Endless vineyards, lavender fields, peach orchards. The enchanting blue-green Guadalupe river, tree draped and meandering, dotted with kayaks, waterfalls, and bank-side fire pits. Rocky cliffs and rolling pasture land, herds of white tailed deer, cactus and wildflowers stretching far and wide...
Texas Hill Country. Truly stunning.
Though born and raised in Texas, I'd never explored this particular region a mere half days drive from Dallas. I'd heard of the many vineyards and wineries in the area, and a few years ago I read the beautiful memoir of a woman who is credited with first bringing lavender to the area, something it's now well known for. But when I got wind of the thrift and antique craze that happens in the German town of Fredericksburg, the Hill Country officially made it on my 'must explore' list. So when a long-time friend asked me to stand in her Renaissance wedding as a bridesmaid, I was one part honored, one part stoked for a good excuse to head south.
I've always said the reason I love to travel, be it the other side of the globe or the small town a few miles over, is because it opens my eyes time and again to how equally beautiful and desperate the world is. I stand in awe of God, the vastness and beauty that is the earth, and I see things. I notice things I wouldn't otherwise. Not because they aren't always there no matter where I'm at, but because I'm looking.
Travel rocks my perspective, in dangerous, dazzling ways.
This little adventure to the Hill Country was no exception. We rushed more than I intended, we explored less than I intended, and I loved every minute because I was present.
When you're present you don't take small things for granted. Like tiny, curious fingers exploring Spring blossoms.
Trips rarely go quite the way you envision, but that's half the fun. That's the adventure, the unknown. It wasn't on my agenda to stroll thru fields on a wildflower farm, or stand on an open lawn beneath a windmill while my girl toddled around, mesmerized by a breathtaking stretch of lavender fields to my right and rolling grape vineyards to my left wondering if this was really Texas rather than the French countryside.
Those kinds of moments are best not planned, but discovered.
Despite not doing half the things we intended, we did discover a truly enchanting shop in Frederickburg so perfectly gorgeous I still can't decide whether it was a dream or not. Oh man, it was lovely. I'll tell you about it in a bit and show you a few fun treasures we scored...
As to the Hill Country, if you live in Texas and are looking for a great weekend escape add it to your list! You won't be disappointed. We're planning to go back soon for some more antique shopping, winery exploring, and a hike up the legendary Enchanted Rock. We simply ran flat out of time this weekend...
Have you ever visited the area? Anything else we should add to our list of must do/see next time?? Do share!