was an eminent American artist and naturalist noted for landscapes and portraits, especially his idealized winged “angel” portraits. Although Thayer’s original paintings are now in museums from Chicago to Washington DC to New York City, Rosemary honors her famous ancestor and enhances the décor at Alexandra’s House with framed prints of his sketches and paintings. The week after Christmas finds
Rosemary in the kitchen preparing lemon sauce for the ricotta pancakes that she will serve for breakfast the following morning. The pancakes, one of the specialties at Alexandra’s House and the second course of the gourmet breakfast, following freshly baked scones and fruit compote. Everything is delicious. The pancakes are feather-light and topped with the lemon sauce and blueberries, served with crisp savory bacon strips. One guest takes a picture of the elegant presentation to send to the relative he’s visiting for the holidays. The photo captures the essence of a stay at Alexandra’s House – wonderful food, beautiful house, friendly hosts – and the wish that we could stay just a little while longer. FYI • Alexandra’s House is just off Ranch Road 12, between San Marcos and Wimberley, on 250 Hugo Road. Call 512-667-0107 or email info@AlexandrasHouseTx. com. For more information, and to see photographs of the house and grounds, check room availability and prices, visit the website at www.alexandrashousetx.com.
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Smile of the Month... Carly C. Cunningham,
D.D.S., M.S.
Please visit our website at
CunninghamOrthodontics.com next to Dripping Springs High School 512-858-1311 • toll free 877-858-1311 131 Benney Ln, Ste A • Dripping Springs
www.cunninghamorthodontics.com
MODERN ORTHODONTICS FROM FRIENDLY PEOPLE.
Mark A Thompson DDS MS Specialist in Orthodontics 512-858-2916 • www.austinbraces.com corner of Ranch Road 12 @ 290 West
HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2014 PAGE 5
frio/sabinal river valleys
Paradise in the hills at Indian Blanket Ranch
B
pia, Bluebird Hill is truly private, and still only five minutes from Garner State luebird Hill on Indian Blanket Park, and close to Lost Maples State NatRanch is a special place and a perural Area and other attractions in Leakey, fect getaway. You know it as soon Rio Frio, Vanderpool and Concan. as you turn up the drive and you can 250 acres of pristine Hill Country, Infeel it as you enter the warm and invitdian Blanket Ranch has been in the faming home with a beautifully designed ily for more than 100 years. Both of Lora open floor plan, lots of windows and B.’s grandfathers — Alexander Kenhigh ceilings. The expansive retreat was nedy Auld and John Davis — were area originally the family home of Lora B. pioneers in the late 1800s. According to and Roger Garrison. Lora B. — a distinguished local histoIdeally located 10 miles west of Utorian and writer — the two men owned neighboring ranches north of Leakey. Their children, Annie Auld and Bob Davis, married and bought the land that became Indian Blanket Ranch in 1903. The two had eight children, of which Lora B. was the second youngest. Lora B. left home, married Roger and the couple had five children of their own. Follow250-acre Indian Blanket Ranch. Photo courtesy LeAnn Sharp. ing Roger’s 1972 re-
By Melissa Maxwell Ball
dripping springs Books • Artwork • Candles • More Fabric • Sofas • Furniture •
Designer Fabrics at Discount Prices
• Fabric • Trim • Pillows • Body Care • Furniture • More Fabric
Pottery • Drapery Hardware • Toys
Exploring the Bluebird Nestbox Nature Trail. ABOVE Looking into a nestbox. TOP RIGHT Bluebird eggs. MIDDLE RIGHT Hungry baby bluebirds. Photos courtesy LeAnn Sharp. BOTTOM RIGHT The Texas Bluebird Society’s nestbox dedication to Roger and Lora B. Garrison. Photo by Melissa Maxwell Ball. tirement after a 30-year career with the United States Air Force (which took them around the world), they returned to the family ranch and built Bluebird Hill the following year. Their youngest daughter, LeAnn Sharp, lived at Bluebird Hill until she graduated from high school. She and
Tremendous Savings Off Suggested Retail Every Day! • Custom Furniture • Designer Fabrics • Decorative Trims • Unique Gifts • Accessories • Toys Let Our Design Staff Assist You with Custom Draperies, Bedding, Baby Bedding, & In-Home Design Service.
