A luxury RV and tiny home resort is coming to this Hill Country town outside Austin

Van life

Photo courtesy of Firefly Resorts

The opportunities for Hill Country road trips and getaways continues to grow with the addition of a new luxury RV and tiny home resort in the town of Fredericksburg. The resort is the first-of-its-kind for a popular vacation destination about 80 miles west of Austin.

The FireFly Resort is located on 52 acres of land and boasts over 230 sites with gorgeous Hill Country views along several tiered rows. The fully-furnished, uniquely designed tiny homes and the RV sites can connect guests to resort-style amenities such as the two-tiered pool with an infinity water edge, a clubhouse with lounge areas, an outdoor kitchen area with a community refrigerator and grill, long farm-style tables for eating, a community dog park, and much more.

Firefly Resorts Fredericksburg “From our luxurious accommodations and upscale amenities to our hospitable staff and their abilities to curate a custom stay, Firefly Resort ensures guests will have a unique and memorable experience,” said Shortridge.Photo courtesy of Firefly Resorts

Photo courtesy of Firefly Resorts

A new way to enjoy a stay in Fredericksburg has arrived.

The tiny homes can accommodate between two and eight guests depending on the house's size. Each home is outfitted with an in-house washer and dryer, fridge, dishwasher, and wifi. Outside the homes are covered patios with screened porches. A select number of the tiny homes even have direct access to the Firefly pond.

The RV sites on the property are large enough to accommodate fifth wheels and motorhomes, with extra room for any outdoor seating. Guests can choose their own site, with some having a dedicated green space, or a furnished seating and lounge area, a grill station, or an outdoor fireplace. The RV sites also have complimentary hookups and a concierge service.

Firefly Resort director of operations Logan Shortridge said in a press release that every guest is meant to feel like a VIP at this new resort.

“From our luxurious accommodations and upscale amenities to our hospitable staff and their abilities to curate a custom stay, Firefly Resort ensures guests will have a unique and memorable experience,” said Shortridge. “Firefly Resort is close enough to the popular tourist sites to provide a range of entertainment options, yet secluded enough to allow for stargazing. We’re excited to share the beauty of the Hill Country and the unique experience of Firefly with our guests.”

The resort is only a 15-minute drive from Fredericksburg's thriving main street district, where folks can visit one of the many local shops, eateries, and wine bars that capture the hearts of Texans everywhere.

More information about Firefly Resorts can be found on firefly-resorts.com.

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3 Central Texas tours ranked among Tripadvisor's best experiences in the nation

traveler's choice

From sightseeing to wine-drinking, there is plenty to do on a day trip around the Austin area. And three Central Texas excursions in particular have recently made it on Tripadvisor's "Best of the Best Things to Do" list for 2023.

The Traveler's Choice Awards encompass the best experiences from millions of reviews around the world over the past 12 months. According to a press release, it's the online travel agency's "definitive list" of the ultimate best activities from every part of the world.

In the category for the best food and culinary experiences, Austin's Hill Country Barbecue and Wine Shuttleranked No. 3 in the United States and No. 18 globally. The four-and-a-half hour tour by Austin Detours can accommodate up to 10 people on a drive through the Hill Country, stopping at wineries like Duchman's Family Winery or Fall Creek Vineyards, as well as a stop at the Salt Lick to try some of their classic Texas barbecue. According to the listing, the tour is "perfect for foodies visiting Austin for the first time."

Keeping up with the wine trend is the Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio, which ranked No. 11 in the list of best wine experiences in the nation. This day trip adventure brings up to 10 people from the La Villita Assembly Hall in San Antonio to Fredericksburg's Sister Creek Vineyards and the Texas Wine Collective. This tour by Cottonwood Wine Tours promises a "guaranteed small-group experience" with free time to explore the town outside of the designated tour stops.

The final Central Texas experience that made it onto Tripadvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards is the ninth best cultural and historical tour in the United States: the Classic Waco Tour: Best Sites and TV Highlights in Waco. In just two-and-a-half hours, up to 13 visitors or locals will get to ride in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter van to visit several key gems from around the city, like Magnolia Market, Heritage Creamery, and more. Tourists will also receive an exclusive coupon book from Waco Tours that contains over $300 in savings for local Waco businesses. And if no one in the group is a natural photographer, the tour guide is more than happy to fill the role at no added cost.

