Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast

101 East Hackberry Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
 

Memorial Day Weekend in the Texas Hill Country 22 May 2013, 2:12 pm

You’ll need the full three day weekend to be able to enjoy all the events and activities going on in and around Fredericksburg, Texas this weekend.  We start with the Fredericksburg Farmers Market Thursday evening and end with a tribute to all those who have served our great country on Monday.

Fredericksburg Farmers Market Thursday Evening
Purchase locally grown and produced artisan bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, wine, goat cheese, grass-fed meats and more at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market Thursday, May 23, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Marktplatz. In addition to fresh and local products, attendees can enjoy live music, purchase prepared foods at the Market Café, and more. For additional information, visit www.fbgfarmersmarket.com.

Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival Memorial Day Weekend
“Laissez les bon temps rouler!” or “Let the Good Times Roll” at the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival sponsored by the Fredericksburg Jaycees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 24, 25 and 26 at Marktplatz. Festivities will include music by Jake Hooker and the Outsiders on Friday evening and music by the Bart Crow Band Saturday evening. Festival hours are Friday, May 24, from 6:00 p.m. until midnight; Saturday, May 25, from 11:00 a.m. until midnight; and Sunday, May 26, from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, and $1 for children 12 and under. Two day passes are available for $10 per person. For tickets and additional information, visit www.fbgjaycees.com.

Pacific Combat Living History Program Saturday and Sunday
The National Museum of the Pacific War’s Pacific Combat Zone comes alive as a battle from the Pacific Theater is reenacted with uniformed actors, a tank, guns and an authentic flamethrower Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. Presentation times are at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for students, and children under the age of 6 are free. For ticket reservations and additional information, visit  www.pacificwarmuseum.org.

Complimentary Wine Tasting at Texas Vineyards & Beyond Saturday Afternoon
Meet Diane and Perry Wilson, owners of Los Pinos Vineyards, and enjoy complimentary wine tastings on Saturday, May 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Texas Vineyards and Beyond. Texas Vineyards and Beyond is located at 329 East Main Street. For additional information, visit www.texasvineyardsbeyond.com.

Luckenbach Texas Birthday Bash & Memorial Day Weekend Celebration
Enjoy live music and plenty of fun during the Luckenbach Texas Birthday Celebration Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27. Rock out in the historic dancehall to the tunes of Charlie Robison on Saturday, May 25, beginning at 9:00 p.m. On Sunday, May 26, Bob Schneider’s Blue Grass Massacre will take the stage at 9:00 p.m. Memorial Day festivities continue on Monday, May 27, featuring Chris Berardo and The DesBerardos at 1:00 p.m. For admission prices, tickets and additional information, visit www.luckenbachtexas.com.

USO-Style Hangar Dance Saturday Night 
Grab your favorite swing partner and head to the Hangar Hotel’s Memorial Day Weekend USO-Style Hangar Dance on Saturday, May 25. Swing dance lessons will be held from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Bill Smallwood and the Lonestar Swing Orchestra will take the stage at 8:00 p.m. The Tiki Bar will be available for refreshments throughout the night, and those wearing military attire will receive a free drink ticket at the door. Tickets are $30 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to USO Ft. Hood. For tickets and more information, visit www.hangarhotel.com.

Memorial Day Program at the National Museum of the Pacific War on Monday
The National Museum of the Pacific War will present a tribute to all who have given their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces during their annual Memorial Day program on Monday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. in the museum’s Memorial Courtyard. The program will include a keynote speech by Captain Rex L. Curtin, USN, laying of wreaths at the Memorial Wall and a rifle salute. The Memorial Day Program is free, however standard admission applies to the museum. For additional information, visit www.pacificwarmuseum.org.

If that’s not enough for you, check out our local shops, art galleries, museums, wineries, breweries, state parks, music venues, and restaurants.  There’s something for everyone in Fredericksburg!

Fun Filled Weekend in Fredericksburg Texas May 3-5, 2013—So many choices, so little time! 2 May 2013, 1:56 pm

There is always something fun going on in Fredericksburg, TX in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.  This weekend is no exception.   There is something for everyone to enjoy!

