We Are... Vol. 1 / Issue 3
“The Best in Texas”
November/December 2014
.com
It’s Christmas time in the Hill Country
Also in this issue Facebook Photo Contest Pics Holiday Recipes Art for your Floors
Texas Hill Country Map Inside!
p.p.11
TEXAS HILL
p. 2
COUNTRY.COM
p. 3
Texas Hill Country Things
6
Make your Trip Unforgettable visit Historic Castroville
10
Llano Small Town, Big Christmas
16
Sip & Stroll, 2nd Annual Quilt Show San Saba Welcome to Wimberly
Christmas under the Stars Brownwood Visit Boerne
18 20 22 24
CONTACT Texas Hill Country Tourism PO Box 3 Brady, Tx 76825 MrHillCountry@yahoo.com
WWW.TEXASHILLCOUNTRY.COM WWW.TEXAS-HILL-COUNTRY.COM
TEXASHILLCOUNTRY
@MRHILLCOUNTRY
PUBLISHER JARco Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 704 Llano, Tx 78643 Jarcopublishing.com 830-201-0830
Art for Your Floors
28 Holiday Recipes
Cover Photo Provided by Steve Coyle via- Texas Hill Country’s Facebook Photo Contest p. 4
Photo Credits Pg.30
15
p. 5
F
olks are almost always asking us where to go, where to eat, stay, and play in the Hill Country. Some want to know where to move to, live, work or even retire in what is fast becoming “the hot spot” of the USA. The fans on our huge Facebook page want to know what to do while traveling around the most beautiful part of Texas, and even the locals are not aware of all this area has to offer. Now, of course there are the staples, the things to do, places to go that most of us know about and share. Things like river tubing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and relaxing on the many rivers, particularly the Guadalupe River, Llano and Frio area rivers. Then there are the lakes, including Lake Buchanan, Inks, LBJ and Marble Falls that make up our awesome Highland Lakes. These lakes and others like Canyon Lake have “constant level” abilities, so we can maintain more than half of them year round, almost drought proof water fun and enjoyment as long as some
Frio Walk by Kimi Lukachik Philli
p. 6
Fall in Hunt By Larry White river water flows. Lake Travis is known far and wide as one of our best lakes, and even in these “water challenged” times it is still a main stay of our country lure. The Hill Country is full of other main attractions like Enchanted Rock, Luckenbach and some of Texas’ best parks, caves, zoos, amusement facilities, nature centers, theaters, shows and festivals make for plenty to do just about anywhere, anytime in the Hill Country. Some of the unique country towns that offer fantastic shopping, dining, sites and sounds, plus plenty to do and see are our jewels like Boerne, Castroville, Llano, Brownwood, San Saba, Mason, Lampasas, Burnet, Marble Falls, Blanco, Wimberley, Canyon Lake, Lakeway and little ole’ Bee Cave. Unfortunately, many of our visitors and locals alike miss some of these historic and quaint towns and end up in the more popular, crowded and “touristy” cities like Fredericksburg, Austin or even
San Antonio. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you’re actually missing some of the true flavor that makes the Hill Country special in these other towns. If you do get a chance to visit any of these communities, we suggest you check out some of the “special places” to stay, eat and play. The first place we recommend you stop and visit are the local Chambers or Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) to let them fill you in on what their area has to offer. Then you need get out and enjoy all the little shops, restaurants, stores and attractions that the locals and those “in the know” share with one another. Brownwood is one of those places that truly value being part of the Hill Country and their train depot Visitors Center, Railroad and History Museum alone make this visit worth it all. While there, be sure to eat at the famous downtown Turtle Enoteca for the best foods, treats and wine tasting Brownwood has to offer or Lemmons BBQ for that real Texas BBQ flavor. If you head