Hill Country Sun, June/July/August 2023 Issue

June/July/August 2023

people | places |music events | parks | wildlife | shopping lodging | dining & more

INDEX

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

Texas Hill Country LOCATOR MAP

© 2023 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

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

Julie Spell Harrington Publisher/Ad Sales

512-484-9716 • julie@hillcountrysun.com

Melissa Maxwell Ball Editor/Design 512-569-8212 • melissa@hillcountrysun.com

Writers Ernie Altgelt & Bonnie Eissler

Volume 29, Number 10 ISSN: 1524-2315.

Entire contents © Copyright 2023 by TD Austin Lane, Inc.

COVER PHOTOS: See Hill Country sights in a unique and unforgettable way with Ranch Road One Bike Rentals and Tours of Stonewall, Texas. See story, page 10. Photos courtesy Ranch Road One Bike Rentals & Tours.

Distribution Gerry Burns

hillcountrysun.com

facebook.com/hillcountrysun

WILD LIFE GALLERY

By BONNIE EISSLER

Anew art gallery in Wimberley, WILD LIFE, showcases the work of prize-winning adventure photographer Rodney Bursiel. The grand opening on March 24 gave visitors a close-up view of magnificent large animals in Africa, sadly some that have been hunted to near extinction, and the great white shark, an apex predator that Rodney says is one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet, beautiful wild horses running in the ocean, and portraits of living legends like Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett. There was also an opportunity to support efforts to save the white rhinoceros from extinction, with James Mwenda, from Kenya, giving an inspirational talk about this important conservation cause.

The art gallery has four rooms each with a different theme: Equine, Africa, Music and Water. “I focus on the subjects that I enjoy the most,” Rodney says. His began his career by taking photographs of musicians he admires because of his lifelong love for music, and it was a musician named Donavon Frankenreiter who rekindled his interest in underwater photography, which in turn led to a spectacular underwater shot of a surfer in Fiji that won third prize in a National Geographic Travel Photograph of the Year (2017) competition.

Rodney’s dad, who owned a scuba shop and gave lessons for 30 years, was an underwater photography hobbyist. “My dad taught me diving and photography,” Rodney says, “but after he sold the shop, I didn’t do any underwater photography for many years.” He later met

See WILD LIFE, Page 8

Photographer Rodney Bursiel. BELOW Love and Revelation, Rodney’s photo of the wild white horses of Camargue, France.

WILD LIFE, from Page 6

Donavon, a musician and surfer from California, when he played at Austin City Limits. Donavon was doing surf camps with Billabong and Rodney wanted to go along and take some photographs. “I’d never been surfing and I hadn’t been diving in 20 years, but I was ready to go even though I had to pay my own way, it took 48 hours to get there and at 6 am they’re all surfing, so I jumped in the water and started taking photos.” He gave these to Donavon who gave them to his sponsors who bought them. “We became good friends and I still travel with him sometimes,” Rodney says.

“I wanted a more adventurous life, more action” is how he explains the wanderlust that drives him to swim with sharks, killer whales and crocodiles, and to travel to Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia to photograph elephants and lions. Getting those amazing shots sometimes takes a lot of patience, as Rodney recalls watching two lions sleep for three hours before the female stood up and dawn broke amid dramatic cloud formations (“Majestic” photograph)

“When I first went to Africa, I didn’t see a single rhino the whole time we were there. We drove the entire Serengeti, a planned two-week trip turned into five weeks, then 10 days in Kenya, and Ethiopia but still no rhinos.” It was around this time that he got a clearer picture of how terribly threatened these animals are and how protective the rangers have to be to guard the rhino’s location because of the staggering rates of illegal hunting for its horn.

Meeting James Mwenda of Kenya Ol Pejeta Conservancy had a profound effect on Rodney and inspired him to do what he could with his photographs to call attention to this tragedy, as he’d already done as an advocate for protecting the great sharks and other endangered animals. “I’ve been encouraged by reactions from people who tell me how much the photographs and the stories have affected them,”

Rodney says. He sees that his work can make a difference. “A big part of this gallery is rhino conservation,” he says.

James told those at the WILD LIFE gallery opening about growing up in a small village and how from a young age he’d wanted to protect the animals. He could never have imagined when he was 10 years old that he would someday, in Sudan, be one of the men who would take care of the last male Northern White Rhinoceros. He says although it’s true that man is responsible for driving this extinction, he is also working to revive the species. “We still have a lot of beauty on our planet, no matter what is going on in the world,” James says, “whenever you can do something that is a greater cause than your everyday regular activities, that is a blessing.”

At WILD LIFE, we see the beauty on our planet in the photographs of these amazing creatures that are such an important part of our world. The message from WILD LIFE is this: we all have a part to play as custodians of this planet. It boils down to asking “what can I do?” and then doing something.

Photos courtesy Rodney Bursiel.

FYI • WILD LIFE is located at 13620 Ranch Road 12. Hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm and Monday through Wednesday by appointment. WILD LIFE donates 50 percent of profits from sales of “Wimberley the Rhino” merchandise to conservation efforts at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The shop features many items acquired on Rodney’s travels to complement the themes of the galleries. For example in the Africa room there are baskets from Rwanda and beaded necklaces from Kenya; and miniature guitar replicas and books about musicians Rodney photographed (including Willie Nelson) in the Music Room. To see many of the photographs that are on display at the gallery, and to purchase prints, visit the website at rodneybursielphotography.com.

Majestic.

Photograph by Rodney Bursiel.

Fun cycling adventures awaits!

By ERNIE ALTGELT

It’s no secret that thousands come every year to explore the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Some use their personal cars, others prefer motorcycles but, for those inclined to a more intimate and physical experience, nothing beats a bicycle and, more and more are discovering the same.

