Hill Country Sun, February 2016

February 2016 Suzy Moehring Mallard’s Hill Country Parks State Fish Art Contest for kids

R Fabulous shopping!

Wall Street Western Part boot-ique & part musuem

R

Texas Night Sky Festival in Dripping Springs

R

Heritage Game Mounts Exquisite artistry in mounting plaques

R

Trail’s End Guest House in Kerrville

R The Hill Country’s most complete Calendar of Events

Serving Austin, Bandera, Blanco, Buda, Bulverde, Burnet, Canyon Lake, Castroville, Comfort, Concan, Driftwood, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Georgetown, Gruene, Henly, Hancock, Johnson City, Kerrville, Kyle, Lakeway, Llano, Leakey, Luckenbach, Marble Falls, Medina, New Braunfels, San Antonio, San Marcos, Sattler, Sisterdale, Stonewall, Wimberley, Utopia, Uvalde, Vanderpool & More

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512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Ernie Lee The Bard of the Blanco hill country Poetry

Y

esterday, the wind came howling across the lake with such force it broke my metal flag pole! If that were not bad enough, the gusts were heavily laden with cedar pollen. Of course, it is really Ash Juniper isn’t it?

Therefore, it is with flag at half-mast, and wife ailing with cedar fever, I write to you today.

I looked out on another cold, Texas winter day and sipped my coffee. Perched on my deck rail was a red bird. Of course it was red, but it is really a Northern Cardinal.

I began to reflect that we Texans often have our own names for things. That is part of who we are, and part of calling things the way we see them.

I was reminded of this by a nice little poem from Michelle Phelan, one of our readers. Michelle’s poem about a Red Bird brings forth rich imagery.

If the weather picture works out in the real world, we could easily look outside and see just a sight as she describes. Our little red feathered friends stay with us all year long. The females are a little less red, but striking nevertheless.

They have such vibrant color that you can hardly believe your eyes. Their plumage stays sharp and crisp even in the depths of winter. They are aggressive little birds, especially when nesting – which should be by the time you read this article.

The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states. Mating pairs stay together through the nesting season, and afterwards more likely than not.

Where you see one, its mate will be close by. Penn State University claims many of cardinals mate for life. You will often see the male feeding his wife just before she nests, and during the time she sits in the nest.

Thanks for continuing to read the Bard of the Blanco, Hill Country Poetry in the Hill Country Sun. And thanks to the Sun for continuing to run the column.

Next time, I’m excited to introduce you to someone special. I can’t wait.

Don’t forget to send your Hill Country poems to me for review. I’d love to read what you send.

Don’t be shy, reach out and share you work. Give us some insight into your poem. How, why, and what method you chose to express your work.

I’m pleased and honored to be your host and facilitator. You can read my poetry at www.ErnieLeePoetry.com.

So, until next time, happy writing.

I’ll be waiting to read YOU!

Entire contents copyright © 2016 by TD Austin Lane, Inc. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any fashion without the written consent of the publisher.

Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Advertising 512-484-9716 julie@hillcountrysun.com Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 melissa@hillcountrysun.com Ernie Altgelt Bonnie Eissler Ernie Lee Suzy Mallard Moehring Laurel Robertson Writers Gerry Burns Delonn Bowie Adelle Spell Distribution

Kenzie, Luke and Julie Harrington Photo by Becky Roberson Photography.

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: The Texas State Fish Art Contest — open to kids grades kindergarten through 12 — is underway with a deadline of March 31. Read allabout it in Suzy Mallard Moehring’s Hill Country Parks column on page 11. First place in the 4–6 grade level division of the Texas division of the 2015 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest went to Rachel Maughan of Keller for her drawing of a largemouth bass. © Wildlife Forever • Deadline for calendar events is the 15th of each month.

Email events/releases to melissa@hillcountrysun.com. www.hillcountrysun.com www.facebook.com/HillCountrySun

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© 2016 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 2016 PAGE 3

Wonderful world of Wall Street Western

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A

By Bonnie Eissler

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Email julie@hillcountrysun.com or call Julie at 512-484-9716

rities including Hank Williams, Roy Rogmirrored disco ball and sparkling ers, Dale Evans, and Elvis. chandeliers juxtaposed with a Adding to the Hollywood meets Old massive buffalo head towering West ambiance are five pampered rescue near the high ceiling of Wall Street Western are the first clues that this isn’t your typical western store. And the browsers, tourists, and customers aren’t limited to cowboys, calf-ropers, country singers and rodeo queens, rather they comprise television personalities, rockers, bikers, steampunk aficionados.

And in some cases, “the least likely person you’d ever expect will buy an outrageous hat from Head’n Home,” says owner Jacque Mason.

“We carry an eclectic mix of boots, hats, jewelry, clothing, vintage western and other collectibles,” Jacque says, “plus we now Wall Street Western. With an eclectic mix of boots, hats, carry cigars, too!” jewelry, clothing and collectibles, this is not your typical “I like to say we’re Western store. Photo by Bonnie Eissler. part boot-ique and part museum.” Some of the museum-wor- Persian and exotic Shorthair cats, artwork thy items are a three-piece Marty Robbins in feline form, that make the space more outfit, a wooden statue of St. Archibald glamorous just by being there. They recentsalvaged from an old church and a wildly ly contributed handsomely to a fundraisdecoupaged store mannequin. You’ll also ing drive by posing for photographs ($5 a find numerous colorful embroidered jack- picture) to raise money for local victims ets, custom-tailored in the tradition of the of the disastrous Memorial Day floods. late Nudie Cohn, who was renowned for Boots, boots, and more boots, too creating signature looks for a host of celeb- See WALL STREET WESTERN, page 5

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512-406-1719 • www.ply-yarn.com PAGE 4 FEBRUARY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Five pampered rescue Persian and exotic cats — artwork in feline form — make the space more glamorous just by being there. Photo courtesy Wall Street Western.

WIMBERLEY

WALL STREET WESTERN, from page 4

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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.

