FREDERICKSBURG

This quaint little German town in the Texas Hill Country has become world renowned as a vacation destination.  Fortunately for those of us who live in Central Texas, it is only 75 miles west of Austin -- perfect for a weekend getaway.  Main Street in Frederiscksburg offers some of the best eating and shopping in Texas. I never get tired of spending hours (and dollars) walking up and down Main Street. Fredericksburg is also home to several great wineries with  tasting rooms open to the public. And for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, Enchanted Rock is a destination unto itself.

Hangar Hotel

http://www.hangarhotel.com/

Fredericksburg offers a variety of lodging options.  But if you're looking for a unique experience, and not just a place to sleep, then I highly recommend the Hangar Hotel.  This 50-room boutique hotel is located adjacent to the Gillespie County Airport, but it's not just for pilots. Anyone can reserve a room at this World War II era hotel. As soon as you step into the hotel lobby, the decor and music will transport you back to the 1940s.

Even if you don't reserve a room at the Hangar Hotel, be sure to visit the classic 1940s Airport Diner. While enjoying your Bomber Burger and Chocolate Malt from a booth inside this chrome diner, you'll also have a front-row seat of the runway and be able to watch planes take off and land just a few feet away.

Other lodging options include chain hotels, campgrounds and Bed-and-Breakfasts. As I mentioned in a previous blog, we frequently camp at the Lady Bird Johnson Park located just a few miles from downtown.  But if you're going to Fredericksburg for a romantic weekend, then be sure to research the local B-n-B's. http://www.fredericksburg-lodging.com/properties.asp. I've never stayed at one, so please share with us if you have a favorite!

Fredericksburg Brewing Company

http://www.yourbrewery.com/

The Fredericksburg Brewing Company, conveniently located on Main Street, is both a microbrewery and a restaurant.  It's one of our favorite places to eat in town.  And given the wait times for a table, it's safe to say that we're not the only ones who like it. But the huge biergarten at the rear of the restaurant has large picnic tables and a giant projection screen TV to help you pass the time while waiting for a table. It's also a great place to park your husband for a few hours while you shop. The food at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company is delicious and the menu offers something for everyone, from authentic German fare to Chicken Fried Steak and 1/2-lb burgers. But be sure to save room for one of their homemade desserts, even if you have to share it with someone. And if you're a beer drinker, you'll want buy a Growler to take with you when you leave.

Shopping

I often sit around the house daydreaming about opening my own shop on Main Street in Fredericksburg. And just when I think I've come up with a great idea for something new, I look online and find that someone else has beat me to the punch. There are so many unique and diverse shops in town, that it is impossible to name them all. You'll find shops dedicated to everything from antiques to home decor to dog apparel. 

And then there's that one store my children beg to go to every single time we visit Fredericksburg. Now you have to understand . . . my children hate to shop. They would rather take a bath than go shopping. But Spunky Monkey Toys on Main Street http://www.spunkymonkeytoys.com/ is one of the most eccentric toy stores in the Hill Country and is a favorite for kids of all ages.  In fact, I often bribe my kids with a toy from Spunky Monkey if they'll first go with me to the 10,000sf Christmas Store  http://www.christmasstorefred.com/index.html or Der Kuchen Laden http://littlechef.com/ to look at kitchen gadgets and cookie cutters.  Another favorite shop is Dogologie http://store.dogologie.com/dogologie/ where you can find apparel, costumes and accessories for your favorite furry friends.

Becker Vineyards

 http://www.beckervineyards.com/

Becker Vineyards is one of the most popular and beautiful wineries in Texas. Their wines, which have won numerous awards, really gained prominence after being served in the Bush White House.  The winery's large tasting room is always crowded on weekends with visitors paying their $10 for six wine samples. And during special events like their Annual Grape Stomp, the tasting line can even snake through the tasting room, into the gift shop and out the front door. But as crowded as the tasting room can get, the grounds of the vineyard are spacious and beautifully decorated with acres of lavender fields. So bring a blanket and picnic when you go so you can sit outside to enjoy your favorite glass of wine.

