Palo Alto Creek Farm

Palo Alto Creek Farm is a Fredericksburg Bed and Breakfast in the Texas Hill Country, a true country getaway. We offer all the amenities of a fine hotel with the privacy of your own home away from home. Four guest houses have everything you need, whether it's a romantic weekend for two or a fully equipped home for a longer visit to our area.

Aside from our day spa and massage services, a favorite activity at the farm is sitting in the swing under the ancient grandfather Oak tree—the very same tree the Comanche probably sheltered beneath. Though the Indians have gone, the Texas peace and quiet remain.

If you're longing for the restaurants and activities of the city, we're only five miles from downtown. Get your fill of the hustle and bustle, visit the local wineries, go for a hike among rolling hills, and then come back and relax in your very own whirlpool.

Make Palo Alto Creek Farm your choice for your next Fredericksburg Bed and Breakfast Texas vacation! We look forward to having you.


 

The Farm

This wonderful pioneer farmstead is nestled in the hills just outside Fredericksburg, along the flowing waters of Palo Alto Creek. Palo Alto Creek Farm retains all of its original buildings, providing a visual timeline from 1854 when this farmstead was first settled by German immigrants Peter and Christine Itz and their 6 children. Their oldest son Karl married in 1856. He and his bride later raised their family of 9 children here on the farmstead. The farm remained in the Itz family for more than 100 years, providing a home for 5 generations of the family. Palo Alto Creek Farm continues to offer the hospitality of a time gone by.

While staying at Palo Alto Creek Farm, enjoy the abundant wildlife. Early in the morning, wild turkey have been known to meander up the creek, and there is a never-ending display of bird activity and song. Guests especially enjoy sitting in the swing under an 800-year-old Live Oak to watch the deer that come in each evening.

If you want a real soul-expanding experience, go outside at night and look up! The stars are incredible. Guests are free to roam the acreage. The surrounding area is ideal for walking, running, hiking or biking.

We have four guest houses for you to choose from. Soak in your own private bath, warm your toes by the fireplace or just relax on your porch. Every house is its own private refuge. For further relaxation, we offer full spa services and professional massage at our day spa. The Farm has everything to make your stay the ultimate getaway.

Palo Alto Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast offers four guest houses each with private baths and stocked continental plus breakfast. Depending on the house, amenities also include fully equipped kitchens, whirlpools and fireplaces.
 

Palo Alto Creek Farm Bed and Breakfast offers four guest houses each with
private baths and stocked continental plus breakfast. Depending on the house,
amenities also include fully equipped kitchens, whirlpools and fireplaces.

Are you tired of trying to get a relaxing therapy treatment in a noisy and bustling day spa/ salon environment? So are we! Now, you may enjoy any or all of these spa services privately and conveniently, without ever leaving the comfort of the farm. Spa rooms are designed and equipped only for therapy and available only to you while a guest at Palo Alto Creek Farm. Call ahead to European Day Spa at 830-997-5267 to make an appointment for a treatment at the farm during your stay. The therapists at European Day Spa maintain a busy schedule, so call soon to have the best chance to schedule an appointment at the time of your choice. European Day Spa will be happy to handle the details for you.

All charges for spa services will be billed through European Day Spa to be paid at time of service. All therapy services are provided by licensed  professional massage therapists and estheticians that are trained in various types of massage techniques.

Total Surrender Massage Therapy
Put your tired, stressed out body into our gentle healing hands. Your spirit and your body will surrender to peaceful balance. Your tension will melt away. Available in 30-minute, one-hour and two-hour sessions.

Forever Young Facial
A basic and deep cleansing refreshes your face and removes contaminants from your skin. Your face is then gently exfoliated, and a masque is applied to rehydrate, repair and relax. Finally a restorative massage with moisturizing lotion and sunblock will have you looking your best. A one-hour treatment.

Sole Therapy
Your feet are first relaxed and softened in a warm bubbling footbath. Then a salt scrub exfoliates and removes rough spots from your heels and soles. An organic mineral mud is applied to your feet and soothing warm booties further relax and detoxify your overworked feet. Lastly, a glorious foot massage with a tingly peppermint foot creme will have you feeling as if you're taking your first steps all over again. A one-hour treatment.