over Burnet way, check out Cafe 2300, Texas Tea-Licious, Maxican and favorites like Russos, Margaritas and the Rbar & Grill in Marble Falls. And the famous Storms Drive-Ins of Lampasas, Burnet, Hamilton and Marble Falls, all of whom offer the hometown taste you desire. Then get your need for specialties and treats at It’s All Goode and Choccolatte in Marble Falls. Looking for places to “get out” and play? Some of the best golf courses are in the Hills of Texas, including the rebuilt and renewed Lighthouse Country Club of Kingsland or Delaware Springs of Burnet. If you’re up for a little more adventure you can swing through the trees on zip lines at the Cypress Valley Canopy Tours of Spicewood or enjoy the exotic animals at the Exotic Zoo Resort of Johnson City. The Uptown Theater of Marble Falls, Odeon Theater of Mason and Palace Theater of Brady all offer that “old time” movie experience and family friendly price that you simply cannot beat anywhere. And after all that, if you need to shop a little, check out the Grapevine of Burnet or the Pottery Ranch, New Dawn and La-Ti-Da of Marble Falls. When it’s time to wind down and kick back, how Continue. Pg. 8
p. 7
Then, stay the night in some of the very best cabins, resorts and Bed and Breakfast or B&Bs in the world, because they are run, managed and cared for by true Texans, you’re sure to feel right at home and get that famous “Texas hospitality”. We have everything from fine hotels, motels and resorts to RV parks, campgrounds, houseboats and more to choose from so be sure to check out our accommodations website page. Everything around the Highland Lakes, whether the Llano county side or the Burnet county side offers you plenty to choose from and something to meet every taste. Places like Canyon of the Eagles Resort in Burnet overlooking Buchanan, Lighthouse Country Club Condos in Kingsland or the La Quinta with a Lake Marble Falls view that cannot be beat, you’re sure to find a favorite. So, when you’re heading our way, take a moment to look at our website www.TexasHillCountry.com or our online Ezine, www.Texas-Hill-Country.com or even come join our family at Facebook.com/TexasHillCountry for more information on the best of the best in the Texas Hill Country.
The Beauties of the Texas Hill Coutry By Samuel Beaver about a nice glass of wine? Wineries of the “Texas Hill Country Wine Trail” are fast becoming renowned as the best wineries in Texas and maybe even the USA. If you want to experience the best wines that the Hill Country has to offer, check the Wine Trail list, including the famous Flat Creek Estate outside Marble Falls, Fiesta Winery in Lometa and the Wedding Oak Winery of San Saba. These three wineries have tasting rooms and special entertainment time’s onsite so you will always be near a winery that can quench your thirst and soul. With the Texas Hill Country Wine Scene, and now the Beer and Distillery scene growing, you’re sure to find something that suites your taste when it comes to “libations”. p. 8
Let me
find your sunset...
Your haven awaits at WeLoveLakes.com...
Perri Mancil速 Welcome Home. 512.755.0355 Perri MancilJoe Bruns Realty
512.755.0355 Lake LBJ, Inks Lake, Lake Buchanan, & Surrounding Areas Joe Bruns Realty Lake LBJ, Inks Lake, Lake Buchanan & Surrouding Areas
p. 9
p. 10
p. 11
p. 12
p. 13
p. 14
Holiday Recipes Pumpkin Date Bread
1 c. applesauce 1 c. canned pumpkin 2/3 c. vegetable oil 3 eggs 1 c. milk 1/3 c. molasses 1 tsp. pure vanilla 3 2/3 c. flour 2 c. sugar 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 c dates, chopped 1 c. walnuts, chopped
In a large mixing bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; mix well. Combine the flour, sugar, soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and baking powder; gradually add to the pumpkin mixture and mix well. Stir in dates and walnuts, Pour into two greased 9x5x3 loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire racks.