Hill Country Film Festival

Fredericksburg rolls out the wildflower red carpet for fans and filmmakers alike, providing the perfect backdrop for the fourth annual Hill Country Film Festival Thursday, May 2, through Sunday, May 5, headquartered at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater. Festival attendees can enjoy more than 50 independent feature and short films made in Texas and around the globe, plus filmmaker Q&A, festival parties and more. For additional information, full festival schedule and more information, visit www.hillcountryff.com.

Rockets 2013 Returns to Fredericksburg 
The Systems Go Rocket program returns to the Hill Country as students from 30 Texas high schools gather near Willow City to send up 60 rockets they built as part of Fredericksburg’s SystemsGo science program.  The public is invited to visit the pre-launch prep area at the Willow City Fire House and the actual launch site at Stewart’s Hillview Ranch located north of Fredericksburg off of RR 1323. Plans call for a rocket to launch every 30 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, through Sunday, May 5. In between launches, there will be activities, demonstrations and tours for families.  Food and restroom facilities will be available. Organizers remind the public that the area should be considered an experimental testing range.  The schedule may vary, mobility will be limited, access will be controlled and visitors need to be aware that this is the first flight of all rockets. For additional information, visit www.systemsgo.org.

Gillespie County Relay for Life Friday Night
Join the Fredericksburg and Gillespie County community for a fun-filled overnight event to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society during the Gillespie County Relay for Life from 5:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, at the Fredericksburg High School Football Stadium. Donations will be accepted. For additional information, visit www.relayforlife.org/gillespietx.

Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally Returns to Luckenbach Texas
Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Fredericksburg and benefiting community youth programs, the annual Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally will take place Friday through Sunday, May 3 through May 5, at Luckenbach Texas. The annual event includes scenic rides, cowboy breakfast, bike games, a bike show, great food, live music and more. Tickets are $45 per person. Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally hours are Friday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. until midnight; Saturday, May 4, from 9:00 a.m. until midnight; and Sunday, May 5, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. For tickets and additional information, visitwww.hillcountryrun.com.

New Braunfels to Fredericksburg Spring Trail Ride
The Heritage Trail Ride Association of New Braunfels, Inc. presents its annual Spring Trail Ride from New Braunfels to Fredericksburg Friday, May 3, through Wednesday, May 8.  The trail ride will pull into the Gillespie County Fairgrounds in Fredericksburg on Wednesday, May 8 after having made stops in Spring Branch, Kendalia, Sisterdale and Luckenbach.  Spectators are encouraged to come out and see the trail ride anywhere along the route. For additional information, please call David Wiedenfeld at 830.620.8372 or Jack Borchers at 830.708.3388.

Pioneer Memorial Library Annual Book Sale Saturday at Marktplatz
Get great bargains on used books, DVDs, videos and more at the Pioneer Memorial Library Annual Book Sale on Saturday, May 4, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Marktplatz. For additional information call 830.997.3622, or visit www.pmlfbg.com.

Guided Nature Walks at LBJ State Park and Historic Site
Join park employees and volunteers on a guided nature walk through the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site on Saturday, May 4, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Visitors will learn about some of the unique flora and fauna found within the Texas Hill Country as well as some of the Park’s rich history.  Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring water and binoculars. Admission is free, however donations are encouraged. For additional information, visitwww.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson.

Spring Wine and Food Festival at Texas Vineyards and Beyond
Texas Vineyards and Beyond will offer special wine tastings from five Texas wineries and feature three local food artisans during its Spring Wine and Food Festival on Saturday, May 4, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person and include a logo wine glass, wine and food tastings and live music by Ben Beckendorf. Tickets are available by phone at 830.990.9199. For additional information, visit http://www.texasvineyardsbeyond.com/.

Derby Day at Vaudeville
Enjoy an afternoon of southern hospitality at Vaudeville for a Derby Day Celebration on Saturday, May 4, beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the race beginning at 5:00 p.m. Chef Jordan Muraglia will present classic comfort cooking and guests will enjoy  a mint julep station, bottomless mimosas, live entertainment and more. Tickets are $85 per person. For tickets and additional information, visit www.vaudeville-living.com.

