Angels Above The Creek Lodge

WE HAVE SEVERAL PACKAGES AVAILABLE TO ADD ON TO ANY STAY WITH US.  WE HAVE SOME LISTED HERE OR WE CAN PUT ONE TOGETHER FOR YOU WITH ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL REQUESTS!  SO DON’T FORGET  YOUR SWEET HEART THIS VALENTINES DAY!

ULTIMATE ROMANCE PACKAGE#1 $225

A beautiful boquet of roses and keepsake vase, your room strewn with beautiful roses from the entry to the chilled bottle of champagne and keep sake champagne glasses that will be waiting for you by a tray of choclate covered strawberries and finished off with a box on indulgent choclates for you and your sweetheart to enjoy on such a romantic get away

ROMANCE PACKAGE#2: $150

Rose petals from the entry to the bed and spread across the room leading to a bottle of chilled champagne and two take home champagne glasses, topping it all off are chocolate covered strawberries to indulge each other.

 ROMANCE PACKAGE#3 $95

Boquet of beautiful roses in a keepsake vase &  a chilled bottle of Champagne awaiting you in your room.

ROMANCE PACKAGE #4 $50

A chilled bottle of champagne and a delicious serving of choclate covered strawberries for your mouths delight. 

OR JUST GIVE US A CALL AND WE WILL BE HAPPY TO CUSTOMIZE ANY PACKAGE FOR YOU NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL YOU WOULD LIKE!

Book any weekend (Friday & Saturday) in January or February (Not including Feb12-14, 2010) with a two night minimum stay and receive both night at weekday rates.

Or for those of you who it’s easier to travel during the week we have a special for you too!

Book a two story suite any two nights Sunday through Thursday and receive it at the price of a 1 level room.

Or book on of our 1 level rooms for 2 nights and receive the third night free!

**Some restriction do apply**
**Must be a new reservation**
**Book early as rooms are limited**
**Reservation must be made over the phone for discount to be applied**

We here at the Angel’s Lodge Would like to take a moment and thank everyone who has stayed with us over the last year!

As a special thank you we are offering specials to our loyal guests!

Book any weekend (Friday & Saturday) in January with a two night minimum stay and receive both night at weekday rates.

Or for those of you who it’s easier to travel during the week we have a special for you too!

Book a two story suite any two nights Sunday through Thursday and receive it at the price of a 1 level room.

Or book on of our 1 level rooms for 2 nights and receive the third night free! *Some restriction do apply*

**All reservations must be made between 12/1/2009-12/31/2009 in order to be valid**
*Must be a new reservation*
**Book early as rooms are limited**

****MUST MENTION COUPON BEFORE RESERVATION IS MADE****

Happy New Year!
Two Volkssport Walks to be held on Thursday and Friday
A Memorial Volkssport Walk will be held Thursday, Dec 31 noon till 2:00 from St. Joseph’s Halle 212 W. San Antonio St. Later walkers will meet at 11:00 p.m. at the Halle for the Midnight Volkssport Walk that begins at midnight. For info call 830-992-2053.
Area New Year’s Eve Dances / Celebrations
Local venues with live music catering to New Year’s Eve revelers on Wednesday, December 31 include:
Auslander Biergarten & Restaurant – 323 E. Main St., Fredericksburg; no cover; 8:00 p.m.; music by The Mighty Orq. 830-997-7714 / www.theauslander.com

Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse – 305 W. Main St., Fredericksburg; $50 per person; dinner, dancing and champagne toast at midnight; music by Jay Boy Adams & The Roadhouse Scholars. 830-997-0485 / www.crossroadssaloonandsteakhouse.com

Hangar Hotel Officer’s Club – 155 Airport Rd., Fredericksburg; no cover; doors open at 5:00 p.m.; music starting at 8:00 p.m. by the Bill Smallwood Band. 830-997-9990 / www.hangarhotel.com

Hilltop Cafe – 10661 N US Highway 87, Fredericksburg; reservations required; two dinner seatings; music by the Texas All Stars. 830-997- 8922 / www.hilltopcafe.com