Corn Casserole
2 eggs 3/4 c. milk 1/2 c. oil 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 can whole corn 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 5 T. sugar 1 c. cornmeal 1 onion, chopped 2/3 c. chopped pimentos 3/4 c. grated cheddar cheese
Beat eggs and combine all ingredients, stir well. Pour into a 9x13 casserole dish and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
p. 15
Llano, Small Town Big Christmas Llano will be the place to be and the place to see during the Llano Starry Starry Nights Christmas and Holiday Season. If you are looking for a Christmas adventure with an old fashioned small town flair, then look no further….this year’s Christmas and Holiday Season in small town Llano is going to be the best ever! Besides Starry Starry Nights at Badu Park and all the other great events, Llano will be all aglow with the return of the nostalgic “star” or canopy lights coming from the top of the Courthouse Cupola and new downtown, Courthouse and street lighting. “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” on Friday November 28th! Plan on a full and exciting evening with Santa coming to the Courthouse Gazebo, participating stores staying open until 9 pm for your shopping convenience, free carriage rides from 6-9 pm, and a movie will be showing at the historic downtown Lantex Theater. For more information contact the Llano Visitor Center at 325-247-5354 or visit llanochamber.org. The beautifully decorated Starry, Starry Nights Lighted Christmas Park in Badu Park will be open every night beginning November 28 – December 31 from 6-9 pm. Santa will be at Starry Starry Nights in Badu Park every weekend beginning November 29th through December 20th from 6-8 pm. Featured in Starry Starry Nights in Badu Park is the inspiring Christmas Nativity Scene and the newly decorated “Santa House” that will display a private collection of Nutcrackers and a variety of many other wonderful Christmas decorations that will make for great photos. The “Welcome House” will offer hot chocolate and snacks, and there will be an “old-time fire pit” in the park to roast marshmallows. Carriage rides will be available, live music on the weekend, and there will be several new stand-behind “cutouts” for even more photos ops. What Fun! December 6th is the Lighted Christmas Parade around the Llano Courthouse Square and December 13th is Snow Day in Starry Starry Nights in Badu Park from 1-9 pm with all day wristbands being sold for a day of frolic and family fun. Mark all of these wonderful events on your calendar and prepare to have a FUN and BUSY Christmas and Holiday Season in Llano! p. 16
p. 17
p. 18
p. 19
T
he natural beauty of the Wimberley Valley is overlaid by the spirit of the season this fall and winter with an array of performing arts events and community festivals. Beginning with a stroll through the quaint town square with its charming shops, art galleries and eateries visitors can spend hours or days enjoying all that the area offers. The EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens, located at 1101 FM 2325, presents the 17th Annual Trail of Lights with 8 acres of delightfully lighted displays decorated by more than 100 local businesses, community groups and families. Join in one of the most beloved community traditions in Wimberley. The trail opens on November 29 with a Tree Lighting Ceremony. The grounds open at 4:00 and Santa will arrive at 5:00 to lead the crowd up the hill for the tree lighting at dusk. The Trail will remain open nightly (weather permitting) through December 31 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. You are invited
p. 20
to gather at the Yule Log to celebrate the season with friends and neighbors. Roast a marshmallow or hot dog and listen to live entertainment on most nights. Admission is free. Donations are greatly appreciated. The EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens is a performing arts venue as well. Don’t miss their holiday productions of Nuncrakers and A Monster Carol. Nuncrackers, both irreverent and endearing is just plain fun for young and old alike and a perfect way to kick off your holiday season. Showing every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening at 7:30pm, and Sunday afternoons at 2pm from November 6th to November 23rd. Theatre goers will also enjoy A Monster Carol while they witness the main characters learn the true meaning of Christmas and friendship in this goofy yet touching story. A Monster Carol runs December 5th-7th and 12th14th. Visit www.emilyann.org for ticket information.