LEFT TO RIGHT Staff member, Lauren, Wall Street Western owner Jacque Mason, and staff member Autumn. Jacque is holding a steampunk style hat embellished with copper pipe. Photo by Bonnie Eissler. many to count, are the centerpiece of the store. New and vintage brands— Old Gringo, Corral, Liberty Black, Rocketbuster, Manuel and Tres Outlaws— start as low as $140 for a pair of Corral Black Cross kickers and go up to more than $2,000 for a pair of Rocketbuster’s custom hand-tailored Virgin of the Guadalupe boots, truly a religious experience.

With a selection this extensive and varied – short boots, tall boots, boots with fringe, silver studs, white stars, or blue roses – there’s no excuse for anyone to leave the store bootless.

“I try to carry mostly items made in the United States, especially Texas brands,” Jacque says, pointing out some of the items – hats by Patricia Wolf, boots

by Rocketbuster – that are manufactured in San Antonio, Sabinal, Mason, El Paso, Yoakum, Smithville and other towns all around the Lone Star State.

Patricia Wolf, the queen of Western chic, is based in Smithville, Texas. Her style has evolved over the last 25 years into an expansive repertoire of Western, Native American, Vaquero, and contemporary looks.

El Paso custom boot makers Rocketbuster and Tres Outlaws are among the hundreds of designs at Wall Street Western. Rocketbuster specializes in some of the most outlandish designs in the business, boasting celebrity customers like actors Mel Gibson and Billy Bob Thornton, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and director Steven Spielberg.

Sales representatives Lauren and Autumn describe the store’s vibe as “country chic with a rocker edge,” and enjoy shopping for special outfits and accessories at the store. Lauren favors the clothes from Free People, a brand Jacque says “not many people realize we have.”

“My mom worked here and I began by helping out on weekends,” Autumn says, “to support my habit of shopping here! I like knowing I can always find something not everyone else has. I bought a McFadin purse for a good price, which was really exciting! And I found my outfit for the Super Bowl here.” (The McFadin sisters, Laurie and Stacy, grew up on a Texas ranch and continue to live and work in the Texas Hill Country.

Over the years they’ve gained a celebrity following with the likes of Taylor Swift, Kim Kardashian, and Selena Gomez all sporting McFadin handbags.)

“This store has great jewelry,” Autumn says, selecting a couple of necklaces by Linn & Laurel (of Mason, Texas) for a closer look. “I like how she takes ordinary items like leather, deer antlers, and semi-precious stones such as turquoise or jade, and combines them to create something very simple yet quite extraordinary.”

FYI • Wall Street Western is located in the oldest commercial building in Wimberley, at 14012 Ranch Road 12. The shop is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, except Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. For more information and to see great photos of their latest collections, visit the web site at www.wallstreetwestern.com.

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Fine Art in the Hill Country

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HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 5

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H

By Laurel Robertson

ere in the heart of Texas, we like our stars at night to be big and bright and think they’re worth celebrating and protecting. Dripping Springs, Texas’ first International Dark Sky community, is so committed to the proposition that they’re teaming up with International Dark Sky Association of Texas and the Hays County Master Naturalists to host the first Texas Night Sky Festival on March 5.

Inside the Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center, the free festival will offer the public opportunities to view the sun through solar telescopes, tour the heavens in a mobile planetarium, pace out a scale model of the solar system, hear Greek and Roman sky myths and night stories from the Lakota tradition, have their birth chart analyzed by a professional astrologer, and learn how to preserve their dark night skies.

The day’s activities will be followed by an evening star-gazing party on the Ranch Park’s open field (weather permitting). Through the lenses of powerful telescopes brought by astronomers from the Austin Astronomical Society, the public will be able to view the wonders of the cosmos with their own eyes.

The Texas Museum of Science and Technology in Cedar Park will set up its Discovery Dome mobile planetarium in the Event Center for the day’s festival.

Eighteen feet in diameter and 13 feet high, the inflatable dome uses a state-of-the-art digital projection system to provide an immersive virtual tour of the heavens.

The dome is large enough to accommodate 45 children or 30 adults and will offer shows all afternoon.

Paul Bogard, the author of the awardwinning book, The End of Night: Search-

ing for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light, will share his findings about a world where nights are increasingly as bright as day, and eight out of ten Americans can’t see the Milky Way. Citing evidence that exposure to artificial night light is a factor in conditions from poor sleep to cancer, Paul will shed light on what we’ve lost, what we have left and how we we can restore starry nights — one of nature’s most thrilling wonders.

NASA will bring two displays to the festival — one on the International Space Station and another entitled “Why We Explore.” Winners of a Dark Sky photography contest and a school art competition focusing on protecting the night sky will be on exhibit.

The International Dark Sky Association’s booth will highlight its six recognized Dark Sky locations in Texas: Dripping Springs, Horseshoe Bay, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Copper Breaks

The Texas Night Sky Festival comes to Dripping Springs March 5.

Logo courtesy Texas Night Sky Festival.

State Park, Big Bend National Park, and UBarU Camp and Retreat Center near Kerrville.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will be able to complete many of requirements for badges by participating in the festival.

(In particular, the Boy Scouts’ Astronomy badge and The Cadet Girl Scouts’ Night See NIGHT SKY FEST, page 7

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The Texas Night Sky Festival is March 5 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. The day’s activities will be followed by an evening star-gazing party on the park’s open field (weather permitting). Photos © 2015 Alan Dyer/amazingsky.com

DRIPPING SPRINGS

NIGHT SKY FEST, from page 6

Annual Funky Chicken Coop Tour is March 26

Torvald Hessel, Executive Director of Texas Museum of Science & Technology, with the Austin Planetarium Discovery Dome. Photo courtesy Texas Museum of Science & Technology.

Owl badge.) The Dark Sky Festival will also offer a Dark Sky Patch for anyone participating in selected activities the festival and an Attendance Patch for coming.

Lighting methods that reduce glare, save money, eliminate light trespass and preserve the night sky will be discussed by speakers and demonstrated at multiple exhibits. A design-your-own light shield activity will offer hands-on learning about effective ways to illuminate outdoors. Vendors and exhibitors will offer light pollution solutions for homes and businesses, demonstrate properly shielded outdoor lighting, explain the effect of artificial lighting on the natural world,

AUSTIN H The 8th Annual Funky Chicken Coop Tour, an annual selfguided event held the Saturday of Easter weekend, is Saturday, March 26.