Hondo’s on Main – 312 W. Main St., Fredericksburg; no cover; 8:00 p.m.; music by the Dust Devils. 830-997-1633 / www.hondosonmain.com
Inn on Barons Creek – 308 S. Washington St., Fredericksburg; $100 per person; fund-raiser for the Morning Rotary Club; music by the Spare Parts band; enjoy good food, champagne, dancing. 830-456-2735
Luckenbach Texas— RR 1376 off Hwy 290, Luckenbach; reserved seats $35/single or $50/couple and general admission $30/single or $40/couple; 9:00 p.m.; concert, dance, champagne toast and balloon drop; music by Mike Blakely y Los Whiskey Traders. 830-997-3224 / www.luckenbachtexas.com .
Pedernales Cellars—2916 Upper Albert Rd off Hwy 290 E, Stonewall; no cover; music by Lonnie Lett; food and wine available for purchase. 830-644-2037 / Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille —310 E. Main St, Fredericksburg; no cover; music by Josh Dodds and Quincy Harper. 830-990-4949 / www.silvercreekfbg.com

Tin Star Ranch— Off RR 965 on Crabapple Rd., Fredericksburg; $20 per person/$35 couple; doors open at 6:00 p.m.; music by the Raggedy Cats from 9:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.; food and drink are available. 830- 685-3464 / www.tinstarranch.com

Turner Club— 103 W. Travis, Fredericksburg; $15 per person; 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.; music by Bubba Littrell and the Melody Mustangs; 830- 997-3936
Torre di Pietra Winery to host Cook-off on Friday
Grab some good luck in 2010 by eating black eyed peas at Torre di Pietra Winery’s 4^th Annual Black Eyed Pea &Cornbread Cook-off at the winery on Hwy 290 on Friday, January 1 from 10:00-6:00 Enjoy live music beginning at 2:00 p.m. featuring the Almost Patsy Cline Band. For information, call 830-644-2829

January’s First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg is next Friday, 1/8/2010
Due to the New Year’s Day holiday, First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg will be held on the second Friday, January 8.
Last Week for Eisbahn Ice Skating fun
The Eisbahn Ice Skating Rink, located at the Marktplatz on the 100 block of Main St. in Fredericksburg, will close for the season on Sunday, January 3.
Hunting Season at Enchanted Rock begins on Sunday
Scheduled hunts will be held at Enchanted Rock on Sunday, January 3 beginning at 10:00 p.m. through Friday, January 8 until 2:00 p.m. As a result, the park will be closed these days to visitors. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is located at 16710 RR 965, 18 miles north of Fredericksburg. For information, call 830-685-3636 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/calendar/?calpage=s0049 .
Rockbox Theater closed through January 14
Rockbox Theater will be closed through January 14 as cast and crew enjoys an annual two-week vacation. Rockbox Theater will kick- off its “Funtabulous” 2010 season on Friday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m.

We here at the Angel’s Lodge Would like to take a moment and thank everyone who has stayed with us over the last year!

As a special thank you we are offering specials to our loyal guests!

Book any weekend (Friday & Saturday) in January with a two night minimum stay and receive both night at weekday rates.

Or for those of you who it’s easier to travel during the week we have a special for you too!

Book a two story suite any two nights Sunday through Thursday and receive it at the price of a 1 level room.

Or book on of our 1 level rooms for 2 nights and receive the third night free! *Some restriction do apply*

**All reservations must be made between 12/1/2009-12/31/2009 in order to be valid**
*Must be a new reservation*
**Book early as rooms are limited**

****MUST MENTION COUPON BEFORE RESERVATION IS MADE****

Merry Christmas!

Becker Vineyards to host Boxing Day Celebration on Saturday
    Boxing Day is based on a tradition from Feudal England when ladies and lords of the manor treated their serfs to boxed meals the day after Christmas.  Becker Vineyards will bring that tradition somewhat to life on Saturday, December 26 when it hosts its Boxing Day Celebration from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the winery on Jenschke Lane off Hwy 290 E.  On tap will be fireside readings of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Yuletide music, and holiday hors d’oeuvres.  This event is complimentary.  For information, call 830-644-2681, ext. 201 or visit www.beckervineyards.com .

Zweite Weihnachten this Saturday
    The German Club will celebrate the German tradition of Zweite Weihnachten or Second Christmas on Saturday, December 26 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the GCHS offices at 312 W. San Antonio.  Enjoy good food, drink, music and fellowship at this free event.  For details, call 830-990-4621.