Packages

• Self Renewal: One hour full body massage, Forever Young Facial and Sole Therapy (one person, 3 hours).
• Couple's Retreat: Two one-hour massages, two Forever Young Facials and two Sole Therapies (2 persons, 3 hours each at the same time).

Featured in the Press

Maybe you've seen us in one or more of these publications...

Hill Country Magazine Feature article about Palo Alto Creek Farm. "This is the most peacful place I've ever Been" says the writer in the article. pp. 56-57, 2 of our Longhorns p. 64 (Winter 2005)

Southern Accents "Texas Hill Country" pp. 164-170, picture & mention p. 166. (Sept-Oct 2005)

Ranch & Rural Living "Palo Alto Creek" pp. 30-31 (Nov. 2003)

Kerrville Daily Times "Remembering Romance" (Weekend Feb 8-9, 2003)

Texas Monthly Palo Alto Creek Farm is discussed as one of "25 Reasons Our Lone Star State is Delightfully Different" (Dec. 2002) p 98.

National Geographic Traveler Fredericksburg is featured along with the Farm in their article "Texas Hill Country" (Nov/Dec 2002) p. 133.

D Magazine – Palo Alto Creek Farm is featured as one of� "11 Great Weekend Getaways" as "Hill Country�Romance" on page 80. (Oct. 2000)

Log Home Living – The Log Cabin is featured in an article entitled "Renewed Spirit", beginning on page 38. (June 2000)

Texas Journey – Palo Alto Creek Farm is� one of Five Great Romantic Getaways.� This is the magazine of the American Automobile Association (AAA). (Jan./Feb. 2000)

Country Decorating Ideas – The 1875 stone masonry farmhouse was pictured as a "Country Idyll", page 32. (Spring 1999)

Country Accents Magazine "Country Inn" pp. 54-58 (July/Aug 1998)

James Avery Craftsman Catalog Cover Picture (Christmas 1985)

Texas Hill Country View Cover picture (December 1983).

Visitor Reviews

We are so grateful to our guests for sharing their thoughts about their stays...

"My wife and I have long been visitors to Palo Alto Creek Farm, a restored 1850s farmstead. A recent change in ownership worried us about until we made a return visit earlier this year. Fortunately, the new owners have preserved just about everything that makes this a winning place to stay.... The location, about 5 miles north of Fredericksburg on an idyllic country road, is far enough to avoid the tourist bustle, but close enough to get into town at a moment's notice. The continental breakfast left in the units before you arrive is a mixture of homemade breads, juices, milk, and other assorted breakfast goodies.... Stay several days and feel the city tension drain away." – Trip Advisor Reviewer, McKinney, TX

"I had a romantic getaway at Palo Alto Creek Farm... To this day, I re-live the memories of the fabulous Barn. It was an exquisite stay and, though near the main house and the Log Cabin, feels incredibly private. The creek running at the back of the properly is so serene. Morning walks have little critters scampering about. Deer gather every evening for a gorgeous sunset. Meals in town were memorable as well, but we didn't spend a great deal of time there since we hurried back to the Barn for more heavenly bubble baths in the big jacuzzi tub surrounded by candles. It was simply one of the most relaxing weekends ever." – Trip Advisor Reviewer, Texas

The Fredericksburg country roads are almost empty of traffic and are ideal for walking, jogging or biking. Near the B&B there are gentle Texas rolling hills for relaxed activity and challenging grades for the more athletic. And, if you just can't stay away from the urban life, it's only five miles to Main Street and all of the Fredericksburg, Texas, shopping, restaurants and cultural events.

Fredericksburg's Main Street

This is the place to shop and eat, and it's only five miles from Palo Alto Creek Farm. There are over 150 antique stores, boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, galleries and other retail shops in town. Dining experiences include pubs, bakeries, cafes, juice bars, sports bars, gourmet restaurants, authentic German food, bistros, Tex-Mex fare and barbecue.