Olive Tree Planting at Pedernales Cellars
Experience planting olive trees and enjoy olive oil, pizza and great wine with Corners of Time at Pedernales Cellars on Saturday, May 4, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For additional information and registration, visit www.cornersoftime.com.

Exploring Highway 290 East of Fredericksburg 18 Mar 2013, 3:56 pm

Are you looking for some new and different things to do while visiting Fredericksburg, TX?  Traveling east from town on HWY 290 provides many adventures just waiting for you.  Of course there are a dozen wineries for you to visit for tours, wine tasting, live music and more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you get “wined out” you can visit Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye, Texas and take the “Sit and Sip” tour.  This will give you an appreciation of what goes into making an excellent bourbon whiskey.  Tours are Wednesday through Sunday at 10, Noon, 2 and 4.  For more information visit http://garrisonbros.com/content/sit-and-sip-tours

On your way, you will pass the LBJ Ranch featuring the “Texas White House”.  This is a must see!  You can take a guided tour of the first floor of the house.  It has been restored to the way it was when LBJ was in office.  Many of his vehicles are on display including the Amphicar.  Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center and receive a map of the property and the route to the house as well as a CD contacting narrative audio for the drive.  Be on the lookout for buffalo and longhorns!  Tours of the house are 30 minutes and begin at 10:00 am and end at 4:30 pm.  For more information visit  http://www.nps.gov/lyjo/planyourvisit/twhopening.htm

 

When you’re ready for some good food (pizza, burgers, salads) and maybe a great beer, check out Pecan Street Brewing in Johnson City.  They feature hand-crafted beers that include wheat, stouts, ales and of course a blonde.  You can shoot pool or enjoy a game of darts.  There is also an outdoor beer garden where you can unwind and listen to some live music.    http://pecanstreetbrewing.com/index.html

Time for a little culture?  Check out the Benini Galleries and Sculpture Ranch just west of Johnson City.  There is a 14,000 sq ft studio with paintings by Benini and other guest Italian artists.  You can also wander the 140 acre property where you will find original sculptures on display.  The ranch is open to visitors Friday through Sunday from 10 to 6.  http://www.sculptureranch.com/index.htm

In the mood for some shopping?  You will find Wildseed Farms, Collections at Rocky Hill, Miss Lavender’s Room, Black Spur Emporium, Pieces of the Past and more.

Still ready for more action… head east to Pedernales Falls State Park and take a hike or a swim to work off all that good food and drink! http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/pedernales-falls

Enjoy your day in the Texas Hill Country!

Celebrate Fasching in Fredericksburg, Texas! 12 Jan 2013, 9:14 am

You may ask…what is Fasching?   It’s Germany’s version of Mardi Gras! During Fasching or Fastnacht, often referred to as the “foolish or silly season”, music venues host karneval costume balls and dances. There are fantastic parades and street parties ALL leading up to the “BIG BASH” in the week before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally this was a time to let off steam and live it up before the fasting (die Fastenzeit) of the Lenten season began.  This year Fasching in Fredericksburg is bigger than ever with 3 events, Fest Nacht, the Fasching Masquerade Ball and Fat Tuesday.  There is also a city wide competition to create a new drink that will be featured at all the events.

The week starts off February 2 with the Fest Nacht Rock n’ Roll Costume Party.  Guests are encouraged to put some serious thought into some not-so-serious costumes inspired by anything Rock n’ Roll.   There will be dancing and celebrating to the music of Memphis Train Revue “The Ultimate in R&B and Classic Soul”.  Memphis Train Revue is a 9-piece R&B, classic soul, and funk powerhouse. Comprised of a vocal section, horn section and rhythm section, Memphis Train Revue has rocked and rolled audiences for 20 years.   Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, table decorations and more!  For more information check out http://www.festnacht.com/.