Auslander’s Winterfest 2009 kicks off on Saturday
    Enjoy five nights of great music when the Auslander Biergarten and Restaurant kicks off its Winterfest 2009 Saturday, December 26 through Wednesday, December 30, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are general admission for $10 and $15 and reserved seating is also available.  This popular Fredericksburg venue is located at 323 E. Main St.  For information, call 830-997-7714. For schedule and to purchase tickets online, log on to www.theauslander.com .

Last Minute Shopping Ideas
    Looking for something unique for a holiday gift and wanting to support a local historic preservation organization?  Don’t forget to check out the new museum shop at the National Museum of the Pacific War at 311 E. Austin St. or the gift shop at the Pioneer Museum at 325 W. Main St.  And the gift shop at the Visitor Information Center at the LBJ State and National Historical Parks near Stonewall also offers a great selection of regional books and gift items.

Holiday Decorations
     The City of Fredericksburg’s holiday decorations, including the Christmas Pyramid, will be illuminated through January 6 – Epiphany.

Lady Bird Johnson Headstone now in place at LBJ National Park
     Russ Whitlock, superintendent for the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, has announced that Mrs. Johnson’s headstone was unveiled during a small ceremony this past weekend at the Johnson Cemetery and is now available for viewing.

Grape Creek Old Fashioned BBQ Restaurant now open    
     Barbecue lovers take note:  Grape Creek Old Fashioned BBQ and Taqueria is open for business at 10207 E. Hwy 290 between Fredericksburg and Stonewall.  Serving hours are Sunday – Thursday, 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.  For information, call 830-997-5678.

Restaurants Open Christmas and Church lists are now available      
     The Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau has available for e-mail delivery lists consisting of restaurants open on Christmas Day and of area churches holding Christmas services.  Please call 830-997- 6523 or send via e-mail your request for lists to visitorinfo@fbgtx.org .

Limited Rockbox Theater performances this weekend due to holiday
     Rockbox Theater will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Christmas holiday.  The theater will open again on Saturday, December 26 at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 27 for its final holiday season shows at 1:30 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m.  For tickets and information, call (830)997-7625 or toll-free 1-866-349-6688 or log on to www.rockboxtheater.com .

Visitor Information Center Holiday Hours
     The Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center will close at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day.  We will be open regular hours on Saturday of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and extended hours on Sunday, December 27, are from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to accommodate our holiday visitors.

Next Monday – George H.W. Bush Gallery Grand Opening
     After 15 months and some $15.3 million later, the National Museum of the Pacific War will reopen the doors to the newly expanded George H.W. Bush Gallery next Monday, December 7 on historic Pearl Harbor Day.  President George H.W. Bush (along with Barbara Bush), Governor Rick Perry, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and General James T. Conway, USMC, Marine Corps Commandant, will be honored guests at grand opening ceremonies at the museum at 311 E. Austin St. in Fredericksburg.  Events begin at 9:30 a.m. with a precision parachute jump by the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team; immediately followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The conclusion of the ceremony will be marked by a flyover of World War II aircraft and with a performance of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
     From noon to 9:00 p.m. the public will be invited to take free timed tours of the new 33,000-square-foot gallery.  For a complete schedule of weekend activities in Fredericksburg relating to the grand opening of the gallery, visit www.nationalmuseumpacificwar.org .

Introducing St. Nikolaus Markt!
     New this year will be the St. Nikolaus Markt — Friday, December 4 from 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Marktplatz. Patterned after Christmas festivals in Germany, St. Nikolaus Markt allows us to share this community’s German heritage, with German foods, pastries, music and more. Shop the over 35 booths displaying everything from ornaments, nutcrackers, jellies and jewelry, to traditional German clothing. The festival is free on Friday!  Friday will include a precious performance of the Nutcracker Suite by area youth ballerinas, with planned performances throughout the day on Saturday. On Saturday, crowd-pleasing band, The Sauerkrauts, will hit the stage at 6:00 p.m., to entertain with live German and holiday music until 9:00 p.m. – so plan to dance! Cost for admission on Saturday is $5 for adults ($1 off for individuals with Military ID and seniors age 65+) and free for children age 12 and younger. It should be fun!

Community Christmas Parade this Friday
     Beginning at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, December 4, Main Street will be lined with children of all ages as lighted parade floats, whimsical cars and area school bands bring in the season.  Find a comfortable spot, wrap your hands around a steaming mug of hot cocoa and join us to watch this charming annual parade.

