Texas Hill Country Culture April 2018 by Kerrville Daily Times

LIVING

THE

BEAUTIFUL

LIFE

APRIL 2018

Johnny Nicholas

BON APPÃ&#x2030;TIT

CHANNELING TEXAS HILL COUNTRY FLAVOR

SPANNING THE BLUES TALENT SPECTRUM

SCENIC ROUTE

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Contents 8

Features 19

RECIPES Texas Hill Country Cuisine HILL COUNTRY BLUES Johnny Nicholas

Your Home in the Hill Country 52

HOME COOKING Morgans make dynamic duo in spacious kitchen HOME SHOWCASE Custom-built Riverhill home

Departments 8

UNCORKED Hill Country Cellars Winery in Bandera

GOOD TASTE Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg

ILL COUNTRY H SCENE Hill Country Camera Club

GREAT OUTDOORS Take a drive to Willow City Loop for wildflowers

44 HILL COUNTRY

MADE Comfort Candle Company

THE ARTS Betty Vernon WHEELS Mike Hoskinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full garage

OUT & ABOUT Robert Earl Keen concert at the Cailloux

EVENTS April calendar

ON THE COVER Johnny Nicholas, famous blues musician, writer and singer, calls the Hill Country home. Photo by Tom Holden

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Hill Country CULTURE | APRIL 2018

Top left photo by Daniel Peck; bottom left photo by Tom Holden; right photo by Jennifer Whitney

Bringing great healthcare home. There’s something special about the Texas Hill Country — something that makes us care so completely for the people around us. Around here, we look out for our own. And at Peterson Health, we’re looking out for you, by bringing world-class healthcare right to your door. Your best choice for your best health is right here, with the care that has earned us recognition as a nation’s Top 20 Rural Community Hospital — the only hospital in Texas to bring this honor home. To you.

Make Peterson Health your ﬁrst choice for health. Visit PetersonHealth.com.

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April 2018 - Volume 3 - Issue 4 Autumn Bernhard Magazine Editor

Neice Bell Publisher

Ricky Treon Managing Editor

Chelsea M.K. Stack Special Sections Editor

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For advertising inquiries: ads@dailytimes.com

For editorial inquiries and story ideas: autumn.bernhard@dailytimes.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOURPOINTWINE.COM

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10354 E HWY 290 FREDERICKSBURG, TX 78624 830.997.7470

The Kerrville Daily Times 429 Jefferson St., Kerrville, Texas 78028 www.dailytimes.com | Phone: 830-896-7000 | Fax: 830-896-1150

@fourpointwine

Copyright: Hill Country Culture is published by The Kerrville Daily Times under Southern Newspapers Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

Hill Country CULTURE | APRIL 2018

OSS OTORS

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APOTHECARY SHOPPE A Compounding Pharmacy Sabrina K. Griggs, R.Ph. • Calvin D. Luck

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CONTRIBUTORS John and Carol Aceti After encouragement from Dick Holmberg, owner of Singing Water Vineyards, John wrote “Wineries of the Texas Hill Country Plus One Fine Brewery” in December 2016. After visiting 30 wineries in the Hill Country, he is convinced the area has plenty to offer wine connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts.

John and Polly Holmes John and Polly Holmes are longtime gearheads. They have written for automotive publications for more than 40 years. Now, they’re going to bring our readers some interesting stories about things with wheels in the Hill Country. Their perspective comes from years of racing, restoring classics and participating in car club activities.

Correction In the March issue of Texas Hill Country Culture, the hummingbirds were misidentified. They are actually ruby-throated and black-throated hummingbirds.

Update In the March issue of Texas Hill Country Culture, we featured the Kerr County Farmers Market. It was announced recently that the market has since shut down.

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Hill Country CULTURE 5

We’re the Spay/Neuter Experts!

EDITOR’S LETTER Hello readers,

924 N Main

Boerne, TX

The saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Well, if that’s true, currently, I am about 70 percent coffee and 30 percent candy. Has it always been that way? Of course not. But, as with everything, you go through cycles, and right now, that means I’m running on caffeine and sugar. I remember growing up, family dinners were a weekly, if not nightly, occurrence. We would all sit down together and share a meal and conversation. There were no cellphones, the television was turned off, and we shared the good and the bad about our day. Family dinners are not what they used to be. In fact, it seems to me that family dinners aren’t really a thing at all anymore. Part of that could be because of everyone’s busy schedule, which seems to get busier as the years go by. But I think another explanation is the fact that spending time with family isn’t encouraged anymore. With all the different distractions — social media, television, relationships, etc. — it is simply hard to make a commitment to sit down and spend an hour or so with those closest to you. In the Hill Country, there are so many wonderful opportunities to spend time with your family around a table. You don’t have to be a good cook to experience the joy of dining with your loved ones. The Hill Country is filled with many amazing restaurants that would be happy to sit you at one of their tables.

These spay/neuter packages* include the microchip, rabies vaccination, one booster vaccination, and pain medicine injection:

Cats

100 |Dogs $135 |Dogs $175

(less than 80 lbs) (80+ lbs) *Low-Income pricing available for those who qualify,

call our appoiNtmENt dESk to iNquirE: 830-249-2341 These spay/neuter packages include rabies vaccination, pain medicine injection, and mandatory ear notch: Barn/Porch Cats in carriers, by appointment only $30 Feral Cats in traps, walk-in Mon-Wed* only $25 *Except the 2nd Monday of each month, we are closed for maintenance.

While you’re in Boerne, don’t forget to check out our awesome Thrift Store, Go to www.hcaltx.org to learn more or to doNatE today!

115 W Bandera next to Sonic! Hours: tues, thurs-Sat 10am-3pm Proceeds benefit our spay/neuter clinic!

Hill Country Animal League is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

My hope is that we can all start connecting again, over a plate of food. Bon appétit,

Autumn Bernhard Magazine Editor

autumn.bernhard@dailytimes.com

2017

Photo by Victoria Skuce

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FOODIES AND OENOPHIILES REJOICE! If “food” is your middle name and wine is your game,

but also has the largest Texas wine list in the country

then the Cabernet Grill is your match made in heaven.

— with the knowledgeable waitstaff to go with it.

Chef Ross Burtwell, author of Texas Hill Country

Fresh ingredients sourced from local and regional

Cuisine; Flavors from the Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, not only serves up some of the most spectacular cuisine,

growers. An elegant yet casual dining atmosphere. A deep-rooted passion for food and wine flowing from the kitchen. Welcome home!