Experience professional family-friendly live entertainment from the golden era of rock n roll onstage at Rockbox Theater, a 392-seat indoor theater at 109 N Llano, just one block off Main Street. Every weekend their resident cast presents a live music production filled with costumes, choreography, and comedy. The cast of entertainers stays the same, but the show changes every weekend. Rockbox Theater is the only professionally cast live-music rock n roll show in the Texas Hill Country that guarantees family-friendly entertainment.

Fredericksburg is known for its festivals and events held throughout the year at Marktplatz, right in the center of town. Oktoberfest, Food and Wine Fest, and Night in Old Fredericksburg to name just a few.

Area Wineries

Texas wineries have been growing grapes and producing wine longer than the Californians. Our region, the Hill Country, has just the right environment to grow grapes that produce quality wines. As a result, the Hill Country is home to over half the wineries in the state. We highly recommend taking a winery tour to enjoy the local vintages.

Museums & Art

The Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War is dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the Pacific Theater of WWII in order that the sacrifices of those who contributed to our victory may never be forgotten. The museum is located on Main Street and is a must see for visitors to the area.

The Pioneer Museum focuses on the experiences of the early pioneers at the 3.5 acre complex, complete with blacksmith shop and one room school house. The museum was created in 1956 when the Historical Society bought the home, smokehouse and barn of Henry Kammlah and turned it into a small museum. Since then six major structures have been added and the museum has frontage on two streets.

The Gish Old West Museum is a private museum. Joe Gish has been an avid collector of the old west for many years and has decided to share his museum with enthusiasts. The Museum of Western Art, in nearby Kerrville, celebrates the spirit of the West, with art exhibits celebrating cowboys, Native American culture and brave settlers and explorers.

Artwork by local painters, jewelry makers, woodworkers, photographers and sculptors is proudly displayed at the Fredericksburg Art Guild, Artisans at Rocky Hill and other fine, local galleries. Art works by nationally and internationally recognized artists are exhibited by galleries such as The Fredericksburg Art Gallery. Whistle Pik is another great gallery that's not to be missed.

Outdoor Activities

There's so much to do outdoors and it's all close by. You're in just the place to go biking, boating, horseback riding, fishing and hunting. Just south of Fredericksburg, Lady Bird Johnson Park has wheelchair accessible trails for hiking and viewing wildlife. For the adventurous, there's a challenging climb at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. LBJ State and National Historic Parks is 10 miles from Fredericksburg.

Fort Martin Scott is the site of the first Federal fort in Texas. Built in 1848, it originally consisted of 21 buildings; it's right at the edge of town and worth the visit.

Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area is the smallest Wildlife Management Area in Texas, containing only 16.1 acres of land. Despite its small size, there is a variety of recreational and wildlife-viewing opportunities. The abandoned railroad tunnel is home to up to three million Brazilian free-tailed bats and 3,000 Cave myotis from April to October. From May to October, visitors come to watch the bats emerge from the tunnel each night, and nightly educational programs provide guests with a better understanding of the life history and ecology of bats.

If golf is your game visit Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course .

This rich region produces a variety of crops, including melons, berries and vegetables and nuts. The Hill Country is especially famous for its peaches. This is a great area to go out and pick your own!

At the Gillespie County Fair Grounds there are horse races in the summer months. Races feature a full slate of quarter horse and thoroughbred races, special races, and trials for the annual Gillespie County Fair Futurity. In addition to live horse racing, the Race Barn, a pari-mutuel simulcast building will be open for greyhound, thoroughbred, and quarter horse races from all over the country. The operation includes an air-conditioned restaurant and bar as well as state of the art simulcast facilities. Racing weekends include dancing, entertainment, a variety of food and drink along with all of the attractions of historic Fredericksburg.

Wildseed Farms, located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, just seven miles east of Fredericksburg has fields of flowers in bloom for great photographic opportunities. They also feature a live butterfly exhibit, known as The Butterfly Haus, and offer a stroll through The Meadows, their trial plot and research fields.

The town of Luckenbach, Texas, made famous by the song, is just 15 miles down the road.