New Ticket Prices at National Museum of the Pacific War
     Effective Tuesday, December 8, the following new ticket price structure will go into effect for admission to the National Museum of the Pacific War, located at 311 E. Austin St., in Fredericksburg.  New pricing is as follows:
FREE      World War II Veterans

$12        Adults

$10        Seniors (65+)

$10        Military with ID

$6           Students age 6-18

$6           Students age 18-21 w college ID
$8           Group rates (20 or more)

FREE      Students in school tour groups

Also, to schedule group tours, send e-mail to Sheala Crawford at Crawford@NimitizFoundation.org .

To schedule school tour groups, send e-mail to Rich Koone at Richard.Koone@thc.state.tx.us .

First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg is this Friday
     This Friday, December 4, is First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg. Make it a day of art appreciation as you browse exhibits, sip wine and enjoy extended hours at these galleries – open until 8:00 p.m. Participating galleries include Artisans at Rocky Hill , Beckendorf Gallery , Fredericksburg Art Gallery , Fredericksburg Art Guild , The Good Art Company , Insight Gallery , Photography 414 , Rodeo Studio Gallery , Uptown Market  and Whistle Pik Galleries .  Wine partners on this monthly event are Becker Vineyards , Grape Creek Vineyards , D’Vine Wine  and Water2Wine .  Stop by the Visitor Information Center at 302 E. Austin St. in Fredericksburg to pick up a map to the participating art galleries.  And for more information, call our offices at the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau at 830-997-6523.

Artisans at Rocky Hill to host Jewelry Trunk Show on Friday
     Artisans at Rocky Hill, A Gallery of Fine Works, will host “Tis the Season for Jewels” — a Seasonal Trunk Show showcasing five area jewelry artists, their creations and their techniques, this Friday, December 4 at noon and running through 8:00 p.m. as part of the gallery’s First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg activities.  Artists whose works will be shown include Cynthia Bloom of Austin, Melinda Collins of Kerrville, Janet Csanyi of Comfort, Nan Loeffler of Mason and Dottie Moon of Hye.  This new holiday event will introduce visitors, not only to the latest creations by these talented ladies, but also provide the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy the development of their work plus purchase never before seen pieces.  Refreshments will be served. For information, call Anne Bradley at 830-990-8160; stop by the gallery at 234 W. Main St., in Fredericksburg, or visit www.artisansatrockyhill.com .

Pacific Combat Reenactments to be held this weekend
     The National Museum of the Pacific War’s Pacific Combat Zone will reenact three shows this Saturday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and twice on Sunday, December 6 at 10:30 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m.  Watch as docents in authentic World War II uniforms share a bit of the past.  For tickets and information, call 830-997-4379 or log on to www.nimitz-museum.org .

Holiday Wine Trail runs this Friday, Saturday and Sunday
     The popular Holiday Wine Trail starts this weekend, December 5-7 at several Hill Country wineries providing souvenir Christmas ornaments and wreaths during this self-guided tour.  Cost for ticket is $60 – available online only and limited quantity, so hurry!  The Trail returns again the weekends of December 11-13 and December 18-20. To learn more, visit www.texaswinetrail.com .

Pioneer Museum to celebrate Kinderfest on Saturday
     This Saturday, December 5 is Kinderfest, a special children’s Christmas event to be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Museum at 325 W. Main St. – with singing, story-telling and crafts.  Kids are invited to bring their holiday stockings to hang in the Kammlah House kitchen for “St. Nicholas” to fill!  For more information, call the Gillespie County Historical Society at 830-997-2835 or visit www.pioneermuseum.net .

Special treat:  Between the hours of 1:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., the museum will be open with no admission charge – so plan to be there in time for the 2:00 p.m. Kinderfest event! 

Fredericksburg Culinary Arts to hold Cooking Class on Saturday
     “Holiday Cookies Around the World” will be the theme of the Fredericksburg Culinary Arts’ upcoming cooking class to be held on Saturday, December 5 at Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus at 1406 S. Hwy 87 in Fredericksburg.  The $49 class runs from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. For information, call 830-997-8396 or log on to www.fbgculinaryarts.com .

Pedernales Cellars to celebrate “Swedish Christmas” on Saturday    
     Learn more about the Christmas traditions of Sweden when Fredrik Osterberg shares traditions and dress of his home country during Pedernales Cellars’ Swedish Christmas on Saturday, December 5 at the winery at 2916 Upper Albert Rd., in Stonewall.  For information, call 830-644-2037 or visit www.pedernalescellars.com .