Both performing and visual arts are widely represented in the Wimberley Valley. In addition to the special events listed, live music, showcasing local musicians can be heard at Cypress Creek Café, Ino’z and Linda’s Fine Foods. Just installed at 30 locations in the Wimberley Valley are 30 6-foot tall boots, painted and decorated by local artists. “Bootiful Wimberley”, a project of the Wimberley Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance highlights the imaginative and creative atmosphere of the valley and the artists who call the Wimberley Valley home. Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up a map so you can find and enjoy all the boots. Wimberley is host to Market Days every first Saturday in March through December. Plan a trip to the Hill Country’s largest outdoor market where a shopper’s and Another opportunity for theatre lovers is the Wimberley bargain hunter’s paradise awaits. More than 475 booths Players production of The Odd Couple, November 14th offer an abundance of “everything you just can’t live through December 7th at the Wimberley Playhouse, 450 without”. Live entertainment and great food round out Old Kyle Rd. This classic comedy by Neil Simon opens as the experience. Wimberley is a naturally beautiful place where you can a group of the guys gather for a poker game in the New relax and spend time enjoying great art, music, theatre York apartment of slovenly Oscar Madison. The Odd and the romance of the Texas Hill Country. Come see Couple won the 1965 Tony Award, and the characters for yourself. were revived in a successful film and television series. Tickets are on sale now at www.wimberleyplayers.org. Every third Thursday, year round, Susanna’s Kitchen presents the best in Americana, jazzgrass, swing and more. Featuring Eliza Gilkyson on November 20th and Kevin Welch on December 18th, Susanna’s Kitchen, located at the corner of RR 12 and CR 1492 is a small enough venue that concert goers enjoy an intimate evening with A-list performers. For concert information visit www.facebook.com/groups/susannaskitchen. The music plays on with free performances by the Starlight Symphony Orchestra on Sunday, November 16th at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 6000 FM 3237 and on Saturday, December 20th at Old Glory Ranch, 3633 River Road. The November performance will feature tranquil musical scores by a small ensemble. The December concert, cheerful and spirited, will include holiday favorites and the latest scores from beloved holiday movies. Visit www.starlightsymphony.org for more information. The Wimberley Town Square is the place to be on Saturday, December 13th, 5-10pm, for the annual Winter’s Eve– A Christmas Festival. Visitors will enjoy food, fun, seasonal music, live entertainment and a special visit by Santa who will arrive at the Wimberley Café at 6pm. Bring the whole family for a small town Christmas celebration.
p. 21
p. 22
p. 23
Visit Boerne BOERNE’S MAIN ATTRACTION! You’ve seen the round red and black icons around town that say “Hill Country Mile”, but what exactly do they mean? These signs mark the geographic area that encompasses Boerne’s Hill Country Mile. If it has been awhile since you visited Boerne, you may have noticed that things have changed for the better, and you are in for a big surprise! If this is your first visit to Boerne, we hope you enjoy the charm and the intricately planned delights that await you. The Boerne in Bloom program has added charming planters and landscape enhancements to the Downtown area, and public art has been installed as part of Boerne’s commitment to the arts. There are also new Boerne Trails and River Road Park improvements. A widening of the Main Street bridge and sidewalks have made Boerne more pedestrian friendly and accessible to all.
p. 24
BOERNE’S HISTORIC DISTRICT The best way to experience the Hill Country Mile is to put on your walking shoes and go exploring! Stroll down one of the meandering paths along the banks of the Cibolo Creek in River Road Park, where you can cast a line, bring a picnic, ride a bike and enjoy your day. Head toward Main Street and you can experience one of the meticulously maintained historic properties, pocket parks, notable restaurants and unique shopping that rivals that of much larger cities. RIVER SOUTH ARTS & DESIGN DISTRICT South of the Cibolo is where you will find a quieter Boerne, with more great places to shop, eat and relax. Art and design shops, galleries, restaurants, lodging, and some of the city’s most stunning historic buildings can be found here. The Phillip Manor has seen many uses over the last 150 years, and
now has been restored into a boutique hotel, pub and event center. Across the street, the two-story triple column structure with arched windows is the Victorian style Carstanjen House (also called The Mansion House). Also nearby is the famous Kronkosky Tower, offering the best view in Boerne.