Just imagine the gentle pace where frequently the only sounds (besides those nature produces) are the occasional whir of the gears coupled with the muted slap of rubber tread on blacktop. When in this mode, man-made distractions are almost unheard of. Yep, the only thing left is the pure enjoyment of being quietly immersed in the surrounding environment with the added bonus of doing so at any pace desired. And, when the ambiance is just right, the entire experience can be almost hypnotic. Pedal on!

But how can you make that happen? Well, slap down your kickstand and meet the Ranch Road One Bike Rentals and Tours company. Created in 2020 by brother and sister, Nick and Hannah English, in Stonewall, Texas.

The pair personally had always enjoyed biking. Born in Fredericksburg but attending school in Stonewall, as children they spent their youth riding, as they admit, “everywhere.” Later, as bicycling adults —but now in possession of an extensive knowledge of the area’s roads and popular destinations — it occurred to the entrepreneurial pair others might enjoy this mode of exploring, as well.

And, to reinforce this belief, the savvy duo had also noticed more and more vacationers arriving with their own two-wheelers strapped to the rear of their cars. So, why not open a bike rental business?

They agreed to form a partnership, rented a storefront and then stocked the new biz with an inventory of 20 brand-new traditional seven-speed bicycles and even seven pedal-assisted e-bikes (semielectric versions that can take some of the load off the rider). Available in step-through and step-over models, all are high-quality, comfortable

See BIKE RENTALS, Page 11

The Pedernales River ABOVE and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Photos courtesy Ranch Road One Bike Rentals and Tours.

and come equipped with a basket and a helmet. The only restrictions are that every rider must be at least 12 years of age (18 for the e-bikes) and know how to ride. How easy is that? The venture clicked.

And, with a simple but effective business plan (renting bikes by the day or half-day on weekends), success could occur almost anywhere in the Hill Country but the English’s added advantage was definitely their location. Operating in close proximity to delightful Ranch Road 1, which wends its way east from Stonewall for 6.1 gorgeous miles following the south banks of the soothing Pedernales River truly offers an ideal bicycling trek.

By including various side-roads that branch off Ranch Road 1, riders are given the freedom to customize their itineraries, trip lengths and/or select appropriate stops and exertion levels. And, before setting off, Hannah and Nick are always happy to provide advice and detailed maps highlighting some of the many popular Ranch Road 1 and intersecting roads’ points of interest and destinations.

These include no less than LBJ National Historical Park and the LBJ Ranch, as well as other fun distractions, including nine wineries, a distillery, multiple peach and fruit stands, eateries, an ice house and, along the river, lots of welcoming picnic tables. Wow!

So, the next time you’re planning that trip to the Hill Country, make sure to include a little two-wheel adventuring to “round out” your vacation. You too can become an easy rider, Hill Country style!

Photos courtesy Ranch Road One Bike Rentals and Tours.

FYI • Ranch Road One Bike Rentals and Tours is located in Stonewall at 1779 Klein Road. Hours of operation are Friday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Bikes can be pre-booked online at any time, advance reservations are required. For more information, call 830-391-9155 or visit the website at bikerr1.com

the scenery on your bicycling trek. Longhorns at LBJ Ranch ABOVE and the Lockheed JetStar, which flew the president in and out of the ranch. Photos courtesy Ranch Road One Bike Rentals and Tours.

America Reclaimed

... utilizing a nation’s architectural history

By ERNIE ALTGELT

An appreciation for our architectural heritage comes naturally to those of us who delight in visually experiencing any beautiful, old edifice lovingly created years ago by craftsmen who definitely took pride in accomplishment. And, while many longstanding structures remain in good repair, unfortunately others succumb to time eventually suffering from neglect or abandonment. For those no longer viable, the fate is often demolition. Thankfully for preservationists, sometimes portions can be rescued and reused, ultimately breathing new life into the old.

And happily for those of us who appreciate recycling efforts, Comfort, Texas, is now home to a farsighted (but with an eye to the past) couple that has embraced the philosophy (and enterprise) of reclamation by acquiring and then marketing stellar examples featuring various aspects of our nation’s traditional architectural culture. Their establishment is appropriately named America Reclaimed and targets the like-minded seeking something special harvested from former homes and commercial buildings that featured exceptional quality in design and component elements. And yes, architectural heritage abounds!

The establishment was initially opened in West Point, Texas, in 2020 by husband and wife, Brian and Sarah Kleinwachter. The Hill Country lure brought the pair to Comfort a year later on a visit where, after discovering an abandoned lumber yard replete with multiple, 100-year-old structures on a sprawling 3-acre town-lot, a decision was quickly reached to purchase the property then move the biz (lock, stock and barrel) to the historic German community. As Sarah relates, “The old yard has proven to be the perfect fit for our inventory which also compliments Comfort’s reputation as an “antique town.’”

Today visitors rejoice in “how everything so perfectly meshes.” The weathered buildings and former lumber racks overflow with a bounty of antique exceptionalism ranging from countless antiquated doors, yards of aged timber flooring and table tops, complete windows, glass, metal and wood exterior and interior accent pieces and, of course, lots of functional and fun antique furniture and other decorative neatness.

See RECLAIMED, Page 14

Sarah and Brian Kleinwachter. Photograph courtesy America Reclaimed.