Chorale Christmas Concert this Saturday
     The Fredericksburg Chorale will hold its Christmas Concert this Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph’s Halle at 212 W. San Antonio St.  Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy choral and instrumental music.  Donations are welcome.  For information, call 830-997-6869 or log on to www.fredericksburgchorale.com .

Becker Vineyards to host Port & Stilton Tasting this weekend
     Join your friends at Becker Vineyards as the winery celebrates the release of its new vintage of port at a complimentary port tasting on Saturday, December 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, noon until 6:00 p.m.  Sample caramel, with a shot of port, chased with chocolate.  Or go the cheese route instead.  There’s no cost for the port sampling, while regular wine samplings remain at $5 for six tastings. Can’t make it this weekend?  The Port & Stilton Tasting event returns next weekend, December 12-13.  Becker Vineyards is located off Hwy 290 on Jenschke Lane.  For information, call 830-644-2681 or visit www.beckervineyards.com .

Weihnachten 5K Fun Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash this Saturday
     The Weihnachten 5K Run/Walk is a timed 5K race/walk and Kids’ Dash to be held on Saturday, December 5 to benefit the Good Samaritan Center.  Entry fee is $25 for the 5K and $14 for the Kids’ Dash and starts from the Lady Bird Johnson Park Pavilion #5 off Hwy 16 S. at 8:00 a.m. for the walk/run and at 9:00 a.m. for the Kids’ Dash.  For information, call 830-992-3010 or visit www.getfittrisports.com .

A Lady’s Day Out book signings to be held in Fredericksburg
     Two Fredericksburg locations will host book signings for Jennifer Ramsey, author of “A Lady’s Day Out in the Texas Hill Country, Vol. III” on Saturday, December 5.  Meet the author at:

Berkman Books, 416 E. Main St. ~ 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Marktplatz at the Kuckuck’s Nest Booth ~ 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Fredericksburg Gourmet Coffee & Tea welcomes Molly Burnette and goes ‘greener’
     With a nod toward a cleaner environment, Fredericksburg Gourmet Coffee & Tea now bakes its pastries using organic flour and uses biodegradable cups.  The store also offers $0.92 coffee or tea fill-ups when you bring in your own cup.  Other news, Molly Burnette, pastry chef from the Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris, France, now brings her expertise to the menu.  Fredericksburg Gourmet Coffee & Tea is located at 338 W. Main St.  For information, call 830-997-8327 or log on to www.Fredericksburg-coffee.com .

Storefront & Christmas Tree Decorating Contest judging underway 
     According to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, judging on the Storefront & Christmas Tree Decorating Contest will be this week. Judging will take place during the day to judge inside trees and after dark for store fronts.  Winners will be announced at the ‘Fun After 5’ on December 3 at the Marktplatz. 

Fresh Christmas Trees available locally at St. Nick’s Farm
     Need a Christmas tree?  The new St. Nick’s  Farm has over a thousand ready-to-harvest, field grown trees available at its location at 12638 N. State Highway 16 (about 10 miles north on Llano St.) right here in Gillespie County.  Custom trimming and green-up dyeing is available at no charge.  For information or directions, call Mark Nichols at 830-685-3412.

Happy Thanksgiving!
This Friday is the Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Marktplatz
Help kick off the Fredericksburg’s holiday festivities by attending the Christmas Lighting Ceremony this Friday, November 27 at 7:00 pm. at the Marktplatz. Watch as the new 26-ft. Christmas Pyramid and the city’s beautiful Christmas Tree ‘come to life!’ The Marktplatz is located on the 100 block of W. Main St.
Holiday Cookie Decorating and German Traditions at Sauer-Beckmann
Step back in time for an old-fashioned cooking decorating event at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm for a taste of old German traditions, Saturday, November 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the LBJ State Park on Hwy 290. For information, call 830-644-2252 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lbj .
Let’s to go Luckenbach Texas for the Thanksgiving Dance on Saturday
Kick up your heels this Saturday, November 28 at a Thanksgiving Dance in Luckenbach, featuring musician Bruce Robison and his band. Show begins at 9:00 p.m. with $15 admission. Luckenbach Texas is located on RR 1376 off Hwy 290 E. For information, call 830-997-3224 or visit www.luckenbachtexas.com .Gifts from the Heart Craft Show this Friday and Saturday
Craft lovers might enjoy the charm of handmade crafts from Texas artists at the Gifts From The Heart Craft Show to be held Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph’s Halle at 212 W. San Antonio St. Admission is free. For information, call 830-629-4266.Fredericksburg Trade Days returns this weekend
Fredericksburg Trade Days on U.S. Hwy 290 E. returns again this weekend right in time for your holiday gift shopping, November 27-29. Gates open on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Admission is free but there is a $3 parking fee. For information, call 830-990-4900 or visit www.fbgtradedays.com .