The purpose of the tour is to encourage city residents to raise poultry at home by demonstrating the ways chicken (and other poultry) housing can be incorporated into urban residence without violating city ordinances or creating a nuisance. This year’s theme is “Chickens as Zero Waste Heroes.” Tour participants will tour chicken coops located at homes around Austin to catch a rare firsthand look at the many innovative ways Austin’s chicken and other poultry keepers are tapping into backyard birds’ potential to transform household waste into valuable compost for lawn and garden. Learn how these delightful animals can help minimize the amount of waste our city sends to the landfill. Get inspired to create or enhance your own coop!

Coops are open for ticket holders from 10 am to 4 pm. Buy advance tour tickets online or in person from select Tour Sponsors: Callahan’s General Store, Buck Moore Feed and Pet Supply and Wheatsville Co-op.

Admission to the tour is $10 per person. Children 12 and under get in free.

Attendees who purchase advance tickets online will be entered on Tour Day to win a deluxe coop, courtesy of Happy Hen Treats. Visit Tour website for additional ticket locations, announcements, volunteer signups, and poultry-related news.

FYI • For more information, visit the web site at www.AustinCoopTour.org.

have displays of astronomical equipment — and so much more!

The Texas Night Sky Festival promises to satisfy any hunger for appreciating, learning about, and protecting our night

skies. For other hungers, food trailers will be on hand at the Ranch Park. Live music by the Hot Texas Swing Band will keep everyone’s steps lively as they explore the many wonders available at the festival.

FYI • The Texas Dark Sky Festival will be at the Dripping Springs Ranch Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive, March 5 from 3 pm to 10 pm. Sponsorships and vendor applications are still being accepted. For more information, visit the web site at www.texasnightskyfestival.org or call 512-858-4725.

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An art contest for kids grades K-12 is part of the fest. Here, a tribute to Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” by Bill Wren, showing the effects of light pollution on the night sky.

Find entry details at www.texasnightskyfestival.org. Photo courtesy Texas Night Sky Festival.

4002 E. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

SunsetCanyonPottery.com HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 7

Dripping springs

Unique game mounts are decorator’s dream

F

By Ernie Altgelt

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

Email Your Calendar events to

or many sportsmen and women, the culmination of a truly successful hunt comes only after the acquisition of an attractive display featuring their prized “trophy.”

As a result, myriad head, horn and other taxidermic exhibitions, found across the globe and popular for millennia, currently adorn countless homes and workspaces, each one recounting a special, unique experience.

And, while many styles and treatments are available, some of the most stunning and intricate examples owe their origins to the storied artisans of Germany and Switzerland where Old World skill and craftsmanship have added an even deeper level of beauty to these treasured presentations.

Thankfully, for Texas Hill Country hunters seeking the same, San Antoniobased Heritage Game Mounts has created an exquisite line of mounting plaques that not only reflect the venerated European tradition of wood carving but, of equal importance, enhance our native fauna as well.

Conceived and developed in 2009 by avid huntswoman and artist Rita

“The Kate,” a hand painted salmon fly

by Heritage Game Mounts.

Photo courtesy Heritage Game Mounts.

Schimpff, Heritage Game Mounts serendipitously got its start when a new setting was needed for a White Tail stag.

As Rita recalls, “We had the animal’s head hanging over the fireplace in our family room but it wasn’t prominent See HERITAGE GAME MOUNTS, page 9

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PAGE 8 FEBRUARY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Huntswoman and artist, Rita Schimpff, owner of Heritage Game Mounts, holds a traditonal European Antler Panel©. An elegant alternative to shoulder mounts, these hand-crafted mounts are easily adapted to many types of game. Photo by Ernie Altgelt.

HERITAGE GAME MOUNTS, from page 8 enough. It just seemed lost.”

Being a student of interior design, she was aware of the “Black Forest” or, more properly, “Brienzerware” style of handcarving and realized how well a mounting utilizing that more expressive fashion might just solve her problem.

She soon discovered, however, that the cost of purchasing an actual Brienzerware piece could be prohibitive.

Undeterred, the talented Rita decided to create her own mounting plaque following the traditional “oak leaf and acorn” motif that characterized much of the art form.

As she relates, “It was hard work and required a new skill set but the outcome was so wonderful and generated so much interest that, going “pro” just seemed like a “natural.” And, boy was she right!

Since then, Rita has established an efficient (and profitable) system where she functions as the primary designer whose inspirations are then turned over to a gifted carver who renders the mounting plaques in wood.

The Heritage Stag© Mirror surrounded by ornate oak leaves and acorns.

Photo courtesy of Heritage Game Mounts.

From there, the plaques are then sent to molding company that is able to exactly reproduce the originals using a realistic

wood-like resin. Once the animal is added, the results can be very dramatic. And, because multiples are made of each design, the end products are very affordable. All work is done in the USA. Heritage Game Mounts offers various, stock shapes, sizes and models that can accommodate almost any type of game – from an entire quail, to tiny Roe deer antlers, to a full elk skull.

The addition of bright tartan-patterned materials or a hand-painted scene (done by Rita) can further augment the elegance of the finished product.

And, while most hunters generally use their own kill, Rita has an inventory of naturally-shed horns that she can add to any of her mounting plaques at a buyer’s request.

Professional home decorators love the availability of these completed, ready-to-hang units. The company can also accommodate those requiring customization (size, decoration, etc.) but

time can become a factor.

With the Brienzerware game mounts remaining the company’s primary offering, Rita has also branched out into related fun and functional sport-related sidelines including nifty lapel pins made from hand-tied fishing flies, polished cuff links and tuxedo studs fashioned from spent shotgun shells and clever ballpoint pens crafted from rifle brass.

To Rita, a sporting heritage is important, something to be handed down from one generation to the next. Hence, her company’s name.

As she offers, “Our quality mounts, and more importantly, the memories made in the field that they represent, help in sharing the enjoyment and camaraderie of this special legacy. I’m so proud that we can contribute in this area.”

FYI • For more information about Heritage Game Mounts, including plaque styles and pricing (as well as other products and offerings) visit the web site at www. heritagegamemounts.com.

