the bigger the better

Enchanted Rock to double in size after 3,000-acre land purchase

The recent purchase will double the amount of publicly available land at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, a popular Hill Country destination in Fredericksburg, is continuing its expansion after purchasing a 3,073-acre property in Llano County for $43 million.

The recent purchase comes nearly four months after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a 630-acre tract of land in nearby Gillespie County, adding to Enchanted Rock's current 1,644 acres of land.

The park's expansion, which doubles the amount of publicly available land, is also a great investment for Texas tourism, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

"Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state’s natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe," said Governor Abbott in the release. "The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."

The sale was made possible thanks to TWPD's Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a voter-approved $1 billion fund dedicated to the acquisition and development of new state parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the department's official nonprofit partner, also helped review the property's potential as an extension of the park.

The release explains that the Llano County land was previously used as a private hunting ground, but TPWD will seek public input to decide future recreational activities and conservation opportunities for the land.

"Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Jeff Hildebrand. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come."

TPWD expects planning may take "many months to complete" before announcing an opening date for the new property.

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Drive to Deals

Fredericksburg restaurants join two-week festival with big discounts

Cabernet Grill/Instagram

Cabernet Grill is one of the Fredericksburg restaurants that will be participating.

A tradition that has taken hold in Austin and San Antonio has moved into one of the most popular destinations in the Hill Country. Restaurant Weeks, an initiative restaurants can join to offer deals, is coming to Fredericksburg for the first time in 2025.

Fredericksburg locals and travelers might as well think of this as a new initiative, but it's technically an expansion of San Antonio Restaurant Weeks, which are run by the nonprofit Culinaria. The concept is nearly universal in big cities; it exists in Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City, where it started in 1992, plus many others.

San Antonio's Restaurant Weeks are biannual — in the winter and summer — so Fredericksburg will be included in both. The winter 2025 season runs from January 18 to February 1. The release does not share when the second installment for 2025 will be, but last year San Antonio's summer weeks were in August.

Culinaria started its Restaurant Weeks in 2010, but this is the first time it reaches into Fredericksburg. Thanks to all the participants, the initiative feels big to people choosing where to dine, but the concept is very simple. Restaurants create standardized three-course menus and set the prices very accessibly, encouraging diners to head out and try restaurants or dishes they haven't gotten around to yet.

Beyond that, there's no obligation to create a certain menu item or otherwise alter the service. It's just a discount that lots of restaurants offer at once. There is some flexibility in pricing, but all brunches will be $25; lunch will be $20 or $30; and dinner will be $35, $45, or $55. Additionally, some restaurants will offer to-go items, extra courses, or beverage pairings, so check the website carefully while deciding where to go.

A release only names two Fredericksburg restaurants participating so far: Ocotillo Wine Bar, an earthy, small space that serves "Texas tapas," grilled cheese, and desserts alongside its many wines; and Cabernet Grill, a rustic restaurant with a steakhouse-like menu in a cool stone house that's part of the Cotton Gin Village.

“Culinaria Restaurant Weeks is a longstanding tradition that pays homage to our city’s culinary talent,” Culinaria president and CEO Suzanne Taranto-Etheredge in the release. “Culinaria Restaurant Weeks provides the chance to sample the cuisine of some of the Alamo city’s top eateries, bistros and local favorites while enjoying specially curated tasting menus and pairings at an amazing price.”

Although reservations are not required, they're a good idea. This popular event draws crowds and if you've found a great deal, someone else probably has, too!

Austin's Restaurant Weeks are scheduled once a year — in 2024 it was August 30 to September 15 — and benefit the Central Texas Food Bank. There were 112 participants in 2024.

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