Enchanted Rock State Park

The outdoor enthusiasts will find Enchanted Rock and Pedernales Falls great places to hike and enjoy the spring days.  If you want to be more physically challenged, there’s always Texas Hell Week, enjoy 8 days of cycling and stunning scenery throughout the Texas Hill Country.  For a little less strenuous activity, you can attend the annual LBJ Kite Day on March 10 at the LBJ State Park.

For the history buffs, the National Museum of the Pacific War is running the Pacific Combat Living History Program on March 10 and 11.  Or you can immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Fredericksburg at the Pioneer Museum’s Spring Break event.  The Texas White House at the LBJ Ranch is open for tours daily.  The tour has recently been expanded to include the first floor bedrooms of President Johnson and Lady Bird. 

Food and wine aficionados will find many places to go this week.  There is the Messina Hof wine dinner on March 10 at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm and the Winemakers birthday bash on March 11 at the winery.  Becker Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, Grape Creek and Torre di Pietra will have tours, wine tasting, and music for your enjoyment.  Our restaurants will be ready for you with lots of tasty menu selections featuring fresh, local products.

Becker Vineyards

For the music lovers, the week kicks off March 9 with the Auslander Spring Music Festival with 10 days of nightly entertainment.  The Spring Break Party in Luckenbach on March 10 features Micky and the Motorcars.  Rockbox Theater adds a Thursday night show to the lineup March 15-April 26 providing live music and comedy which can be enjoyed by all.

The shoppers will find over 150 Main Street shops and galleries filled with treasures you will want to call your own.

If you want to get away from it all and take a break, Fredericksburg is the place for you!

First Friday Art Walk, Fredericksburg, TX

There are now 15 galleries that participate in the “First Friday Art Walk” held on the first Friday of every month.  During this event, the galleries and studios have extended viewing hours and often feature artist demonstrations.  Local wines and appetizers are also provided.  Participating galleries include:

• Agave Gallery
• Artisans at Rocky Hill
• Cowboy Bronze
• Fredericksburg Art & More
• Fredericksburg Art Gallery
• Fredericksburg Art Guild
• Galeria 19
• InSight Gallery
• Larry Jackson’s Antique & Art Gallery
• R. S. Hanna Gallery
• River Rustic Gallery
• The Charles Beckendorf Gallery
• The Good Art Co.
• The Village Gallery
• Whistle Pik Galleries

For all the latest information check out the First Friday Art Walk blog at www.firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com.

In addition to these venues there is Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch, Eyefells & Eyefells, Kirchman Galleries just east of Fredericksburg near Johnson City.

The Smoked Cheese, Leek and Red Pepper Strata has touches of red and green for a festive plate on Christmas.  It can be made the day before and baked in the oven while you are opening presents on Christmas morning.

Smoked Cheese, Leek & Red Pepper Strata

Serves 12

2 tbs. butter
2 medium red peppers, small diced
2 leeks, white part only, sliced

1 loaf focaccia bread, cubed in ½” cubes
1 cup mild smoked cheese, grated (we use smoked Amish yogurt cheese)
1 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups half & half
9 large eggs, slightly beaten
2 tbs. Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

• Sauté peppers and leeks in butter until soft. Set aside.
• Spread half the bread cubes in a 9” x 13″ pan that has been sprayed with butter spray. Top with 3/4 of the cheese and 3/4 of the leek & red pepper mixture. Repeat layers: bread cubes, cheese, pepper/leek mixture.
• In a medium bowl whisk together the milk, half & half, eggs, Dijon, salt & pepper. Pour over bread.
• Cover & refrigerate overnight if desired.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes.  Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

The Sweet-Savory Nut Mix is a favorite for snacking and also makes a nice gift.

Sweet-Savory Nut Mix

Makes 6 cups

2 cups pecans

2 cups almonds

2 cups walnuts

¼ cup pure maple syrup

2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

2 tbs. finely chopped mixed fresh rosemary, sage, savory and thyme

¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

Salt and freshly ground pepper

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 
• In a large bowl, toss the nuts with the maple syrup, olive oil, herbs and cayenne.  Spread the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.  Season nuts with salt and pepper and toss frequently until cooled.
• The nuts may be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

For a sweet treat and another nice gift idea, the Dark Chocolate Bark with Walnuts and Dried Cherries is sure to please.

 Dark Chocolate Bark with Walnuts and Dried Cherries

Makes 48 pieces

1½ cups (6 oz.) walnut halves

9 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup dried sour cherries, coarsely chopped

2 tbs. finely chopped crystallized ginger

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.  Let cool, coarsely chop.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.  In a glass bowl, heat 2/3 of the chocolate in a microwave oven at high power in 30 second bursts until just melted.  Stir to smooth.  Add the remaining chocolate and stir until melted.  Stir in the walnuts, cherries and crystallized ginger until evenly coated.  Scrape the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a 12-by-8 inch rectangle.  Refrigerate for 10 minutes, or until firm to cut.
• Cut the bark into 48 pieces (6 rows by 8 rows) and transfer to a plate.  Serve cold or at room temperature.
• The bark can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Johnny Nicholas at Hill Top Cafe

Nicholas is also busy outside the restaurant.  In July his newest album was released, “Future Blues” which is a collection of original songs written by Johnny.  He’s been on the road this summer promoting the album and touring with his new band “Hell Bent”.   Just recently he travelled to Hell, Norway for a three performance festival.