Saturday February 9 is the Fasching Masquerade Ball.  The theme this year is “Kabarett-a Dance Between the Flames”.  This promises to be a fantastic party you will remember for years to come.  Prepare yourself for a step back in time to Germany’s roaring 20′s, when Berlin became the nightclub capital of the world! Flanked by two world wars, it was a decade filled with dancing, bright lights and unbridled revelry. And that’s what you’ll find when you walk through the door to Fasching Ball 2013! You’ll see it in the impressive cabaret performances by the Fredericksburg Theater Company.   Hear it in the pulsing of live music by The Altered Five jazz combo from Austin.   Smell it in the unique cigar bar with exceptional, hand-rolled cigars. Taste it at the martini bar, vodka fountain and in the food presented by Fredericksburg’s TOP THREE cusiniers: Vaudeville, August E’s and The Fredericksburg Herb Farm.  For more information check out http://www.karnevalfasching.com/.

Celebrate the last night before Lent begins at the Fasching Fat Tuesday Street Party on February 12.  Imagine a New Orleans street party with a Hill Country family flair — oodles of fun, live music, children’s parade, costume contest and the best decorated table will win you the honorary Fat Tuesday King or Queen title.  Lincoln Street will be the center for this fun celebration.  Be sure to wear your costume and bring lots of beads!    For more information check out http://www.faschingfredericksburg.com/.

All of this fun is for a very good cause, portions of the proceeds from each of the events will be donated to the Hill Country Community Needs Council and PAWS.

To see pictures from last year’s events, check out the Facebook page: Fasching Fredericksburg.

 

Ring in 2013 in Fredericksburg, Texas 26 Dec 2012, 12:31 pm

If  you’re looking for fun ways to ring in 2013, Fredericksburg is the place for you.  There are lots of great things to do including great food, wine, music, dancing, and much more.  Check out this list of things going on in the ‘Burg for New Year’s weekend.

Memorial Volkssport Walk New Year’s Eve
Participate in the Volkssport tradition and walk a 5K or 10K beginning at the Nebgen School at 9:00 a.m. Monday, December 31. Participants will be allowed to start until noon, however must be off the walking trail by 3:00 p.m. The Nebgen School is located at 1718 North Grape Creek Road off RR 2721, just North of Stonewall. For directions and additional information, call 210.496.1402 .

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance At Pat’s Hall
Bring in 2013 with music by Johnny Bush and a catered dinner by Don Strange at historic Pat’s Hall’s New Year’s Eve dance Monday, December 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and available by reservation only. Ticket quantities are limited. For tickets and additional information, visit www.patshall.com.

New Year’s Eve Bash in Albert, Texas
Celebrate the end of 2012 with a steak dinner and dance with the Sam Bentley Band followed by a midnight champagne toast at Albert, Texas’ New Year’s Eve bash, Monday, December 31. Dinner and dance tickets are $30 per person or $55 per couple; while dance tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the band will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.alberttexas.com.

Luckenbach Texas’ New Year’s Eve Dance With Dale Watson
Boot scoot your way into 2013 with music by Dale Watson, a champagne toast, breakfast tacos, black-eyed peas and party favors at Luckenbach Texas’ New Year’s Eve Dance Monday, December 31. Limited reserved seats are available for $60 per person. Doors open at 8:00 p.m. A courtesy shuttle to and from Fredericksburg Inn & Suites will be provided for attendees. For more information, visit www.luckenbachtexas.com.

Hangar Hotel Hosts USO-Style New Year’s Eve Dance
Grab your favorite swing partner and head to the New Year’s Eve USO-Style Hangar Dance at the Hangar Hotel Monday, December 31, then enjoy music by Bill Smallwood and the Lonestar Swing Orchestra. Swing dance lessons will be held from 8:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and the band will take the stage from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Event-goers can participate in a 1940s costume contest and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast, black-eyed peas, cornbread and party favors at midnight. Tickets are $40 per person, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to USO Ft. Hood. For tickets and more information, visit www.hangarhotel.com.

New Year’s Eve Dance at Turner Hall

Ring in 2013 at the Turner Club’s New Year’s Eve Dance, Monday, December 31, at Turner Hall featuring the Wagon Races. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the dance will take place from 8:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 per person and available at the door, or by calling 830.997.2204.

Crossroads Hosts New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Crossroads with a Crossroads entrée, sides and your choice of a bottle of table wine with your meal or a bottle of sparkling wine to enjoy at your reserved seat in the Crossroads showroom during a performance by Freeride. Tickets for the special New Year’s Eve dinner and dance are $100 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A limited number of standing room only tickets are available for the dance by calling 830.456.8994.  For reservations and additional information, visit www.crossroads-texas.com.