RECLAIMED, from Page 12

Adjoining workshops further contribute by allowing various, gifted on-site craftspeople to repair or re-imagine items. Custom furniture work using the reclaimed materials are eagerly accepted. All in all, it’s an amazing assemblage but, with Brian’s background in the architectural/antique business (both parents were professionals) coupled with Sarah’s training as an interior decorator with lots of retail experience, then fueled by a mutual love of seeking the unique in vintage materials from across the nation, creating America Reclaimed truly was the natural outcome. Patrons of all stripe (homeowners, decorators, designers, buyers, collectors, builders) have made the Kleinwachter emporium a “must experience” destination in this quaint small town on the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Beyond the wonderful array of architectural and structural items, America Reclaimed also boasts a large assortment of authentic Americana, including commercial signage, smaller household goods and other age-appropriate products that can complete a guest’s shopping list. Add to that an atmosphere conducive to socializing –there’s regularly-scheduled live music and incredible eats are often available – and, a visit can become something of a festive affair.

As a related new side business, America Reclaimed has also gotten into constructing “little houses.” As Brian attests, “These very livable mini-abodes are meticulously made using a lot of our “reclaimed” materials. They’re very popular and cool!” So, if you’re planning on building or thinking about some remodeling, and you’ve got a yen for yesteryear, consider a visit to America Reclaimed. You just might find that “something special from before” that will add a little intriguing history to the project. Better claim it quick, though... or we should say, reclaim it! Photos courtesy America Reclaimed

FYI • America Reclaimed is located at 810 Avenue A in Comfort. For more information, call 830-285-2475 or visit www.americareclaimed.co

Blanco’s Big Blue Barn

BLANCO H Halfway between Wimberley and Blanco, at the intersection of Ranch Roads 2325 and 165, you’ll find Arnosky Family Farms’ Big Blue Barn. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, the vibrant structure is filled with fresh cut flowers, vegetable and herb plants, potted flowers and hanging baskets, all lovingly grown by the family on 88 acres. Fresh eggs from their chickens, and local goat cheese from Pure Luck Dairy are also available. Stop by the barn to shop (cash or checks only), bring a picnic, or just relax and spend some time on the back porch. Photo courtesy Arnosky Family Farms

FYI • The Arnosky Family Farms’ Big Blue Barn is located at 13977 Farm Market 2325 in Blanco. For more information, call 512-517-9372 or visit the website at texascolor.com.

You Need It!

... a truly unique shopping experience in Blanco

By BONNIE EISSLER

When Kathy Chesnut, owner of You Need It in Blanco, moved to the Texas Hill Country 10 years ago, she was new to the thrill of searching thrift shops and flea markets for hidden treasures and flipping second-hand furniture into “shabby chic” must-have home decor. “Some of the first items I sold were rustic chairs and tables that I found at thrift and consignment shops,” Kathy says, “I always went to Wimberley first because they have such a good selection there.”

After working for five years as a vendor at Fredericksburg Trade Days selling mostly art and refurbished upcycled furniture, Kathy garnered enough success from that venture to rent store space in town on the square as she continued to build her business.

Kathy has a knack for knowing what her customers want and this is the secret for stocking this delightful store with a tempting array of merchandise: colorful comfortable clothing, stylish designer handbags, paintings and art prints, bath products, children’s books, toys and games, tasty food products from local companies like Fredericksburg Farms and Brazos River Provisions based in Rosenberg, Texas. Purchasing decisions and values are customer-focused. “Vendors are often personal friends,” Kathy says, “and customers, including locals and visitors, often suggest items they’d like to see in the store and I pay attention to that.”

Bright colors, fun fashion and art, a free-spirited aesthetic and a whole lot of Texas-themed gifts and accessories are the hallmarks of You Need It. The Lone Star State shines big and bright in acrylics, giclee prints, painted bottles and bells with fields of bluebonnets, longhorns, sunflowers, roadrunners and yucca plants.

Besides painting and brightening up rustic furniture, Kathy makes all of the flower arrangements and wreaths, often showcasing succulents, that are featured in the store. Her daughter, Carrie Davis, stitches the boho pillows from rag rugs and fabric scraps. Although she has a full-time job in Austin, Carrie helps with ordering and other office work. She also makes the bath bombs.

“Hill Country artist, Karen Dawson, is always bringing in new paintings and her wildflower pieces are the most popular,” Kathy says, “but her animals never last long.” Karen paints lavish wildflower scenes with buzzing bees on recycled glass bottles and jars, large and small, everything from Prego spaghetti sauce and small Oui yogurt jars to wine bottles, each one a practical and beautiful gift from Blanco and Texas. Kathy says, “I like to help small town businesses get their merchandise out where it can be discovered.”

Cheryl Turner, another artist whose paintings brighten the interior of You Need It, picked up a paintbrush and never looked back after a career in law enforcement as a deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Houston. She says this opened up a whole new world for her. Her whimsical animal paintings include one of a blue donkey bedecked with bluebonnets and wildflowers and another of a comical bright orange goat.

Savanna Jane’s embroidered dresses and tops and Consuela’s stylish leather tote bags are two of the store’s most popular brands, with each perfectly complementing the light-hearted ambiance of the shop.

See YOU NEED IT! Page 17

Consuela was founded by Conni Reed from Austin, whose motto is “live in color” and whose design philosophy blends unexpected contradictions of colors and prints. She was inspired by the flowers, birds and other joyful designs of Mexican oil cloth, and began her career by selling her handcrafted totes at local flea markets and craft shows until she got a big break in 2008 and started to sell to the wholesale market.

You Need It is in equal parts a general store, gift shop, art and clothing boutique that makes it easy for locals to shop local and for out-of-towners to find unique gifts and souvenirs. It’s a microcosm of the much larger Fredericksburg Trade Days, where the maxim is “if you can’t find it here, you don’t need it.”

Photos by Bonnie Eissler.

