Special for the week of August 18-26, 2010

Last minute get away specials:

 Reserve any two nights this weekend and get weekday pricing! 
Or for weekday travelers stay any two nights Sunday-Thursday and get the 3rd night free!!

 Must be new reservation, must be two nights, and must be made over the phone with a reservations specialist! 

Book soon as the rooms are on a first come first serve basis.

Weekly To Do’s

Warm Welcome for Film Cast and Crew
Should you meet a member of the cast or crew for Seven Days in Utopia, the independent film that is being shot in & around Fredericksburg for the next 2 weeks, please give them a warm Fredericksburg/Hill Country welcome! The economic impact of location shoots such as this is significant for the host community. After Fredericksburg, the shoot moves to Utopia. Here is a brief synopsis of the movie:
You never know when you‘re going to meet someone who will change your life. Seven Days in Utopia is a film about relationships & second chances. The main character, Luke Chisolm (played by Lucas Black) is a young man trying to become a professional golfer. We pick up pieces of his upbringing by his inability to breakthrough. Strained relationships with his father and family prey on him until he has a major & very public meltdown in a big tournament in Texas, sponsored by one of the top PGA tour professionals, a recent Masters winner. Embarrassed, Luke drives off from the tournament down the back roads of Texas, and while distracted, drives his car into a ditch right at the fork in the road where a driver would have to choose either Utopia or Vanderpool. Dazed, Luke first meets the main character of the movie – a man who will change his life – Johnny Crawford (played by Robert Duvall). Over the next seven days while he is stranded in Utopia, Luke learns more about golf, life and faith than he ever bargained for.
Rockbox Theater continues special shows this Thursday & next!
The Funtabulous Summer Thursday night show season at Rockbox Theater has been extended in August to include this Thursday, & next week on 8/12 at 7p.m. at the theater at 109 N. Llano. A youth ticket is free this show with the purchase of an adult ticket. For reservations and more information, call 830-997-7625.

First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg this Friday
Art lovers have the opportunity to enjoy hours until 8p.m. during this months First Friday Art Walk Fredericksburg on 8/6 as participating Fredericksburg fine art galleries share exhibits and special events throughout the day. The Cowboy Bronze Art Gallery located at 405 E. Main St. For information.
Harvest Wine Trail this weekend & next!
The self-guided Harvest Wine Trail opens this weekend and running through Sunday, business hours at 27 participating wineries throughout the Texas Hill Country – including several right around Fredericksburg. Tickets are $35 ($60 per couple) include complimentary wine tastings, food pairing and a 15% discount on a special 3-bottle wine selection at each winery. The trail continues next weekend, August 13-15.

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Family Fun at the Pioneer Museum this Saturday
The Gillespie County Historical Society will host a family fun presentation entitled Cornhusk Dolls this Saturday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Museum at 325 W. Main St. in Fredericksburg. First crafted by Native American over a thousand years ago, corn husk dolls are part of our history. Pioneer mothers on the frontier often created the dolls for their children when other toys were not affordable or readily available. Here’s your chance to make your own doll. The event is free with regular museum admission
. For information, call 830-997-2835. To learn more about the museum visit www.pioneermuseum.net .
Country Schools Open House this Saturday at the Willow City School
As part of the Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools’ History Country School Trail first Saturday of the month open house promotion, Willow City School (located on RR 1323 off Hwy 16 N. in Willow City) will be open to the public this Saturday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A map to the school, and others on the trail, is available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center at 302 E. Austin St. For more information, call Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau at 830-997-6523 or visit
www.historicschools.org . Harperfest 2010 with Kevin Fowler this Saturday
Harperfest 2010, featuring music by Kevin Fowler and Kyle Park will be held this Saturday, August 7 at the Harper Community Park in downtown Harper – located just 20 miles from Fredericksburg on Hwy 290 W. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. with the concert starting at 8:30 p.m. Admission: $20 at the gate. For more information about this fun event, visit www.kevinfowler.com/harperfest .
Purchase discounted presale tickets for $17 at
www.outhousetickets.com/venue/harperfest_2010 .
Larry Jackson Antiques & Estate Services located on S. Llano St. in Fredericksburg
At its new location at 209 S. Llano St., in Fredericksburg, Larry Jackson Antiques & Estate Services offers broker services, appraisals, and sells antiques and fine home furnishings. Owners Jeannie and Larry Jacksons buy, sell, locate, consult and liquidate. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and weekends by appointment. For more information, call 830-997-0073 or visit
www.larryjacksonantiques.com .
Becker Vineyards awarded honors at 2010 San Francisco Wine Competition
During the recent San Francisco Wine Competition, local winery Becker Vineyards received awards for several of its vintages. Congratulations! Silvers were awarded for the Prairie Rotie 2008, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007, Merlot 2008, and Chenin Blanc 2008. And bronze medals were won for the Fume Blanc 2009, Roussanne Reserve 2009, Claret 2008, and Gewurztraminer 2009. In all, 1290 wineries from 27 countries participated in this 3-day competition, with a total of 3897 wines entered. For more about the winery, log on to
www.beckervineyards.com .

