Gruene, Texas

Last month our Texas trip took us back to familiar places but we  also "discovered" a new favorite place to visit.  The little historic district of Gruene  (pronounced Green) was a fun place to shop, dine and just spend a leisurely day!  It's located within New Braunfels, Texas between

 Austin and San Antonio.

The Gruene Mansion Inn was striking with the wrap around porch and beautiful grounds.  Had I known about this place ahead of time we would have stayed there. 

Oh well, there's always next time! 

 

What a delightful little place to spend the day!

We walked along the tree lined streets and enjoyed the flower displays in front of the historic

 gift and antique shops.

We had a lovely lunch at the Gristmill which I highly recommend! 

The food is great and in fact it was voted one of the best family dining experiences in the country 

and I'd have to agree.

Make sure you order the "Gruene" beans...

they are great!

We love visiting the Texas Hill Country 

and were happy to find a new favorite!

I'm linking with 

Tablescaper's Oh, the Places I've Been!

and Susan's Outdoor Wednesdays   

Fredericksburg Herb Farm

On our recent trip to the Texas Hill Country we stopped at one of my favorite places, the Fredericksburg Herb Farm.

What a charming place this is and the new additions are beautiful.  We have been visiting there for several years and have watched the progress the new owners have made since purchasing the property.

There is a new beautiful spa,  cute little Sunday Cottages and a newly renovated  restaurant, making it a fabulous destination for couples or girlfriends!

When we first "discovered" the herb farm the property had a large herb and flower garden behind the historic main house.   The family grew herbs for their upscale restaurant and sold plants.  In the early Spring they hosted an herb festival and offered
 herb seminars.   

  

The new owners kept a small herb garden and the adorable gift shop that sells plants, gift items and candles.  

The handmade candles are wonderful and each visit I purchase them for myself and friends.  The essential oils are strong and my favorites scents are the lemongrass with lavender.

The Sunday Cottages are adorable with rocking chair porches and porch swings.  They have a two night minimum to stay there and our schedule this visit didn't allow us to stay both nights.   (Insert sad face)

Fredericksburg is a great place to shop, relax and just enjoy the hill country and it's a quick drive to Austin or San Antonio if you need the big city!

I'm linking with 
The Tablescaper's
Oh the Places I've Been!

She posted about Fredericksburg too...it's really is a great place to visit!

Wildseed Farm

When we were newlyweds we lived in Austin and I fell in love with the Texas Hill Country.  Bluebonnets and wildflowers edge the roadways and cover the landscape and we always enjoy driving through the countryside.  

Over the years we have enjoyed returning to Austin and discovering new towns and places out in 

 the hill country.

One of our favorite places to visit is

 Wildseed  Farm.  We discovered this wonderful seed farm and nursery several years ago and this year  our trip happened to coincide with the  

blooming season.

Wildseed Farm grows fields of flowers and 
sells their seeds in the beautiful gift shop.  

Here are some favorite photographs from this scenic place!

Larkspur

Poppies

Great selection of plants and garden items!

Beautiful flower combination

Water feature and lilies

Feather grass

Laura Bush petunias

Lettuce trials

Wildseed Farm is located outside 
Fredericksburg, Texas and well worth the drive!


I'll share about Fredericksburg Herb Farm
 next week...stay tuned!

I'm linking with 
Tablescaper's  Oh, the Places I've Been!