St. Francis Xavier Church Parish Festival - 3/4

Annual event features chicken barbecue plate lunches, a silent auction, prize give-aways, and more. No admission to the grounds; charge for plate lunch. St. Francis Xavier Church is 390 St. Francis Street in Stonewall, Texas. Starts at 11 am.

Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet - 2/27

The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet will be held at the newly renovated Nimitz Ballroom this year (340 E Main Street). Individual tickets are $30 through February 21st, after February 21st tickets are $40. Corporate tables available to seat 8 are $300 until Feb. 21st, after Feb. 21st they are $350 (entire table must be purchased at the time of sale). Business dress attire. Call Peggy Crenwelge at (830) 997-6523 for details.

Grand Re-Opening of the Admiral Nimitz Museum - 2/24-25

The long anticipated $3 million renovation of the Admiral Nimitz Museum is finally over and done with! Celebrate the grand re-opening with the hotel's fully restored Grand Ballroom, complete with mezzanine and catering facilities.

The Grand Opening Ceremonies and Ribbon Cutting will be held Sunday, February 25th @ 1:30PM at the museum's front portico. The public is invited to tour the complex that day at no charge, and guests may enjoy birthday cake, coffee and music in the outside courtyard areas from 2PM-5PM.

A black-tie event, The Admiral's Ball, is scheduled for Saturday, February 24th @ 7:30PM, the evening prior to the public Grand Opening. To request an invitation, which includes the various pricing levels, please call (830) 997-8600.

Texas Vineyards & Beyond Grand opening 2/25

The new owners of Texas Vineyards & Beyond (Denise and Chuck Pfeil) invite you to stop by between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, for their grand opening at 329 ½ East Main across from the Nimitz Hotel. Appetizers by the Cotton Gin Restaurant and wine tasting by Texas Hills Vineyard. Your RSVP is appreciated at (830)990-9199.

Art Appreciation Course through Texas Tech

Texas Tech University Lifelong Learning Community will offer “Art Then and Here” on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., Feb. 22 through March 29. The class will meet next to the Texas Tech administration office located at 102 E. San Antonio St., Suite D, in Fredericksburg.

This unique course looks into art history and traces its presence in the images we see today not only in the world of fine art, but also in popular culture. Instructor Julie Kuhlken, Ph.D., former assistant professor at Goldsmiths College of the University of London, will devote four class periods to a survey of the most important periods and styles of art history and the main categories of art’s subject matter: landscape, still life, allegory and portraits. There will be field trips to museums in Austin or San Antonio and to Fredericksburg art galleries.

The course fee is $59 for Lifelong Learning members and $69 for non-members and includes handout materials on art history. For registration or for more information about the TTU Lifelong Learning Community call (830) 990-2717.

Gallery/Studio Art Walk - 2/24

Sherryl Brown will lead a gallery/studio art walk on Saturday, February 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $5 and the walk will begin at Jackson’s Uptown Art and Antiques at 214 West Main Street. Artists featured will be Lilli Pell, Charles Beckendorf, Carolyn Henke and Melissa Starry. Please RSVP to (830)990-9305.

New Marshall Styler CD Coming Soon!

Marshall Styler's latest CD, "Faces in the Sky," will come out in March. Samples of the music have been added to the website. Purchase the CD now, and the Stylers won't charge shipping!

Creative Journaling at Villa Texas

Creative Journaling is a Hands-On Workshop for Exploring Techniques: Saturday, February 24, 10:00 AM to 12:00 NOON. Experiment with creative ideas for capturing your adventures---via sketches, watercolors, or by simply collaging "treasures" from your wanderings in nature or abroad. Please check Villa Texas' website for sign-up details. Limited space available.

Fredericksburg Pie Company Featured in Southern Living

The Fredericksburg Pie Company, located at 509 West Main Street, was featured in an article entitled “Favorite Restaurant Desserts Across the South” in the February issue of Southern Living.

Film "Water"

Texas Tech University Lifelong Learning Community presents the Canadian/Indian Film Water from 2-5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, as part of the International Film Series and Discussion Group. The film will be shown in Suite C, 102 E. San Antonio St. next to the Texas Tech University offices in Fredericksburg. Admission to the film and the discussion is free for members of the Texas Tech Lifelong Learning Community and $2 for non-members. Reservations are recommended to assure seating.

"Water," an Oscar nominated film, tells the story of an 8-year-old, who, after losing her husband to illness, is forced to live out the rest of her days in a temple for Hindu widows. Through the trials of another widow, a beautiful prostitute who's being courted by a man from a lower caste, the girl learns the true restrictions of widowhood.

"Water" is in Hindi with English subtitles, is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual situations, and for brief drug use. It runs 114 minutes and will be followed by discussion. To reserve a seat for this film or for more information contact Wanda Merchant at (830) 990-2717.