Tripadvisor's general manager of experiences Kate Urquhart said in a release that connecting travelers with the local community is vital to converting them into frequent adventurers.

"With more than 300,000 bookable experiences in over 250,000 destinations worldwide, Tripadvisor helps people access the best things to do globally, and we're committed to expanding that number of tours and attractions across every destination," she said.

Urquhart also says the Traveler's Choice Awards are key indicators of the Tripadvisor community that continues to find and support local businesses that provide unforgettable memories.

"We're grateful to everyone who took the time to share their reviews and help fellow travelers plan their next escape," she said.

The full list of Tripadvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards can be found on their website.

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Report calls I-35 in Austin a freeway without a future, plus more top stories

Hot Headlines

Editor’s note: It’s that time again — time to check in with our top stories. Here are five articles that captured our collective attention over the past seven days.

1. Latest report says I-35 in Austin is a freeway without a future. On the heels of TxDOT's $606 million expansion of I-35 through Austin, a new report has declared the freeway has no future if Americans want to reduce the harmful impacts of construction.

2. Austin digs up 8th best ranking nationwide for urban gardening, says report. In a “post-pandemic” world, Austinites are focusing their attention on one hobby in particular: urban gardening.

3. Austin is the most expensive city in Texas for a night out, and 3rd priciest in the U.S. You aren't imagining things: A night out in Austin has always been pricey, but it has only become even more expensive in recent years.

4. Historic Hill Country mansion transforms into luxe vacation getaway. Hot on the heels of last week's luxury hotel news, Fredericksburg is getting even more accommodations this summer.

5. Iconic Austin honky tonk receives official historic designation this week. The celebration took place on what would have been James White's 84th birthday.

Photo by Sophia De Pascuale

Historic Hill Country mansion transforms into luxe vacation getaway

VINTAGE COTTAGECORE PARADISE

Hot on the heels of last week's luxury hotel news, Fredericksburg is getting even more accommodations this summer. In a fusion of elegant Victorian-style design and Texas history, a historic Hill Country property is being transformed into a glorious getaway destination.

The Menagerie is located at 302 West Travis Street in Fredericksburg, just blocks from the historic downtown Main Street. The renovations are in its final stages, with the overhaul expected to be completed by summer 2023.

The overall property spans 9,500 square feet across 12 total units on both sides of West Travis Street: the original landmark mansion, a carriage house, a five-unit converted barn/garage, and four units in three cottage-style bungalows. The Menagerie can accommodate up to 34 guests over 14 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.

The original mansion was built in the early 1900s as the private residence for Fredericksburg’s first mayor, and was heavily influenced by Queen Anne Victorian-style design. Property owners Nicole and Ramzi AlRashid wanted to keep those aspects in mind when choosing a design team to renovate the house, which led them to Austin-based land design studio Twistleaf and interior designer Sarah Stacey.

“We have an excellent team of all-stars working on this project and we’re incredibly thankful for the work Twistleaf and Sarah Stacey have put into making The Menagerie inviting, restful and lively for groups of many sizes,” Ramzi said in a press release.

Nicole shared that the decision to work with Twistleaf was due to her and her husband’s desire to collaborate with inspiring designers that would “elevate [their] spaces and do great work for [their] guests and the local community.”

Details of the property renovation include:

New fencing and gates
A hardscape reconfiguration
LED landscape lighting
Mutabilis rose bushes and native ornamental grasses by the pool
Native Hill Country plant species
Natural color schemes

The interior design refresh will include vivid, bold colors with theatrical elements and a few modern updates for practicality. Each room on the property will feature antique furniture, eccentric wallpaper, and vintage decor that pays homage to the site’s history.

Twistleaf founder Sarah Yant said renovating a property with a rich past like The Menagerie is an "exciting opportunity" for her team.

“Nicole, Ramzi and Sarah Stacey brought expansive vision to this project, and our landscape design mirrors their excellence," she said. "We're working to improve the land with Hill Country-friendly plants and create a design that adds to the intuitiveness, circulation and comfort of the outdoor spaces. All the changes are designed to enhance the functionality and hospitality of the property.”

The Menagerie is expected to open in summer 2023. More information can be found on themenagerieatx.com.