FYI • You Need It! is a gift shop and boutique offering unique Texas goods for everyone, including pets. The shop is located at 310 Pecan Street in Blanco, open 7 days a week. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information, call 830-833-3022 and follow You Need It! on Facebook.

Motorcycles from around the world at VANDERPOOL MUSEUM

VANDERPOOL H The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, just four miles north of Vanderpool, is open Friday through Sunday (March to November) from 10 am to 4 pm. The unique museum features an impressive display of more than 60 motorcycles from around the world, dating from the 1910s to modern day.

Admission is $7 for adults, $6 ages 65 and up. Visitors 15 and under and 90 years and up get in free. Groups of 10 or more are $6 each; active military and spouse $5 each.

Photo courtesy Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.

FYI • The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum is located at 36517 Highway 187, less than one mile south of Lost Maples State Natural Area (also on Highway 187). For more information, visit lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com or call 830-966-6103.

A Frio Tradition!

Our 39th Summer on the Frio!

LEAKEY’S JULY JUBILEE Celebrate June 30-July 2!

Frio River & GSP T-Shirts H Burlebo

Flip Flops H Patagonia H Consuela

H Birkenstock H Chacos H TEVA

Yellow Box H Red Dirt Hat Co. H Hats/Caps

River Gear H Sendero Provisions

Howler Bros H Staunch H Cobian

H Pura Vida H Brighton H Resort Wear

Jewelry H Gifts H and More!

Snack Shack serving

Hand Dipped Blue Bell H Hawaiian Shaved Ice

Frio’s Dry Fifty Mining Co.

Sunday-Thursday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Friday-Saturday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm

LEAKEY H Friday and Saturday, enjoy a vendor market and rodeo, and don’t miss the parade on Saturday! The Sunday evening Street Dance is the culmination of the special July 4th celebration 7:30 pm on 4th street and Highway 83. Country traditionalist Jesse Daniel opens the show at 7:30 pm, followed by Asleep at the Wheel at 9 pm. For more than 50 years, Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson has been traversing the globe as an ambassador of Western swing music, introducing its irresistible sound to generation after generation. More than 100 musicians have passed through the Wheel, but Benson remains the front man and the keeper of the vision, in the process racking up more than 30 albums, ten Grammy awards and millions of miles on the road. Rising star Jesse Daniel opens the show.

Family-friendly activities abound, including the July Jubilee Parade, a vendor market on the square, and the annual rodeo. Home to the Frio River, visitors enjoy floating the river, hiking, camping, swimming, and one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities. Photos courtesy Visit Leakey.

FYI • Tickets for the Sunday evening dance are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Buy by June 2 for a $5 discount for Real and Uvalde county residents. Buy tickets online at JulyJubileeTx.com and in person at Leakey Drug during business hours. For information go to JulyJubileeTX.com, and follow Visit Leakey Facebook and Instagram.

Asleep at the Wheel headlines the Street Dance July 2. Photo courtesy Asleep at the Wheel.

IN THE PATH OF THE ECLIPSE

The Hill Country will play center stage to two amazing solar events

Saturday, October 14, 2023: Annular Solar Eclipse

Monday, April 8, 2024: Total Solar Eclipse

What is an eclipse?

An eclipse occurs when one object passes in front of another or when an object passes in between two aligned objects. Many objects in our solar system can eclipse each other; however, our Moon, our Sun and the Earth are most important to us. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow. For a solar eclipse to occur, the Moon must pass in between the Earth and the Sun. This passing casts a shadow on the Earth, and only those in the shadow can witness the eclipse. When the Moon is furthest from us (at apogee), only part of the Sun is covered, and this is known as an annular solar eclipse. When the Moon is closest to us (at perigee), the Sun is fully covered, yielding a total solar eclipse

Annular Eclipse - 10/14/2023

The 2023 eclipse path of annularity will begin on the coast of Oregon and sweep northwest to southeast across the United States. It will enter Texas crossing over the Panhandle Plains and the Permian Basin, making its way down to the Gulf Coast. In the Hill Country, it will be seen as far north as Fredericksburg, as far south as Uvalde, to the west in Rocksprings, and New Braunfels in the east. At the centerline, annularity will last just a few seconds shy of five minutes.

Total Eclipse - 4/8/2024

The 2024 eclipse path of totality will play opposite to 2023, entering the United States and Texas at the southeastern-most tip of the Hill Country and making its way northeast, eventually departing up in the Piney Woods region of the state. While some eastern parts of Travis, Hays, Comal, and Bexar counties fall outside of the path of totality, their county’s western areas will bear witness, as will all the other counties of the Hill Country. At the centerline, observers will get almost four and a half minutes of totality.

. Data: NASA. Eclipse track: Fred Espenak. Courtesy Jay Anderson,

graphics with permission from the American Astronomical Society. https://eclipse.aas.org.

Old Settlers Reunion Camp Wood tradition August 4-5

CAMP WOOD H The 62nd annual, free, family-friendly eventOld Settlers Reunion — in downtown Camp Wood features a parade, live music, and a dance. Friday, there’s the Nueces Canyon ex-students and teacher reunion at Lindbergh Park, with live music. Saturday starts with a parade in downtown Camp Wood. Following the parade, events in Lindbergh Park include a king and queen coronation, annual pie and salsa contests, and a decades-old washer and horseshoe tournament (fee for washers and horseshoes). Plus, enjoy live music and entertainment groups taking to the stage until 4 pm. Vendors offer an excellent selection of artwork, crafts, woodwork, leather work, jewelry, candles, paintings, hats, baked goods, stonework, taxidermy, new clothing, handbags, and a variety of food.