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www.CunninghamOrthodontics.com The Monogram Legacy Antler Panel© by Heritage Game Mounts, available in black forest finish, blackberry finish and old world white finish. Photo courtesy of Heritage Game Mounts.

Live music in intimate venue at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse WIMBERLEY H Susanna’s Kitchen Concert Series proudly presents Shinyribs February 18. Whether on his six-string ukelele or electric guitar or singing acapella, Kevin Russell will entertain you like no one else. The freedom with which he moves coupled with his incredible voice is an experience in and of itself. His original songs laced with magical-realism along with novel interpretations of popular songs old and new (George Jones, TLC, Leadbelly, T-Pain) are the true art that runs throughout. He’s Burl Ives meets Al Green, Hank, Jr.m meets Teddy Pendergrass. Truly something not to be missed, a unique experience and original expression of our colorful musical heritage.

There really isn’t anything not to love about this Austin band. Fronted by the always jovial Kevin Russell of local legends The Gourds, Shinyribs is about having the best time possible.

FYI • Located at Ranch Road 12 and County Road 1492 in Wimberley, Susanna’s Kitchen Concerts start at 7:30 pm, with doors open by 7 pm. Tamales, pizza, Wimberley Pie Company pie, coffee and soft drinks are available.

Tickets for Shinyribs are $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit Barnabas Connection and Mother’s Day Out Childcare Scholarships. For more information, go to www.wimberleyumc.org or call 512-722-3316.

HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 9

FRIO/Sabinal River Valley

Find rustic getaway at Trail’s End Guest House

A

By Julie Harrington

getaway in the heart of the gorgeous Texas Hill Country does the soul good. The rustic Trail’s End Guest House —just outside of Kerrville —could help you find the rest and relaxation you might be longing for.

If you’re seeking a manicured and lavish bed and breakfast, you won’t find that here. What you will find are clean, well stocked cabins and rooms with peaceful surroundings and privacy on this working goat ranch atop the hills.

David and Desiree Farrar, owners of Trail’s End, chose to get away from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world and find their place to escape. Now the two are sharing their 23 acres with others to enjoy.

Choose from seven types of accommodations at Trail’s End Guest House whether a room or a cabin. Each is equipped with a private bathroom, satellite TV and DVD player, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, linens, dishes, charcoal grill, electric fireplaces and a welcome basket.

Free wireless internet is also available in many of the rooms, as well as around the property for guests needing to work or stay in touch with reality. The special

The Writer’s Cabin at Trail’s End Guest House outside of Kerrville.

Photo courtesy Trail’s End Guest House. treat of the day is a home cooked gourmet breakfast delivered right to your room each morning at Trails End. David takes pride in his warm and hearty breakfast…as he should! The anticipation as to what he will be serving up next is worth the wait, as you sip your coffee overlooking the scenic hills and woods.

An adult only pool (open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) overlooks Box Canyon with a spectacular 30 mile view of the canyon and surrounding hills.

What a peaceful place to spend some time away, whether relaxing by the pool and catching some rays on warm days, curled up in your room by the fireplace reading a book on chilly mornings, or sitting out on the deck of your room or cabin taking in your surroundings as the sun sets and the evenings come upon you.

The starry Texas sky comes alive at night, often putting on a show of falling stars. This is certainly a special place to be high up on the hill.

Located just outside of Kerrville, Trail’s End makes a perfect base from which to get out and discover what the Hill Country has to offer.

The bed and breakfast is a short 10 minute drive from the Guadalupe River, 15 minutes from Comfort, and only 30 minutes from Fredericksburg, Boerne or Bandera.

Trail’s End guests are close to antiquing, shopping, horseback riding, wineries, restaurants, museums and art gal-

A cozy room in the Hunter’s Cabin at Trail’s End Guest House.

Photo courtesy Trail’s End Guest House. leries — in addition to swimming, kayaking, fishing and more— making it a great getaway for all seasons.

FYI • Trail’s End Guest House is located just outside Kerrville at 180 Gay Drive. Complete directions are available on the web site. For more information about Trails End, call 830-377-1725, email info@trailsendguesthouse.com or visit the web site www.trailsendguesthouse.com.

Offering River Frontage at River House & very near river at Hideaway and Cottage.

CASA RIO CABIN RENTALS

3978 CR 348 • Concan • friocasario@hctc.net

friorivercasario.com • 830-591-3544

Find rustic relaxation atop the hills at Trail’s End Guest House.

Photo courtesy Trail’s End Guest House.

Spend a day in Utopia!

Main Street Utopia

French Country Antiques, Collectibles Gifts, Books, Jewelry, Accessories Closed Sun & Mon • 282 Main St, 830-966-5544 mainstreetutopia.com

Utopia is a charming Hill Country town nestled in the Sabinal Canyon between Bandera & Garner Park

The Laurel Tree

Seasonal gourmet cuisine in a charming setting Open Saturday for lunch & dinner 18956 Hwy 187, 830-966-5444 for reservations utopiagourmet.com

PAGE 10 FEBRUARY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

Utopia Golf

Prettiest 9-Hole Course in Texas Home of the movie “Seven Days in Utopia” 20567 Hwy 187, 830-966-5577 UtopiaGolf.com

Suzy Moehring Mallard hill country PARKS

I

t’s time again to pull out those colored pencils and pastels and watercolors.

The Texas State Fish Art Contest is underway with a deadline of March 31.

Kids in kindergarten through seniors in high school are eligible to enter – kids in public school or private school, homeschool kids, kids in a youth group or after-school program, kids in a scout troop or art class, or just an individual kid who wants to enter.

Years ago when my now-22year-old grandson Zach did a lot of traveling with me, we stopped at Athens’ Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center on our way home from a late December weekend at his mother’s timeshare on Lake Palestine.

Zach and his buddy Austin – I think they were in middle school at the time – had a great time seeing all the exhibits and the wall o’ fish entryway. I enjoyed looking at what must have been hundreds of entries in that year’s Texas State-Fish Art Contest.

They were everywhere in the center, and so beautiful and colorful.

Wildlife Forever in Minnesota sponsors the Texas art competition and funds conservation projects in all 50 states to support habitat restoration and research and management of fish and wildlife.