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Trail Head Market • Hwy 290 West • Dripping Springs 512-894-0350 • 800-982-7424 Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5
cowgirlsandlace.com Sign up now for Amy Howard paint classes Introductory offer during February PAGE 6 FEBRUARY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
Tues-Fri 10 am - 6 pm Sat 10 am - 4 pm
9300 US 290 West, Building 2 Austin, Texas 78736 3-ish miles from the Y at Oakhill & 11 from Dripping
located in The Old DumasTrain Depot
512-394-0125
her husband, Anthony, now manage the ranch and rentals for Lora B., who moved to Boerne in 2013. LeAnn and Anthony also own and operate Hill Country Nature Center, Rio Frio Lodging and Hill Country Adventures from their location next to the ranch. Truly, you can feel the history in the lovely home at Bluebird Hill, and the Garrison’s touch is everywhere — from the labeled displays of arrowheads and artifacts to the colorful bottle collections and whimsical wall décor to the years of family photos lining the hallways. Bluebird Hill is comfortable and relaxing — with all the amenities you need to feel at home away from home. “There are lots of good memories there,” says Lora B. The home sleeps up to 15 guests, (10 downstairs and five at the upstairs Star Suite), making it an ideal space for large families or groups. The property’s spacious interior offers many choices. A well-appointed kitchen, proper dining area, comfortable living room (with a large fireplace and lots of seating) are just the beginning. There are myriad spots for conversation, relaxation, a nap or reading. The large sunroom is especially delightul, with comfy couches and a great See INDIAN BLANKET RANCH, page 7
INDIAN BLANKET RANCH, from page 6
frio/sabinal river valleys
ABOVE LEFT and RIGHT New trails at Indian Blanket Ranch (off FM 1050 10 miles west of Utopia and 5 miles east of Garner State Park) provide a beautiful escape for hiking, biking, jogging and exploring. Enjoy the trails at your leisure during your stay at Bluebird Hill or the Hideaway, two inviting vacation properties on the ranch. Day passes are also available for adults and children. Pick them up at Hill Country Nature Center, next door to the ranch. Photos by TJ and Carla Jones. view of the great outdoors. And though there’s much to see and do nearby, there’s no need to leave the ranch when you’re looking for options.
A delightful sunroom at Bluebird Hill. Photo by Melissa Maxwell Ball.
Bluebird Hill’s comfortable room. Photo by Melissa Maxwell Ball.