Photo by Avery Nicole

The Menagerie is in its final renovation phase, and is set to open in summer 2023.

Photo courtesy of Becker Vineyards

Wake up and smell the lavender at a Hill Country vineyard's decades-old festival

Lavender? I hardly know her

There's a lot of talk about flowers springing up with the seasonal blooms around Texas, but visitors are generally discouraged from picking and eating them. Fans of floral flavors can look forward to the Lavender Festival at Becker Vineyards in Fredericksburg, which will serve wine pairings with the unmistakeable aroma on April 15 and 16.

This festival is 24 years running, and still hasn't run out of ideas for the timeless flavor. Over two days, visitors can explore the vineyard, shop for goods like soap and lotion from artisan vendors, enjoy live music, and most importantly, taste the lavender. It's more than a shortbread cookie, too.

Becker's executive chef Michael Lockhart and winemaker Jonathan Leahy invite guests to "Lavender Luncheons" ($125) in the Lavender Haus Reception Hall, a "replica of a barn at the Lyndon B. Johnson Settlement." There's no menu so far, but it will be a meal inspired by the 500 lavender plants in the vineyard. There will also be four "wine and lavender bite pairing sessions" ($60) on Saturday. Less formally, or for those who would rather see the lavender than taste it, there will be three local food vendors on both days: Mac’n Wag’n, Conchita’s, and Garbo’s Seafood.

The history of the festival stretches back almost as long as the vineyard has been producing lavender. The first plants were sown in June of 1998 — that's just one year longer. Although the family struggled to find a healthy variety for the area and lost huge swathes of the three-acre crop, they kept pushing on. Eventually, they discovered that the Stoechas (Spanish) varietal does best in the region.

If readers have struggled with growing lavender (an extremely likely circumstance), they may find that gardening tips at the festival help this year or next year's blooms. Lavender, unlike the many wildflowers that make the Hill Country famous, does not naturally grow in the region, and instead prefers its native conditions in the Mediterranean. It's starting to make sense that in Texas it thrives in the vineyard, no?

The Lavender Festival at Becker Vineyards is located at 464 Becker Farms Rd., Fredericksburg, Texas. Tickets ($15 general admission, plus add-ons for tastings) are available at beckervineyards.com. The festival is open on April 15 and 16 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Photo courtesy of Becker Vineyards

Becker Vineyards invites Texans to see the fields and try lavender foods and wine pairings.

Photo by Jody Horton

Austin chef tapped for luxury Hill Country hotel restaurants, coming this summer

Hill Country Hotel

The anticipation is growing for the Albert Hotel, opening in Fredericksburg later this year. Operated by New Waterloo (known here in Austin for South Congress Hotel, La Condesa, and more), the new luxury property will feature three new restaurants — and lucky for Fredericksburg natives and visitors alike, an Austin chef will be behind them all.

Located at 213 East Austin Street, Albert Hotel is a historic preservation effort with four late-19th century buildings and a newly constructed hotel featuring 109 guest rooms, a sunken pool, full-service spa, and versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces. Michael Fojtasek will lead the restaurants, which will run the gamut from gourmet dining experience (the Restaurant at Albert Hotel) to market-style deli (The Pharmacy) to backyard barbecue spot (Junebug's BBQ).

As the name behind Olamaie and Maie Day, Fojtasek likely needs no introduction to most Austinites. He'll be joined by New Waterloo's Head of Food and Beverage, Justin Spencer, as well as its Director of Culinary Projects, Amanda Rockman (who is also a 2023 CultureMap Tastemaker nominee).

“The culinary program at Albert Hotel is driven by our love of Central Texas and the Hill Country,” says Fojtasek in a releas. “It's a dream come true to be working in a town with so much history and beauty. My vision for the culinary program is built upon respect for the rich traditions of the area and our desire to bring a level of warmth and excellence to the hotel.”

A reflection of the Texas Hill Country way of life, The Restaurant at Albert Hotel will use the best regional ingredients in its rotating seasonal menus. Highlights will include a local spring salad with ranch dressing, a lamb rack with horseradish, and a spring melange with spaetzle. The deep and wide-ranging wine list will feature a robust selection of local and international labels, and the restaurant will be open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Housed in the historic Brockmann-Kiehne house on Austin Street, Junebug's BBQ will offer hand-rubbed meats by the pound. Spencer will lead the concept, bringing his experience as a competition barbecue pitmaster. His team’s accolades over the past 15 years range from “18th Best Brisket in the World” to “Best Chicken Wings” at Memphis in May, and multiple other national titles.