Toyota Bass Classic funds scholarships for winners of Texas State Fish Art Contest, and the 2016 winners will be featured on tickets for Toyota Bass Classic in May this year. William E. Armentrout

Foundation and Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center also support the Texas art contest.

State fish of Texas on the Wildlife Forever list are the Guadalupe bass and red drum, but kids can enter drawings of any of the 50 state’s state fish: the king salmon, fighting tarpon, channel cat, humuhumunukunukuapua’a (that’s Hawaii’s, y’all) or dozens more.

Complete contest details and entry forms can be found at www.tpwd.texas.gov/fishart.

Teachers can download the free “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at www.statefishart.com.

The interdisciplinary curriculum includes lessons and activities, a species identification section profiling each state fish, a glossary, and student worksheets. Older artists are required to write an essay with their art, and just one entry per artist is accepted.

Or maybe you’re not still in school and photos are more your style. A class called Wildlife Photography will be taught by Bud Force and Erich Schlegel on Feb. 27 at Inks Lake State Park near Burnet.

Skills to be covered in this course include composition and exposure, various cameras and lenses for wildlife photography, concealment, and wildlife photographing techniques.

Force’s work can be seen in National Geographic Adventure, Backpacker magazine, The Travel Channel, and Out-

Calling all kids... fishing for fish art side Magazine, among others. Schlegel’s portfolio includes a wide range of clients, including National Geographic and USA Today.

The popularity of similar photography workshops last fall has also lead to the scheduling of an expedition photography class for intermediate and advanced students wanting to push their skills to the next level.

The expedition photography class

slated for March will be a multi-day trip into the wilderness. Students will learn about powering gear in the field, managing survival gear and photo gear while considering pack weight, exposure triangle and composition, nightscapes, desert landscapes, adventure sports, wildlife photography, and social photography.

For more information about either class, visit www.txoutdoorphotoworkshops.com.

Frio/Sabinal river valley

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(830) 232-5758 • 1204 CR 350 • PO Box 72 • Concan, TX 78838

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830-966-2320

www.friolodging.com • www.hillcountryadventures.com YOUR GUIDE TO

Dining • Lodging • Events T hings to Do & More in Concan, Camp Wood, Leakey, Rio Frio, Utopia Uvalde & Vanderpool

Welcome to the

Hill Country River Region

20,000 COPIES

distributed in the Hill Country River Region to Leakey, Camp Wood, Concan, Utopia, Uvalde and Vanderpool, PLUS across the Hill Country— to Fredericksburg, Wimberley, Comfort, Bandera, Kerrville, Medina & Dripping Springs!

Kealey Yoakum of Village Mills won first place in grades 7–9 of the 2014 Texas StateFish Art Contest with a Prismacolor drawing of a longear sunfish. The deadline for entry in this year’s contest — open to kids grades K-12 — is March 31. © Wildlife Forever

For rates & information, contact Julie

512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 11

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

Sat, Feb 20 • 9 am-6 pm Sun, Feb 21 • 9 am-5 pm Ranch Park Event Center 1042 Event Center Drive

Dripping Springs, TX From Hwy 290, Go N on RR 12 for 2 miles

Guns • Knives • Ammo • Coins Militaria • Shooting Supplies

BUY H SELL H TRADE

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.

Free music shows Monday through Thursday nights, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. www.gruenehall.com.

EVERY SUNDAY BEE CAVE: Thundering Paws Pet Adoption Event. Noon to 4 pm at PetSmart, 12812 Shops Parkway #400. adoptions@ thunderingpaws.org, 512-402-9725.

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. Kirch-

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

~B I N G O~ Every Friday 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

830-822-8471 ernie.lee@live.com

1542 Lakeside Drive West Canyon Lake, Texas 78133

www.ErnieLeePoetry.com PAGE 12 FEBRUARY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN

man Gallery. 830-868-9290.

FIFTH SUNDAY DRIFTWOOD: United Methodist Church Bluegrass Gospel Sing-along Service. Every fifth Sunday on months with fibe Sundays. 11 am. Corner of Farm Market 150 and Elder Hill Road (1/2 mile south of Farm Market 1826 and Farm Market 150 intersection. 512-944-6300.

EVERY MONDAY CANYON LAKE: Seniors Bingo. 12:30 pm at Habitat for Safe Seniors, 2174 Old Road, Startzville. 830-899-2256.

CYPRESS MILL: The Bunkhouse Gang at Wenmohs Ranch. Paint and enjoy fellowship of other artists. 830-825-3465.

EVERY TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY WIMBERLEY: A premier hand blown glass lighting and art glass studio since 1992, Wimberley Glassworks hosts glass blowing demonstrations for travelers and art glass enthusiasts from around the world. wgw.com, 512-213-2110.

EVERY TUESDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band rehearses at Chapel in the Hills. 7 pm to 8:30 pm. 512-517-3111.

FIRST TUESDAYS BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Silver Sage Senior Center. 830-796-4969.

WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Community Band Rehearsal. Chapel in the Hills. 7 pm to 8:30 pm. 512-517-3111.

SECOND TUESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Art Society of Wimberley (ASW) Meeting. 6:30 pm at the Art Room, 100 Melody Way, Suite H. Please email msalaun@austin.rr.com for more information.

THIRD TUESDAYS NEW BRAUNFELS: Country Music.

Knights of Columbus. 830-629-4547.

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 Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12. March to December, rain or shine. www.cityofdrippingsprings.com.

WIMBERLEY: Farmers’ Market. Senior Citizen’s Activity Center on Ranch Road 12. 512-264-1637.

SECOND WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Garden Club meets at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 101 West Spoke Hill Drive September through May. Refreshments at 9:30 am; meetings and programs at 10 am. www.WimberleyGardenClub.org.

THIRD WEDNESDAYS DRIPPING SPRINGS: Cook Off Club.

6:30 pm. VFW Hall. Email ryoncrew@yahoo.com for more information.

FOURTH WEDNESDAYS WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Neighbors.

10:30 am at the Wimberley Community Center. 512-847-2849.

EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Live music at Cypress Creek Cafe. Check listings at www.cypresscreekcafe.com EVERY THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: Coffee House with Light Dinners, Desserts and Open Mic. Hours are 6 pm to 9 pm. Thyme and Dough.