TACEF Thanksgiving Invitational Art Show this Friday and Saturday
The TACEF Thanksgiving Invitational Art Show is an open-air art show and sale to be held Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day, at the Marktplatz – Fredericksburg’s beautifully holiday-decorated town square located on the 100 block of W. Main St. Sponsored by the Texas Arts & Crafts Educational Foundation, the show offers free admission, with plenty of food and drinks available for purchase. For information, call 830-896- 5711 or visit www.tacef.org .
Becker Vineyards to host Christmas in the Vineyard this Friday and Saturday
Christmas in the Vineyard, an old-time Christmas market will be held at the Lavender Haus Reception Hall on the grounds of Becker Vineyards located off U.S. Hwy 290 E. Admission is free and hours are Friday, November 27 from noon until 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 28 from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. Vendors will be selling handmade and unique items. In addition, there will be holiday cooking demonstrations, fireside readings, wine tasting and live music. For information, log on to www.beckervineyards.com . The Peddler Show returns this weekend to Fredericksburg
Want even more variety Thanksgiving weekend? Stop by the Fredericksburg Peddler Show at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds on Fair Drive off Hwy 16 S. for a one-of-a-kind custom shopping experience on Friday, November 27, from 1:00 -8:00 p.m. (check out sneak peek from noon to 1:00 p.m.), Saturday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 29 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors age 65+ and free for children under age 12. For information, log on to

www.peddlershow.com .
Eisbahn Ice Skating Rink opens for season at Marktplatz
Ice skaters delight this Friday, November 27 as Fredericksburg unveils its Eisbahn, or outdoor skating rink. Located at the charmingly decorated winter wonderland that is Marktplatz in the Kinderhalle, the Eisbahn provides hours of fun and exercise as families skate their way across the ice. Admission is $10.00 and includes skate rental and a wristband (wristband allows you to come and go on date of purchase only). The rink will be open daily (except Christmas) through January 1, 2010. A percentage of the profit will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For information, call Tammy Sikes 830-990-0200 or 866- 244-7897 or log on to www.skateinfred.com .Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail
Beginning Friday, November 27 and running through January 1, 2010, you can catch the holiday spirit while driving through 11 Hill Country towns decorated in their finest holiday trim! For a brochure on the Trail, or for information, call 866-839-3378 or log on to www.tex- fest.com/regional .

Christmas Pyramid bringing holiday cheer at the Marktplatz
     Judging from the many people who stopped to take pictures this weekend in front of the new Christmas Pyramid at the Fredericksburg Marktplatz, the new addition to this city’s holiday decorations is a hit! Built to Fredericksburg’s specifications, this 26-foot, 5-tiered wooden beauty represents Fredericksburg’s German heritage, as (in its table- top version) it is a staple of traditional German holiday decorations. This beauty was shipped from Germany and erected last week. Fredericksburg is the only municipality in the United Stares to have a pyramid of this grand scale – 26-feet!  It’s just part of the revamped holiday plan to celebrate Christmas – bringing holiday joy to young and old alike! 
     Mark your calendars now to attend the Pyramid lighting set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27.

Rockbox Theater kicks off its Christmas shows this Friday
     Rockbox Theater will open its “Funtabulous” holiday season with Christmas at Rockbox Theater this Friday, November 20 at 8:00 p.m. (there will be no 4:30 p.m. show that day), running weekends through December 27.  Typical show times are Fridays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m.  Special Thursday shows will be held on December 3, 10 and 17 at 7:00 p.m.  Reservations are tight, so call now to reserve your preferred times.  Special note:  in honor of Christmas, the theater will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 so that cast members may enjoy time with their families.  Rockbox Theater is located at 109 N. Llano St. in Fredericksburg.  For details, call 830-997- ROCK or log on to www.rockboxtheater.com .