Take the taste home with Chef Ross Burtwell’s new book Texas Hill Country Cuisine.

830 990 5734 | cabernetgrill.com | Fredericksburg, Texas On Hwy 16, just 2.8 miles south of Main Street

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Hill Country CULTURE 7

UNCORKED

All in the family Relatives run Texas-style Bandera winery Story by John and Carol Aceti Photos by Daniel Peck

irmly tied to the Texas tradition of family and friendliness, Hill Country Cellars Winery opened its doors on July 15, 2016. Terry and Alice Word and their son, Rhett, and daughter-in-law, Kymberli, are the owners and sole employees of this unique local in-spot. Located in a strip mall 2 miles south of Bandera on Texas 16, it is the only winery in Bandera and only one of four in the county. While there is some division of labor, everyone will pitch in where needed. Terry and Rhett oversee 7 acres of grapes in Vanderpool and Medina, and are hands-on for every facet of wine making. Alice and Kymberli are very involved in harvesting, bottling and labeling. Alice presides over the kitchen, and Kymberli runs the wine bar. Although they might not serve sparkling wine, their sparkling personalities promote a great hospitable atmosphere. Although Terry and Rhett are still ranch managers, all four

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owners helped to design the Texas-style wine bar. Everything is handcrafted — the tables and central pillar are welded with Hungarian oak barrels by Terry. These barrels are strictly for show, and are not to be mistaken for the much more expensive French oak barrels used for wine making. A creative log light fixture adds to the Texas theme. The bar is made out of reclaimed bowling alley lanes, making it smooth as glass — except for a few dents where beginning bowlers may have thrown their gutter balls. The winery’s logo — CHC brand inside the state of Texas encompassed by a barbed wire circle — could be proudly displayed at any ranch The idea of a winery was inspired by cousins who own a winery in Vanderpool, Texas. After the crushing, fermenting, finishing, aging, bottling, corking and labeling is done in Vanderpool, the products are brought to the Bandera establishment.

UNCORKED

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Hill Country CULTURE 9

UNCORKED

A menu behind the bar touts all of their wines. The Lenoir grape, also known as the Black Spanish grape, is originally an American-hybrid that found its way to Europe over 150 years ago. It is a varietal grown in Texas since it is a very hardy and resilient vine. The wine is deeply colored red with flavors of dark fruit and with a red-berry finish. Symphony was added to the wine offerings in January and is a varietal developed at The University of California, Davis. It is a cross-breed of Grenache Gris and Muscat Alexandria. It is light and citrusy with a mild sweetness of orange flowers and fruit. This new addition at Hill Country Cellars pairs well with grilled foods. Chardonnay is a shimmering pale gold with

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tropical tones of banana and pineapple with a clean finish. The malbec is a hefty red with fruit tones, and an underlying floral scent. The inhouse-made sangria is enjoyed at the bar, and often as a take-out especially in the summer. For Kymberli, the whole process of growing, harvesting, making wine and bottling is â&#x20AC;&#x153;magical.â&#x20AC;? She is amazed every year at the unique wines that their grapes produce. Hill Country Cellars Winery hosts private parties, such as birthdays, showers and weddings. But once or twice a month, downward facing dog meets wine, when yoga and wine share the area. A painting and wine group also meet at the winery, with their paintings displayed on a wall. Each Friday, the winery also has live music.

New look. Same Hill Country soul. Our logo has changed, but our dedication to the ambitions of our Hill Country customers will never waver. Come by and see for yourself.

AMBITION, CULTIVATED.

bankoncb.com

Bob Turbeville Narrow Path Winery Fredericksburg

Austin · Boerne · Fredericksburg · Hart · Kerrville · Lubbock · New Braunfels · Plainview · Post · Slaton · Tulia

The MuseuM of WesTern ArT

Peter Rindisbacher, Hunting the Buffalo, nd, hand-colored lithograph, 13 x 17, private collection.

April 7 - May 26: “Imprinting the West: Manifest Destiny, Real and Imagined*”, a traveling exhibition featuring 48 hand-colored engravings and lithographs by artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Bird King and George Caitlin. Reception 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on April 7th. April artist of the month: C.S. Talley. Wine and cheese reception April 19th at 5:30 p.m. *A national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance curated by Dr. Randall Griffey, associate curator of Modern American art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

1550 BANDERA HW Y • KERRVILLE • 830-896-2553

museumofwesternart.com OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM

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GOOD TASTE

Creating a perfect pair Fredericksburg restaurant serves diverse food, wine menu Story by Jenna Carpenter Photos by Steve Rawls

hen it comes to pairing the right wine and meal, Ross Burtwell’s advice is simple.

“If it grows together, it goes together,” he said. “We try to use as much local produce as we possibly can and match that with the wines that are grown locally; there’s a natural synergy there.” Ross is the executive chef and owner of

Cabernet Grill, which has been a staple in Fredericksburg since 2001, serving up a variety of seafood, steak and wine to Hill Country visitors and residents alike. “I always wanted to do something in an area that had vineyards, so Fredericksburg was a perfect opportunity,” Ross said. The smell of sautéed spices greets patrons at the door, and the restaurant emits a cozy feeling, from the entrance to the dining room, which is filled with wooden furniture, chandeliers and dim lighting. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 13

GOOD TASTE

“We’ve had 17 years to play with it. Each year, we add a little bit more to increase the wine vibe,” he said. Decorations are all done in-house, he added. “The chandelier, we made that out of wine bottles that were sitting out on the tables,” he said. The restaurant also boasts the largest Texas wine list in the nation, offering a selection of over 100 Texas wines, he added. “This is the area we’re in, we ought to highlight it,” he said. “The people who are making the wines, trimming the vines and working in the vineyards, they our are friends and neighbors, and we ought to support them.” From visiting local wineries to taking college classes, the staff is well versed in Texas wine and are experts in knowing what libation pairs with the correct entree. “They go to wine school every single week at the restaurant; they get to try new wines and pair them up with 14

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GOOD TASTE

food,” Ross said. “They are experts in their field.” The dinner menu is just as expansive as the wine list, with chefs preparing five different kinds of certified Angus beef steaks, trout, shrimp, snapper and a variety of chicken dishes. Picking a favorite dish is difficult, Ross said. “That’s like asking me which one of my children is my favorite,” he said. “But I tend to like food that has a bit of spice to it. I like food that bites back.” But when it comes to preparing seafood, the trick is not to overcook it, Ross said. “That is the ultimate secret,” he said. “When you think it’s done, stop. In fact, stop before you think it’s done. Then, let the natural flavors speak for themselves. Don’t overdo it.” Ross Burtwell, executive chef and owner of Cabernet Grill

