Pioneer Museum (Fredericksburg, TX) -- October 2018

 I'd been to Fredericksburg a half-dozen times, and some how I'd missed this all those previous times.  As you drive west down the main drag of the city, off to the left are some unassuming buildings, so you don't really notice them as you go by.  Look for them, and then stop in.  That way you get to see all the interesting things in the Pioneer Museum.

This is set specifically as "local history" for the city and the immediate surrounding area, but still worth the trip for those who've come from far away and spending the day here. Designed as a self-guided walking tour, this will take an hour or two to see everything.  The houses are those typically found during the pioneering days, from farm houses with a windmill to the old style barber.  Going inside the school house was interesting, because you could see the German immigrants that came to the area continued to teach their native tongue to the newer generation.  Guten tag!

I liked seeing the display for the fire department.  These small horse-drawn wagon would pull the hoses needed to pump water from wells to battle blazes.  It's pretty amazing to see what our ancestors did during these times, when compared to the technology we have today.  That also holds true at the barber shop (which was also your dentist), and the dry-good general store.

More information can be found at http://www.pioneermuseum.net/  It's worth checking out.

290 Wine Castle (Johnson City, TX) -- October 2018

 On the drive out to Fredericksburg we saw this, and it was something we needed to stop to check out.  Heading down Route 290, off in the distance I swore I could see a castle on a hill.  Although it had been a couple years since I'd come this way, it obviously wasn't something which had been there before.  Well, when you stumble across something interesting, take the time to check it out.

Venturing inside and chatting with the hostess, 290 Wine Castle hadn't been open long, but what an impact it had made.  Most of the structure was a single room with the central bar and social area.  Along the upper level was an interior balcony, and each of the corner turrets had some rooms for private parties.  There was also a patio on the back which gave a great view of the hill country.  Having some time of awning which would provide some shade would be good for the warmer months, but they were still in the process of making improvements.

There was a limited food menu which consisted mostly of appetizers.  The wine selection was very extensive, and had options from many different parts of the world.  The interior design kept up the medieval theme with some suits of armor and appropriate paintings.  We also laughed at what was used to hold the toilet paper too.

This is worth checking out for the atmosphere.  But if you like high-end wine, then you'll love this place.  More information can be found at www.290winecastle.com

Wimberley (TX) and Hanger Hotel (Fredericksburg, TX) -- October 2018

 While traveling around areas nearby, it had been awhile since I'd down Wimberley way, and I was looking forward to getting some baked goods.  The Wimbereley Pie Company was a small establishment where (obviously) pies could be obtained, but home-baked cookies as well.  Unfortunately when we arrived there, it had closed.  Permanently.  And from looking inside, I guessed that it hadn't happen all that long ago.  We took a few moments and walked around the downtown area checking out the different artist boots which were randomly placed around.

The next day we were at Fredericksburg.  At the Visitor's Center I saw a card for a restaurant which looked like it might be fun place to eat.  We'd picked up one of the visitor maps of the area to show where attractions were, and the place I was looking for (located near the Gillespie County Airport) wasn't on the map.  While there were some notations, the map wasn't designed for navigation purposes, but I was able to use it to get to the Airport Diner.  Basically, take one section of a hanger and turn it into a place to get a bite to eat for those who flew in and out of this small airport.  The food was good.

The real find of the area was the Hanger Hotel, located next door.  An existing hanger had been converted into a high-class place to stay, with the theme of the "classic air travel" running through.  We asked the person at the front desk if we could look around, even though we weren't staying there.  Sure, no problem.  We stuck to the common areas, and from the decor I could picture the aviators from the 1930-1950's hanging out here.  Even if you don't stay there, it's worth a look.

Dick's Classic Garage (San Marcos, TX) -- October 2018

 I'd been here previously, but since it had been a few years it seemed like it was time for a revisit.  And as my parents were in town, and they'd never been there, that was another reason to go.  The majority of the vehicles here are from the 1940's through the 1960's, although there are a few older models present.  There were less vehicles here than the last time, but the arrangement made it easier to see them all.  I think my parents had more fun here, because they had personal memories in riding in some of the very vehicles which were present.

My favorites were always the cars which are from manufacturers no longer present, like Edsel, Desoto, and Studebaker.  It seemed like on this visit, there were more General Motors and Ford cars present, and the Tucker which I'd seen before wasn't there.  What was a nice surprise was a replica of the 1966 Batmobile.  You couldn't get too close to it, but it was awesome to see.

Normally on these travel blogs there's a call to action to go an visit the places.  Unfortunately, Dick's Classic Garage closed in December 2018, and the vast majority of the vehicles were auctioned off.  Still, it was nice to have had the opportunity to see these vintage automobiles.