living
Step outside to find porches with ample seating, an upstairs deck (great for stargazing), a hammock, fire ring, barbecue grill, picnic table and even a hot tub. Plans are in the works to add a pool to the property this winter. A deck overlooks the wet weather Blanket Creek — LeAnn and Anthony were married in this very spot 21 years ago. A rustic cedar picket fence surrounds the home, adding to its charm. “My dad built the cedar picket fence around the yard,” LeAnn explains. “ It was an old fence someone in Leakey took down and he salvaged it. The pickets were more than 100 years old in 1974.” Hideaway, a nostalgic 1800s style cabin furnished with antiques (just 400 yards from Bluebird Hill, across the creek and through the trees), provides another relaxing getaway and sleeps up to seven guests. New at Indian Blanket Ranch are nature trails cut through the valleys and hills providing a beautiful path for hiking, jogging and mountain biking. Another unique feature at Indian Blanket Ranch is the Bluebird Nestbox
Nature Trail, which Lora B. and Roger started back in 1985 after reading about how the bluebird population was declining due to lack of habitat. “Dad built nine nestboxes, and put them on trees and fence posts. A few years later he and Mom started their Bluebird Hill bed and breakfast to give people from cities a place in the country to come stay
and go birding,” explains LeAnn. The Bluebird Trail now has 30 nestboxes and six viewing stations with benches where you can see small cavity nesters including Eastern Bluebirds, Black-crested Titmouse, Bewick’s Wren, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Carolina Chickadee with nests, eggs or baby birds. Tours are available March through June — make arrangements with LeAnn. And there’s plenty more spectacular birdwatching on the ranch — you just might see a Goldencheeked Warbler, Black-capped Vireo, Vermillion Flycatcher, Zone-tailed Hawk, Hummer and more. Bring your camera — photo opportunites abound. FYI • Bluebird Hill and The Hideaway at Indian Blanket Ranch are located 10 miles west of Utopia and five miles east of Highway 83 on Farm Market 1050. Amenities at Bluebird Hill include wi-fi. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. For more information, call 830-9662320, email info@friolodging.com or visit the web site at www.friolodging.com. Nature trails at Indian Blanket Ranch are open to the public. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Stop in at Hill Country Nature Center, located right next to the ranch, for a map and information. Hill Country Nature Center will host Nature Quest April 23-27, where participants learn from experts through field trips, workshops and programs. For more information about Nature Quest, visit the web site at www.hillcountrynaturequest.com. For information on Bat Flights, Nature by Kayak tours and lots of other outdoor activities, visit www.hillcountryadventures.com. Lora B. Garrison’s book “My Stomping Grounds,” featuring oral histories from the area will be published later this year.
River Rim Resort
Warning...Experiencing Experiencing on the FrioFrio could become Warning... theFall beauty of the could becomehabit habitforming forming
Find Us on
at River Rim Resort on the Frio
Cabins & RV Sites • www.RiverRimResort.com
(830) 232-5758 • 1204 CR 350 • PO Box 72 • Concan, TX 78838
Paradise is closer than you think! Retreat to the Hills for Year Round Scenic Drives, Relaxation & Adventure! Private Vacation Homes & Cabins ~ Hiking, Birding, Mtn Bike Trails Welcome to Bluebird Hill, the spacious and inviting vacation home on Indian Blanket Ranch. The property offers a perfect getaway, with room for 10. The upstairs Star Suite sleeps five more guests. Photo by Harold Nelson.
Rio Frio Lodging & Nature Center
830-966-2320
www.friolodging.com • www.hillcountryadventures.com HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2014 PAGE 7
Hill country calendar CANYON LAKE...YEAR ROUND VACATION LIVING Come enjoy our clear lake and cool, refreshing river! Shop • Dine • Swim • Tube • Raft • Canoe • Fish • Camp • Sail
800-528-2104 • www.canyonlakechamber.com
~BEvery I NFriday G O~ v 4 Early Bird Games 7:15pm ~ 50/50 Split v 10 Regular Games 8pm VFW Hall Post 6441 @ Veterans Park 4 mi. no. on RR 12 to Jacobs Well Rd Non Smoking • Plenty of Parking • Air & Heat • Food Available www.texasvfw.net • 512-847-6441 • Lic. #1-74-6066562-7 www.visitwimberley.com/vfw
Culvert Pipe
Live Oak Hwy 16
Reuben
Price Us Before You Buy! call 830-997-3247
Main (290)
Windcrest
N
801 Rueben Street • Fredericksburg, TX
Walter’s Building & Supply Send calendar events to
melissa@hillcountrysun.com
frio/sabinal river valleys
NOTE: Dates or locations for the events listed in the Calendar may change. Some require admission fees or reservations. Please call ahead to confirm information. EVERY DAY GRUENE: Live music at Gruene Hall. Enjoy free music shows Monday through Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com. WIMBERLEY: (every day except Monday) Wimberley Glassworks gallery is open 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm. Glassblowing demos daily. www.WGW.com. SECOND SUNDAY BANDERA: Cowboy Camp. Live cowboy music at Frontier Times Museum. Free. 1 pm to 5 pm. 830-328-0321. JOHNSON CITY: Taste Wine + Art Music Events. Rockin’ gospel to Latin music at the Kirchman Gallery. 830-868-9290. EVERY MONDAY CANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old pm Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256. WIMBERLEY: Toddler Story Time at Wimberley Library. 10:30 am. 512-8472188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of other artists. 830-825-3465. WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band. First Baptist Church. 512-858-7960. FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Corral Senior Center. 830-796-4969. THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music Show. Knights of Columbus. 830-6294547. LEANDER: Low Cost Pet Spay, Neuter and Vaccination. 512-260-3602, ext. 101.