Currently, one of the most popular items are the Texas Twinkies, Ross said. “I can’t even let my staff order it APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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Smoked Salmon Crepe, Arugula, Buttermilk Vinaigrette

Chicken Fried Pecan Pie

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GOOD TASTE

Jalapeno Quail

because we can’t keep up with making them,” he said. The appetizer is made with jalapeños stuffed with beer sausage and redneck cheddar, wrapped in bacon. Of items on the dessert menu, the chicken fried pecan pie is a key item, Ross said. “Some people love it, some people hate it,” he said. “If you’re from Texas, you’re familiar with things that are chicken fried, so we decided to take it to the dessert level.” The dish is a deep-fried slice of pecan pie that is served with a scoop of Jack Daniel’s chocolate ice cream. “It’s pretty tasty stuff,” he said.

Pecan Crusted Crab Cakes

Cabernet Grill, 2805 Texas 16 South, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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RECIPES

Take it home

Learn to cook Texas Hill Country cuisine Story by Autumn Bernhard Photos by Jennifer Whitney

n 2014, Ross Burtwell published a cookbook to allow everyone to take a little of the Cabernet Grill home with them. The book includes some dishes you can find on the menu at Ross’ restaurant and others that were created for special occasions. For Ross, Texas Hill Country cuisine is “created by people who understand the importance of combining area-specific, locally grown and produced ingredients — seasonally sourced — and matching it with Texas-grown grapes and locally produced wines. Texas Hill Country cuisine is the ultimate dining synergy for food and wine lovers.”

Top photo courtesy of Comfort Candle Company; bottom photo by Nancy Foster

Sticky Coconut Crusted Shrimp APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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RECIPES

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Warm Texas Goat Cheese with Roasted Garlic & Herbs Makes enough for 6 to 8 appetizers INGREDIENTS 1/8 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 2 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced 1 teaspoon oregano, minced 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped 20 or more cloves of roasted garlic 8 ounces Texas goat cheese Toasted baguette slices PREPARATION 1. In a small bowl, mix together sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, olive oil and olives. Set aside and allow to marinate together for at least 15 minutes. 2. Crumble goat cheese into ramekins, and top with roasted garlic cloves. Then top with olive mixture. 3. Place ramekins on a baking tray and set in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until goat cheese is warm all the way through. If using a soufflĂŠ dish, increase the cooking time a bit. 4. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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RECIPES

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Pan Seared Stuffed Rainbow Trout Serves 4

PREPARATION INGREDIENTS 2 Roma tomatoes 2 cups “fresh” bread crumbs 4 strips applewood smoked bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled 1/4 cup Asiago cheese, grated 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade 2 tablespoons chives, minced 1 tablespoon parsley, minced 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 4 whole boneless rainbow trout 1 cup cornmeal 1 tablespoon Cabernet Grill Cajun seasoning 4 tablespoon safflower oil 1 cup pecan butter sauce INGREDIENTS FOR PECAN BUTTER SAUCE 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped 1 1/2 stick unsalted butter, room temperature 1 small shallot, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest 1 tablespoon chives, minced 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Pinch freshly ground black pepper PREPARATION FOR SAUCE 1. Place all ingredients in a small bowl and stir with a rubber spatula until mixed together well. 2. Can be refrigerated for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before using.

1. Preheat broiler to high. 2. Cut tomatoes in half and coat with a little bit of cooking spray or salad oil, and place on a small pan under the broiler, skin side up. 3. Roast tomatoes under broiler until the tomato skin starts to darken or blister and the tomato flesh softens. Remove from broiler and allow to cool. 4. Remove skin and any excess seeds that come out of the tomato. Chop the tomato roughly, and place in a medium-sized bowl. 5. Add breadcrumbs, bacon, cheese, melted butter, herbs and black pepper to bowl and mix until incorporated. The mixture should be moist but not pasty. If it seems a little too wet, add some additional breadcrumbs. 6. Divide the stuffing mixture into four equal parts and stuff the cavity of each trout. Wrap each of the trout individually in plastic wrap, and allow to refrigerate for about 30 minutes or longer. This helps the stuffing set well in the trout so it does not fall out during the cooking process. 7. Preheat oven to 375 F. 8. Season trout with Cajun seasoning. Place the cornmeal on a plate and roll the trout in the cornmeal to coat evenly on all sides. 9. Place trout in a heavy skillet that has been heated over medium heat with the oil. 10. Sear trout on both sides until golden brown and transfer the skillet with the trout into the oven. 11. Allow for about 20 minutes of cooking time, or until the flesh of the fish is opaque and flakes easily and the stuffing is hot all the way through. 12. Heat a medium-sized sauté pan over medium heat, and add the butter into the pan in spoonfuls about the size of a golf ball each. Allow the butter to sizzle and melt with the edges of the melting butter turning brown and fragrant. (If it begins to burn, remove the pan from the heat.) Allow butter to melt and brown a bit until the butter is about 80 percent melted. Remove the pan from the heat and pour over the trout. Serve immediately.

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RECIPES

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Texas Hills Vineyard Sangiovese Sorbet Makes about 4 cups

INGREDIENTS 1 bottle Texas Hills Vineyard Sangiovese 1 cup water 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested 1/2 egg white (optional)

PREPARATION 1. Place all ingredients except the egg white in a sauce pan and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. 2. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. 3. Strain rosemary and lemon zest from the mixture. 4. Allow mixture to cool completely and add egg white to the mixture. 5. Pour into an ice cream machine, and process according to manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directions. 6. Place in freezer overnight to set up.