Also a big contributor to the local community Nicholas founded the “Big Band Bash” 14 years ago to help the Fredericksburg High School Band program and foster a love for the fine arts among the local youth.  The event is held each November.  This year’s event is Saturday, Nov 12.  Co-sponsored by the FISD and Hill Top Café, the event raises proceeds to fund the Big Band Bash youth music and theater program as well as scholarships.  Recently, $5,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to local students planning to pursue music or the fine arts in college. 

Johnny and Marcia Ball

The tournament began as a small fundraiser in 2004 to benefit the youth-based Fredericksburg club.  Last year the event raised over $32,000.  In the past, proceeds from the event have been used for purchasing supplies, setting up a student-run library, expanded the summer programs, arts programs and installed a new “Green Garden” center.

This event is a shopping tournament, think golf tournament with a shopping twist.  Shop and receive prizes based on the amount of money spent, best costumes, and amounts of direct donations to the Boys and Girls Club.  Preview parties are on Friday at participating stores.  On Saturday, the ‘Tee Time Breakfast’ starts at 8:30, and then shopping begins at 10:00.  The 19^th Hole Party begins at 5:00 and includes fun, music, and great food and drinks from the sponsors.

Over 20 of Fredericksburg’s finest Main Street shops are participating and most of them will have special sales for the tournament players.  Don’t miss out on this weekend of shopping and fun!

Fredericksburg Artist Donna Lafferty

 The first Friday of each month is the Art Walk featuring 10 of Fredericksburg’s finest galleries.  For this event, the galleries have extended hours (open until 8:00 pm) and feature special events, collections and exhibits.  Many of the galleries offer local Texas wines and food pairings for sampling.  For a listing of the participating galleries and special events check out their blog at http://firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com/

The railroad tunnel was constructed in 1913 as a means of providing the farmers and craftsman in Fredericksburg with a market in San Antonio for their fruits, vegetables, and goods.  To trip by ox or horse would usually take 10 – 11 days resulting in not so good produce once it got to market.  So in 1912 a group of Fredericksburg businessmen got agreement for the railroad to be built providing they could raise the $200,000 it would take to build the line.  The Fredericksburg group was able to raise $150,000 and the remaining $50, 000 came from San Antonio.  The first train passed through the tunnel in August, 1913 and the line was in service for approximately 29 years until the “horseless carriage” caught up with the ability of train travel.   

Each evening from May – October visitors can enjoy the nightly emergence of the bats with the largest bat populations and corresponding longer emergence times (lasting up to 45 minutes) later in the summer.  For viewing the park has an upper viewing deck and a lover observation level closer to the bat tunnel and nature trail.  The upper viewing deck is free and sometimes includes a view of the predatory interaction of the Red-tailed Hawks and the bats. 

The lower observation area provides an educational program presented by Park employees.  These programs are provided Thursday – Sunday evening usually about 30 minutes prior to the bats emergence.  Cost for the program and admission to the ½ mile hiking trial on the lower level is $5 per person.  An information hotline is provided by the Old Tunnel WMA since emergence times vary with the sunset.  Information on show times is available at 866-978-2287 and additional information can be found on their website at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=17. 

The park is open 365 days of the year and is open from sunrise to sunset.  During the bat season of May – October many visitors like to go out early and watch as the bats return to the tunnel after their long night of flight.  Even when the bats are gone the park has a wonderful ½ mile hiking trail to enjoy bird watching and wildlife activity.  Picnic tables are available along the hiking trail. 

When you come for a visit don’t miss out on dining at the Alamo Springs Café located right next door to the bat cave.  For a true Hill Country experience try one of Alamo Springs Café’s award winning burgers.  Texas Monthly August 2009 featured their green chili cheese burger on their cover and rated it one of the best in Texas.  Alamo Springs Café also features nightly specials and has live music on weekends.  So come on out and enjoy some amazing nature along with terrific food at Alamo Springs Café.  Check out their website at http://www.alamospringscafe.com/

 Night In Old Fredericksburg serves up a multicultural menu of tasty food and refreshing drinks. German favorites include sauerkraut and wurst served sizzling from the grill. Fans of Mexican food can sink their teeth into fajitas and tacos, and hungry visitors will find enthusiastic cooks serving up delicious burgers, fries, turkey legs, and other festival favorites.

 Fredericksburg knows its beer, so once again volunteers will be pouring more than 15 domestic and imported beers, straight from frosty taps as well as local wines.