EVERY WEDNESDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. 3 pm to 7 pm at the Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com. WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Fresh produce, fresh breads, much more at the Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637. THIRD WEDNESDAYS DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club meets at 6:30 pm in the VFW Hall. ryoncrew@yahoo.com. FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors. 10:30 am. Community Center. 512-8472849. EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Decadent Desserts and Open Mic. 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough. 512-894-0001. FIRST THURSDAY BUDA: First Thursday. Stroll through the downtown antique and specialty shops, enjoy the food from downtown restaurants. www.discoverbuda.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thursdays with Doug Moreland and the Flying Armadillos at Mercer Street Dance Hall. www. mercerstreetdancehall.com. SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society Meets. Wimberley Community Center. 1 pm. For information, Marilyn Pierce at mp@smpierce.net. FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions Meeting at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406. THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffee-
Loca
K K Frio ON the
Boutique
Gifts H Jewelry Home Decor and Clothing 23223 N. US Hwy 83 Concan, Texas (at the Y in Concan)
830-232-4402 Winter Hours Thurs-Mon 10:30-5 & Sunday 12-4 PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
CowgirlLoca.com
house presents some of the best in Central Texas’ musical talent. Concerts held at Wimberley United Methodist Church, Corner Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492. Doors open by 7 pm, concert at 7:30 pm. Free child care; tamales, pizza, pie, coffee, soft drinks available. Tickets at door. For listing of performers, visit the web site at www.wimberleyumc.com. EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. 500 FM 2325. 512-847-5464. EVERY FRIDAY BLANCO: Tasting Room Open and Brewery Tours at Real Ale Brewing Company. www.realalebrewing.com. GRUENE: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall. Broadcast live by KNBT92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077. WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. 512-847-6441. WIMBERLEY: Preschool Story Time at the Wimberley Village Library. Bring your little ones at 10:30 am. 512-847-2188, www.wimberleylibrary.org. WIMBERLEY: Celebrate Recovery. First Baptist Church Youth Building. 7 pm to 9 pm, with pizza at 6:30 pm. 512-847-9035. SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever. Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive. www. castroville.com, 830-931-2479. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Area Parkinsons Association Meeting. Chapel of The Hills Church, 11 am. 512-847-7953. THIRD FRIDAY JOHNSON CITY: Cruise-In. See classic and collectable vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Free admission . www.3fjc.com. FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. At the Silver Sage Corral starting at 6:30 pm. Call 830-796-4969 for information. EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater. Variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688. EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music. Linda’s Fine Foods. www.lindaallencatering.com. EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074. AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market. Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976. COMFORT: Comfort Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park on Highway 27. COMFORT: Wine Tastings at High’s Café. 4 pm to 7 pm. www.highscafeandstore.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. www.solaroestate.com. FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market. Local artists and farmers, food, fun and entertainment. 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-935-2781. NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show. Evening of song and hearty dining. 830-626-8200, 888-408-7245. WIMBERLEY: Tours of Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods and divers, experience beauty of spring that started town. 10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org.
WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Fresh flowers, veggies, more. Ranch Road 2325 and Highway 165. 830833-5428. BANDERA: Market Days. 830-796-4447. BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale. Public Library. 830-796-4213. FIRST SATURDAY DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Community Club meets monthly to enhance the community spirit of Driftwood. Dinner and fun. First Saturday at 7 pm. www. driftwoodtx.org 512-829-5101 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Low Cost Pet Vaccinations. At Tractor Supply on Highway 290. 512-858-7229. FIRST AND THIRD SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmasters Public Speaking and Leadership Club. 10:30 am. Visitor’s Center. 512-913-4804. SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days. Houston Square. 830-539-2316. THIRD SATURDAY MARBLE FALLS: Bluegrass, Country and Western, and Gospel. 6 pm to 10 pm. Boys and Girls Club. 830-898-1784. EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ROUND MOUNTAIN: Tours at Westcave Preserve. www.westcave.org. SECOND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AUSTIN: Tours of Bright Leaf Natural Area. www.brightleaf.org. FEBRUARY 1 BOERNE: Hill Country Family History Seminar. Convention and Community Center. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com. DRIPPING SPRINGS: Nick Gatwood and Grinders at Mercer Street Dancehall. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com. WIMBERLEY: Sunny Blossom’s Silly
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HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2014 PAGE 9
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Magic Show at Wimberley Village Library. The show is full of physical comedy, crazy costuming, and large doses of audience participation. 3:30 pm. 512847-2188. WIMBERLEY: Blair House Inn’s Vintner Dinner Series. Five-course dinner paired with wine from Hye Meadow Winery. 512-847-1111, www.blairhouseinn.com. FEBRUARY 1-23 WIMBERLEY: “Robin Hood.” EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. www.emilyann.org. FEBRUARY 6 NEW BRAUNFELS: Taste of the Town. Local restaurants offer samples. www. nbisdedfoundation.org. WIMBERLEY: Dylan Meek in Concert. Jazz pianist/composer/singer plays reunion show at Wimberley United Methodist Church. Doors open at 7 pm, music begins at 7:30 pm. Early arrival encouraged. More information at www.facebook.com/dylanmeekmusic. FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 2 KERRVILLE: American Plains Artists Juried Show. www.kacckerrville.com. FEBRUARY 7 FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk Various locations around town. www.ffawf.com, 830-997-6523. WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Village Library presents Wimberley Home Health Care. Learn about home health care services, fall prevention and how to create a safer home environment. Noon to 1 pm. 512847-2188 FEBRUARY 7-8 SAN MARCOS: Hill Country Jazz Fes-
tival and Concert. Evans Auditorium at Texas State University. www.txstate. edu/jazzstudies/hillcountryfestival. html, 512-245-3020. FEBRUARY 7-9 AUSTIN: Jonathan Biss with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Dell Hall, Long Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets available at the Austin Symphony Box Office, 11th and Red River or call 512476-6064. www.austinsymphony.org. FEBRUARY 7-16 FREDERICKSBURG/JOHNSON CITY: Wine Lovers Trail. Self-guided tour features special events, tours, tastings and live music. www.texaswinetrail.com. FEBRUARY 7 - MARCH 2 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Players present “Charley’s Aunt.” www.wimberleyplayers.org. FEBRUARY 8 NEW BRAUNFELS: Hill Country Doll Show and Sale. 9 am to 4 pm. New Braunfels Civic Center. 830-606-5868. WIMBERLEY: Blair House Inn’s Vintner Dinner Series. Five-course gourmet dinner paired with selections from Dry Comal Creek Vineyards. 512-847-1111, www.blairhouseinn.com. FEBRUARY 9 SAN ANTONIO: Buffalo Soldier Day. Free Second Sunday features programming on African-American soldiers that scouted the Texas Frontier. Explore how African American soldiers built the Texas frontier. Discover life in the 1870s and witness how forts became communities. Noon to 5 pm. Institute of Texan Cultures