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Hill Country blues headlining: Photo by Tom Holden

JOHNNY NICHOLAS APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 27

Johnny Nicholas Spanning the blues, talent spectrum Story by Autumn Bernhard and Jenna Carpenter Photos by Tom Holden

alling Johnny Nicholas a musician doesn’t do him justice. You see, Johnny Nicholas does a little bit of everything. He can play multiple instruments — guitar, piano and harmonica to name a few — he sings, he writes and he is still touring the country. Another word that doesn’t do justice for Johnny is bluesman — Johnny is far from it. Instead, his music runs the full spectrum of music — “a rich gumbo of not just blues, but Cajun, swing, folk and barrelhouse rock ’n’ roll.” This isn’t surprising when you consider who he listened to growing up. Growing up in Rhode Island, Johnny would listen to a variety of music from country to rhythm ’n’ blues. There, he formed his first band, The Vikings, where he played guitar, harmonica and did vocals. From the late-’60s on, he spent a good bit of his early career playing and touring with the legendary likes of Robert Lockwood Jr., Howlin Wolf, Roosevelt Sykes, Big Walter

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HILL COUNTRY BLUES

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Hill Country CULTURE 29

Horton and Johnny Shines, among many others. He did all this while also fronting for various bands he had a hand in starting — the Black Cat Blues Band with Duke Robillard, Fran Christina and Steve Nardella; the Boogie Brothers with Steve and Fran; and Guitar Johnny and the Rhythm Rockers, a band that included Kaz Kazanof, Sarah Brown and Ronnie Earl. Johnny released his solo debut, Too Many Bad Habits, in 1978. While a part of the Rhythm Rockers, Johnny got a call from Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel leader, inviting him to be a part of the band. Since he was tired of being in Massachusetts at the time, he jumped at the chance and moved to Austin. He was a part of the Grammy-award winning band from 1978 to 1980. Then he made a big change — he fell in love with his late wife, Brenda. Johnny met Brenda at Antone’s Nightclub in Austin. “I fell in love, and

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HILL COUNTRY BLUES

it took me a while to court her,” he said. But, eventually, the couple married and moved to he Hill Country, where Brenda was from, in the early 1980s. There the couple bought an old gas station roadhouse called Hill Top — now Hill Top Cafe. “Brenda was a great cook,” Johnny said. “This place was a beer joint and gas station. Then, we bought a two-burner hotplate, and she started making gumbo and chili.” Owning Hill Top Cafe and living in the Hill Country gave Johnny something he hadn’t been used to in a while — roots. “I had been on the road hard for 15 years at that point, and I wanted to get away from that whole lifestyle,” he said. Although he might not have been touring as much, Johnny was still busy with music. He released four out of his five albums since moving to the Hill Country, including 1988’s “Broke Again,” 1994’s “Thrill on the Hill,” 2012’s “Future Blues”

“Johnny Nicholas is one of the best bluesmen ever, black or white.” - Stephen Bruton APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 31

and 2016’s “Fresh Air.” In fact, “Thrill on the Hill” was actually recorded live at the Hill Top Cafe. For Johnny, the feelings blues music gives a person is hard to describe. “The blues touches people’s hearts and souls, because it comes from the heart, and the feelings people have that connect human beings that are universal,” he said. Learning the style of blues is one thing. Getting to the heart of it is another, Johnny added. “It’s something you have to have a feeling for. And you have to study the masters to reach that feeling. Not everybody can do that. “I like to touch on what happens in peoples lives — relationships, love, broken hearts, tragedies — but also joyful things, like happiness — that’s where the blues comes from,” he said. Johnny’s love for the music took him to stages around the country, including Ann Arbor, Chicago, Detroit and southern Louisiana. That last one will always have a special place in his heart. “There’s a real combination of styles there that drew from

“[Johnny] learned from some of the same guys I did, and he sings and plays the real down home blues!” - B.B. King, 1976

HILL COUNTRY BLUES

“My friend Johnny Nicholas writes and sings from way down inside, and plays every instrument with grit and grace. His talent is deep and wide, like his soul and his heart. And he has some songs that slay me. Just slay me.” - Walt Wilkins, 2016

the blues and Cajun and Creole music,” he said. “There were a lot of elements there, but they’re all connected by soulfulness, good stories and songwriting.” He said there’s nothing like southern Louisiana, where he spent time with Link Davis Jr., another famous blues artist. “South Louisiana always had the best musicians and the best writers,” he said. “It was like being on another planet.” Over the past month, Johnny has been on tour playing in Louisiana, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. He is now back in Texas performing. His favorite part of living in the Hill Country is the people who call it home. “The locals here, the Germans, are great fun-loving and hardworking people,” he said. “In some respects, a lot like the Cajuns.” In addition to having a similar outlook on life, the two cultures also have common music, Nicholas said. “There’s a connection between the German polka and what became Tex-Mex. It’s very unique.” When he’s not touring, Johnny keeps busy playing at various places around the Hill Country. Johnny believes in helping the next generation of musicians APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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He “writes instant classics and sings them to break your heart and rock your soul,” - Marcia Ball

and helps organizations like Community Education and the Kerrville Folk Festival to raise money for further musical education for children. “I enjoy working with kids, but I have a selfish motive,” he said. “I want to see traditional music passed down to younger people and give them encouragement.” That’s the key, according to Johnny. “When they’re starting out, it’s very important. I had that when I was coming up — a lot of older guys took me under their wing,” he said. “If people see that you’re really passionate about something, and you have respect and humility, they will respond. Those traits are very important to preserve, because that’s our humanity.” As you can see, bluesman and musician just don’t cut it for Johnny. 34

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HILL COUNTRY BLUES

Hill Top Cafe Where Greek, Cajun and Texan combine ‘inconveniently in the middle of nowhere’ Story by Jenna Carpenter and Jacob Karre Photo by Tom Holden

ince its opening in 1981, Hill Top Cafe has served as a place for music lovers and food connoisseurs to come together for a good time. Known as being “inconveniently located in the middle of nowhere,” the cafe pulls in its customers with the smell of Greek and Cajun cuisine. Johnny Nicholas admits location is key, but he and his late wife, Brenda, threw the entire concept out the window when they opened their doors and let their food speak for itself. Hill Top’s cuisine is unconventional for the Texas Hill Country, leaving out standard brisket for the eclectic GreekCajun menu. Recipes are strictly homemade, created by the couple over the years, mixing both their heritage of his Greek and her Southeast Texan into their products. “We like serving the kind of food we like to eat ourselves,” he said. “I love what I do, and I love to eat.” The creativity between the couple burst forth in different ways, for him, it was music, for her, it was decadent food. Over the years, the cafe’s menu has expanded to hamburgers, steaks, flounder, crab, snapper and a variety of desserts. The cafe is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, boasts a bed and breakfast and hosts a gospel brunch every Sunday at 11 a.m. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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HILL COUNTRY SCENES 1.

