The 25 mile trip from Kerrville to Fredericksburg is a delightful drive.
There is so much to see. Texans love the USA and TEXAS.
The ranches all have unique gates at their entrances. They seem to convey a hint as to the personalities of their owners. Many have the Texas Star or the Texas Flag. I understand how they can love this beautiful part of the U.S.
Off the road, behind a field, in the trees, was this magnificent wisteria. I thought back at how I had babied my wisteria in my yard in California to coax a few blossoms each year and here, untended, is the vine laden with blossoms winding its way through the trees. Yes, Mother Nature knows best.
In Fredericksburg there is so much to see and to do.
The Fredericksburg Memorial Library is the Old Courthouse. The structure is limestone and built in 1882. The plaque says it is built in the Romanesque Revival Style. Apparently the round arched style was popular in the German lands so it seems appropriate since Fredericksburg was settled by the Germans.
Many of the newer structures have the same round arched style and are made of native stone as well. Stone and metal roofs. I love them.
Most of the wonderful old buildings have been refurbished and are home to new businesses. We have spent enjoyable hours looking through the shops.
This is my favorite.
The building is beautiful and everything in it is dazzling.
The prices are stunning as well. Since I no longer have a house where furnishings can be placed it is such fun to look at things and have no desire to buy but to just admire them for what they are.
But, that doesn't go for apparel. I still have buyers wishes there. Only the budget and space in Gypsy holds me back on that. Who wouldn't love boots with butterflies and flowers?
Though Fredericksburg is a tourist destination the stores are definitely a cut above the normal T-Shirt & souvenir places.
The detail work on so many of the buildings has been restored making them look like new.
This building was the White Elephant Saloon. Famous for its elephant relief parapet and rich iron cresting, the native limestone building was constructed in 1888 by John W. Kleck. Originally part of a chain of gentleman's resorts, the building was operated as a saloon until Prohibition. The elephant is said to have been a symbol of German drinking halls.
Flowers are everywhere. Especially Bluebonnets.
There are many restaurants to choose from in Fredericksburg. Since we made several trips there we were able to try three.
The Buffalo Nickel had great BarBQ and Burgers consumed under the watchful eyes of the mounted animals.
No pictures from Wheelers but they had both American and German foods on their menu. I had soup and salad and Walt had fish and chips. Both were declared good.
The highlight of cuisine in Fredericksburg is the German fare.
We dined on the shady patio at Altdorf Biergarten.
I had the Weiner Schnitzel accompanied by sweet and sour potatoes and spiced noodles. Walt had the Pork Chops along with sweet and sour potatoes, red cabbage and sauerkraut.
Nice experience but it is clear we have no German ancestry.
About 3 miles down Highway 16 from the center of Fredericksburg is Lady Bird Johnson Park. We toured around and took a nice hike on the nature trail one day.
It has a golf course, an RV Park, a swimming pool, numerous ball fields, tennis courts, fishing and nature trails.
Best of all...............turtles.
"And they're off like a herd of turtles".
These were the biggest beggars we have encountered in a long time.
Lady Bird Johnson's Bill "The Highway Beautification Act" that passed in 1965 gets thanks from me as we travel and find beauty along the highways that has been implemented by the citizens in the local areas. I still think there are too many signs and billboards that have been neglected but love it when the towns have a beautiful Welcome sign and when the freeways have been artfully done. But, as we travel Texas often I hear myself think "Thanks Ladybird" when the roadways are lined with wildflowers. Many places have heeded her call to plant native wildflowers along their roads but none like Texas.
The nature trail had a bird blind where you could sit and watch the birds.
There were many to see but most flitted around too fast for me to capture in a photo.
Columbine, again planted, watered, babied in my garden for a fairly good success and here along the trail lush and perfect only nurtured by nature.
After spending so much time recently in thirsty Arizona and Southern Utah it is so nice to see all the water here. Rivers, lakes, creeks, ponds seem to be everywhere.
Little grottos filled with ferns were along the riverbank as we passed by.
Our picnic lunch was enjoyed under this huge, spreading oak tree. Another perfect day in the Texas Hill Country.
Saw this sign on an Attorney's office. My sentiments exactly.