Category Archives: Art

Fredericksburg, Texas – An Intro

How do I describe Fredericksburg, Texas….. German, historic, authentic, great food, shopping, art, vineyards, beer, Luckenbach, bed and breakfasts, nature, landscapes, one of a kind destination.

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Fredericksburg. I had been once a couple years ago for literally just for a couple hours and always said I was going to go back. Returning would involve checking a lot off my Texas Bucket List. In the short time I was there, I was able to get everything on my list done (within the area) and even check out a few others. How’s that for keeping busy!

Fredericksburg is located right off Highway 290, just west of Austin (about 2 hours). Sound familiar? I mentioned Highway 290 in last weeks post about Hye, TX. The trip to Fredericksburg is scenic route. Wildflowers graze the side of the highways along with the Texas state flower, the bluebonnets in the spring. It’s the perfect time to drive with the windows down and just enjoy the view and the fresh air. You’ll drive through Johnson City and see Lyndon B. Johnson’s old stomping grounds (if you are into history, you may want to stop by the LBJ State Park and Historic Site). Did I mention the many, many vineyards you’ll pass along the way which will leave you contemplating on whether or not to stop (trust your gut, you probably should). And if you don’t pay attention, you’ll miss that old sign for Luckenbach (I’ll fill you in on Luckenback later on.)

Soon enough, you will come into town. You’ll see the classic Texas town main street, filled with shops, restaurants and many people. Fredericksburg is a popular tourist destination, be prepared but as popular as it is there is a kind of charm that allows you to become calm, relaxed and able to enjoy the moment.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be telling you a lot about Fredericksburg. Whether you have a family, need a couples getaway or even just a getaway for yourself – leave Fredericksburg to be an option for your break from the real world. I’m going to recommend it!

Need a little more convincing?

Frederickburg is #2 in the country for a wine destination getaway (right behind Napa).
Fredericksburg holds over 400 bed and breakfasts. That’s right – 400!
Shopping, eating, drinking, live music – it’s all at your fingertips.
Need a break to venture into the outdoors? I’ll tell you about my adventure at the Enchanted Rock and the absolute breathtaking view at the top.

I was able to experience a little bit of everything that I’ve mentioned and will be giving my take in the coming weeks. Hope you’ll join me on my journey!

Hye, Texas

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I have a little story for you today… and it goes something like this.

A few years ago, my parents came into town to visit. My poor parents, I just kept them on the go the entire time because I wanted them to see everything that I get to experience (it really happens to everyone I know – sharing is caring, right?). So, I took them to the Dr. Pepper Festival in Dublin, TX. While we were there, my dad went and wandered around the little shops and came back with a couple pictures. One of them was this one…

I took a picture of the print. I hope you get the gist of it.

It’s a picture by George Boutwell who is a Texas artist. I’ve come to love his work through the two prints that I have. More importantly – how awesome are the tractor and the old truck in this picture?! People know me well!

On the back of the print, the following was written:
“HYE, TEXAS, is on U.S. Highway 290, between Johnson City and Stonewall, Texas and I’ve been itching to paint this store ever since I discovered it in 1973 on the same trip that I discovered Luckenbach. Rumor is that Lyndon Johnson was one of the regulars that hung out at Hye. – GEORGE BOUTWELL”

Well, I don’t know if it’s the traveler in me or just Curious George but I knew where U.S. Highway 290 was, Luckenbach is one of my favorite places in Texas and quite frankly there is a John Deere Tractor and old pickup in the photo. Next time I was headed that way, I was going to find this place.

So I did….

Here lies the Hye Post Office. The main building is closed. There is nothing there. This building is basically the town. It sits along side Highway 290 where cars literally fly though. I was a little nervous taking the pictures and had to be quick to take the photo. Across the street, looks like an old garage with some cars sitting out front but how awesome is it that I was able to capture a picture of this building that grabbed the attention of George Boutwell 40 years ago. The building still looks great.