1. By Mack Barham. 2. By Mack Barham. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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HILL COUNTRY SCENES 2.

1. By Deb Johnson. 2. By Mack Barham. 3. By Mack Barham. 4. By Mack Barham. 38

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A sea of blue beauties Willow City Loop offers wildflowers galore By Autumn Bernhard

ince 1901, the bluebonnet has been the official flower of Texas. During spring, it is clear to see why â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bluebonnets can been seen everywhere from along interstates, front yards, gardens and, of course, the winding backroads of the Texas Hill Country. Just a short drive from Fredericksburg, there is a sea of blue just waiting for you along Willow City Loop. There, you can find a wide range of wildflowers, but the Texas bluebonnet tends to be a standout. This 13-mile drive takes you through a more rugged terrain than the surrounding Hill Country. Drive through jagged cliffs and deep canyons and over streams and creeks that make for beautiful panoramic pictures, even without wildflowers. It is easy to want to stop your car and take in the view, but odds are you will not be the only one on the road. This drive has

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GREAT OUTDOORS Photo by William Houghton

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Photo by Tom Holden

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GREAT OUTDOORS become one of the most prestigious wildflower drives in the Hill Country. If you can get out there on a weekday, I would suggest it, so the road is less likely to be crowded with other vehicles and visitors. Although the bluebonnet tends to dominate this time of year, Willow City Loop is also home to other wildflowers, including Indian paintbrushes. The meadows at the bottom of the canyons offer splashes of blue, yellow, orange and white, depending on which wildflowers are blooming. Depending on rain totals in winter months, the wildflower crop is better some years than others. The key factor in when and how long the bluebonnet season lasts is sun and average nighttime temperatures, according to Wildflower Haven. A warmer and drier-than-normal spring will result in an earlier and shorter flowering, while a cooler and wetter-thannormal spring will result in a later and longer flowering. But this difference tends to only be a few day to a week. Named for their blue color and sunbonnetshaped petals, bluebonnets typically begin to bloom in early to mid-March and reach their peak around the first weekend of April, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Take Texas 16 north out of Fredericksburg. Follow for about 13 miles and turn right on Ranch Road 1323, and continue to Willow City. Turn left onto Willow City Loop. Take in the beautiful flowery landscape and amazing views. Follow the road until you hit Texas 16, and take a left to head back to Fredericksburg. Please keep in mind that all the land along the loop is privately owned. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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HILL COUNTRY MADE

Scents for every occasion Handcrafted candles made with love By Nancy Foster

hen Ben Boubel pours his candles, it’s pretty obvious that he pours a bit of his heart into each one as well. Ben, co-owner of the Fredericksburg- based Comfort Candle Company, knows what it takes to succeed. “As a small company, you must stand out with a product that makes your customers feel good and want to return,” he said. “We ensure that every one of our candles is made with quality and craftsmanship.”

Photo courtesy of Comfort Candle Company

It’s quite evident that Ben takes pride in what he does and has high standards for each of his pieces. “Our candles are made with soy, a natural earth-based product that allows the finished product to burn cleaner and with less soot. Our cotton wicks also burn cleaner, which ultimately improves the life of the candle. I make my candles as natural as they can be,” he said. The Business Ben has been in the candlemaking business for over 20 years, having been introduced to its merits by family members. He is self-taught and committed to excellence in every aspect of the company that was founded in Comfort, but recently moved APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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Current product line includes glass container candles in four sizes, fragrance oils, travel tins, car fresheners and candle accessories. Current fragrances: alpine spruce, apple strudel, Blanco patchouli, bluebonnet, cashmere, citrus grove, Comfort, new divine, Eden, fig, Havana, Hawaiian pineapple, Hill Country home, joy, leather, lemongrass tea, lemon verbena, lily gardenia, linen, Llano, mimosa, mocha latte, mountain laurel, orange crĂŠme, Pedernales peach, pepperminty, pineapple et sage, pumpkin bread, rain, red currant, rosemary mint, sandalwood, sangria, spiced tea, tuberose, Utopia, verbena et sage, very vanilla and white lavender.

Photo courtesy of Comfort Candle Company

Comfort Candle Company, 726 Mustang St., Suite 1 in Fredericksburg, is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and upon request on Saturday.

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HILL COUNTRY MADE

its headquarters to a small industrial center not far from downtown Fredericksburg. Ben’s sister, Jeannine Boubel Smith, partnered with him last year and works off-site on the marketing side of the operation — handling the website, public relations, social media and branding — while assisting in developing innovative new products. Ben does the rest — he creates, blends and forms the candles, then labels, packages and ships them to wholesalers and online customers. Research, development and all aspects of the day-to-day operation are also part of his job description, and despite the time-consuming demands of the job, he loves everything about the operation. Photos courtesy of Comfort Candle Company

The Process Making candles is a laborious process. Comfort Candles are not hand-poured, which Ben says can result in an inconsistent product. He uses only American-made ingredients, with organic soy wax as the prime base and high-quality oils added for fragrance. No additional additives or dyes are used, ensuring

each candle is crafted with pureness. Candles are formed in small batches using specialized equipment and technology that controls temperature, scent and blend. Cotton

wicks are first carefully inserted by hand, the glass

containers are warmed to the optimal temperature, then the scented wax is transferred to the glass. The drying process varies according to size, but can take up to 10 hours before the finished candles can be labeled and packaged. The Products “One thing that evokes a memory is scent,” Ben said. The company typically has 41 scents that differ from season to season. The categories include floral, outdoorsy, invigorating, fruity, citrus and gourmet. Jeannine and Ben are proud of their mention in the “Top 60 Candle Blog” and being a recipient of “People Love Us on Yelp.” As Jeannine says, it’s another testament to customer satisfaction. These beautiful cream-colored candles can be purchased in many retail shops throughout the Hill Country, including their Fredericksburg shop, Gibson’s in Kerrville and Bandera True Value Hardware. Online shopping is also popular, and orders are processed quickly to ensure customers receive fresh candles. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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JO ANNE ENGLISH • Broker/Associate 1726 Sidney Baker • Kerrville • 830.285.0190 www.KerrvilleHomeListings.com • englishj777@gmail.com 1726 Sidney Baker in Kerrville | 830.285.0190 ©2014 CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21® is a trademark owned by CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunities Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

A little help from gnomes Wife, husband duo make use of spacious kitchen Story by Jacob Karre Photos by Tom Holden

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HOME COOKING

he devil is in the details. Or in this case, the gnomes. From the outside looking in, no one would guess that gnomes are hard at work at Ed and Dinah Morgan’s Kerrville home. But if you step into their kitchen, you will clearly see their helpers. “I collect food elves,” Dinah said, off the cuff. “They live in the kitchen to help me cook.” She laughed at the thought, but with almost a serious fervor. The elves in question, are called Co-boys, small ceramic gnomes that were originally made in the 1970s. They are part of the small details that take a kitchen from generic to personal. The Co-boys dot the kitchen landscape — resting on counter tops, shelves and between cookbooks and the couple’s many recipes.

