4 minute read
The Apple Store at Love Creek Orchards
By Ernie Algelt
Many would agree that one of the Hill Country’s best loved “drives” is the stretch of Highway 16 between Bandera and Kerrville. With its lower river crossings and straightaways before transitioning into undulating elevations, this well-traveled piece of beautiful blacktop beckons to any and all on two or four wheels with its serene charm and stunning scenery. But many frequent visitors insist it’s not just the mileage that makes this trek so appealing, it’s the mandatory stop, conveniently in-route, at wee Medina’s renowned The Apple Store – an oasis of savory burgers, bountiful baked goods, myriad sweet treats and gifts galore all in a roadside respite that’s just too good to pass up. Yep, to the well-initiated, “braking” at The Apple Store is nothing less than a treasured “rite of passage” that truly is a rest stop that’s the best stop. Whoa!
Opened in 1985 by the apple-growing pioneer Baxter Adams and his wife Carol, who had recently relocated to the Medina area, The Apple Store was a natural outgrowth of their Love Creek Orchards operations. Established on Medina’s main street (Highway 16) in a period-perfect 1945 rock cottage, the retail enterprise quickly became a popular destination for travelers headed up and down the thoroughfare thanks to its eclectic offerings of apple- and non-apple related items. Between the larger towns of Bandera and Kerrville, there wasn’t really much reason to stop except for fuel or, to get directions before The Apple Store but, after its inception, wow, did it catch on with the hungry, weary road warrior seeking a few moments of relaxation, repast and, perhaps to make a purchase or two of something uniquely apple-or-not appropriate. Over the years, it just kept getting better and better as its inventory was refined and expanded.
Today, under the proprietorship of the very capable Stacie and Bryan Hutzler, who acquired the biz from the Adams in 2007, The Apple Store continues to attract even more visitors from the immediate area, across the state and, even internationally. But, that’s not so surprising. As mentioned, joy riders love Highway 16 but inevitably, a “stop” at some point becomes necessary. A call of nature, the need for a snack or lunch, to stretch one’s legs, the reasons are many but everyone at some point says, “enough driving” and, The Apple Store provides the perfect excuse to “park it” for a while.
Still operating within and around the old cottage on main street, patrons delight in the emporium’s varied offerings. Besides the “facilities,” the adjoining patio café serving up its “best ever” burgers is usually where folks head first. Recommended by the Hutzlers is their signature spicy pepperjack hamburger featuring bacon, jalapeno mustard, spicy pickles, lettuce, onions and tomatoes all embraced on a jalapeno cheese bun. With a side of fries and a cold lemonade or iced tea followed by some apple ice cream, well, that’s eating!
Once the appetite is satisfied, a stroll back inside the cottage beckons with its assortment of on-site baked goods including sumptuous apple and pecan pies, jams, strudels, turnovers, jumbo cookies and more, all made “from scratch.” And, the savvy insist on adding a pint or gallon of the store’s famous apple ice cream to their order as well. But the neatness doesn’t end with the edibles.
Fun gifts abound in other rooms including large selections of tee shirts, kitchen items, outdoor decorative creations, even toys. It’s hard not to find something that “you’ve just got to have!” So, are you planning a cruise on Highway 16 this summer? Well, now you know what must be on your itinerary – a stop at The Apple Store! For first-timers and veterans, it truly remains an essential rite of passage on this always delightful journey. Photos courtesy Love Creek Orchards.
FYI • The Apple Store is located at 14024 State Highway 16 North in Medina, Texas. The store and bakery are open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. The café is open 11 am to 3 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. For more information including mail order purchases, visit the website at lovecreekorchards.com or call 830-200-0302.