Imagine the history. Between Johnson City where Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson were from, just down the road from Luckenbach where Willie and a ton of other musicians have crossed through. Highway 290 carries a lot of history in this great state. What a treasure! Think about it!

Texas Sized Rocker

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Look at me up in that giant chair!!!! Yep, what you’re seeing is exactly right. I’m sitting in the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Lipan, Texas. See, things really are bigger down here! During my Saturday perusing, this was another destination that I wanted to check out and you definitely can’t miss it! I mean, if you miss seeing this giant chair on the side of the road, you really shouldn’t be driving at all! Let me tell you a little more…

This giant rocking chair can be found off Highway 281 (near I-20) just west of Fort Worth at the Texas Hill Country Furniture & Mercantile. It’s in the country so if you’re looking for a little country drive, this is the place to go! As soon as I walked into the store, to be honest I wished I was rich so I could fill my imaginary house with all of these items. Classic, Texas furniture made literally right behind the store. The furniture is BEAUTIFUL and they can make you anything you would like, custom-made just for you. Check out a few of my favorite items!

This bathtub. Check this out – wooden bathtub and it’s absolute perfection. Pay attention to the details – do you see the legs?! Yes – this would most definitely be in my home and it could be in yours too for $8,000.

Now, kitchen tables! There were two kitchen tables that I loved (who am I kidding, I loved every piece in the store). The table above had a built in lazy susan in the middle however my favorite part is the “legs”. It’s actually a tree trunk. Makes my hippie heart melt!

As you can see, it doesn’t matter what part of the house you need furnished, you will find something here. It’s not all about furniture though, they have every detail you would need for your home. I even found a couple things for mine!

I actually bought the cow on the top right. She is beautiful! The one on the left was a favorite too but, well I only have so much room in my apartment at the moment!

Hangers, antler chandelier (I definitely want one of these someday) and the kitchenware was beautiful. They even had some hand painted pieces.

From Top, L-R.

1. Rocking Stools – Who wouldn’t want a rocking stool?! Let’s not kid ourselves here!

2. I now have an itch to make a Texas themed quilt. I know, I said I was never going to make one again but as mama always said “Never say never”.

3. For the love of windmills! Yes, please!

4. Crosses. Turquoise. Need I say more?

5. I thought of my dad when I saw this. He took me to prom in an old Model T like the one in the picture only I didn’t have a cowboy next to me on his horse.

6. Need a hanger for your bathroom (or anywhere in your house)? You’ll find one here!

7. Can we get anymore creative with this lamp?!

8. I’m in love with the wallet in front. It’s seriously beautiful. Can I say I want? Did I just say want, I meant need. My half birthday was on February 15th … just saying. haha!

9. Milk stools. I seriously contemplated buying this for my short self and for my nine month old niece. It’d make getting into those cupboards and shelves so much easier, for both of us!

Outside, you will find what looks like 50 rocking chairs. They are gorgeous!

(Below) These two items really caught my eye as well!

Back to the World’s Largest Rockin’ Chair.

The chair actually made the Guinness Book of World Records on September 20, 2003.

Measurements:

25 ft 10.5 inches tall

12 ft 7.375 inches wide

5,672 pounds

Made to scale.

I’m not even kidding when I say getting into this chair was the hardest / scariest part. Have I mentioned a fear of heights? So how it works, just so you know, is that there are logs/bars (kind of like the ones you see under my feet) on the side just like a normal sized rocking chair. You basically have to climb up, wrap your arms around them and pull yourself up. Then once on the seat, crawl or if you’re brave enough stand up and scoot over to the edge.

Honestly, if you have a chance to swing by, definitely do! The people here are so incredibly nice (I mean, they came out and took a picture of me IN the chair) and the furniture is gorgeous! Give yourself plenty of time to check out the scenery in the area, the store and if that’s not enough, there’s a smokehouse to eat right next door (more on that tomorrow)! I definitely plan on stopping back in at some point. There’s so many beautiful items and who doesn’t need a good rocking chair for their porch? I’ve been thinking about it ever since I left.