Cooking Classes at Runnymede Country Inn

On February 19, from 6:30-9 pm, Molly Fowler will present "Dinner with Elegance and Ease." She will show prepare Eggplant Parmigiana, Tableside Caesar Salad, Chicken Balsamic, Linguini with Goat CHeese and Spinach, and Amaretto Cheesecake.

On Saturday, February 20, from 10:30 am -1 pm, she presents "Cold Weather Comfort Food." On the menus is Salad with Warm Balsamic Dressing, Spaghetti a la Carbonara, Spinach Artichoke TOrta, and Hot Fudge Pudding Cake.

Attendees will taste every dish and receive a recipe packet to take home, as well as lots of ideas for entertaining. Classes are $35 per person, and advance registration is required. Call Runnymede Country Inn at 830-990-2449 for more information.

Dinner and an Art Show This Saturday - 2/17

On Saturday evening, Bejas Grill and Cantina, located at 209 East Main, will offer a special dinner menu in celebration of the grand opening of Snowfire, the art gallery located off the courtyard by the restaurant. Snowfire will feature new work all weekend by Oil Painters of America Master Signature Artist Neil Patterson and Marilyn Yates, OPA Signature Artist. Please join the restaurant and gallery for an evening of great food and great art from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Call Bejas at (830)997-5226 for ndinner reservations. Visit www.snowfire.com for more information on the art gallery.

Fiesta Gallery Expands at Rocky Hill

Rod Broussard reports that his Fiesta Gallery has moved to the old school house building at the front of the Rocky Hill complex, located at 6262 East US Highway 290. The gallery had been in a smaller space to the rear of the complex and needed to expand. For more information, call (504)458-2862.

Fredericksburg Coffee & Tea Adds Coffee Roaster

Fredericksburg Coffee & Tea, located at 338 West Main Street, has installed a Diedrich Coffee Roaster from Sandpoint, Idaho. For 17 years, Fredericksburg Coffee has been identified with gourmet coffees: organic, Fair Trade and flavored, especially its South Texas Pecan. Stop by the shop for the aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans or visit www.fredericksburg-coffee.com.

Fbg Music Club's Concert Series: Classic Brass

Fredericksburg Music Club hosts monthly classical concerts at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 1800 North Llano Street. February's concert features "Classic Brass" on February 18, 2007 at 3PM. Admission is free-will donation.

Cotton Gin Restaurant and Lodging Highlighting Texas Wines

Have a guest or visitor looking for a dining experience that includes sampling several Texas wines? Consider Cotton Gin Restaurant and Lodging. The restaurant now has an impressive list of Texas wines --- a total of 54 Texas wines with 24 by the glass. Fourteen Texas wineries are represented on the restaurant’s wine list. For more information, visit www.cottonginlodging.com or call (830)990-5734.

VILLA TEXAS Does Italy (April 24-May 6)

Experience "la dolce vita" with Darlene Marwitz, author of Italy Fever, and Harold Partain, guide extraordinaire di Italia! We invite you to take advantage of this RARE opportunity to travel hand in hand with Darlene and Harold and share their passion for northern Italy, APRIL 24 - MAY 6, 2007.

Upon arrival in Verona you begin the life of the Venetian country gentry for the next 7 nights at Villa Serego Alighieri, your base for exploring the countryside of the Veneto. Then you're off in pursuit of culinary and historic highlights: from Risotto making (taught by Gabrielle Ferron) and Parmigiano Reggiano sampling and boutique winery tastings to waterfront strolling in Lazier on Lake Garde---continuing your adventures with food, wine, and a touch of history on your mind. And that's just the beginning . . .

Next it's the lovely Villa La Rotunda that demands attention, and more Palladian highlights in Vicenza and along the Brent Canal---on our way to Venezia!

Venezia! There simply is no other place like Venice anywhere on this Earth. If you "left your heart in San Francisco," you will "know your soul in Venezia!"

Observe the treasures and discoveries of the lovely Serenissima---leisurely strolls amid centuries of history and museums. And off the beaten path, explore the local fish market at dawn, tour the gondola-making workshop, and gently absorb the Lagoon Islands by private boat.

Dig out your passport and start dreaming of a springtime adventure in Italy!

And, to give you some help, the upcoming "Packing for a Trip to Italy" Seminar: Pointers on efficient and worry-free packing for trips abroad. Watch Villa Texas' website for details. (HINT: Including Baggallini Special!)

Gillespie County Ranks #4 in Top Ten Rural Places to Live in U.S.