National Museum of the Pacific War

http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/

This museum was originally named the Admiral Nimitz Museum after the Fredericksburg native son who commanded the US and Allied Forces in the Pacific theater during World War II.  In fact, the original section of the museum is located in the old Nimitz Hotel, owned by the Admiral's Grandfather and home to the Admiral during his early childhood. Plan on spending most of your day here when you visit because the museum encompasses several buildings and outdoor exhibits. The museum tells the story of the Pacific War from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay.  Among the museum's many exhibits, you'll see both Allied and Japanese aircraft and tanks, as well as a fully-restored PT Boat.

Enchanted Rock

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/parkguide/rgn_hc_009.phtml

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a large pink granite dome that dominates the skyline just outside of town. It was named by the Tonkawa Indians in the 1700s who believed ghosts inhabited the rock. The park today is extremely popular for rock climbers and often reaches capacity before noon on weekends. So arrive early enough to start your climb before the heat and the crowds arrive.

Camping in Central Texas

It's Springtime and that means camping. We're fortunate in Central Texas to have several great campgrounds all within an hour of Austin. I've listed a few of our favorites below.

Bastrop State Park

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/bastrop/

You've heard me say it before ... Texas has some wonderful State Parks. Bastrop State Park, located about 30 miles east of Austin along Highway 71,  is one of those parks that can be enjoyed year round. When I was young, we had several Family Reunions there. They have great group facilities, including group barracks and a large dining hall with kitchen. Other facilities include camp sites with water/electric and rustic cabins. We love to reserve a cabin in the Fall after the weather turns cool because each cabin comes with a beautiful stone fireplace. They vary in size and can sleep 2-8 people depending on which one you reserve. But they only have a handful of cabins, so plan ahead and make your reservations early if you want to stay in one.

Cabin at Bastrop State Park

As for activities, hiking is my kids' favorite thing to do when we're camping at Bastrop. When you arrive, be sure to ask the Park Ranger for a trail map. The trails are clearly marked and my kids enjoy the competition of finding the next trail marker. The park also has a swimming pool that is open seasonally. And, my husband's favorite, is the golf course. Yes, there is indeed an 18-hole course located in Bastrop State Park. The Lost Pines Golf Club.

Lady Bird Johnson Park, Fredericksburg, TX

http://www.fbgtx.org/departments/ladybirdpark.htm

If you haven't been to Fredericksburg, then get there soon! It is my favorite place to go for a weekend getaway. Fredericksburg is about 75 miles west of Austin on Highway 290. Look for my blog dedicated to Fredericksburg soon!

Pavillion at Lady Bird Johnson Park

Lady Bird Johnson Park is another fun place for a Family Reunion or weekend campout. They have several pavillions that can be rented for group gatherings. The park also has a swimming pool, playground and golf course. The RV sites have water/electric/cable TV hookups. But the number one reason my kids love to camp at this particular park is the Gillespie County Airport located next door. It's fun to watch all the private planes take off and land.

Granger Lake

http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/granger/index.asp

Fishing for your supper

Granger Lake is located northeast of Austin, between the towns of Taylor and Granger. Fishing seems to be the number one activity when camping at Granger Lake. But they also have a swimming beach and a nice hiking trail. If you go hiking, be sure to see the 'haunted bridge'.  Local legend says a prisoner was hanged near the old Hoxie Bridge and his ghost haunts the area today. http://www.williamson-county-historical-commission.org/the_Hoxie_Bridge_in_Taylor_park_granger_texas.htm 

The famous haunted bridge at Granger Lake

When it comes to campsites, Granger Lake gets extra brownie points for having covered picnic areas at each individual campsite.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Canyon Lake, TX

http://www.jellystonehillcountry.com/jellystone-hill-country

This family-friendly campground is located 45 miles south of Austin, near two popular water holes -- Canyon Lake and the Guadalupe River. Facilities include both RV sites and cottages. If you're not spending the day tubing on the Guadalupe or fishing at the lake, there are plenty of other activities for kids at the campground. When we stayed there, daily hayrides were on the agenda. And my kids loved renting a pedal bike and riding it around camp. Other activities onsite include an indoor heated pool, game room, lazer tag, and more.