New Year’s Eve Bash at Hill Top Cafe
Enjoy four courses of Hill Top Cafe culinary magic along with an unforgettable show by Johnny Nicholas and Hell Bent for the Hill Top Cafe New Year’s Eve Bash, Monday, December 31. Two separate dinner seatings will take place: the first from 5:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m., and the second from 9:00 p.m. until after midnight. Tickets are $100 per person, and reservations are required. For reservations and additional information, call 830.997.8922.

Gillespie County Fairgrounds New Year’s Eve Dance
The Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association will kick off its year-long 125th anniversary celebration at its New Year’s Eve Dance with music by the Kim Byrom Band at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall Monday, December 31 beginning at 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, however children 12 and under are free. Tickets include black-eyed peas, party favors and reserved seating. For additional information, visit www.gillespiefair.com.

New Year’s Eve Party at Messina Hof Hill Country
Usher in 2013 with a night of fun and dancing at Messina Hof Hill Country’s New Year’s Eve Party, Monday, December 31. Tickets are $50 per person and include appetizers, snacks, a tasting or glass of wine, party favors, a sparkling wine toast at midnight and music by the Mike Kasberg Band. For details, visit www.messinahof.com/mhhillcountry.

Midnight Volkssport Walk in Fredericksburg
Join other walkers for the annual midnight Volkssport walk Tuesday, January 1. Walkers will begin their journey between midnight and 12:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Halle and may enjoy a 5K or 10K walk. All walkers must finish by 3:30 a.m. For additional information, call 210.496.1402.

Torre di Pietra Black Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff
Enjoy black-eyed peas, cornbread, wine and live music by the Almost Patsy Cline Band at Torre di Pietra’s Black Eyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff, Tuesday, January 1 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission is free, however wine-tasting fees may apply. Cookoff entry fee is $20 per category, with a $500 cash prize per category. For additional information, visit www.texashillcountrywine.com/black-eyed-pea-cookoff.

Sparkling Activities at Messina Hof Hill Country New Year’s Day
Taste a flight of Messina Hof sparkling wines including Brut, raspberry, almond with orange juice—an almosa, and raspberry with port—a sparkling portberry, at Messina Hof Hill Country’s Sparkling Activities, Tuesday, January 1, from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Cost is $12 per person. For additional information, visit www.messinahof.com/mhhillcountry/index.htm.

Rockin’ in the New Year at Rockbox Theater
The Rockbox Theater closes out 2012 with six stunning performances of its trademark variety and rock ’n roll shows Thursday, December 27, through Monday, December 31. Tickets are $32 to $42 per person, youth ages 17 and younger are $17 each. For tickets, show times and more information, visit www.rockboxtheater.com.

A December to Remember…. 3 Dec 2012, 2:38 pm

Christmas in Fredericksburg, Texas is always festive and this year is no exception.  Santa Claus arrived in town last Saturday, riding high atop a shiny red fire engine and sat in the gazebo at Courthouse Square to visit with the children and listen to their Christmas wish list.

Friday, December 7 brings St. Nikolausmarkt and the Community Christmas parade.  The market opens at 3:00pm at Marketplatz, where food and live music plus arts and crafts will be available.  You will find everything from jewelry, fashion accessories, fine art photo prints, German Christmas decorations and much, much more.  There will be something for everyone on your list. There will even be traditional German baked goods like Stollen and German pretzels.  Wines from some of the local vineyards will also be available.

This year there will be a new laser light show before the parade.  The musically-choreographed show will last for 12 minutes and will be played off a screen located at the Marketplatz and illuminate the decorations already in place including the 26-foot-tall German Christmas Pyramid.  The parade will begin immediately following the laser show and is expected to have a record number of entries.  This year’s Grand Marshall will be Austin’s KEYE-TV broadcaster Judy Maggio.  After the parade, you can head back to St. Nikolausmrkt or enjoying ice skating at Eisbahn, Fredericksburg’s outdoor ice rink.