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PAGE 10 FEBRUARY 2014 R HILL COUNTRY SUN
UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César East Chávez Boulevard. 210-4582300, TexanCultures.com. BOERNE: The Step Crew. Champion High School Auditorium. www.boerneperformingarts.com, 830-331-9079. FEBRUARY 12 WIMBERLEY: Passion for Paper. Free Craft Program at the Wimberley Village Library. Bring your passion for paper crafting to our gathering on the second Wednesday of every month. This month, Kathleen Goodson leads a tutorial on gift-card holders with a Valentine’s Day theme. Supplies provided, bring tool kit if you have one. 512-847-2188. FEBRUARY 13 - MARCH 6 AUSTIN: kidsActing presents “Les Misérables.” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm, Sundays at 3 pm at Center Stage Texas. www.kidsactingstudio.com. AUSTIN: Guitars Under the Stars: L.A. Guitar Quartet. One World Theatre. 512300-2247, www.austinclassicalguitar.org. FEBRUARY 14-15 MARBLE FALLS: Stars of Texas Quilt Show. Friday 9 am to 5 pm, Saturday 9 am to 4 pm. Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena Vista. www.marblefallsquiltclub.blogspot.com FEBRUARY 14-16 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 350 vendors in six barns, plus acres of antiques and collectibles and live music in the Biergarten. www. fbgtradedays.com, 830-990-4900. LUCKENBACH: Hug-In and Valentine’s Ball. Weekend full of campfires, picker circles and cooking camps Celebrate the Dale Watson plays Friday and Gary P. Nunn plays Saturday. Tickets available for individual shows or the whole weekend, including camping. Kids 12 and under free. www.luckenbachtexas.com. NEW BRAUNFELS: Troutfest. Fly fishing expo includes talented fly tiers, kids’ fishing pond, classes, a casting contest, vendors, speakers, more. Rio Raft and Resort, 14130 River Road. 512-413-3301, www. rioraft.com. FEBRUARY 15 AUSTIN: Austin Marathon. Race attracts nearly 20,000 participants. Downtown. www.youraustinmarathon.com. BOERNE: Chocolate Walk. Ticket includes a map and bag to collect chocolate treats. Tickets online January 15. www. boerne-tx.gov/chocolatewalk. FISCHER: FSSCC Olde Tyme Movie Nite. Join us at Fischer Community Center for an Old Tyme Movie, with Old Tyme prices on admission, hot dogs, popcorn. 6 pm to 9 pm. 832-935-4702 or www.FischerStoreSchoolCC.org. STONEWALL: Jazz on the Lawn. Enjoy wine and live jazz. Pedernales Cellars. www.pedernalescellars.com. FEBRUARY 15-16 GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days. Nearly 100 vendors offer crafted items and Texas foods. Gruene Historic District. 10 am to 5 pm. www.gruenemarketdays.com. FEBRUARY 20 WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen presents Will Taylor and Strings Attached. Doors at 7 pm; show at 7:30 pm; $15 adults; $5 students. Free childcare. Tamales, piz-
za, pies, coffee and soft drinks available Wimberley United Methodist Church. For more information, call 512-722-3316 or visit www.willtaylor.com. FEBRUARY 20-23 BANDERA: Cowboy Mardi Gras. Country-style Mardi Gras activities with parade and Cajun-style music Saturday morning. Downtown. www.11thStreetCowboyBar.com. FEBRUARY 21-23 JUNCTION: Disc Golf PDGA Tournament. In the park along Llano River. 325446-5356, email flyinkdw@gmail.com. FEBRUARY 22 SAN MARCOS: 5K Stampede. Take part in the 5K, a 1-mile Doggie Trot, 1-Mile Stroller Mosey, or a Lil Wrangler Mile run. McCoy’s Corporate Headquarters, 1350 IH-35 North.www.facebook.com/ SanMarvelous5KStampede. WIMBERLEY: Blair House Inn’s Vintner Dinner Series. Five-course dinner paired with wine from Bell Springs Winery. 