Other Campgrounds to Try

I currently have three other campgrounds on my radar that I want to visit sometime soon.
1) Canyon of the Eagles, northwest of Austin. http://www.lcra.org/parks/developed_parks/canyon.html
2) Koyote Ranch, near Bandera. http://www.koyoteranch.com/
3) The other Jellystone campground located in Waller, northwest of Houston. They have a giant waterslide which the kids are anxious to try! http://www.jellystonetexas.com/Default.aspx

If you have a favorite campground that was not mentioned above, please let us know. We're always looking for new adventures!

Texas Traffic Jams

Don't you just love Friday afternoon traffic?!?!?!

We recently got stuck in a traffic jam returning home from a camping trip in Bandera. Not the usual kind of traffic jam, though. It was what you might call a Texas-style Taffic Jam.  Now if they would just hurry up and moooove out of the way!

Goliad & Presidio La Bahia

On our recent trip to the coast, we decided to take the scenic route along Highway 183 which takes you through the small town of Goliad.  If you have never visited the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad, I encourage to do so.
http://www.presidiolabahia.org/index.html 

This historic fort played a key role in Texas History. It was at this fort that the first formal Texas Declaration of Indepence was signed in December 1835. It was also here, a few months later, that the worst massacre in Texas history took place under the orders of General Santa Anna.

This week marks the 175th anniversary of the Goliad Massacre on March 27, 1836.
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/qeg02.  The massacre, following on the heels of the defeat at the Alamo, became part of the Texians' battle cry at San Jacinto -- "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!"

The Goliad Masscre took place just a few weeks after the Battle of the Alamo when the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna marched through Goliad on their way toward San Jacinto.  They encountered the Republic of Texas soldiers at the Presidio La Bahia, defeated them in battle and took the Texians prisoner. The Mexican army held the prisoners captive for a week. But on Palm Sunday, the Mexican army was ordered to march the captive Texian soldiers out to the road near the fort and shoot them at point-blank range. 342 soldiers were killed. A handful managed to escape with the help of the Angel of Goliad. http://www.tamu.edu/faculty/ccbn/dewitt/goliadangel.htm

The Presidio La Bahia is also site to one of the oldest churches in America. This beautiful chapel, Our Lady of Loreto, still serves as a community church today and has been in continuous use since the 1700s. The inside of the chapel is painted with beautiful murals.  But outside, be sure to see the statue of Our Lady of Loreto located in the niche above the chapel entrance. This statue was sculpted by Mount Rushmore sculptor Lincoln Borglum. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rushmore/peopleevents/p_lborglum.html

Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch, San Antonio

The Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch (http://wildoakranch.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp)  is a Hyatt Vacation Club property, but you don't have to be a vacation club member to stay there. You can reserve their studios and condos just like a regular hotel. It is located right next door to the ever-popular Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, and guests at Wild Oak have access privileges to that resort, too. We love to stay at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort on special occasions, but for our frequent overnight visits to San Antonio the Wild Oak Ranch is a better fit for our budget. It also has some perks that you won't find at the resort next door --- like an indoor pool and waterslide!

Indoor Heated Pool

When the weather is nice the giant doors are raised,
joining the indoor pool with the outdoor pool.

Indoor Waterslide

Pricewise, I've always found the Wild Oak Ranch to be about half the price of the Hill Country Resort, except for Holidays. Then, like all resorts, the price goes through the roof. But I can typically reserve a Studio room at Wild Oak Ranch for $99-$110 a night. The Studio has a king size bed and a living area with a full-size sleeper sofa. There's also a private balcony, and a kitchenette/wet bar with microwave,  mini-refrigerator, coffee maker and toaster.  The larger condos are very nice, too. They have separate bedrooms, a living room with dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen. They're great to reserve when you're traveling with another family.