Saturday night, December 8 brings the Tannenbaum Ball for a fun evening of great food and music by the Flying GT’s.  This event is sponsored by the Gillespie County Historical Society and is always a memorable event.

On December 14 and 15 from 6pm-8:30pm the Bethany Lutheran Church presents a live production of the Christmas Journey.  This event takes place in the church parking lot where you are able to drive through and view the live scenes.  This is a wonderful way to experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Continuing a holiday tradition started over 40 years ago by President Lyndon Johnson the annual Christmas tree lighting will be held in Stonewall at the LBJ Ranch on December 16.  This year’s event coincides with the 100th anniversary of Lady Bird’s birthday and the program is dedicated to her memory.  The event features the tree lighting, holiday music, refreshments and a visit from Santa.  Members of the Johnson family are expected to attend and turn on the colorful lights.  Following the ceremony there will be activities and entertainment including ornament making and a live nativity scene.

For those who enjoy the lighter side of Christmas, the Luckenbach Christmas Ball is for you.  Dance the night away in the traditional style dance hall to the music of local favorite, Gary P. Nunn.  The Ball is on December 22.  Doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm.  Celebrate the joy of Christmas as Willie would!

All month long the local wineries celebrate with the Holiday Wine Trail.  Tastings, tours and special holiday entertainment are featured every weekend in December.  You can also enjoy the Texas Hill Country Christmas Lighting Trail which showcases the Christmas lights in many of the area towns.  The trees at PECU in Johnson City are one of our favorites.

Yes, December in Fredericksburg, Texas is one you won’t soon forget!

Merry Christmas Y’all!

Cookies for 8600 Anyone? 23 Oct 2012, 3:35 pm

We are pleased to announce that the Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast in Fredericksburg, Texas was selected by The University of Georgia for inclusion in the University’s special event titled “A Sunset Breakfast – Dawn Inspired Dishes Served at Dusk” held on October 11, 2012 in Athens, Georgia in the UGA Dining Commons.

The focus of the event was to give students the dining experience of breakfast at Bed and Breakfast establishments from across the United States.  The menu featured 22 recipes from prominent Bed and Breakfast locations throughout the United States.  Food categories were Beverages, Soup, Breakfast Meats, Salads and Starters, Entrees, Sides, and Bakeshop.  The Magnolia House recipe for Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies was featured in the Bakeshop category.

We were honored to be the only Texas Bed and Breakfast selected for inclusion in this special event.  To have your recipe adapted by the university chefs and food production teams to serve 8,600 students and guests was exciting to see.  The ingredients for the modified recipe included over 280 pounds of chocolate and over 100 pounds of cherries!  Can you imagine how many cookie sheets it took to make all of them?

This is a picture of the commemorative plate we were presented with in  appreciation of contributing a recipe to this event.

The University of Georgia Food Services is nationally recognized for its creative special event schedule.  Eighteen of their past special events have received national awards and now the Sunset Breakfast has been added to their list of honors.

Fall is for Festivals in Fredericksburg,Texas 29 Sep 2012, 1:51 pm

It’s that festive time of year again in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg, TX

Oktoberfest kicks off the season October 5-7 at the Marketplatz.  The event starts on Firday evening with lots of German music, food and over 50 beers to choose from. There is a full lineup of music all weekend on 3 stages.  Of course there’s Oompah with tubas and much more.  Saturday morning features a Chicken Dance on Main starting at 9:00am.  There is an expanded children’s’ area and many booths where you can browse for Oktoberfest souvenirs.  It’s always a great time for the whole family.

Next up is the Texas Mesquite Arts Festival on October 12-14 at the Fredericksburg Marketplatz.  It’s amazing to see how the gnarled branches of Mesquite trees can be transformed into so many beautiful and creative works of art.  Visitors will be treated to collections of sculpted wood from the world’s finest mesquite craftsmen. Items range from large furniture items such as beds, dressers and chairs made entirely from mesquite, to unique craft and gift items such as beautifully turned lamps, delicate scroll work, handsome pen and pencil sets, unique Christmas tree ornaments, sturdy gun stocks, and sculpted vases, all carefully crafted of mesquite.  This is a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays.