FYI • Camp Wood is on the Nueces River at the intersection of Farm Road 337 and State Highway 55. For more information, visit the website at nuecescanyonchamber.org

11 am - 8 pm

Friday

Saturday only

Wednesday & Thursday 7 am - 2 pm

Friday & Saturday 7 am - 8 pm

Miss Buffy’s Fried Chicken

830-234-7197

Texas

The Nueces River. Photo courtesy the Riv.

A Conversation Piece Around Every Corner!

Uvalde’s Grand Opera House

UVALDE H The Grand Opera House at 104 North West Street, built in 1891, is the second oldest opera house in the state of Texas. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The beautiful two-story Romanesque style theater, renovated in 1982 (once the utilized as offices for native Uvaldean and former Vice President John Nance Garner), quickly became a social center in Uvalde and a leading venue in the area for plays and musicals and cultural events.

Coins • Vintage Records • Cast Iron • Art • Hats

Boots • Pottery • Copper Pots • Furniture • Jewelry

Purses • Collectible Nikes® • Religious Artifacts

Fine Dinnerware • Handcrafted Tables • Vintage Toys

Lamps • Chandeliers & so much more!

This July 28-30, don’t miss Footloose: The Musical, presented by You POP. This youth edition is a one-hour version of the explosive musical specially designed for young performers. Check the website for additional performances.

A new community theater group - Encore - that uses a wide range of volunteer members’ artistic skills to further the performing arts in Uvalde. From acting to set design to choreography, there is no limit to the talents needed to pull off local productions. Members participate in fun mixers, volunteering at Opera House functions, and putting on productions. Whether your love is moving props or being center stage, there is a place for you in Encore.

Photo courtesy Grand Opera House.

FYI • The Grand Opera House is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information or details on volunteering with Encore, call 830-278-4184 or visit the website at uvaldeoperahouse.com.

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

FOURTH SUNDAY

BANDERA: Frontier Times Jamboree. Afternoon jamboree with live music, storytelling, and fun for all. frontiertimesmuseum.org.

EVERY NIGHT

DRIFTWOOD: Live music every night (except Fridays) at Hays City Store. hayscitystoretx.com.

EVERY TUESDAY

GRUENE: Two Ton Tuesdays. Gruene Hall. gruenehall.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Food and Wine Pairing Dinners at Bryans on 290. bryanson290.com.

FIRST TUESDAY

BANDERA: Cowboy Opry. Silver Sage community and senior center hosts this Grand Ole Opry-style show on the first Tuesday of most months. Refreshments and door prizes. SilverSage.org.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Farmers Market. Pound House Farmstead at Founders Memorial Park. 3 pm to 6 pm.

EVERY THURSDAY

SAN MARCOS: Summer in the Park (through August 10). Bands of various genres perform every Thursday night from June to the second week of August. Plaza Park. summerintheparksm.org.

EVERY FRIDAY

BANDERA: Riding on Faith Friday Night Summer Rodeo Series. Through August 25. Open rodeo features bull riding, mini-bulls, barrel racing, and roping. Facebook.com/ridingonfaithrodeoseries.

WIMBERLEY: Friday Night Bingo. Doors open 6:30 pm, Early Bird Bingo at 7 pm, Regular Bingo at 8 pm. BYOB. VFW Post 6441, 401 Jacobs Well Road. vfw6441.com/bingo

SECOND FRIDAY

UVALDE: Four Square Friday. Enjoy late-night shopping, food, live music, and art. Historic Downtown Uvalde, Getty Street.

THIRD FRIDAY

KERRVILLE: Concerts by the River. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come to the park to enjoy free summer concerts along the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River on the third Friday of June and July. kerrvilletexascvb.com.

EVERY SATURDAY

BANDERA: Cowboys on Main. Free cowboy fun in downtown Bandera. Activities can include chuckwagon storytelling, hopping on a saddle-broke longhorn, or possibly a horse-drawn wagon tour of BANDERA. Most Saturdays, the Bandera Cattle Company performs gunfights at Rattlesnake Ridge located behind the Bandera Visitors Center. banderabusiness.com.

BANDERA: Chuckwagon Dinner and Show. Through July 29. A barbecue dinner with all the fix-in’s, live country music, dancing, and Western entertainment are part of the fun at this evening dinner and show. FyingL.com.

FIRST SATURDAY

BANDERA: Market Day. Arts and crafts vendors sell their wares and merchandise on Main Street. banderacowboycapital.com.

KERRVILLE: Kerr County Market Days and Hill Country Swap Meet. Featuring original handcrafted items from artists and crafters. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 SH 27. kerrmarketdays.org.

ROCKSPRINGS: Homesteaders Swap Meet. Canned items, baked goods, goat milk soaps, leather work, feed sack totes, jewelry, plants, balms, lotions, freeze dried goods and so much more! Edwards County Senior Activity Center, 104 Kerr Street, 830-499-0925.

FIRST SATURDAY

WIMBERLEY: Market Day (March-December). The Hill Country’s largest outdoor market! Shop more than 490 booths on 20 shaded acres at Lions Field. 7 am to 3 pm. wimberleymarketday.com.

EVERY WEEKEND

BANDERA: Live music. Friday 4 pm -2 am, Saturday and Saturday noon to 2 pm, redhorse-bandera.com

BOERNE: A Day at the Farm and Farmers Market. Whether you want to hike the trails, shop in the open air, get gardening inspiration, take classes on growing your food, help the Cibolo Center for Conservation maintain the land through volunteer service projects, or get new recipe ideas, the Farmers Market at Herff Farm is open rain or shine every Saturday throughout the year. Cibolo.org/locations/herff-farm.

BOERNE: Old Jail Museum Tours. The Kendall County Historic Jail was constructed in 1887 and served for a century as the county jail. In recent years, the Friends of the Kendall County Historic Jail have restored the space, bringing it back to life. TheJail.org.