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HOME COOKING

The kitchen has wide countertops, sufficient cabinet space and enough room for two people to work side by side. It is accented with small details that make the space an absolute standout. From the small gnomes to odd carpets, banners and ceramic dishes that decorate the wall space above, this kitchen is something special. She likes to cook, and he likes to bake — together an unstoppable duo inside the kitchen. For Ed, his baking is simply an extension of a favorite pastime. Together, they have over two decades of kitchen experience and hundreds of recipes stashed away in little wooden boxes that rest in their kitchen. The refrigerator, as Dinah revealed, is stuffed with prepared food that can be whipped up at a moment’s notice — her secret to facilitating large family gatherings. “I like to keep it simple, most of what I cook may be time consuming — but it’s easy,” Dinah said. “So, I like to make stuff ahead of time — especially for gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas.” The space was designed specifically for their furniture and, by extension, designed to be spacious and functional enough for long-time usage. In fact, it’s so well designed for the couple that they can both work in the kitchen at the same time without as much as bumping into one another or fighting over the oven, they said. While the kitchen allows them both to create freely, their real passion is for the great outdoors — that much is obvious from the giant cascading windows that surround the open-floor concept. At any time of day, they said APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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HOME COOKING

light streams inside, giving it a bright feeling. The couple’s life philosophy is to live outdoors more, because that is where the most exciting things happen. That concept extends into their entire home — spacious and naturally lit. All of their inspirations and details come together to create a cohesive space that helps the duo facilitate many meals inspired by their ancestry and is informed by their lifestyle. That’s something the duo said they are proud of. Only a few moments inside their kitchen would reveal that.

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HOME SHOWCASE

Custom-built Riverhill home has something for all ages By Autumn Bernhard

e prepared to entertain in this owner-designed, custom-built home in Kerrville. The home gives off the feeling of luxury and beauty from each crafted detail.

Photo courtesy of Fore Premier Properties

The two-story home, 404 Overlook Drive in Highridge in Riverhill, sits on a private cul-de-sac with a view of Kerrville from the front porch. With access to city amenities just minutes away, it would be easy to call this house a home. The open floor plan encompasses a chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen with solid oak beams and

an island sink and outer block that seats six. The kitchen is ideal for any cook with deep pull-out drawers for all your pots and pans, multiple sinks for food prep, double ovens, gas cooktop stove and an office nook to keep your recipes organized. The family room, complete with built in cabinets, opens to the kitchen and a spacious back patio, perfect for eating outside. In the middle of the manicured landscaped yard is a garden house with electricity and a kitchen. The three-bed, five-bath home has high ceilings and solid oak hardwood flooring. The master bedroom APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

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Photo courtesy of Fore Premier Properties

HOME SHOWCASE downstairs, complete with walk-in closet and en suite, ensures parents have a private space. The master bath has separate vanities, a walk-in shower, separate tub and plenty of closet space. The two bedrooms upstairs have plenty of room for study, sleep and storage and en suite baths. Guest bathrooms have recently been remodeled with walk-in, tiled showers and glass doors, sink, vanity and toilet. There is also a half-bath on the main floor off the foyer, near the breakfast area. For Karin, what sets this house apart from others is the ability to shut the upstairs off, but still have space available that provides privacy and amenities to guests.Â Also, as a family home, the basement and backyard offer multiple areas for entertaining kids and adults in things both age groups enjoy. The basement is complete with its own full bath, kitchenette, cedar storage and a bank vault built in for secure storage. Perfect for living in Riverhill is the golf cart garage and workshop. Other features of the house include a two-car garage with storage, separate greenhouse, fire pit and cedar closets. When viewing the house, Carol found the views, accessible location and the quality workmanship very impressive. The house is currently on the market for $632,000. For more information, contact Karin, Fore Premier Properties, at 970-630-7832 or karin@forepremierproperties.com.

Photo courtesy of Fore Premier Properties

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HOME SHOWCASE

Floors: 2 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 5 Garage: 2 car, 1 golf cart Square footage: 4,992 square feet Great room: 19 feet by 19 feet Kitchen: 17 feet by 24 feet Master bedroom: 16.7 feet by 18 feet Bedroom two: 19.3 feet by 14 feet Bedroom three: 16 feet by 18 feet Price: $632,000 Address: 404 Overlook Drive, Kerrville, Texas

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By the numbers

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Lazy Eye Ranch

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Vanderpool, Texas - This 200 acres is on the beautiful SABINAL RIVER and offers 1,200 ft. of private river and dam. The exquisite rock and cedar home is hidden on the side of a hill in a wooded valley. The 3/3 home, with three fireplaces and 2,000 ft. of porches was designed by UT Austin architect Mel Lawrence. The house is designed using tall glass windows, dry-stack stone walls, and cedar posts. Indoor cedar ceilings rise from 12 ft. to 20 ft. allowing for outside light. It has a large master bedroom with fireplace and high glass window walls which make you feel as if you are sleeping outside. The house has slate floors throughout. An indoor screen porch, with fireplace, looks out to the high hills. A stone gated entrance with asphalt drive goes along the river, with large oak and cypress trees, across the dam and up to the house. The house and 3 acres are high fenced. The wildlife tax-exempt ranch has level ground to wooded high hills and an undisturbed valley. The ranch has rarely been hunted. It is located 2 miles north of Vanderpool, near Lost Maples State Park. Price $3,350,000 $2,950,000.