Last but not least, The Pharmacy at Albert Hotel will be the property's Main Street-facing concept. Featuring an artisanal market offering a daily breakfast and lunch menu, the Pharmacy will also carry hand-made goods, locally-sourced treats, and thoughtful gifts. Rockman will lead the concept's house-made pastry and bread program: "The Pharmacy will bring a product to Fredericksburg that is both unique and represents the Texas spirit and experience," she shared via release.

The entire project is designed by Clayton Korte and located on a two-acre site, spanning 242 to 248 East Main Street. A dedicated, two-level 160 space parking garage will be located directly across East Austin Street, while the hotel itself is tucked away behind the original historic buildings, creating a peaceful escape with quiet sophistication just off bustling Main Street.

The grounds will also include the, historic White Elephant Saloon, a private dining room, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a 2,000 square-foot full-service spa. An official opening date has not yet been set, but eager followers can stay up to date on Instagram and Facebook at @Albert_Hotel_TX.

Photo by Jody Horton

The Albert Hotel will feature three new restaurants and a historic saloon.

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Property Showcase

Top medical cannabis dispensary buds in Lakeline with new pickup store

OG CBD

Folks north of Austin can now find more relief closer to them with the opening of a new facility for cannabis prescription pickup.

Texas Original is now open in the Lakeline area at 10222 Pecan Park Blvd., continuing to expand the brand's services throughout Central Texas. While Austinites may be used to more recreational cannabis stores, Texas Original's main clientele are patients managing things like cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even dementia.

In Texas, patients can obtain medical cannabis prescriptions through online clinics or local physicians registered with the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas; In Texas Original's case, the dispensary connects candidates for medical cannabis with partnering clinics via an online form to close the loop between prescription and pickup.

Texas Original (formerly Compassionate Cultivation) opened the first public medical dispensary in the state (out of Manchaca) and started serving patients in 2018 with the motto “Grown for Texans by Texans.” The entire operation — from the cultivation of plants to the formulation of products — is based in the state. In 2023, Texas Original was named the best medical marijuana dispensary in the Austin American-Statesman's Community Choice Awards.

This is now Texas Original’s fourth location in Central Texas along with its headquarters and dispensary in South Austin, two other stores in Waco and San Antonio, and many others throughout the state.

“Opening a full-time pickup location that serves our growing community in North Austin and its surrounding suburbs is another step toward creating comprehensive medical cannabis access for all patients throughout Texas,” said CEO Nico Richardson in a release.

To celebrate the opening, Texas Original is partnering with a telehealth medicine clinic to offer free one-year prescriptions to 50 customers at the North Austin location on a first-come first-serve basis. Patients can visit the store this week to book an appointment with the telemedicine clinic’s registered physicians to receive a prescription for medical cannabis.

For more product information and hours of operation for all of Texas Original locations, visit texasoriginal.com. Hours of operation at Lakeline are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am to 6 pm, with plans to expand to six days a week in the upcoming months.

Fantastic visuals and original story make The Creator a must-see sci-fi film

Movie Review

In the relatively risk-averse world that is modern Hollywood, getting an original story is a rarity. The vast majority of potentially blockbuster movies these days are ones that have a connection to some kind of existing intellectual property that already has a well-established track record. So anytime something interesting arrives that’s not a sequel/reboot/remake/commercial for a product, it deserves to be celebrated.

And that goes double when it’s done as well as the new sci-fi film, The Creator. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world in 2065, 30 years after a sentient artificial intelligence detonated a nuclear bomb in Los Angeles. Joshua (John David Washington) is an American soldier who for years worked undercover alongside A.I.-enhanced robots, many of which are fitted with clones of human faces, to try to find their reclusive leader, Nirmata, in a part of the world now called New Asia.