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Music at Fox 12 Brewing. 12foxbeer.com.

JUNE 1-29 (Thursdays)

FREDERICKSBURG: Little Pioneers Homestead Adventures. Children ages 10 and under and their parents can enjoy a different pioneer period hands-on craft each week. PioneerMuseum.org.

JUNE 2 – JULY 29 (Fridays)

BUDA: Arts in the Park. Live entertainment under the stars every Friday evening in June and July at Buda Amphitheater and City Park. budaamphitheater.com/artsinthepark.

JUNE 9-10

DRIPPING SPRINGS: Community Garage Sale. Friday 8 am to 6pm, Saturday 8 am to 1 pm. Organized by Women in Mission, proceeds benefit local charitable organizations. Dripping Springs Methodist Church, 28900 Ranch Road 12. 512-508-3865.

JUNE 10

FREDERICKSBURG: Craft Beer Festival. Enjoy Texas craft beer, meet brew masters, relax in the Biergarten, attend cooking sessions, visit concessions and home brewers DIY area, participate in the Stein Hoist competition, and enjoy live music. fbgcraftbeerfestival.com.

JUNE 12-16

WIMBERLEY: Shakespeare Under the Stars. EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens EmilyAnn.org.

JUNE 13

WIMBERLEY: Blue Hole Star Party. Wimberley Valley Dark Sky Committee and the Texas State Astronomy Club share their telescopes and knowledge for the night. Admission is free, bring something to sit on, a picnic, and flashlights. Blue Hole Regional Park. cityofwimberley.com/parksandrec.

JUNE 15

STONEWALL: 62nd Annual Peach JAMboree and Rodeo. Celebration of the annual peach crop with peach judging, crowning of the Peach Queen, a parade, lots of peach eating and pit spitting, food, live music, and a rodeo. Stonewall Chamber of Commerce Grounds, 250 Peach Street. stonewalltexas.com/peach-jamboree.

JUNE 16-18

FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 350 vendors in seven barns and acres of antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, furniture, hunting accessories, candles, clothing, jewelry, food, and more. 355 Sunday Farms Lane. fbgtradedays.com.

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

JUNE 17

BLANCO: Market Day. About 70 vendors offer crafts, apparel, home decor, plants, baked goods, art, embroidery and crocheted items, and jewelry. Food vendors are on site, and live music fills the air. Admission is free. historicblanco.org/market-day.

JUNE 17

BUDA: Juneteenth Celebration. Food, music and vendors at Badu Amphitheater and City Park Pavilion. visitbudatx.com.

BOERNE: Music in the Cave: Summer Solstice. Featuring singer and performance artist Rudi Harst surrounded by the Rudiments, in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. cavewithoutaname.com.

JUNE 19- JULY 1

WIMBERLEY: Musical Theatre Camp. For students ages 12-18. Camp Show: “Alice in Wonderland, the Musical.” EmilyAnn.org.

JUNE 21-25

AUSTIN: Asian American Film Festival. Feature filmmakers’ unique voices are celebrated in a forum where viewers come together to experience the wide array of Asian American Pacific Islander perspectives. aaafilmfest.org.

JUNE 23

KERRVILLE: Concert by the River. Pack up your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy a summer concert along the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River with Landon Lloyd Miller and Rebecca Loebe. kerrvilletexascvb.com/events/2023/concerts-by-the-river.

JUNE 24-25

AUSTIN: City-Wide Vintage Sale. Shop more than 100 vendors offering vintage clothing, mid-century modern decor, vintage art, collectibles, lighting, upcycled art, and unique. Palmer Events Center. citywidevintagesale.com.

JOHNSON CITY: Market Days. Open-air market features vendors and artisans selling handmade or locally produced products in the heart of Texas wine country. johnsoncitytexas.info.

JUNE 30 – JULY 2

WIMBERLEY: Fourth of July Rodeo. CPRA-sanctioned rodeo includes bull riding, tie-down calf roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, women’s breakaway roping and barrel racing. Wimberley VFW Arena. vfw6441.com.

JUNE 30 - JULY 3

LEAKEY: July Jubilee. Rodeo Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm, Saturday morning parade at 10 am. Vendor market on the Square Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Concert and Street Dance Sunday featuring Asleep at the Wheel and Jesse Daniel from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. JulyJubileeTX.com.

JUNE 30 - JULY 23

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Players present “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie. WimberleyPlayers.org.

JUNE 30 – JULY 28

INGRAM: Summer Art Market. More than 20 artists and craftsmen display handmade wares. Hill Country Arts Foundation. hcaf.com.

JUNE 30-31

CONCAN: 4th of July Frio River Jam Fest. With Randy Rogers Band and Muscadine Bloodline. HousePasture.com.

JUNE 30-31

ROCKSPRINGS: 94th Annual 4th of July Celebration and PBR Bull Riding. Enjoy a Saturday morning parade 10 am. Plus, washer pitching and cornhole tourneys, goat roping, a PBR Bull Riding Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 pm, and a 9 pm dance both nights. EdwardsCountyFair.com.

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

JULY 1

COMFORT: Independence Day Celebration. Kids’ Bike Parade at 9:30 am, parade at 10 am, followed by a barbecue lunch in Comfort Park. Plus Miss Comfort pageant, live music, pie contest, shopping at local businesses and more. comfortchamber.com.

JULY 1-2, 15-16

FREDERICKSBURG: Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Come out during the summer season for exciting live horse racing at the fairgrounds’ Class 3 track. Quarter horse and thoroughbred racing, special races, trials, and futurities. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive. gillespiefair.com.

