Texas Hill Country | Down Home Traveler

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!

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

There’s something that I love about visiting any brewery, winery/vineyard/cellar or distillery – it’s the people. For me, getting to know the people behind a name provides a deeper meaning into the heart of their product. I’ve noticed that some of my favorite conversations come from people I’ve met in locations such as these. Lost Draw Cellars is in this list.

The morning we visited Lost Draw Cellars, I left blown away and I’m not referring to a buzz from the wine. This wasn’t the typical tasting. Yes, the wine was phenomenal but the conversation and inspiration really kicked it up a notch. I met a man named Troy, who soon became my favorite person in Fredericksburg. Troy is one of three partners in Lost Draw Cellars and more importantly a man of the community which shines through in Lost Draw Cellars. A sixth generation Fredericksburg community member, his family helped found Fredericksburg and he believes in creating and keeping the community close. This isn’t just a business, he cares about each and every person that walks through the doors and brings a new level of honesty and integrity.

Lost Draw Cellars opened in 2014 – not that long ago. In that short time, they’ve won numerous awards including those from the San Francisco Chronicle, San Antonio Rodeo, Lone Star International and the Battle of the Texas Tempranillos (1st place in 2014) and had two wines featured in Texas Monthly’s Best Wines of 2015. That’s pretty impressive for being open for less than two years. Needless to say, their wines are spectacular. There has got to be something great going on when you’re coming out of the gates that strong.

Located a short distance from Main Street, Lost Draw is part of the Urban Wine Trail. Why leave the comfort of town when tastings are within walking distance?! Upon entering Lost Draw, one notices the details. First, it may the old fuel pump by the back wall or the windmill on the ceiling, the photos of family, friends and the operation on the walls. Inside, there is a sitting room and outside there is a large patio area for events and sunny days.

During our visit, we tasted six different wine and had an incredible conversation with Troy and Matt about how Lost Draw came to be. (Read more about their history here.) The grapes are grown in Brownfield, Texas, southwest of Lubbock on a 250-acre vineyard (one of the largest producers in the state). 75% of the states grapes are grown in this county. In 2012, Troy and his two partners Andy Timmons and Andrew Sides joined forces and started the vineyard. In 2014, Lost Draw Cellars opened and the rest is history.

Tastings:
2013 Gemütlichkeit “People gathered will have good fellowship / a good time.” Welcome to Lost Draw Cellars. This is the basis of their community and the goal when visiting the location, bringing together history, tradition and community.
2014 Viognier
2014 Arroyo Rosé – a dry rosé, not as sweet as a typical rosé but perfect for those warm Texas summer evenings. Featured on Texas Monthly’s Best Wines of 2015 list.
2013 Arroyo Rojo
2012 Tempranillo
2013 Sangiovese – 2nd wine featured on Texas Monthly’s Best Wines of 2015 list.

My personal favorites were the Voignier and the Arroyo Rojo, followed by the Arroyo Rosé and the Tempranillo. Well, let’s just say I loved every single wine we tried. Each brought a new aroma and body fit for the perfect day.

When visiting you’ll notice the details. The cabinets are made from wooden barrels, the mason jar with a blue ribbon from the Gillespie County Fair (ask Troy about this one for sure), the gas pump and the chalkboard on the wall.

The Pour it Forward chalkboard is one of my favorite aspects about Lost Draw Cellars – it’s holding onto the theme of bringing in the community. Buy a glass and pour it forward. Leave a name or description of who you’d like to leave a glass for – perhaps someone specific such as Diana from Down Home Traveler (hint, hint) or the next teacher, veteran or firefighter that comes in.

Come claim your glass!! I left a glass for the next Vermonter and I’m really curious to see how long that stays on the board so someone please let me know!