512-894-0001.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Thursdays with Doug Moreland and Flying Armadillos. www.mercerstreetdancehall.com.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Live Music at Smoke ‘N Hops. smokenhops.com.

FIRST THURSDAY DRIPPING SPRINGS: First Thursday.

Participating businesses offer special events, food and music plus sale items. 5 pm to 9 pm. www.drippingspringstx.org.

FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY CANYON LAKE: Noon Lions meet at Canyon Lake Golf Club. 830-899-4406.

SECOND THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Hill Country Bead Society.

Meeting. Wimberley Community Center.

1 pm. Marilyn Pierce at mp@smpierce.net.

SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Toastmaster Club, learn public speaking and leadership skills.

7:10 pm at the “old” Baptist Church, 501 Old Kyle Road. 512-847-6822 for information.

THIRD THURSDAY WIMBERLEY: Susanna’s Kitchen Coffeehouse presents some of the best in the Hill Country’s musical talent. For listing of performers, visit the web site at www. wimberleyumc.org.

EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY WIMBERLEY: Live Music at Linda’s Fine Foods. Delicious food, beautiful music at 500 Farm Market 2325. 512-847-5464. www.facebook.com/LindasFineFoods.

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 KNBT-92.1 FM Radio. 4 pm to 7 pm. 830-629-5077.

WIMBERLEY: Bingo. VFW Hall on Jacobs Well Road. 512-847-6441.

FIRST FRIDAY FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour fine art galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours. www.ffawf.com.

SECOND FRIDAY CASTROVILLE: Friday Night Fever.

Cars, trucks, bikes, food, shopping. 6 pm to 10 pm. Lundquist Automotive. www. castroville.com, 830-931-2479.

UVALDE: Four Square Friday Enjoy late night shopping, food, live music and art at the event named for town’s original design with four town squares. 6 pm to 9 pm.

Downtown. www.visituvalde.com.

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Community Civic Club Meeting. (September through November, January through May) 11 am at Chapel in the Hills, 14601 Ranch Road 12. Milly Maxey at millymaxey@gmail. com or Aurora LeBrun at 512-847-3595.

THIRD FRIDAY WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Parkinson Association Meets at Chapel in the Hills Community Church. Speakers on subjects pertaining to Parkinson, members share happenings. 11 am at 14601 Ranch Road 12. Call Gae Koen at 512-847-7953.

FOURTH FRIDAY BANDERA: Fourth Friday Jam. Enjoy music at the Silver Sage Corral begining at 6:30 pm. 830-796-4969.

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR bottle of wine per two people and your own wine glass. Begins at 6 pm. Depot Square. www.storkcountry.com.

FEBRUARY 6 BOERNE: “A Night at the Oscars” A premier touring ensemble presents a lively and entertaining performance of famous TV and movie themes. Boerne Champion Auditorium. www.visitboerne.org.

FEBRUARY 7 AUSTIN: Austin Symphonic Band Concert. Begins at 4 pm at Austin I.S.D. Performing Arts Center. www.austinsymphonicband.org AUSTIN: Girlstart Weather Fest. Families discover the exciting world of Mother Nature. Hours are noon to 3 pm. The Bullock Museum, 1800 Congress Avenue. www.girlstart.org.

THE WIMBERLEY PLAYERS PRESENT A VERY VERY VERY FUNNY PLAY

FEB 12 - MAR 6 FRI & SAT 7:30 PM • SUNDAY 2:30 PM

3 Tony Awards!

4 Drama Desk Awards!

When the star tenor arrives late at the opera for a one-night-only performance, he passes out after downing a giant dose of tranquilizers. A replacement must be found! But not without a madcap romp that leaves audiences limp with laughter.

Directed by David Bisett Executive Producer Adam Witko Produced by Jana White & Sandra Haney

The Wimberley Playhouse 450 Old Kyle Rd.

WWW.WIMBERLEYPLAYERS.ORG. BOX OFFICE 512-847-0575

“Lend Me a Tenor (Ludwig)” is presented by special arrangement wiith SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

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1910-1920.” Exhibit re-examines events and context surrounding some of the worst racial violence in United States history through displays of rare artifacts, photographic records, court documents, newspapers, family histories, and eyewitness accounts. Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. www.thestoryoftexas.com, 512-936-8746.

AUSTIN: “The Crusader Bible: A Gothic Masterpiece.” The Crusader Bible, from the collection of the Morgan Library in New York, considered one of the most important and fascinating illuminated manuscripts in history. Blanton Museum of Art. blantonmuseum.org.

FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 1 NEW BRAUNFELS: “Lindheimer’s Texas.” The “Father of Texas Botany,” Ferdinand Lindheimer of New Braunfels, collected close to 100,000 specimens of Texas plants and sent them out to fellow botanists to show off the unique plants and flowers of the state. This exhibit has collected some of his original works for display. The Sophienburg Museum and Archives, 401 West Coll Street, 830-629-1572.

FEBRUARY 1 - MAY 13 SAN MARCOS: “Animals Among Us: Photographs from the Permanent Collection.” This photography exhibit features cats, dogs, horses, fish, fowl, insects and more in images by 39 artists. The Wittliff Collections. www.thewittliffcollections. txstate.edu.

FEBRUARY 1 - JULY 3 SAN MARCOS: “Rodrigo Moya: Photography and Conscience / Fotografia y conciencia.” Exhibit is first retrospective in the United States of Moya’s work, including more than 90 images documenting Mexico and Latin America from revolutionary movements to timeless moments of daily life. Wittliff Collections. www. thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu.

SAN MARCOS: “Places in the Heart: Texas Cinescapes.” Screenplays, props, wardrobe pieces, behind-the-scenes photos and other items show how authentic visions of the Lone Star State have been created on screen. Wittliff Collections. www. thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu.

FEBRUARY 2 BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Opry. Features Grand Old Opry-style entertainment hosted by Gerry and Harriet Payne.

Silver Sage Community Center. www. silversagecorral.org.

FEBRUARY 5 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Suits & Boots C o m m u n i t y Aw a rd s C e l e b r a t i o n .

Celebrate the best of Dripping Springs at 6 pm at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.