JULY 3-9

LAMPASAS: Spring Ho Festival. Since 1972, festivities include live music, shops by the creek, entertainment for kids and families, fireworks show, and a parade. springho.com.

JULY 4

AUSTIN: H-E-B Austin Symphony July Fourth Concert and Fireworks. Annual concert of patriotic music plus spectacular fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake. austinsymphony.org.

BANDERA: 27th Annual Pet Parade. Dress up your pets, join the procession, and enter to win the judging contest for Best of the Wild West, Most Original, Look-A-Like, and other categories. Bandera City Park, 173 Main Street. ccpalrescue.org.

BANDERA: Barbecue Dinner and Fourth of July Parade. American Legion 410 Post in Lakehills celebrates the Fourth of July with a parade that runs down Park Road 37 through Lakehills, followed by a barbecue dinner, live auction and country music. alpost410.com.

BEE CAVE: Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Celebration. Let freedom ring with a dog-friendly day full of shopping, music, barbecue, family fun, and fireworks. hillcountrygalleria.com.

BUDA: Red, White, and Buda. Features a bike parade, live music, vendors, food, and a fireworks show to end the day. Buda Amphitheater and City Park, 100 San Antonio Street. budaamphitheater.com/ redwhitebuda.

CEDAR PARK: July Fourth Celebration. Live music, carnival rides, inflatables, concessions, fireworks, and movie in the park immediately following the fireworks. cedarparktexas.gov/335/july-4-celebration.

FREDERICKSBURG: Fourth of July Parade. Small-town patriotic parade begins in the morning, heading east on Main to the National Museum of the Pacific War and west on Main to Bowie Street. Bring lawn chairs or use the tailgate of your pick-up. fbgtxparade.org.

FREDERICKSBURG: Fourth of July Fireworks. Multiple viewing areas available inside the park and at Gillespie County Fairgrounds. Bring your own eats, drinks, and lawn chairs for seating. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive. fbgtx.org.

GEORGETOWN: Fourth of July. Live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, beer and wine vendor, petting zoo, food, classic and antique cars, games, rides for children and adults, and fireworks. Admission is free. visit.georgetown.org/sertomas-4th-of-july-in-the-park.

HUTTO: Fourth of July Celebration. Live music, food, children’s activities, vendors, fireworks. Lawn chairs are encouraged for the fireworks show. Brushy Creek Amphitheater, 1001 County Road 137.

KERRVILLE: Fourth on the River. Annual celebration with concert, vendors, and a huge fireworks display. Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive. facebook.com/kerrvilles4th.

UTOPIA: Fireworks at dark in Utopia Park on Farm Market 1050. JULY 7

UVALDE: Summer Star Party at the Uvalde County Visitors Center. VisitUvaldeCounty.com.

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

JULY 7-8

MASON: Rodeo and Round-Up Weekend. A weekend of small-town charm starts Friday at the rodeo arena. Saturday morning parade followed by festival filled with games, arts, crafts, food, and shopping. Saturday night finals for the rodeo, followed by a concert and dance at the Slab. masontxcoc.com/annual-events.

JULY 7-9, 14-16

WIMBERLEY: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Musical production in the wonderful indoor theatre. EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. EmilyAnn.org.

JULY 7 – AUGUST 12

AUSTIN: Zilker Summer Musical. Pack a picnic and enjoy a free, outdoor, musical at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. Performances Thursdays through Sundays. 2206 Barton Springs Road. zilker.org.

JULY 8-9

KERRVILLE: 8th Annual Summer Market. Vendors bring clothing, Texas handmade goods, gourmet food, gifts, jewelry, holiday and home décor, accessories, candles, art, photography, gifts for the guys, and other merchandise. texasmarketguide.com.

KERRVILLE: Texas Gun & Knife Show. Vendors sell new and used guns, knives, ammo, coins, jewelry, camping gear, accessories, and other items. Kerr County Hill Country Youth Event Center. texasgunandknifeshows.com.

JULY 14-16

FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. Shop more than 350 vendors in seven barns and acres of antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, furniture, hunting accessories, candles, clothing, jewelry, food, and more. 355 Sunday Farms Lane. fbgtradedays.com.

JULY 15

BURNET: 100 Year Boat-A-Thon. Bring your own boat, kayak, canoe, or ski boat, or borrow one from the park, and celebrate 100 years of paddling at Inks Lake. Parade follows the new paddling trail from Park Store to the South Fishing Pier and back, plus races at various times. Inks Lake State Park. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake.

FREDERICKSBURG: Night in Old Fredericksburg and Barbecue Cookoff. Live parimutuel horse racing, a Lone Star Barbecue Society cookoff, and other activities all during the day. Plenty of cold beverages and food available. gillespiefair.com.

JULY 22

BANDERA: National Day of the American Cowboy. Activities take place at the Bandera County Courthouse. Guests can enjoy chuckwagon storytelling from cowboys on Main, wagon rides, photos with a longhorn, games, shootouts from Bandera Gunfighters, trick ropers, live music, and special Old West guests, and a medicine show. Ridin’ the River Cowboy Fellowship Rodeo at Mansfield Park Arena, with “Bulls, Barrels, and Breakaway Contest” evening event. banderabusiness.com.

KERRVILLE: Upper Guadalupe River Authority Clean Up. The River Authority provides cleaning supplies and trash disposal for volunteers to remove trash from the Guadalupe and watershed. Volunteers receive a T-shirt and will be entered in a prize drawing. ugra.org/major-initiatives/river-clean-up.

JULY 28-30

FREDERICKSBURG: Hill Country Auto Swap Meet and Flea Market. A “car corral” has vintage autos for sale in various states of restoration and there’s a flea market. Items for sale include vehicles and parts, tools, auto accessories, hats, books, clothes, and souvenirs. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. earhartproductions.com/hillcountry-swap-meet.