Live Music Saturday Afternoons in August at Chisholm Trail Winery
Musician Dean Strickland is performing each Saturday in August from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Chisholm Trail Winery at 2367 Usener Rd., off Hwy 290 W. in Fredericksburg. Come out, enjoy some great wine with good friends – and be entertained! Two step, anyone? The winery is open daily from noon until 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 830-990-2675 or visit
www.chisholmtrailwinery.com .

Looking ahead: Kraut Run 8K set for October 2
Runners take note! The new Kraut Run 8K, sponsored by the Fredericksburg Morning Rotary Club Community Project Fund, is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2010, beginning with check-in at 7:00 a.m. and race at 8:00 a.m. Early registration for adults (age 17 and up) is $25 ($30 after September 1) and for children — $15 ($20 after September 1). First 150 registrants will receive technical running shirts. Along with the pure fun of competing against your peers, prizes will be awarded for top male and female times, top three finishers in every age group, and top three wheelchair athletes. All participants will also be entered in a drawing for a KNAF/KFAN Prize worth $350. Plus, participants can get a fun finish line photo with Herr & Frau Kraut! Register online or drop off applications at the Buffalo Nickel Bar and Grill at 105 S. Llano St. in Fredericksburg. For more details and to register, log on to
http://www.active.com/running/fredericksburg- tx/kraut-run-5k-2010 .

WEEKLY TO DO’S

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Fischer & Wieser wins prestigious sofi™ Gold Award
For the country’s best spaghetti sauce, head over to Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus, home to Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce, winner of the Outstanding Classic Product for 2010 at the National Association for Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFIT) during this organization’s sofi™ Awards (Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation). The sofi™ recognizes the best in specialty food and beverages and are a coveted industry honor. This year, a record 2,257 products were entered and Fredericksburg’s own Fischer & Wieser landed on top with the gold award in the Outstanding Classic Product category! Congratulations! For more about the company’s Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce and other award-winning products available, call 830-997-8969 / 888-997-8969 or log on to www.jelly.com .
Gourmet Chili Pepper and Salsa Festival this weekend
Spice it up during Wildseed Farms’ fourth annual Gourmet Chili Pepper and Salsa Festival this Friday, July 23 from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., and Saturday, July 24 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Enjoy specialty food booths, salsa sampling and hot air balloons. Guest chefs Ross Burtwell of the Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant and Jo David of HEB’s Cooking Connection will both be on hand to offer cooking demonstrations. Friday’s entertainment includes a balloon glow at dusk and music by Ponty Bone & The Squeezetones at 7:00 p.m. Wake up early to catch the balloon launch on Saturday morning around 6:00 a.m., then stay to enjoy the sounds of Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes at 8:00 p.m. There will be plenty of food tasting booths and the Brewbonnet Biergarten is open to meet your needs. Wildseed Farms is located on Hwy 290 E. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. Two-day passes are also available. For more information, call 830-997-8515 or visit either
www.wildseedfarms.com or www.tex-fest.com .
Change in Dates next year for Night in Old Fredericksburg – now
June 10 & 11, 2011 – pass the word!
Next year, Night in Old Fredericksburg will be held June 10 & 11 – same place, same fun, now just one month sooner. For our lodging facility partners, please share this change in date information with your guests. It’s important everyone knows of the new date to ensure planning for next year’s lodging and festival visit aren’t affected!