Outdoor Pool & Waterslide

Wild Oak Ranch is a smaller property than the Hill Country Resort, but it's a great value in comparison. Wild Oak has two pools and waterslides, both outdoors and indoors, plus the lazy river with a sandy beach and several hot tubs. Hill Country Resort does NOT have an indoor pool.  So that makes Wild Oak Ranch a better choice for us in the winter. When it's 20 degrees outside, my kids can still swim all weekend. (I know . . . that's rare in Texas. But it actually happened this year).

Lazy River

Sandy Beach next to the Lazy River

When the weather is nice, Wild Oak Ranch offers lots of free outdoor family activities. There are organized pool games, s'mores by the firepit, and outdoor movies. There is also a Kids Camp with their own Clubhouse, but my kids tell me it's geared for younger preschool kids. A real gem is the playground with a merry-go-round. You don't see those very often. In fact, this was the first time my kids had ever played on one and they loved it!

Lots of hammocks on property for relaxing in.

As for eating, there's only one restaurant on property. JB's Poolside Restaurant. It's okay, but I wouldn't want to eat there every meal, every day. In fact, we seldom eat there more than once each trip. But my kids do love to get a smoothie there. And they have a daily Happy Hour. Another option for eating is to grill your own dinner. The staff will set up a BBQ Grill for you outdoors if you ask. I see lots of people doing this in the summer months. But just so you know, there's also a Rudy's BBQ (http://www.rudys.com/default.aspx) not too far down the road.

Taking a break at JB's

If you're a golfer, guests at Wild Oak Ranch have access privileges to the Hill Country Resort Golf Club next door.  And for the ladies ... access to the Windflower Spa, too.  I love this spa and have been known to get a massage or two there. In fact, Freddie and I once had a couple's massage there for our anniversary.  It was wonderful!

By the way, if you'r not familiar with the San Antonio area, these Hyatt properties are located right across the highway from Sea World. Sounds like a fun weekend getaway to me!

Kick Butt Cab & Whittington's Jerky

Texas has really stepped up its game in recent years when it comes to winemaking. One of my favorite Texas Wines is produced right here in Central Texas. Kick Butt Cab.  The name says it all!

Kick Butt Cab is produced in Johnson City at the Texas Hills Vineyard. The vineyard is located 1 mile east of Hwy. 281/290 on RR 2766.  http://www.texashillsvineyard.com/index.html  Don't be surprised when you stop by for a tasting if owners Gary and Kathy Gilstrap personally pour your wine. If you're real lucky, you'll meet their dog, too.

On your way back home, make a quick stop at Whittington's on Hwy 281 South for some of the best homemade jerky around.  My son is quite the jerky connoisseur, and he begs to stop here whenever we're in the area. It's not cheap, but it's worth the splurge.  http://www.whittingtonsjerky.com/index.html 

** If you want to try some Kick Butt Cab but don't have the chance to personally visit the Texas Hills Vineyard, I have found it at the local Spec's Liquor Store. http://www.specsonline.com/

Baby Bambi

Spring is just around the corner. A time for new life and new beginnings. 

I love this picture taken last Spring in my sister's front yard. She lives in San Antonio near 281 & 1604, one of the busiest intersections in town. But you'd never know it because it's so quiet and peaceful. Deer sightings are all too common throughout the Spring and Summer in her neighborhood. But this was the first time that my kids had ever seen a newborn up close.

My sister had seen Baby Bambi with his mother earlier that morning, but mom was nowhere to be seen at this point. When Bambi saw us he started walking over. As cute as he was, though, we knew not to touch him and suspected that mom was probably watching from nearby. Sure enough, after we hid on the porch to watch, several adult deer suddenly appeared and surrounded the baby deer.  One of the deer, who was clearly the mom, walked up to him and began nuzzling the baby. Then off they went, lickety split, to wherever deer go.