Sept

Comal

JULY 28-30

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR COMFORT’S Independence Day CELEBRATION

UVALDE: You POP Presents “Footloose, The Musical.” Uvalde Grand Opera House. uvaldeoperahouse.org.

JULY 29

BOERNE: Hot Summer Nights Antique Tractor Pull. Watch antique tractors from around Texas as they compete to pull the heaviest weight the furthest distance. theagricultural.org/tractorpull.

AUGUST 4-5

CAMP WOOD: 62nd Annual Nueces Canyon Old Settlers Reunion. Free, family-friendly event in downtown Camp Wood. Saturday parade in downtown Camp Wood. King and queen coronation, pie and salsa contests, washer and horseshoe tournament. Vendors offer selection of artwork, crafts, woodwork, leather work, jewelry, candles, paintings, hats, baked goods, stonework, taxidermy, clothing, handbags, and food. nueces-canyonchamber.org.

AUGUST 5

GEORGETOWN: Blazin’’ Beer Crawl. Self-paced walking event features craft beer tastings inside local stores and restaurants. Ticket holders get a map of the locations and choose which order to sample and visit merchants. mainstreet.georgetown.org/beercrawl.

AUGUST 12

BRACKETVILLE: Welcome to the Dark Side. Evening cavern tour, then watch the Perseids meteor shower alongside a stargazing event. A second event takes place during the eclipse October 14. Kickapoo Cavern State Park. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/kickapoo-cavern.

AUGUST 12-13

KERRVILLE: Hill Country Gun Show. New and used guns, knives, coins, cutting boards, and ammo are some of the goods sold at this show, with proceeds to local area veterans. gunshowtrader.com.

AUGUST 12-13, 26-27

FREDERICKSBURG: Live Pari-Mutuel Horse Racing. Come out during the summer season for exciting live horse racing at the fairgrounds’ Class 3 track. Pick your favorites for quarter horse and thoroughbred racing as well as special races, trials, and futurities. Gillespie County Fairgrounds, 530 Fair Drive. gillespiefair.com.

AUGUST 14-25

UVALDE: Uvalde Glide. The dress rehearsal for the 2024 World Gliding Championships. Uvalde Airport. wgc2024uvalde.com.

AUGUST 18-20

FREDERICKSBURG: Trade Days. More than 350 vendors in seven barns and acres of antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives, furniture, hunting accessories, candles, clothing, jewelry, food, and more. 355 Sunday Farms Lane. fbgtradedays.com.

AUGUST 24-27

FREDERICKSBURG: 135th Annual Gillespie County Fair. The oldest continuous county fair in Texas features four big days filled with fun, including a carnival and midway, fair food, livestock judging, exhibits, arts and crafts, antique tractor shows, live music and dancing. gillespiefair.com/gillespie-county-fair.

AUGUST 25-27

AUSTIN: Professional Bull Riding Team Series: Austin Gambler Days. See an action-packed team bull riding competition with some of the world’s best bull riders. austingamblers.com

AUGUST

FREDERICKSBURG: Gillespie County Fair Parade. One of the Texas Hill Country’s biggest parades with more than 200 units, marches down Main Street, and kicks off the 135th annual Gillespie County Fair. Bring chairs and arrive early. gillespiefair.com.

Independence Day 2023

Celebrate Hill Country style!

HILL COUNTRY H Communities all across the Texas Hill Country host Independence Day celebrations, with parades, festivals, concerts, rodeos, pageants, fun family games and of course... fabulous fireworks displays! As the fourth falls on a Tuesday this year, local celebrations begin as early as June 30! Be sure to check out our Hill Country Calendar of events on and around July 4 for plenty of exciting events, where you can celebrate Independence Day in true Hill Country hometown fashion!

HILL COUNTRY CALENDAR

AUGUST 26

KERRVILLE: Kerrville River Roadster Show. Bring the family out to enjoy a beautiful night under the stars with cars, music, food, and fun. Open to cars of all sizes, colors, and speeds. Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive. kerrvilletx.gov.

SEPTEMBER 1-24

WIMBERLEY: Wimberley Players present “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams. WimberleyPlayers.org.

SEPTEMBER 23

NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal County Fair. BBQ Kickoff. Mutton bustin’, a tractor pull and washer pitching. Comal County Fairgrounds. ComalCountyFair.org.

SEPTEMBER 27 – OCTOBER 1

NEW BRAUNFELS: Comal County Fair. Enjoy classic fair attractions with carnival rides, fair food, a PRCA rodeo, a livestock show, exhibits and much more. Gene Watson headlines the musical lineup. Comal County Fairgrounds. ComalCountyFair.org.

OCTOBER 13-14

UTOPIA: Eclipse Utopia. Two stages featuring live music, vendors, yoga, camping, disc golf, hiking and biking. Four Sisters Ranch. utopiafest.com.

NOVEMBER 10-12

LEAKEY: Songs on the Frio. A weekend of music to benefit the Frio Canyon EMS. Saturday night main event with seven award winning songwriters, including Radney Foster. See website for complete lineup. songsonthefrio.com.

West Frio River Ranch

4

Two Beautiful Locations!

Between Leakey & Concan off Highway 83

50 large full hookup RV sites with lots of room and shade, 1500+ foot of river frontage, nature trails. Three 2 BR/2 BA cabins sleep 8!

Boutique RV park with 13 full hookups, pavilion with full kitchen & double vanity bath for private parties/ events. 400+ feet of private river access with a waterfall. Perfect for large family groups & reunions.