Hill Country Auto Swap Meet this weekend
The Fredericksburg Vintage Car Club is hosting its 33rd Annual Hill Country Auto Swap Meet this Friday, July 23 until Sunday, July 25 at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Hwy 16 S. Enjoy car corral, flea market, concessions and a whole host of other car-related items! Admission is $0.50 to the indoor car display. For information, call 830- 998-4058 or log on to www.fredericksburgcarclub.com .

Dr. Pepper Junior Tennis Tournament
Youth tennis players from across the state will be competing this Friday, July 23 through Sunday, July 25 in the Dr. Pepper Junior Tennis Tournament at the Fredericksburg High School / H.E.B. Tennis Center and Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Hwy 16 S. daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Participant fee is $10 per person per event, while admission is free for spectators. For information, call 830-997-5667 or log on to www.playtennisFredericksburgTX.com .
Wine Road 290 ‘Chili and Chillin’ this Saturday
All nine wineries making up the Wine Road 290 wine trail will join forces this Saturday, July 24 to host ‘Chili and Chillin’ with Texas chili or Southwestern chilies matched with perfectly chilled Texas wines! Enjoy music, fun, and great food from area restaurants. There’s no ticket to buy, just drive to any of the participating wineries to get your serving of a chili tasting paired with a sample of that winery’s fine wine. For more wine tasting, check with each winery for possible wine tasting fees. For more information, visit

www.wineroad290.com .

PCAA Summer Concert Series happening this Sunday
The Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA) will bring live music to the Marktplatz on Main Street in Fredericksburg this Sunday, July 25 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Bring your chairs and drinks and enjoy the variety of music performed Sunday, at these free concerts. Sunday’s concert will feature the Marshall Ford Swing Band.

Peach Crop update
Freestone peaches, like Loring, Red Globe, Ruston Red, and Majestic varieties are now available – considered the best, sweetest and biggest of the season. Later this week, look for the Dixilands and Redskins varieties to be available. The 22 local growers that make up the Hill Country Fruit Council have roadside stands throughout the county where, along with peaches, you’ll find tomatoes, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, green beans, and other produce. For more information, log on to www.texaspeaches.com .

Fredericksburg Farmers Market returns this Thursday
Fredericksburg Farmers Market returns 4:00-7:00 p.m. to the Marktplatz in the Kinderhalle (corner of W. Austin and N. Crockett streets). Stock-up on the fresh produce, grass-fed meats, and more! For more information, visit
www.fbgfarmersmarket.com .
German language Fredericksburg area brochures now available
Stop by the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center at 302 E. Austin St. to pick up a copy of the Montabaur Sister City Organization- produced Fredericksburg and Gillespie County brochure in German. For information, call 830-997-6523 or e-mail [email protected] .
Looking ahead:
The Former Texas Rangers Foundation will host its Silver Stars & Six Guns 2010: A Gather of Friends of the Texas Rangers benefit gala on Saturday, October 9 at the Hangar Hotel Conference Center in Fredericksburg. Featured entertainment will be the legendary Ray Price. Monies raised will go toward the mission of preserving the true history of the Texas Rangers and the Texas Rangers Heritage Center to be built in Fredericksburg adjacent to historic Ft. Martin Scott. Show your support by purchasing a ticket for $125 person/ $250 couple or $1,200 per table. Corporate tables are also available for $2,000. For more information, call 888-766-4055 or visit www.formertexasrangers.org .

This week’s podcast:
Are you an architecture buff with a little curiosity about Fredericksburg’s local church buildings thrown in? Check out this week’s “Our Fredericksburg” podcast, the Fredericksburg CVB’s helpful promotional effort offering visitors a brief 5- to 7-minute glimpse into life in Gillespie County. To view the video, log on to
www.VisitFredericksburgTX.org and click on the podcast button.

VALENTINE’S DAY PACKAGES!!! ADD ON TO ANY RESERVATION

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!