Executive Chef Carol Hill

My first job in High School was working as a Hostess/Waitress at The River House Tea Room in Gruene, Texas.  That was 13 years ago.  Today The River House Tea room has been recognized as one of the top restaurants in the Nation, and my former boss Executive Chef Carol Hill has been awarded San Antonio Chef of the Year, Texas Chef of the Year, and various other honors.

I can still remember the sandwiches Carol used to make me every afternoon after my shift.  Open faced sandwiches on marble bread from Naglin’s Bakery, with turkey or ham, tomato, cheese and topped off with Oregano.  These sandwiches, along with her signature herb crackers are no longer on the menu, but I can guarantee you that anything you try will be in a word – AMAZING.

Tortilla Soup

One of my favorite foods in the world is Tortilla Soup.  Over the years I  must have tried no less than four dozen varieties at various locations around the country.  I have always maintained that Adobe Cafe in New Braunfels had THE BEST Tortilla Soup I’d ever tasted – that was until I tried Carol’s.  So if, like me you love Tortilla Soup, be sure and try it on your next visit.

Speaking of Southern specialties, I’m not sure what’s in the batter for the Chicken Fried Chicken, but I’m convinced it’s addictive cause I ate ever bite (and the portion size was beyond generous).

So the next time you’re in Gruene Texas – be sure and stop by this hidden gem for what will undoubtedly be one of the best meals of your life. Of course, I already know where you’ll be staying.

Six years after the city was founded, Gruene Hall – “The Oldest Dance Hall in Texas” was opened.  With live music almost nightly, Gruene Hall has played host to some of the most famous musical acts in History including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Lyle Lovett who got his start in this small Texas Dance Hall.  And if you’ve seen the campy movie Michael starring John Travolta, the dance scene was filled inside Gruene Hall.

For me, the best part about “living” in a small town like Gruene is access to great food, great antiques, and a wide array of novelty items.  Today I discovered a new passion for Chocolate Rock Candy from the Gruene General Store, and I ate one of the best meals of my life at the River House Tea Room, a 5-star multi-award winning restaurant, the likes of which you would never expect to find in this small Texas Town.

Here are some photos from today’s adventure – Check out the Chocolate Covered Jalapenos!

I grew up in New Braunfels, Texas.  I attended High School here (Go Unicorns!).  I fell in love for the first time here with a Soccer Player on Crutches, who I boldly asked to be my date to a Friday Football Game.  I’m still surprised he said yes.  I went to church at First United Methodist here.  I attended friends funerals here.  And I even worked my way through college at The Applebee’s here in New Braunfels.

And for the next 3 weeks – “here” is my home.  Technically I’m living in Gruene.  But for me, Gruene has always been a large part of the New Braunfels Experience.  Separate but connected.

I jogged Panther Canyon today for the first time in 13 years.  I jogged all the way to Landa Park, and when I reached the park I thought of the millions of memories I’d made there.  Waltzing with Kyle Kolacek until 3 in the morning, jogging to Hinman Island with Bryan Dycus, sitting on the train in the middle of the park with JT Heyden when we were barely 16.  I still remember it all like it was yesterday, and at the same time I can’t remember a thing.  It’s like recalling a movie from a decade ago, where you remember the characters but can’t recall the plot.  It feels good to be home.

I was trying to think of the right words to describe the peace and tranquility of this place.  Of Gruene Mansion Inn.  But then I decided that a picture really is worth a thousand words.  So here for your viewing pleasure is my home for tonight:

Here are some pictures I took on a recent visit to the property:

The Hammock Out Back at Creekhaven Inn

When you stay at one Bed & Breakfast as long as I do, you start to feel like you’re home.  This is both good and bad.  It’s good because it means you feel comfortable and welcome.  Two qualities that are essential to any Great Bed & Breakfast.  But it’s bad because it means that saying goodbye is that much harder.

Yesterday I left Creekhaven Inn.  I left quietly.  There was no fanfare or sappy goodbyes.  I left early in the morning, leaving behind a note for my hosts Bill & Pat.  The note was a letter of thanks, and an update on our progress.  But here’s what it didn’t say (cause frankly I ran out of room on the page).

Here are some of the things I’m going to miss:

I’m going to miss rocking in my favorite rocking chair on the back deck, listening to the sounds of the creek.  I’m going to miss the beautiful light that seemed to fill every room at mid-afternoon.  I’m going to miss the Nature Trail that I loved to jog in the mornings.  I’m going to miss Pat’s Egg Casseroles and specialty dishes.  I’m going to miss the Wednesday Afternoon Farmer’s Market.  I’m going to miss eating at The Leaning Pear for Lunch – but even more I’m going to miss walking there.  And, I’m going to miss Bill & Pat’s company – especially the laughter.

Here are the things I wish I’d done:

I wish I’d spent at least one afternoon reading a book in that hammock out back.  I wish I’d eaten at Marco’s. I wish I’d spent a night in the Garden House (in the Blue Star Room of course).  I wish I’d had less work – so I could have explored more of the surrounding area (Note to Self: Must Delegate More).  I wish I’d spent more time writing outside, and less time hauled up in my room.  But mostly, I wish to go back (and I will – very soon).