Music by Hill Country Ramblers. Cash bar, appetizers and dinner, followed by awards and after-party at Mercer Street Dance Hall (included in ticket price). www.drippingspringstx.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: First Friday Art Walk. Tour galleries offering special exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments and extended viewing hours. Various locations. www.ffawf.com.

KERRVILLE: First Friday Wine Share.

Meet new people and try new wines at this fun and friendly event. Bring one

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EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FREDERICKSBURG: Rockbox Theater.

Variety, music, and rock ‘n roll show, great family fun. 866-349-6688.

EVERY SATURDAY AUSTIN: Austin Farmers Market. Republic Square. 512-236-0074.

AUSTIN: Sunset Valley Farmers Market.

Barton Creek Mall. 512-280-1976.

BANDERA: Flying L Ranch Chuck Wagon Dinner. Barbecue, wagon rides, roping lessons, branding, and more. Details at www.flyingl.com.

COMFORT: Area Farmer’s Market. 8 am to 1 pm. Comfort Park, Highway 27.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Music and Wine. www.solaroestate.com.

FISCHER: Jackson Open Air Market.

Hours are 9 am to 5 pm. 6341 Farm Market 32. 830-935-2781.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Canyon Trail Chuckwagon Supper and Cowboy Music Show.

830-626-8200, 888-408-7245.

WIMBERLEY: Tour Jacob’s Well. Hear stories about floods, divers, experience beauty of spring that started the town. 10 am. www.jacobswellspring.org.

WIMBERLEY: Arnosky Family Farms Market. Find beautiful flowers, fresh veggies, transplants, eggs cheeses, and more.

Ranch Road 2325, and Highway 165. 830833-5428.

WIMBERLEY: Saturday Evening Dinners. www.blairhouseinn.com.

UTOPIA: Lunch and Dinner Served at Laurel Tree. A special dining experience. www.utopiagourmet.com.

FIRST SATURDAY BANDERA: Market Days. Courthouse Square. 830-796-4447.

BANDERA: First Saturday Book Sale.

Public Library. 830-796-4213.

DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Community Club meets to enhance community spirit.

Dinner at 7 pm. www.driftwoodtx.org.

WIMBERLEY: Market Days. (First Saturday March through December). 475-plus booths, free admission. 7 am to 4 pm. www. shopmarketdays.com.

SECOND SATURDAY CASTROVILLE: Market Trail Days.

Houston Square. 830-539-2316.

WIMBERLEY: Second Saturday Gallery Trail. 15 galleries around Square open late offering art, wine, appetizers. Facebook. com/SecondSaturdayGalleryTrail.

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.

FOURTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Johnson City: Market Days. Food, artisans, vendors and more. 830-868-7684, JohnsonCityTexasChamber.com.

FEBRUARY 1-21 WIMBERLEY: “Narnia: The Musical.”

EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens. www. emilyann.org, 512-847-6969.

FEBRUARY 1 - APRIL 3 AUSTIN: “Life and Death on the Border

texas

HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 13

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR BANDERA: Frontier Times Museum Cowboy Camp. Enjoy traditional cowboy music, or bring a guitar and join in. Frontier Times Museum. www.frontiertimesmuseum.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Wedding Capital of Texas Bridal Showcase. More than 60 vendors, including bakers, glamour, lodging, photographers, planners and venues.

1 pm to 5 pm at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. weddingcapitaloftexas.org.

FEBRUARY 9 CANYON LAKE: Winter Texan Reception This event offers visitors to the area a warm Texas greeting that includes restaurant samples, vendor booths, games and prizes. CRRC, 125 Mabel Jones Drive. www.canyonlakechamber.com.

KERRVILLE: Mardi Gras on Main. Enjoy live entertainment, food and drinks.

Hours are 6 pm to 9 pm. Downtown. www. mainstreetkerrville.com.

NEW BRAUNFELS: Fat Tuesday with Alex Meixner. Show features a variety of jazz, zydeco, rock, country, polka and other musical styles. Brauntex Theater. www.brauntex.org.

FEBRUARY 12 HELOTES: The Bellamy Brothers. Live music at John T. Floore’s Country Store. www.liveatfloores.com.

UVALDE: Four Square Friday. Enjoy shopping, food, live music and art at this event named for the town’s original design with four town squares. Downtown. www.visituvalde.com.

FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 6 WIMBERLEY: The Wimberley Players

present “Lend Me a Tenor.” A very funny play at the Wimberley Playhouse. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. www.wimberleyplayers.org.

FEBRUARY 12-13 LUCKENBACH: Luckenbach Hug-In and Valentine Ball. Get back to the basics of love during this annual camping event with plenty of boot scootin’. Luckenbach Dance Hall. www.luckenbachtexas.com, 830-997-3224.

MARBLE FALLS: “Quilts: Made in America.” Marble Falls Quilt Club presents a show featuring displays, a silent auction, vendors and more. Marble Falls Lakeside Pavilion, 307 Buena Vista. marblefallsquiltclub.blogspot.com, 830-598-7539.

FEBRUARY 12-14 AUSTIN: Ballet Austin Performance: Director’s Choice. Long Center for the Performing Arts. www.balletaustin.org.

FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 6 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Players present “Lend Me a Tenor.” Wimberley Playhouse. www.wimberleyplayers.org.

FEBRUARY 13 AUSTIN: Guitars Under the Stars with Ana Vidovic. Austin Classical Guitar’s annual gala features performance by Ana Vidovic, dinner, raffles, more. The Mansion, 2312 San Gabriel Street. www.austin classicalguitar.org.

BOERNE: Boerne Chocolate Walk. Take a walk through Boerne’s Downtown district to collect treats in stores, galleries and restaurants. Tickets required. www. visitboerne.org, 830-249-9511 option 5.

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largest touring illusion group presents their new show, the “Smoke and Mystery Tour.” Cailloux Theater, 910 Main Street. www.caillouxtheater.com.

FEBRUARY 14 GRUENE: Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist. Serves awe-inspiring gospel music and a mouth-watering buffet from 10:30 am to noon. Advance tickets recommended. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com.

KERRVILLE: Chocolate Fantasy. Tickets required. 1 pm to 3 pm at the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com.

