Joseph and I (this is Mel, finally!!) took our first road trip to the beautiful hill country a few weekends ago in April. We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning to make sure we got to Fredericksburg in time for lunch at Sugar and Smoke. This is one of Joe's best friend's dad's restaurant and it did not disappoint. We shared the meat platter, which had pulled pork, brisket, beef tenderloin, lamb and pork loin. It was delicious along with the sea salted sweet potato fries. I think the only thing Joe regrets is that he had to share! Haha! And of course, being amongst all the wineries, we started the day off with a bottle of wine.
After lunch, we walked around the cute little town and did some shopping. We went into Rustlin Rob's where they sell all kinds of salsa, honey, spreads, and spices. I think Joe tried a sample of almost everything in that store, which later on in the night, he most definitely regretted. I will spare you the details! We stopped in an art gallery that was also a tasting room for Grape Creek Vineyards, and both did a tasting. Joe made friends with the lady behind the counter, so we got several extra pours, way to go Joe!! We ended up buying 3 bottles, why not?!
We had a great afternoon, which included going back to Sugar and Spice to listen to live music on the back patio with a couple of beers. We went to West End Pizza Company for dinner and split a pizza. We actually agreed on the toppings (minus the red onions) for once and had a great dinner with some more live music and a bottle of wine. We could not have asked for better weather that weekend, it was absolutely gorgeous.
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| In the courtyard of Sugar & Smoke listening to the live music! |
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| Joseph took lots of pictures while we were shopping. This is main street. |
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| Walking to dinner, I thought this library was very cute! |
We woke up early on Sunday morning to go hiking at Enchanted Rock. I really didn’t want to get up so early, but as soon as I got there, I was extremely glad that I did. I didn’t know such beautiful scenery existed in Texas. It took my breath away once we got to the very top. Almost literally since we took the Summit Trail and went straight up! We got up to the top and just sat for a little while to enjoy the view. It was a great morning!
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| Park Entrance |
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| At the beginning of the trail. . . |
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| Made it to the top, straight up by way of the Summit Trail! |
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| Gorgeous views! |
We went back to the hotel and got ready for brunch at the Herb Farm. This was my favorite meal of the weekend. We started off with sangria and a homemade pecan cinnamon roll, followed by the quiche de jour, which had all kinds of goodness like sausage, tomatoes, carrots, and mozzarella cheese. It came with a butter lettuce salad and fresh fruit. Can I start every day like this?! We walked around the herb garden, again being thankful for such wonderful weather.
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| The entrance to the cute little herb farm |
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| Enjoying the awesome weather before we go in for brunch |
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| Had to take a picture of the flower in the water! |
We ended our trip with a stop at Becker Vineyards for another tasting, and left with 6 bottles of wine, bringing our grand total to 9 for the weekend. I will have to say that my wine fridge is now fully stocked!
This past weekend was Zach and Lauren's wedding. The best friend mentioned above is actually Zach. Joseph was one of his groomsmen, so we got to partake in all the fun. Friday night, their rehearsal dinner was at the Petroleum Club. It started with a cocktail hour where we got to mingle with the bride and groom to be. It was a great night. I am lucky to have met such wonderful people through Joe.
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| Joe with his brother, Jon, and the groom to be, Zach |
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| Me and Joe at the Petroleum Club |
On Saturday, Joe got to play poker with all the boys and I had to go to work. Blah! But I made it to the wedding at Christ Church Cathedral downtown, which was beautiful. The reception followed at the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Lofts, with lots and lots of dancing. . . .sunglasses, feather boas, and fedoras included. I am not a huge fan of weddings, but this one definitely rocked!
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| The Wakeland table at the reception |
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| Me and a very handsome groomsman!! |
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| After some serious dancing! |
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| Good times! |
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| I really didnt lie about the sunglasses! |
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| Great wedding!! |
