BLAME IT ON EDDIE

 
For some reason, I have never been overly fond of those kids people refer to as "perfect little angels". For one thing, I just don't trust 'em. You can probably blame that on all those hours spent watching Leave It To Beaver as a kid. Oh, how I despised that two-faced worm Eddie Haskell!

Nope, I've always preferred my kiddles with a wee bit of spunk and mischief, lots of personality, and a great sense of humor.

I'd say all signs are favorable for this little monkey!

THE HILL COUNTRY'S GERMAN SIDE: PART II

The next morning, as usual, I was up waaaaaay before everyone else. And, thanks to our hotel's breakfast room that serves complimentary breakfasts starting at 6 AM, but where you can help yourself to assorted beverages and warm cookies whenever you like, I was able to grab my book, brew a cup of hot tea, and head out to the courtyard to watch the town come to life -- my favorite way to start the day! About an hour later Mr. Tim came by, on his way out for his morning walk, and not too much later, everyone was up and ready for breakfast. We toyed, very briefly, with the idea of eating the hotel's free breakfast, then laughed and thought "Who are we kidding?" After seeing such yummy offerings as frosted peach muffins, blueberry coffeecake, and ham and cheese croissants next door yesterday, along with all sorts of lattes and mochas, we really had no choice but to head straight back to the Twisted Sisters Bake Shop, right?

By the time we had finished our breakfast, the shops were beginning to open, so we headed down to the west end of Main St. to complete our explorations. When we first moved to the Hill Country there was a new phenomena in Fredericksburg -- a vunderkind named Carol Hicks Bolton who, along with her hubby, had started with one really unique shop featuring antique furnishings made modern and all sorts of unique home accessories, and ended up with five or six different shops, specializing in everything from garden decor to bedding. So, imagine my surprise and disappointment when I couldn't find any of them!

Next we went off to complete a mission assigned to us by Outdoor Woman, when she shared all her helpful tips from their recent trip to Fredericksburg. She said she kept meaning to search this place out, but had never got around to it, so now she was passing the mission on to us.

Mission Accomplished! Have you ever heard of German Chocolate Pie? Neither had I!

After that, it was time to pack up, check out of the hotel, and grab some lunch before heading home. A friend who lives in the area recommended Woerner Warehouse Cafe a while back, but we never seemed to hit it on the right day or time. That day, we finally did it!

And, not only did we get an awesome lunch, but also the answer to my "Whatever happened to Carol Hicks Bolton?" question! For everything is now here, in the area surrounding this wonderful little cafe, and in the huge building next to it.

We had one last mission after that, to get Miss Paula some fresh Fredericksburg peaches, then we were on our way home for a bit more tea-sipping, cigar smoking, and conversation. So much fun packed into just over 24 hours. But, like I said before, you don't have to go far, spend much, or stay long to have a great adventure. All you really need is the right people to share it with!

THE HILL COUNTRY'S GERMAN SIDE

Well, we had yet another funtastic mini-adventure with our BFFs this week. They drove here early Thursday morning, and by 10 or 10:30 we had loaded our stuff into their Highlander and were headed towards Fredericksburg. We stopped in Hye to have lunch at the Hye Market cafe that I told you about not long ago, and they were blown away by the explosion of vineyards and wineries in that area, since last they were there.

As soon as we hit Fredericksburg we checked into the Fredericksburg Inn and Suites and took a gander around. We usually just go for the day since it's so close to Wimberley, and, before we moved here, we always stayed in B&B's or with friends who live in the area. However, Outdoor Woman had stayed at this inn just recently and really liked it, so we decided to give it a try. So glad we did!

For one thing, it was only one block off of Main Street, where all the shops and restaurants are, so we never needed our car at all. Second, though the rooms were spacious, clean and modern, with the special discount they were offering at the time, it was one of the least expensive places we've stayed at in ages. Third, there was the gorgeous property it sat upon, complete with lovely pools, hot tub, patios, and fire pits for us to enjoy -- and believe me, we did!

Our Men, Heading Off To Find Some Mischief

Best of all, though, was the fact that it was right across that bridge from the Twisted Sisters Bakery...

which was right next door to the lovely Jack's 1742  tea parlor, serving my favorite Harney and Sons teas, and delicious French macarons...

which was right next door to a great little cigar shop...

which made our hubbies so very, very happy!

We really lucked out with the weather, too -- no rain, but a nice cloud cover and highs in the 80's, which is unusually moderate for central Texas this time of year. Still, we hadn't covered but half of Main Street before the gorgeous swimming pool back at our hotel started calling our names. Is there a better way to while away a hot afternoon than floatin' and chattin' with your bestest buddies?

Once we were cleaned up again, we headed out to dinner at Otto's German Bistro (also in walking distance), a newish place that's been generating a good bit of buzz. You'll never guess who we ran into while there? The chef and another fellow from Hye Market, where we had lunch! We took that as a very good sign. If you go, be sure to order the Flammkuchen appetizer -- a crispy thin flatbread topped with crème fraiche, gorgonzola, kale, caramelized onions, seasonal greens, bacon lardons, and sherry gastrique.

Not very German, I know, but oh my my, was it ever tasty. Our fellas thought the Wurst Plate was the best, especially when topped with their house-made mustard!

Next we wandered back to a neat bar in a historic building on Main, which the guys had spotted earlier in the day.

Unfortunately, I didn't catch the name, but if you glance through the windows, it should be easy enough to spot.

The little hidden courtyard out back, with the awesome mosaic furniture, was the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine (or soda).

Then, what better way to end the day than gathered around one of the fire pits back at our hotel, sipping hot tea or smoking a cigar, while enjoying the fireflies and the company of lifelong friends?

(to be continued)