Fredericksburg Trade Days next two weekends
     Every third weekend is Trade Days in Fredericksburg!  Shop the over 350 vendors on display at the Trade Days location on Hwy 290 E. across from Wildseed Farms.  There’s no admission cost but a $3 parking fee will be charged; good for all weekend.  Hours are this Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 22 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  And with the holidays right around the corner, the Fredericksburg Trade Days will be held again next week, November 27-29 to allow for more shopping opportunities.  For details about this fun venue, call 830-990-4900 or visit www.fbgtradedays.com .

Pioneer Museum to host Family Fun this Saturday
     Bring your family to enjoy the Pioneer Museum’s Family Fun this Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the museum complex at 325 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg.  Topic will be “Scherenschnitte” – the art of decorative paper cutting.  This event is free is regular museum admission.  For details, call 830-997-2835 or log on to www.pioneermuseum.net .

Wild Game Dinner Fund-raiser this Saturday
     Help support Hill Country agricultural and youth educational activities by attending the Wild Game Dinner on Saturday, November 21 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the Gillespie County Fairgrounds on Hwy. 16 S. in Fredericksburg.  Dinner tickets are $20 with chance at door prices.  Available activities during this fund-raiser include a live auction, raffle (tickets sold six for $5) and silent auction.  For information, call 888-789-0571.

Fredericksburg “Talk of the Town” store now open
     Located at 242 E. Main St. in Fredericksburg, Talk of the Town, a new store, is now open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  To learn more, call 830-990-1199.

Whistle Pik Galleries opens Christmas Miniature Show next Monday
     Whistle Pik Galleries will open a Christmas Miniatures Show beginning next Monday, November 23 and running through December 31, and featuring the works of 85 national artists.  An artist reception will be held on Friday, December 4 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the gallery at 425 E. Main St., in Fredericksburg.  For details, call 830-990-8151 or visit www.whistlepik.com .

Looking ahead:  Storytelling in Texas at Fredericksburg Theater Company    
     Here’s a treat – Storytelling in Texas – when three nationally- recognized storytellers will be in Fredericksburg to entertain audiences on Saturday, November 28 at two shows – 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – at the Fredericksburg Theater Company’s theater at 1668 Hwy 87 S. (1.5 miles south of Main St.).   This fun event will evoke laughter, stimulate the imagination and perhaps help recall fond memories.  Cost is $8 for children under age 13 at both concerts and $15 for adults during the matinee and $20 for adults for the evening show.  For details, call the FTC office at 830-997-3588 or visit www.storytellingintexas.org .

List of Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day available
     Don’t feel like cooking this Thanksgiving or have guests interested in available eateries this Thanksgiving Day?  Stop by the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau at 302 E. Austin St. to pick up a list of area restaurants open on Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Day. Or, send an e-mail requesting a copy of the list to visitorinfo@fbgtx.org .

This week’s podcast:
     St. Nikolaus Markt, Fredericksburg’s new holiday festival sponsored by the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, will be held December 4- 5 at the Marktplatz.  Learn more about it by logging on to this week’s “Our Fredericksburg” podcast – the Fredericksburg CVB’s latest promotional effort offering visitors brief 2- to 5- minute glimpses into life in Gillespie County.  To view the video, now with convenient auto- load feature, log on to www.FredTexLodging.com  and click on the podcast button.

Grand Opening of the George H.W. Bush Gallery at
The National Museum of the Pacific War – Fredericksburg, Texas
President George H.W. Bus, Governor Rick Perry, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and General James T. Conway, USMC, Marine Corps Commandant, will be honored guests at the grand opening on Monday, December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day) of the expanded George H.W. Bush Gallery of the National Museum of the Pacific War, located at 311 East Austin Street in Fredericksburg, Texas.  Events begin at 9:30 a.m. with a precision parachute jump by the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team; immediately followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. The conclusion of the ceremony will be marked by a flyover of World War II aircraft and with a performance of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.
     From noon to 9:00 p.m. the public will be invited to take free timed tours of the new $15.3 million, 33,000-square-foot gallery.  For a complete schedule of weekend activities in Fredericksburg relating to the grand opening of the gallery or to request times tour tickets for December 7, visit www.nationalmuseumpacificwar.org .

     The National Museum of the Pacific War is a project of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation and the Texas Historical Commission.