512-847-1111, www.blairhouseinn.com. BOERNE: Hill Country Optimists Antiques Show. Real American antiques— no reproductions or imports—offered by collectors at Kendall County Fairgrounds. www.texasantiqueshows.com. FEBRUARY 28 DRIPPING SPRINGS: 11th Annual Suits & Boots Community Awards Banquet. Celebrate the community, walk the red carpet and have your photo taken in front of the “Academy Awards” wall. Dripping Springs Ranch Park Ballroom. drippingspringstx.org. FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 8 FREDERICKSBURG: Texas Star Trail
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FALL/WINTER 2013-14
SUN
Ride. Annual trail ride goes from Fredericksbyug to Driftwood, with daily rides of 15 miles to complete about 122 miles of trail. Starts at Gillespie County Fairgrounds. www.texasstartrail.com. MARCH 1 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Keith Tuck Memorial Football Game. Dripping Springs takes on Lake Travis High at Tiger Stadium. Kickoff at 7 pm. Tickets and more information online at www. facebook.com/playfortuck. WIMBERLEY: Blair House Inn’s Vintner Dinner Series. Five-course gourmet dinner paired with selections from Llano Estacado Winery. 512-847-1111, www.blairhouseinn.com. WIMBERLEY: Mardi Gras and Gumbo Cookoff. An evening of fun includes Zydeco music, food, drink, a parade, King and Queen costume contest and more. 21 and up only. Historic Pioneer Town. www.mynk.org. MARCH 9 DRIPPING SPRINGS: 10th Annual Brittany Tuck Scholarship Memorial Benefit. Includes a barbecue cookoff. Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center. www.facebook.com/ brittanytuckbenefit. MARCH 10-12 AUSTIN: Sixth Annual Funky Chicken Coop Tour®. Self guided tour is an event of the Urban Poultry Association of Texas, Inc. Hosts open their gates and allow a view into unique versions of urban poultry keeping. Plus, Bicycle Tour de Funky Chickens, with guided rides. www.AustinCoopTour.org. BOERNE: Spring Break Day Camp at
Hill country calendar Cibolo Nature Center. 9 am to 3 pm for kids ages 5 to 12. Activities will include catch-and-release fishing, bug-catching, tie-dying, hiking, singing, learning survival skills, outdoor cooking, building shelters, birding, dancing, more. Registration open now. For more information, visit www.cibolo.org. MARCH 15 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Fancy Feathers 7th Annual Chicken Show at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. A professionally judged poultry show set up and run by features adult and youth classes plus backyard class for both bantam and standard sized birds. More than 40 varieties of chickens originating from all parts of the world, a cluck-off (contestants perform their best imitation of a chicken), raffle/silent auction, egg show, Kid’s Corner, more. www.fancyfeatherstx.org. MARCH 29 WIMBERLEY: Dragon 5K Walk, Run & Roll. Celebrate spring at this family friendly, dog friendly community event, with all proceeds going the classrooms at Katherine Anne Porter School. Discount family rate available. Find the Dragon 5K registration link online at www.kapschool.org. 512-847-6867. APRIL 26 FISCHER: FSSCC Fischer Follies. Join us at Cowboys for Jesus for dinner and talent presented by the community. 5:30 pm. Not to be missed! Reservations a must. Call Judy 830-935-2568 or www.FischerStoreSchoolCC.org.
February 15th & 16th
New Fischer/Canyon Lake area Artisan & Farmers Market
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For information 830-935-2781
PRSRT STD AUTOCR U.S. POSTAGE PAID WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 PERMIT NO. 21 POSTAL PATRON
The Ultimate Guide to Wimberley
published by the A Day... A Week... or A Lifetime Lodging • Dining • Arts • Entertainm
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