BOERNE CITY CAMPUS
Boerne’s Patrick Heath Public Library, which opened in 2011, is a state-of-theart, LEED Gold Certified 30,000 squarefoot facility. They offer free WiFi, live music monthly and have on display a rare Low German Bible from 1614. The library itself is a beautiful facility, but the grounds are just as fabulous. In addition
to gorgeous native plants, the campus also features a public plaza with a windmill, smokehouse, rainwater catchment tank and grape arbor, along with an outdoor classroom and multiple quiet areas to read. Enjoy a better place to shop, walk, live, play, dine, work, hike, or stay. For more information and updates, please “Like” us on Facebook. Facebook.com/HillCountryMile p. 25
Fall in Love with the Guadalupe
Hill Country yellow Indian Grass
Texas Hill Country
p. 26
Lost Maples from the Ridge
Autumn Bree
Cypress Colors in Ingram
Fall in Hunt, tx
The Beauties of the Hill Country
Hill Country Sky
eze
p. 27
Art For Your Floors
By:Michele Hart “The Rug Queen”
F
ifteen years ago, I got bitten by the “Rug Bug”. Once I discovered how much there was to learn about rugs, I was “hooked”. I have realized how having fine rugs enhances each space and makes your home uniquely special, just as art does on your walls. At La Ti Da & Elements, I only represent hand-woven rugs. Not tufted or machine-made. For thousands of years, hand-woven rugs have been most often made by two or three generations of family members working for months and sometimes years on a single piece. Rugs and carpets can be as unique and individual as we are. No two rugs are ever exactly the same. However, many tribes will weave similar looking carpets, but take great pride in honoring their heritage through specifc knot tying techniques and images. There are many styles of Oriental or Persian rugs. Their names often refer to the regions or the tribes as well as design of the piece. For instance, an Oushak is a Turkish rug - motivated hundreds of years ago by French decor - using soft muted colors to compliment the fashion and interior design styles of that period. The same muted design woven in Pakistan is called a Peshawar. These styles of rugs are very popular in today’s fashionable homes for people seeking a subtle, yet elegant impact on the space. The most exciting part of being the “Rug Queen” is getting to share my passion for rugs with my customers. I want to help everyone understand as much as possible about why hand-woven rugs are essiantially like buying fine art for your floors. The best way to determine the quality of a rug is to turn it over and observe
p. 28
the underside weave pattern. The tighter and more intricate the weave - combined with the age and materials used (i.e., cotton, wool or silk) - determines the quality and value of the rug. As a rug dealer, I take great pride in teaching a person a few lessons about rugs in five or ten minutes. This often helps aleve the fears and stress of not knowing about rugs. 1. Never buy a rug at an auction. Most auction rugs can be insurance / flood rugs, or they could be damaged pieces being dumped by dealers. It is not worth the risk. 2. Buy the rug you “love”. It will outlast many sofas and can be handed down through many generations of your family. 3. Never allow someone to pressure you into buying a rug. Always, always, always see the rug in your home before purchasing it. (Did I say “Always”) 4. Make sure to have your rugs professioanally cleaned every 2 years or so. Don’t try this at home. Cleaning rugs is a chemically scientific and detailed process. 5. Beware of “40% to 80% off ” sales or “going out of business sales”. These are notorious scams used by shady dealers to make people think they are getting a deal when in fact, they are often being ripped off. A reputable dealer will not do business this way and it is important to trust the person you buy your rugs from. In summary, when you have a need for a new rug, want to see rugs in your home or if your fine rugs need cleaning or repairs, call your local carpet professional, Michele Hart, the “Rug Queen”!
p. 29
Choccolatte Coopers Old Time Pit BBQ Arrowhead Bank Cafe Twenty-Three Hundred Perry Mancil, Joe Bruns Realty Whitman Insurance Lampasas Chamber City of Castroville TexasHillCountry.com Blanco Chamber Satellite Station Fire & Security Llano Chamber San Saba Chamber Wimberly Valley Chamber BrownwoodChristmas.com City of Boerne La Ti Da & Elements City of Marble Falls Light House Country Club Fiesta Winery Ben E Keith
Christmas Collage Fredericksburg Christmas Santa-Renee Parry Christmas Parade Longhorn-Lorant Mikios New Braunfels Christmas Courthouse-Jenn Watson Johnson City Courthouse Christmas-Glen Hartman On Rudolph-Steve Coyle Johnson City Tree on the Square-Phyllis Collins Rumm The Trees of P.E.C-Mike Holland Enchanted Springs Ranch Christmas 2013-Cheryl Beck Johnson City Christmas-Glen Hartman
Hill Country Landscape Collage
p. 30
Fall in Hunt-Larry White The Beauties of the Texas Hill Country-Samuel Beaver Autumn Breeze-Kimi Lukachik Philli Fall in Love-Tyler Hoffmann Lost Maples Ridge-Ellen Bauer Cypress Colors-Andy Graham Texas Hill Country-Amber Dalgleish Must Hill Country yellow Indian grass-JB Manning Texas Hill Country (Hill Country Sky)-Jacklyn Dale
5 7 7 8 9 9 9
10 12 14 14 16 18 20 22 24 28 29 29 31 32
p. 31
p. 32