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Icons of B the heart Vernon loving life, art By Bill and Lisle Drake 64

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etty Vernon has been at the heart of the Kerrville community for many years. She is a widely admired artist whose work expresses feelings of joy and gratitude for life. As a loved and respected yoga teacher, she has helped hundreds of students connect heart, breath and mind to find peace and strength, and for many years Betty has been the program director for the Cailloux Foundation, where her efforts go to the heart of our community’s most profound needs. Betty’s most recent works manage

to combine all of these aspects of her life in a series of paintings, ink drawings, collages and encaustics that begin with and explore the many dimensions of the human heart — both as the physical seat of life and as a spiritual source of healing and uplifting love. Without making a big deal of it, Betty traces her devotion to what she calls the “iconography of the heart” to a time in 2010 when she experienced sudden cardiac arrest. “I was very lucky,” she smiles at the memory. “I was with caring people who were able to get EMS there in

THE ARTS three minutes. That is about the limit of survival for those kind of heart problems. Since only about 3 percent of those who suffer cardiac arrest survive, I live each day, now more than ever, knowing that I have been given a wonderful gift.” As Betty takes us past each of her brilliantly colored works on the walls of her studio in far West Kerr County, she calls on her deep knowledge of yoga to describe what we are looking at. “Most of my recent works reflect the core of yoga teaching and imagery, which are expressed by the phrase ‘The Jewel in the Lotus; the Lotus in the Heart.’” She goes on to explain, “In teaching yoga, the jewel is God, and the jewel is in the Lotus, which flowers in the heart. This teaching is really inspirational to me, and even more than before I came so close to death. These days I celebrate the jewel, the lotus and the heart in my art and my life.” Asked if working so continuously with images of the heart ever gets old, Betty laughs and says, “Meditation and yoga are based on repetition; you can’t get into deep spiritual places with just a few practice sessions. It really is a lifetime commitment. And don’t forget, all spiritual traditions incorporate repetition in their meditations, songs and prayers. This kind of repetition just continues to get better — it is never boring.” As we look from one painting to the next, each one incorporating

the “iconography of the heart” as its central image, it became apparent that each one is very different, and never boring. In some of Betty’s work, the heart glows with inner light, while in others, it is joyful and playful. In others, it seems somehow deep in contemplation. When people who have seen her work come up to her at community events, Betty enjoys the comments they make. “They aren’t always into the yogic, or even the spiritual side of my work,” Betty recalls. “Sometimes they just want to tell me that my art made them feel good, the colors are so pretty or that it touched their own heart in a special way. I love that — knowing that people are reached by my work at any level is why I love being an artist.” When we asked if Betty foresees a future when she will change her artistic focus from the heart, she smiles and said, “It’s closely related, of course, but lately I’ve been having dreams and visions of time. In one recurring dream, I am lying on my back looking up at the most intensely blue sky, and falling out of the sky are all these little pieces of wasted time from the past. I don’t quite know how to make sense of this yet, but I find myself beginning to incorporate these little bits of time in my work.” As we looked closely at one of the “Time” paintings Betty showed us, we saw right there surrounding and blending with the image of the heart, little pieces of time, all coming together with the heart to make something beautiful.

“It really is a lifetime commitment... This kind of repetition just continues to get better — it is never boring.” - Betty Vernon APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 65

A full garage Hoskins’ collection continues to grow Story and photos by John and Polly Holmes

pring is a time to get the classic car out of the garage, check the oil and tire pressure and then take it for a run through the beautiful Hill Country. Speaking of classic cars, Mike Hoskins has quite a collection. We don’t know how he decides what to drive. If it’s a top-down day, there’s the 1953 MG TD (a barn find). If he’s looking for something larger and more luxurious, he can grab the keys to his Bentley. Oh wait, he has two to choose from. You’d love the 1997 Azure (one of 200 turbocharged models that year). Looking for a bike? Choose between a beautiful 2001 Harley Road King or a nice 2002 BMW-GS. Four wheels more your speed? How about a Ferrari — you have a choice between a 2002 360 Modena or a 1988 Testarossa. The 2007 Jaguar XK coupe is very nice, or there’s the 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage with a V-12 and a 6-speed manual, which is a really cool ride. If you’re a street-rod buff, you can hop into a sweet 1931 Ford Victoria with a 351 Windsor up front. We were hoping Mike would take us for a drive in the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, where we could sit in the back seat and sip wine from the built-in bar. In the back corner of the garage, we pulled the cover off of a beautiful black Porsche Carrera S. Golly. It’s so hard to choose which one to take for a spin. The choices are endless, but one thing is for sure: Any choice he makes will turn heads.

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Hill Country CULTURE | APRIL 2018

WHEELS

Top left: Mike’s 1931 Ford Victoria with a 351 Windsor, and part of Mike Hoskins’ car collection. Middle: Mike’s 1953 MG TD that was a barn find. Right: Mike’s 1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud 3 series. APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 67

OUT AND ABOUT

Photos by Samuel Beaver 68

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Hill Country CULTURE | APRIL 2018

EVERYTHING’S BIGGER INCLUDING THE THRILLS EVERYTHING’S BIGGER

INCLUDING THE THRILLS

L IB E R T Y OF T HE SE A S ® S A IL S F R OM G A LV E S T ON LIBERTY OFofTHE SEAS® SAILS FFROM GALVESTON This is not a cruise. This is E7-nights Texas-sized L IB R T Y OF T HE SE Aadventure. S ® S A IL SRace Rthrough OM G Athe LVtwisting, E S T ONturning waterslide This is not a cruise. This is 7-nights of Texas-sized adventure. Race through the twisting, turning waterslide trifecta known as the Per fect Storm. Have fun by the gallon at the Splashaway Bay aquapark. Lose yourself in expansive views in new Panoramic Staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. All while discovering unbelievable shores, from Roatan to Belize and George Town to Cozumel.

trifecta known as the Per fect Storm. Have fun by the gallon at the Splashaway Bay aquapark. Lose yourself in

This is not a cruise. This is 7-nights of Texas-sized adventure. Race through the twisting, turning waterslide expansive views in new Panoramic Staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. All while discovering unbelievab trifecta known as the Per fect Storm. Have fun by the gallon at the Splashaway Bay aquapark. Lose yourself in shores, from Roatan Belize and GeorgeStaterooms Town to with Cozumel. expansiveto views in new Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. All while discovering unbelievable shores, from Roatan to Belize and George Town to Cozumel.

