Category Archives: Texas

Hye Market, Hye Texas, Farm-to-table, The Hill Country, Restaurants, Lyndon B Johnson, Hye Post Office, Texas

The Hye Market and the Best Sandwich of Your Life

Down in the Hill Country, on Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg lies the small town of Hye. If you blink, you may miss it. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Hye first caught my attention a couple years ago. I was given this incredible picture of an old truck and tractor out (I LOVE those trucks and tractors) in front of a Post Office. There was a little description by the artist on the back stating it was based in Hye, Texas. The Curious George in me started researching. This location holds a lot of history, especially with President Lyndon B. Johnson. I had to find this place and that I did (read more about it here – Hye, Texas).

Most recently, we took a trip down to Fredericksburg. I knew we were going to drive by this old locale and I was curious to see what became of the building. Low and behold, it is now a market with the best damn sandwich I’ve ever eaten!

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The Hye Market is perfection. Bringing together the old and the new. They focus on featuring the best locally produced items and it shows in their products. Walking in, it’s hard not to notice the creaking floors, antique fixtures, amazing ceiling and a charm that you can only find in one of these old buildings. I will admit though, sometimes when I walk into one of these places the thought crosses my mind – “Am I going to want to run out of there?”. Maybe it’s those scary movies I’ve been forced to watch. Not the case here. Kick back and relax!

The food! What’s this “best damn sandwich”?! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a sandwich so fast. Before I knew it, it was gone and then I was a little disappointed. Even now, I wish it was closer so I could swing in and grab one everyday.

The Levi Local – this great sandwich brings choices. I’m still trying to figure out what made it so damn good. Was it the herb aioli that was finger-lickin’ good? The turkey? Was it because it was served in an old pie dish? I’m still trying to figure it out but all I know is I wish it was closer. I’d order another!

The Levi Local - Honey Roasted Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Local Herb Aioli on wheat bread. Holy moly!

The Levi Local – Honey Roasted Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Local Herb Aioli on wheat bread. Holy moly!

The deli area and the main dining area are in two different rooms. The deli area sits alone with a few extra chairs, some antique relics.

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The adjoining room is the main dining area. This same room is also town’s post office and I’ve heard Lyndon B. Johnson’s post office box is still there. Filled with microbrews, wine and local items to purchase, have a seat and enjoy your meal. Be sure to look up and take in the old tin ceiling that is only found in these old buildings.

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The main dining area leads out to the front porch which houses rocking chairs to observe the traffic and take a breather but more importantly plaques that showcase the historical importance of this spot. President Lyndon B. Johnson grew up down the road. It is here that he claimed to have sent his first letter in the mail. More importantly, the front porch is the very spot in 1965 where President Johnson appointed the United States Post Master General.

The front porch is also the perfect place to sit back and relax after that delicious meal!

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Have you been to the Hye Market?
What is the best small-town meal you’ve ever had?

Hye Market
10261 W. Hwy 290Hye, Texas 78635

Read more:
For information on Hye and my first trip to the Post Office Hye, Texas.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Fredericksburg.

#ranch #texas #travelTexas #HillCountry #dirtroad #elk

Relax, Rewind and Breathe

Texas is a lot of things. Dallas is the hustle and bustle which I refer to as the “New York City of Texas”. Austin is the college town where everyone wears burnt orange (Hook ’em!). Fort Worth is the laid-back, kick-back big-small town where jeans and boots are more than acceptable. It’s more about personalities and friendliness than appearance. Small town Texas is small town, sometimes the middle of nowhere. Abandoned buildings are sometimes familiar, old town squares, community and rustic charm is evident. Texas is many things but it’s not Vermont for this Vermonter and sometimes I just miss those dairy farms, country roads and everything being familiar. (As you can see, I’m approaching needing a serious trip back home soon.)

Texas does have a certain charm about it and along my travels find things that bring me back. Whether it be that country road, finding old milk cans, sap buckets or even seeing a tractor in a field and nothing is better than white-face Herefords. I have a special place in my heart for those cows. One of my favorite places has to be a friends ranch because it takes away all that wallpaper, glitz and glam of the world and brings you to what it’s suppose to be.

Beauty. Peacefulness. Nature. Fresh air.

For New Years weekend, we spent some time out on his families property where I shared some photos of some of the magnificent animals that we saw (that we don’t even see in Vermont). In this post, I wanted to share some of the items that remind me a little bit of my home state and some of my favorite things, including those great white-face Herefords.

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When you think of home, what comes to mind first? 

Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, Fredericksburg, Inn, Main Street, Stay

Fredericksburg Inn & Suites

Disclaimer: The Fredericksburg Inn & Suites provide a complimentary two-night stay in exchange for sharing my experience with readers. As always, 100% of opinions, photos and content are my own. 

On a rainy Wednesday evening, we arrived in Fredericksburg, Texas. We checked into the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, right off Main Street in downtown, amazed at how close it was to the center of it all. Tired after a long drive from Fort Worth, we were ready to relax and get comfortable. Upon entering our room, I would’ve sworn this room was just for me!

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If you know me, you know I love rustic charm, barns, Luckenbach (it was on our list while in town) and live music. Upon entering the room, low and behold the first thing I noticed was the Luckenbach decor on the walls, exhibiting some local flavor. Next, the barn doors separating the living room, bathroom and bedroom. Ah – it was just for me!

The room itself (one of ten suites on the property) was in the courtyard area with a view of the heated pool, hot tub and lush landscaping. Inside, I met my relaxation! The living area includes a large couch which pulls out into a bed (perfect for the kids or a couple friends), a TV, fridge, coffeemaker and microwave.

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The bathroom was large and elegant. Perfect for privacy separating the shower and sink areas.

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The bedroom housed a king size bed and another TV with many, many pillows (again – this room was made for me). As soon as we arrived and saw the room, I thought, we’ve got to come back – two days won’t be long enough!

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Now, it rained the entire two days we were in Fredericksburg but honestly, we were in the perfect place. Complimentary breakfasts in the morning not only saved us money and time but it saved us from being in the rain and it was tasty! Texas shaped waffles, pancakes, muffins, scrambled eggs, bacon, cereal, yogurt and juices were all available. That’s one heck of a bargain especially if traveling with family (and saves money to purchase your favorite wine or item while visiting town). And don’t tell anyone, but I found delicious, warm chocolate chip cookies in the lobby one afternoon.

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Outside, the heated pool and hot tub were well occupied even if it was raining. A firepit, open stone gazebo, grill and lots of room next to Barons Creek to relax, have a picnic and even play a game of washers. It’s really a great place for anyone when traveling, rain or shine.

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The Fredericksburg Inn & Suites is also a historical landmark. The original home on the property is now the kitchen and dining area for breakfast. The interior holds the same walls and flooring and historical documents can be found throughout. It’s really interesting to see and feel what the space use to be like back when and how it remains in tact today. A little bit of Fredericksburg history and charm!

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We absolutely loved our time at the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites and cannot wait to go back. We didn’t want to leave and felt completely relaxed in our home away from home. This is a place which we would highly recommend to families, couples and even single travelers. The location, accommodations, activities and price are all just right!

Let us know about your stay!

Be sure to check out the Fredericksburg Inn & Suites website as well as their Facebook page for more photographs of their renovated rooms. The rooms and the property are beautiful, (especially when it’s not raining).

For more information:
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
201 S. Washington
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Facebook: Fredericksburg Inn & Suites

Need ideas on what to do while during your stay? Check out 48 Hours in Fredericksburg!