FEBRUARY 16 AUSTIN: Ameripolitan Music Awards.

Recognizes independent roots musicians in honky tonk, rockabilly, western swing and outlaw music. Hosted by Ray Benson. The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue. www.amipolitan.com.

FEBRUARY 18 GRUENE: Come and Taste It. A featured winemaker showcases three wines alongside a craft beer. Also enjoy live music.

Grapevine Texas Wine Bar. www.grapevineingruene.com.

WIMBERLEY: Shinyribs. Kevin Russell and band take the stage at Susanna’s Kitchen Coffee House. Doors at 7 pm, music at 7:30 pm. $20 at the door. www.wimberleyumc.org or call 512-722-3316.

FEBRUARY 19-21 FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 350 vendors, antiques, enjoy a biergarten, live music and more. www. fbgtradedays.com, 210-846-4094.

JUNCTION: Disc Golf PDGA Tournament. Along the Llano River, 402 Main Street.www.junctiontexas.com.

FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 6 FREDERICKSBURG: “Into the Woods.”

Presented by Fredericksburg Theater Company. Steve W. Shepherd Theater. www.fredericksburgtheater.org.

FEBRUARY 20 AUSTIN: Art on the Edge. Guests to this black-tie museum fundraiser dance to live music, enjoy creative cocktails, and view art in the galleries after hours. Begins at 8 pm. Blanton Museum of Art. 512475-6013.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: DSUMC Wild Game Dinner. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of wild game, including fried venison cutlets, elk enchiladas, rabbit and dumplings, pheasant gumbo, and a nearly endless variety of sides and desserts. 6 pm at Dripping Springs High School Cafeteria. dswildgamedinner.com.

FEBRUARY 20-21 DRIPPING SPRINGS: SAXET Gun Show.

Guns, knives, ammo, coins, militaria, shooting supplies and more. Hours are Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days 10 am to 5 pm.www.gruenemarketdays.com.

FEBRUARY 21 FREDERICKSBURG: The Four Proches.

This sibling quartet entertains audiences with bluegrass and folk harmonies. Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. www.fredericksburgmusicclub.com.

WIMBERLEY: Starlight Symphony Orchestra Concert. 4 pm at First Baptist

Church. www.starlightsymphony.org.

FEBRUARY 21-MAY 15 AUSTIN: “Come As You Are: Art of the 1990s.” Exhibit is first major American museum survey to historicize the art of this time, featuring approximately 60 works by 45 artists. Blanton Museum of Art. www.blantonmuseum.org FEBRUARY 23-28 AUSTIN: “The Sound of Music.” Bass Concert Hall. www.BroadwayInAustin. com, 800-731-7469.

FEBRUARY 25 BOERNE: “TAO: Seventeen Samurai” This exciting new show combines explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. Boerne Champion Auditorium. www.visitboerne.org.

KERRVILLE: Symphony of the Hills Concert. Cailloux Theater. www.symphonyofthehills.org.

FEBRUARY 27-28 BOERNE: Boerne Antiques Show. Featuring more than 60 booths of authentic American antiques. Kendall County Fairgrounds. www.texasantiqueshows.com.

MARCH 5 DRIPPING SPRINGS: Texas Night Sky Festival (See story, page 6). Live presentations, displays, Discovery Dome Star Show, night sky observing party, more.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park. www.TexasNightSkyFestival.org.

MARCH 26 JOHNSON CITY: Last Saturday Art Walk.

Celebrate good Texas goods and great Texas art at Texcetera. This month’s show, “Dream Trees,” features the art of Ali Mignonne. Complimentary wine, beer and appetizers. www.texcetera.net APRIL 8 KYLE: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Extravaganza 2016: An Enchanting Evening at Texas Old Town. Enjoy cocktails, dinner by Chef Jay Events, dancing to Groove Knight, live and silent auctions, casino. www.ststeveschool.org.

APRIL 22 WIMBERLEY: St. Stephen’s Episcopal School 5th Annual Earth Day. Event for area preschoolers and families on Friday, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Creative crafts, nature activities, playground play and a beautiful nature trail. 6000 FM 3237, www. ststeveschool.org, 512-847-9857.

APRIL 23 WIMBERLEY: 1st Annual Heart of Texas Herb Symposium. Celebrate multi-faceted power of plants, as pillars of herbal and plant community come together to share their knowledge through lectures, plant walks, and workshops for beginners to advanced. EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Register at www.heartoftexasherbsymposium.com.

MAY 14 WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Garden Club’s 21st Annual Garden Tour. Showcasing six beautiful private gardens and one newly designed public garden in the Wimberley Valley. Native plants and water-wise gardening will be featured.

The tour will include refreshments, a native plant sale, and the sale of unique, hand-made garden art. www.wimberleygardenclub.org.

Work?

Work.

Work!

Born, bred, and based in Texas for over 125 years, we know the kind of hard work it takes to start, care for, and maintain successful hives. The BeeWeaver Queens and Bees are organically raised, and most of our customers choose to manage chemical free honey bee hives, as we do. Our honey bees, hive equipment, protective gear, honey, professional consultation, and education have raised the industry standard - you might even qualify for an Ag-Use Exemption!* With multiple central Texas pick ups and shipping options, it’s easy to get to work with our queens, bees, equipment, and gear.

*Contact your local County Tax Office for Ag Exemption details specific to your property

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Texas Queens and Bees Since 1888 Visit us at beeweaver.com and beegoodsmercantile.com 12/22/15 11:29 AM

HILL COUNTRY SUN R FEBRUARY 2016 PAGE 15

Designing Homes in the Hill Country For over 20 years

LATCHFORD BACHARDY ARCHITECTS A full service architectural firm

100 Melody Way, Suite C Wimberley, Texas 78676

Office (512) 847-0802 www.lb-architects.com

Wimberley Pools & Outdoor Living SPECIALIZING IN

Custom In-Ground Pools & Renovations Serving Central Texas for 20 years Free Estimates Lifetime Warranty

512-585-7788 TheWimberleyPoolCo.com

POOL SWIM READY FOR AS LOW AS $25,995 PAGE 16 FEBRUARY 2016 R HILL COUNTRY SUN