A personal tragedy sends him into exile, but he’s recruited back into service by Colonel Howell (Allison Janney) to seek out and destroy a weapon that may turn the tide in the war for good. Turns out the weapon is a robot in the form of a child (Madeleine Yuna Voyles), and when Joshua discovers that fact, he finds it impossible to carry out the mission. Instead, he does everything he can to protect the girl he calls Alphie, with the military hot on his tail all the while.

Written and directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One) and co-written by Chris Weitz, the film is astonishing in a number of ways, but mostly for its ability to draw the viewer in visually. The CGI is amazingly believable, making it easy to immerse yourself in the storytelling. From a foreboding super-weapon in the sky called NOMAD to the futuristic landscapes to the whirring metal cylinders that appear to be the brains of the robots, the film is full of fantastic details that make it a feast for the eyes.

The concept of A.I. is increasingly being used as a storytelling tool, and here the filmmakers seem to try to play both sides of the fence. Many people in the film fear its capabilities, especially given the nuclear event. But by literally putting human faces on many of the robots, it becomes more difficult to see them as pure evil, a dilemma that’s at the core of the problem for both Joshua and the audience.

Washington, who’s fast becoming as reliably good as his father, Denzel, is the star of the film, and he does a great job in that role. But stealing the show every second she’s on screen is Voyles, who delivers a debut performance the likes of which hasn’t been seen in many years. She is utterly convincing and heartbreaking as Alphie; while the story may have worked with a lesser actor, she helps take it to completely different level.

Also putting in great work are Janney, who proves herself as badass and fearsome a military leader as any man; Mark Menchaca as her No. 2; Ken Watanabe as an A.I. robot; singer-turned-actor Sturgill Simpson as a friend of Joshua; and Gemma Chan, redeeming herself after the misfire of Eternals.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios

John David Washington in The Creator.

The Creator could’ve earned praise simply by giving us an original sci-fi story. But by accompanying it with awe-inspiring imagery and performances that elevate the story immeasurably, Edwards and his team have made a film that will likely be remembered for years to come.

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The Creator opens in theaters on September 29.

Timeless elegance meets modern luxury with charming Old Enfield home

On The Market

Nestled gracefully within the historic enclave of Old Enfield, the two-story stone home at 2313 Hartford Road stands as a testament to the enduring allure of architectural charm and modern refinement.

From the moment you step inside, it's apparent that every aspect of this 3,453-square-foot residence has been meticulously crafted to create a space that seamlessly marries timeless tradition with contemporary sophistication.

The journey through this captivating abode commences in the formal living area, where an exquisite copper fireplace welcomes residents and guests alike, setting the tone for the mesmerizing style that unfolds throughout.

A culinary haven awaits within the architect-designed kitchen, featuring stainless steel countertops, double sinks, and a luxurious limestone floor and backsplash. A chef's dream, this space is equipped with double ovens, poised to bring culinary aspirations to life.

Venturing further, the grand living room beckons with its soaring seventeen-foot ceilings, a majestic stone fireplace, and an expansive wall of windows that generously bathe the room in natural light.

Rich, dark-stained wood floors underfoot contribute to the home's inviting ambiance, complementing its overall character.

Every fixture, wallpaper choice, and flooring selection within this residence has been thoughtfully curated to make a resounding statement about the home as a whole. This meticulous attention to detail permeates every facet of the property, elevating its character and allure.

Moving beyond the interior, the outdoor living space proves equally enchanting, featuring a screened-in patio that offers the perfect setting for enjoying Austin's breezy evenings without the intrusion of pesky insects.

Additionally, a charming dining area nestled under the sprawling canopy of live oak trees, adorned with twinkling lights, creates a truly magical setting for al fresco gatherings and memorable evenings.

The primary bedroom, a sanctuary of comfort and luxury, boasts its own fireplace, finely crafted built-ins, and a spacious ensuite bathroom. Three additional bedrooms provide ample space for family or guests, each appointed with the same meticulous care evident throughout the home.

In its entirety, this Old Enfield gem harmoniously marries the finest aspects of traditional architecture with the conveniences of modern living.

It is a residence that radiates charm and sophistication, indoors and out, promising an exceptional lifestyle in the heart of Austin's historic landscape.

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This home is on the market with Kumara Wilcoxon of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. Click here to see more photos, details, and to contact the agent.

Photo courtesy of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty

Soaring 17-foot ceilings await in the living room.

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