The month closes with the Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest on Saturday, October 17 at the Fredericksburg Marketplatz.  It is a full-course celebration of Texas food, wine, music, specialty booths, food court, and fun for all.  In addition to tasting wines from over 25 wineries there is live music, great food and booths where you can sample all kinds of gourmet delights.  You can also sign up for cooking classes, where the recipes are paired up with Texas wines.  This is one of our favorite festivals of the year!

For more information on these events visit:   http://www.tex-fest.com/

Cycling at its best in the Texas Hill Country 27 Aug 2012, 4:26 pm

The Texas Hill Country is known for having some of the finest cycling routes in the state.  Here you can find miles of lightly traveled single and two-lane roads winding through gently rolling limestone hills and river valleys shaded by giant cypress trees. Limestone outcroppings are reminiscent of the Loire Valley or Provence, and might explain why the cultivation of wine grapes is increasingly popular here.

Fredericksburg is a great location to use as your hub for a cycling vacation.  There are many routes which offer a variety of terrain and sights to see.  Check out texasvelo.com for lots of information on routes, maps and more.

One of the routes is right out the door of the Magnolia House.   Adams Street will connect you with Lower Crabapple Road and you’ll be on your way.  The “Nifty Fifty” is a 50 mile loop that local cyclists refer to as “Little Switzerland”.  It features several challenging climbs, quiet roads and terrific hill country scenery.  You might even see a few roadrunners or turkeys along the way.

If you’re looking for something a little shorter and less strenuous, try out the “Espresso” route.  It’s only 24 miles and offers some rolling terrain without any steep climbs.  “Espresso” is one of Claude’s favorites for a quick ride in the afternoon.

If you’re looking for some serious days of cycling, Texas Hell Week may be for you.  Cyclists from just about everywhere converge in Fredericksburg during Spring Break. Rides begin every morning with groups of varying capabilities riding routes of various distances. Many routes of well over 100 miles distinguish this event and attract ultra-endurance cyclists. Those with a milder constitution should not be deterred, however, because shorter routes are featured daily as well.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just want to combine some cycling with sightseeing and wine tasting, Fredericksburg is the perfect place to visit.  The area is full of Texas Hill Country charm and hospitality.

The Texas Hill Country is Alive with the Sound of Music 13 Jul 2012, 4:12 pm

The second annual Opera and Music Festival will be held in Fredericksburg July 19-21.  This event is produced by Texas Hill Country Opera & Arts and is a collaboration with other opera and music organizations in the area.

Sunday, July 15ththere will be a prelude event which will feature selected opera singers performing in some of Fredericksburg’s local churches during their worship hours.  August E’s is having a special Sunday Brunch where 4 of the opera singers will perform.  They are students from the Opera Department at Texas State University.  Tickets are $35 per person.  Contact August E’s at 830-997-1585 to make reservations.

 

 

 

 

Thursday, July 19th is Youth Night at the Opera in the Nimitz Museum Ballroom.   Middle and high school students from the area will be performing as well as tenor William Chapman, who is preparing for his debut in opera houses in Italy in September.  Also on the program will be motivational speaker, Josh Davis.  He is an Olympic swimming gold medalist.  He is joining the event before heading to London for the Olympic Games.   His sister, Tynan Davis is an opera singer from New York City and she will be attending the event with Josh.  This program is free to all area youth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday, July 20th two one-act operas will be presented at the Nimitz Museum Ballroom—“Face On the Barroom Floor” and “The Telephone”.  There will also be a wine reception during the intermission.  The event starts at 7:30 pm and the cost is $50 per person.

Saturday, July 21st is an Opera workshop held at the Nimitz Museum.  It will provide information on what is happening in the world of opera including how operas are produced and new operas.  This event is free to the public.

The weekend wraps up with a dinner show at the Nimitz Museum.  “The Best of Broadway” is Saturday, July 21st at 6:00pm.  This will be an entertaining evening with performances of some of the great Broadway songs over the years.  August E’s will be providing the food for the evening.  Individual tickets are $85.

If you love opera, good food and the Texas Hill Country this event is for you.  For tickets  visit https://www.greateventseats.com/events.php?lID=73 or call 830-997-3588.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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