Recognizing the nation’s current “rural renaissance” and trend of people choosing to live in the country, from some 2,000 rural counties across America The Progressive Farmer magazine’s February 2007 issue names the 10 most desirable in which to live. Gillespie County, Texas, was selected as number four in the overall ranking.
The magazine says, “These 10 counties, spread throughout every region of the country, have more than just great statistics going for them. They’re scenic, peaceful, and in their own way are all perfect for living the American dream.” Visit ProgressiveFarmer.com for more information.

Story-Book Evening - 2/17

On Saturday evening, February 17, Story-Book Evenings will present Rick Riordan, who will read from his Percy Jackson and the Olympians series for children and from his Tres Navarre series for adults. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Hall at 212 West San Antonio Street. Adults are $15 and students are $5.

Hannah's on Main to Open Soon

Watch for the soft opening of Hannah's on Main, located at 232 West Main Street, in the next week. The new restaurant fills the space previously occupied by The Cottage Café. When fully operational, the hours will be breakfast and lunch on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and fine dining on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The restaurant will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. The telephone number is (830)990-1037.

Declare Your Affection at Villa Texas!

Villa Texas has added some romantic items for valentine's Day:

Chocolates for Valentine's Day

NEW TREE CHOCOLATE'S Lavender Tranquility: inner calm is just a bite away - - - rich smooth Belgian milk chocolate infused with calming lavender. BROWN PAPER CHOCOLATES: Houston Chocolatier, Richard Kaplan, blends white chocolate with lavender, chervil, and toasted peppercorns---an exotic surprise for your sweet tooth.

NEW! Tuscan Rose Syrup

Organic Gallica roses, harvested in Chianti, retain their rich flavor in this delightful traditional syrup from Italy. Delicious over fruit, gelato, crepes, panna cotta, or add to champagne for a colorful twist.

Indulge in a New Fragrance

Seductive fragrances for him and for her, including NEW! selections: Palazzo al Mare, Ellesca Mediterranean, and L'Erbolario Eau de Parfum and Sandalwood. Plus, lavender luxuries from around the world in their Lavender Market!

In-Step Fashion Open Again After Remodeling

A Fredericksburg long-time favorite In-Step Fashion, located at 324 East Main, has reopened after remodeling of the shop. New spring fashions are arriving daily. Hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (830)997-6121.

John Bennet's Rodeo Studio Opens in Fredericksburg

Sculptor John Bennett has opened Rodeo Studio in an 1885 "Sunday House," located at 208 East San Antonio Street in Fredericksburg. John's bronze sculptures are based on western subjects directly tied to the American Frontier and Wild West cowboys, cowgirls, Native Americans and wildlife.

Progressive Farmer’s 2007 Idea House Under Construction

Progressive Farmer’s 2007 Idea House is under construction in Gillespie County, nine miles northeast of Fredericksburg in the Cool Water Ranch residential acreage development. The home was designed by Mark Carlson, AIA, of Cornerstone Group Architects in Austin, and is being built by Richard Laughlin, president of Laughlin Homes and Restoration in Fredericksburg, Texas. The home will be open for touring this summer and is the fifth sucfifth home to be built across America by Progressive Farmer, a magazine owned by Time, Inc. Part of the proceeds from the open house this summer will benefit the Gillespie County Historical Society.

Uptown Visitors' Center Closed for Demolition

The Uptown Welcome Center, located at the corner of West Main and Milam, has closed in preparation for demolition work to begin on the old gasoline station structure. The historic Besier House will be reconstructed on that site and become the home of the Uptown Welcome Center and the main entrance to the Pioneer Museum Complex. During the construction period estimated at ten months, Fredericksburg visitor information will be distributed in the historic Kammlah House at 309 West Main, which currently serves as the main entrance to the Pioneer Museum and the gift shop.

Luckenbach Mid-Winter Dance with Pauline Reese and High Country

Pauline Reese and her band High Country will return once again to perform in the Legendary Luckenbach Dance Hall on Saturday, February 3rd. Show time is 8pm and Admission is $5.00 at the door. Kids 12 and under get in free.

Now, at 27 years of age, Pauline has evolved as an artist and a songwriter. Known as one of the hardest-working artists in the state, she has shared bills with Willie Nelson, Gary P. Nunn, Freddy Powers, Kevin Fowler, Mark Chestnutt, Johnny Rodriguez, Billy Joe Shaver, Merle Haggard, Johnny Bush, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Cory Morrow, Pat Green, Gene Watson, Jack Ingram, Sonny Throckmorton, Roger Creager- the list goes on and on. In addition, she has garnered a nomination for the Western Swing Female Vocalist of the Year award by the Academy of Western Artists, and completed her first tour of Europe in the summer of 2003.

Street Dream opens

Street Dreams, selling classic autos, street rods, muscle cars and pickups, has opened in Fredericksburg in the Tivydale Business Park at 603 FM 2093, Suite 1302. Their phone is (830)997-1950. Hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.