See – that’s the thing about Goodbye.  It seems so final.  I think from now on instead of Goodbye – I’m going to say “Until We Meet Again”.

Bella Vista Ranch

Our first stop was Bella Vista Ranch.  This small winery is better known locally for their olive orchards.  In fact, when Jack Dougherty first started Bella Vista it was illegal for him to produce wine.  So he did the next best thing and started the first commercial olive orchard in Central Texas.  The way Jack tells the story, everyone said it couldn’t be done – that conditions in Texas would never allow for the production of a quality Olive Oil.  But Jack proved them wrong – and is now known all over the world as “The Olive Guy”.

Bella Vista was modeled after an ancient roman farm.  Recently they added Bella Vista Cellars, which produces a variety of Italian inspired wines including a Blackberry Wine produced from fruit on the ranch.  Tours of the Olive Orchard & Winery are given Every Saturday at 10AM & 1PM and Sundays at 12PM.  Cost of the tour is $10.00 and includes a wine tasting.

Driftwood Estates

Perched atop a hill, this small winery estate offers spectacular views of the valley and some of the best wine in the entire state of Texas.  Owned by Gary & Kathy Elliot, Driftwood Estate Winery produces 4500 Cases of Wine from each crop (note there are 12 bottles of wine in each case).  If you saw their vineyard you’d understand how phenomenal a number that seems from such a small crop.

Unfortunately, they just recently lost their entire crop due to an unexpected freeze.  But sales last year were up 30% over sales in 2008, and this charming winery is looking to expand in 2010.  Wine tastings are offered everyday from 10AM to 6PM for $5.00.  I highly recommend the Orange Muscat.

Mandola Estate Winery

This Texas winery offers the closest Sonoma or Napa Valley experience.  Opened in 2005, Mandola Estate Winery is run by wine connoisseur’s Drs. Stan and Lisa Duchman.  You can watch wine being bottled onsight, or enjoy a gourmet Italian dinner at Trattoria Lisina.

As a side note, one of the women I ate breakfast with this morning had her daughter’s Bridal Dinner at Mandola and said it was one of the most memorable experiences of her life.  Still waiting on dessert, and in a rush to get to the church and get ready for the ceremony, her daughter decided to leave the dinner early.  When she got up from the table, their entire party started singing – “Going To The Chapel”, and within minutes everyone in the whole restaurants was signing along.  She said it was Magical.  Oh – and they’re on TWITTER!  Follow them here: http://twitter.com/MandolaWinery/

So the next time you’re craving a relaxing weekend in Wine Country – why not check out The Wimberley Valley?

Since I’ve been at Creekhaven I haven’t spent much time outside (with the except of jogging from time to time).  It didn’t take long before I realized just how much there is to do at Creekhaven Inn without stepping foot off the Property.  Here’s my quick list of the 12 Things You Can Do at Creekhaven Inn.  Note that some of these activities are dependent on the season and time of year.

Paddle Away

I read a book once entitled 101 ways to Die in a Kayak.  But don’t let that stop you from picking up a paddle and enjoying a lovely day on the creek.  Creekhaven Inn currently has 3 Kayaks available for your mid-day summer adventures.  Book is optional.

Enjoy The View

Have a seat on one of the many decks or your own personal balcony and watch the creek flow, the squirrels run, and the deers graze.

Take A Dip

A quick swim in Cypress Creek is the perfect answer to a hot summers day.

Swing High

And while you’re at it – why not take a swing on our Rope Swing?

Swing Low

If it’s too cold for a dip – you can still swing on our porch swing out back.

Soak It Up

Or spend some time soaking in our giant hot tub.

Take A Nap

There’s a hammock in the back that’s perfect for a mid-afternoon nap.

Rock Away

Or you can read a book in one of our Rocking Chairs on the back porch.

Build A Fire

If it’s chilly – why not light a fire in one of our many outdoor firepits and enjoy a nice fireside chat.

Make A Wish

There are a ton of gorgeous fountains located on the property – why not make a wish?

Say A Prayer

The former owner of Creekhaven Inn was an Episcopalian Minister and had a large cross hung among a canopy of trees.  That cross still hangs near the Creek and is a fantastic place to stop and say a prayer or meditate.

Go On Your Own Photo Walk

Just take a look at the photos below – and I’m sure you’ll be inspired to take a photo walk of your own.

And did I mention that Creekhaven Inn is now up and running on Twitter.  Still more to do and learn – but it’s an exciting time here at the Inn.

In fact, it was through a tweet by Chris Bailey today that I first learned that Bryan Person was coming to stay @creekhaveninn.  Talk about a wonderful coincidence!

The new owners, Pat & Bill Appleman spared no expense in remodeling this gorgeous property.  From hand-painted wall murals and air massage tubs, to gas fireplaces and carefully chosen decor – Creekhaven Inn is in a word stunning.

But according to Pat, the real soul of this place is a towering old tree on the bank of the creek.  Historical records list the name of this tree as Monarch.  It’s fitting.

I’m looking forward to getting settled in and learning more about Creekhaven Inn, Wimberley, and my new hosts.

For now, enjoy some beautiful pictures of the Inn.