Galveston

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Want a very special way to celebrate the Super Enter Agency Name Bowl orHere Valentine’s in 2019? We invite you to join Enter phone and/or Email Kerrville Travel on one or both of our fabulous group cruises aboard Royal Caribbean’s, Liberty of the Seas, sailing from Galveston, TX! *Features vary by ship. All itineraries are subject to change without notice. ©2016 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 16052914 • 9/21/2016

Super Bowl February 10 - 17,

14 Acclaimed Americana Recording Artist and Billboard Chart-Topping Singer/Songwriter Robert Earl Keen and special guest, Grammy Award winner and Country Entertainer of the Year, Ricky Skaggs, performed for a sold out crowd Feb. 24 at the Cailloux Theater. The event commemorated Robert Earl Keen’s 11th concert for Hill Country Youth Orchestras with all proceeds going to the HCYO Endowment and Scholarship Funds. 1. Stephen and Liz Painter. 2. Amy Richards and Sarah Baetz. 3. Brenda and Bryant Williams. 4. Trent, Maddy and Rebbeca Jones. 5. Kathleen Keen, Derek Blake and Ode Young. 6. Andrea and Steve Brents. 7. Roxie Orms and Harry Perin. 8. John and Jo Harrison. 9. Johnny and Jennifer Crockett. 10. Janbartt and Robert Nelson. 11. Judy Eychner and Janet Justice. 12. Andrew Dansby, Hazel and Nicki Britton. 13. Sonia Torralba, Gary and Linda Roark, Charlie and Nancy Winn. 14. Bryanna White, Taten Land and Carl Schulse.

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APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 69

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Helping you get there starts with knowing where you want to go. At Ameriprise, we take the time to learn what’s important to you and what your goals for the future are. Then, working together, we offer personalized advice that puts your interest first to help you achieve your goals and enjoy the life you deserve. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. © 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Hill Country CULTURE | APRIL 2018

Jeff Talarico, CRPC® Financial Advisor | Certified Kingdom Advisor® 830.315.6525 Talarico and Associates A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 741 Water St, Ste 102, Kerrville, TX 78028 jeff.talarico@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/jeff.talarico

EVENTS

April Calendar 416 Main Street • Kerrville • 830-896-5688

Mouth Watering, Daily Specials Award Winning Wine List • Full Bar Homemade Delicious Desserts

Lounge Open 4PM • Dining Room Open 5PM - ‘TIL • Mon.-Sat.

Come Join Us!

Serving Proudly Hill Country as the Tex 40 years! r o f

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This month offers a car show, rodeo, film festival, more TEXAS RANGER DAY April 14 Attend a memorial to honor Texas Rangers at the Center Point Cemetery, followed by a barbecue lunch. The memorial will include a roll call. Rangers will be encamped, and there will be family activities at the park. Lunch is $8 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. 10-10:30 a.m. for the memorial; Center Point Cemetery, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for the barbecue; Center Point Historic Park, 310 FM 480, Center Point; centerpointhistoric.org

HILL COUNTRY ANTIQUE TRACTOR & ENGINE CLUB BLUEBONNET TRACTOR RIDE April 14 For a decade, tractor enthusiasts have enjoyed the beautiful Texas Hill Country with a bluebonnet tractor ride. Limited space is available for non-tractor riders who wish to participate in the day’s festivities. All riders stop for a noon meal, and awards are given out for the oldest tractor, oldest driver and farthest traveled rider. All day Saturday; route to be announced, Fredericksburg; 830-889-0070, rustyiron.org

TEXAS VW CLASSIC SHOW APRIL 20-22 Come out to see Volkswagens converge at the 2018 Texas VW Classic Show. The cars will be rolling through the Texas Hill Country on Friday, but will be parked at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Saturday and Sunday. Spend the day looking at vehicles and seeing what vendors have for sale. This is a free, kid-friendly event and leashed pets are welcome. All day Friday-Sunday; Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg; steve@texasvwclassic.com or sharon@texasvwclassic.com; texasvwclassic.com

SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE AND FESTIVAL April 21 This native plant sale puts the emphasis on Hill Country natives. There will be exhibits, demos and experts available for landscaping advice along with kids’ activities, featured presentations and other free family fun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; Riverside Nature Center, 105 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville; 830-257-4837, riversidenaturecenter.org APRIL 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 71

EVENTS BANDERA AMERICAN LEGION POST 157 INDOOR MARKET APRIL 21

CREATING SMILES... IN THE HILL COUNTRY

Come look at all the gemstone jewelry, collectible rocks, Pampered Chef products, a variety of gift items, videos, books, household items and much more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Bandera American Legion Post 157, at 205 12 St., Bandera; 830-796-7528; hillcountryff.com

RRCF BUCKWILD RODEO April 21 RRCF and Lester Meier Rodeo Company present the Bandera Buckwild Rodeo. Events will include mutton busting, mini bronc riding, cash scramble, mini bull riding, open bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback. Admission for adults is $10, children aged 8-12 is $5 and children under age 7 are free. 6 p.m. Saturday; Mansfield Park, 2886 Texas 16 North, Bandera; 512-754-4791

HILL COUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL April 26-29 A celebration of independent film, the Hill Country Film Festival screens over 90 independent films (short and feature length), as well as hosts revealing Q&As, captivating filmmaker panel discussions and nightly festival parties giving attendees a chance to rub elbows with filmmakers.

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All day Thursday-Sunday; Fritztown Cinema, 2254 Texas 87 South, Fredericksburg; 866-224-7714

CAMERATA SAN ANTONIO STRING QUARTET LASTING LEGACY April 28 This concert will feature works all composed for patroness Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, as well as works by Bartok, Ornstein and Prokofiev, with guest pianist Viktor Valkov. 3 p.m. Saturday; First Presbyterian Church, 800 Jefferson St., Kerrville; cameratasa.org

MEDINA LAKE VFD BARBECUE, RAFFLE AND AUCTION April 28 Help support the Medina VFD at its annual barbecue followed by an auction. Enjoy brisket and sausage while raising money to help pay for the day-to-day operations of the department. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Medina Lake VFD, 10660 PR 37, Lakehills; 830-751-2525

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT April 29 Come enjoy all ensembles in the Hill Country Youth Orchestras Spring concert. 3 p.m. Sunday; Cailloux Theater, 910 Main St., Kerrville; 830-285-9781; hcyo.org 72

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Hill Country CULTURE | APRIL 2018

THE MOST SPECTACULAR VIEW IN KERRVILLE DINNER HOURS: TUES–SAT • 4:30–9PM

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ith our pristinely manicured golf course, hill country views that stretch for miles in all directions, experienced staff committed to exceptional service, we are sure to make your special day one you will always cherish at Comanche Trace.

www.comanchetrace.com info@comanchetrace.com 830-895-8500 ext. 236