 Night in Old Fredericksburg offers fun for every member of the family. Kids are sure to flock to their own special area where they can test their skills on a bungee jump, ride a Ferris Wheel, jump on a slide and have fun, or test their skill at a variety of challenging games.

 Presenters on the grounds are proud to make history come alive, with exhibits of pioneer crafts and activities. Top arts and craft vendors will set up tents along the walkways, showing off their collectibles, gifts, and one-of-a-kind creations.

 ”The Fun Never Sets” at Night in Old Fredericksburg, which runs Friday from 6 p.m. to midnight, and on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until midnight. Admission is $6 each day, or $10 for a two-day pass. Children age 12 and under get in for $1. Parking is free all around the venue.

 Night in Old Fredericksburg is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, and has been celebrated since 1962. More information is available toll-free at 997-8515, or by visiting www.tex-fest.com.

Becker Vineyards kicks off the start of the season with Lavender Festival April 30-May 1.  Three acres of lavender fields abloom with the vibrant purple flowers are yours to browse and photograph.  The fields here were planted in 1998 with 10,000 plants.  The event features speakers, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, gardening tips and more.  There are luncheons both days featuring food prepared using culinary lavender (tickets are required for the luncheons).  You will find a wide variety of products including candles, soaps, lotions, linen spray, lip balm and herbs to cook with.  For more information visit www.beckervineyards.com

The Blanco Lavender Festival is next on June 10-12.    The old Blanco Courthouse is the site of the event where you will find a Lavender Market, cooking demonstrations, speakers and much more.  You can also pick up a map of the local lavender farms open to the public.  There are four farms within twenty minutes of Blanco so you can visit several of them in one day.  In addition to fields of lavender, each farm will provide activities and events related to lavender.  Visit www.blancolavenderfestival.com for more information.

Whether you attend the festivals or visit one of the farms at your leisure, you won’t forget the soothing fragrance and calming beauty of the fields.  Who knew you could experience a slice of Provence a few miles outside of Fredericksburg?  Want to try cooking with lavender at home, why not try out the recipe below for a special Sunday Brunch.

Cornmeal Waffles with Lavender Cream and Blueberries

Makes 4 waffles

Waffles:

¾ cup blue or yellow cornmeal

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

3 tbs. sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

3 tbs. melted butter

Blueberries

Lavender Cream:

1 cup heavy cream, separated

¼ tsp. dried culinary lavender

1 tbs. sugar

To make the lavender cream: Cook ¼ cup heavy cream and ¼ tsp. of lavender in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.  Cool completely, then strain.  Stir in another ¾ cup heavy cream and 1 tbs. sugar, whip to soft peaks.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

To make the waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.  Whisk in the eggs and buttermilk until well blended, then stir in the melted butter

Cook in a waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Transfer cooked waffles to a baking sheet and keep them warm, uncovered in a 200 degree oven.

Plate waffles, top with lavender cream and blueberries.

Where you aware that more than 200 species of butterflies occur in the Texas Hill Country?  Although this region of Texas is unique in its own rights, containing a huge variety of plants and wildlife, its location in Central Texas contains a diversity of habitats that support butterflies with affinities to the east, west, north and south. There can be found such colorful species as Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and eastern Tailed-Blue of eastern affinity, Arizona Sister and Red Satyr from the west, Coral Hairstreak and Green Skipper of northern affinity and Red-bordered Metalmark and Common Mestra from the south. There are also numerous tropical species that stray into the area on occasion. All of these make the Texas Hill Country a fascinating region for butterflies.

The Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival has seminars, demonstration and more for you to learn about our wonderful Hill Country environment.  For more information on the Wings Over the Hills event check out their website at www.wingsoverthehills.org

Fredericksburg Nature Center

Next time you’re in Fredericksburg be sure to check out the Nature Center at Lady Bird Johnson Park.  The Nature Center offers a scenic and diverse blend of Texas Hill Country habitats.  The park covers ten acres and includes eleven distinct habitats.  There are over 160 species of birds, 60 butterflies, 45 dragonflies and more than 250 flowering plants.  The nature area features a bird blind and feeding area, a butterfly habitat and a cactus garden.   There is also a geology and rock exhibit.  One of the greatest things about the park is that they are easily accessible via hiking trails.  Part of the trail is even wheelchair accessible.  There are also many benches along the way to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

The Live Oak Trail takes you through woods, prairie lands and includes the Cactus Garden.  Where the trail runs along the lake you are able to see a variety of shore birds and waders.  The Loop Vista Trail is along a rocky hillside overlooking the creek.  This is where you will find the Butterfly Garden, bird blind and feeding station.  If you would like to attract butterflies to your home, the Butterfly Garden provides the types of plants that provide them with nectar sources and larval food.  There are also photographs of the types of butterflies you may find there.

The Park is located 3 miles south of Main Street on State Highway 16.  To find out more information about the Nature Center visit their website at www.fredericksburgnaturecenter.org