Tuscany in Texas

We didn't have major plans for Memorial Day Weekend this  year, which was a nice change of pace.  So, we decided to jaunt out to the Hill Country for a little winery touring and tasting.  I absolutely love that we can drive less than 2 hours and have such neat places to visit, and still make it back home that night.

I love the Texas Hill Country.  We drive through Fredricksburg several times a year on our way to the ranch, but usually we are trying to get there fast and get home fast, so we don't stop and take the time to visit some of the great places along the way.  We had grand plans to visit several wineries, but it didn't quite turn out that way, but we had an awesome day, nonetheless, that I would be happy to repeat again!

Our first stop (and only winery stop) was Texas Hills Winery, just outside Johnson City.  For all of you non-Texas readers, Johnson City is in fact named after our late president Lyndon B. Johnson and his family's ranch is situated just outside of town.  We really liked Texas Hills.  They have a great Pinot Grigio that actually stands up pretty well to the famed Santa Margherita.  One of our other faves was the Kick Butt Cab.  If you're ever in the area, it's a great place to stop and have a taste!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot that we stopped in Drippin' for breakfast and here are my two main squeezes

Then, we ventured into Fredricksburg to meet The Rankin's and their new baby boy, Miles.  Our timing was off a bit, so we found ourselves at Lincoln Street Wine Market enjoying the offerings while we waited (darn!).  Another great place!  You can get ANYTHING they have by the glass!   Their noshes are great too....I recommend the chevre gouda and some proscuitto....yummy!  Miss Reese loved the wine bar, too.  She is such a little trooper and can't help but like being out and about.  JP and I have truly made her a part of our busy lives, not holding back on much, and she's loved every minute of it.

chillaxin' on the sofa

the little man and me...it was so great to meet you!

We really enjoyed seeing The Rankin's and meeting their newest addition!  We finally decided to forego our "Tuscany" theme and headed over to Auslander for some beer battered mushrooms.  I really don't have any other recommendations there, but their beer battered mushrooms are THEBOMB.COM!

the boys enjoying some true German fare (the order and a half of 'shrooms weren't enough, I guess)

Awwwwwwe!  Two happy families!

So, I'm really looking forward to our next trip to Italy--Tuscany, to be exact--but in the meantime, I'll settle for an 1.5 hour drive to the Texas Hill Country and play pretend.