Let’s talk for a bit about Fredericksburg, Tx! What a great time we had on our recent girls’ trip. I had a great excuse for going—a book signing at The Christmas Store. Yes, I spread the news of Gracie Lee to the Texas Hill Country / Wine Country / What More Could You Want Country while talking with readers about cotton farming and growing up in the groovy seventies and all the various social issues woven in my novel that are oh so timely today. Whew, long sentence.
My second time to visit, I learned a bit more about Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg was founded in 1836 near the Pedernales River by German immigrants. The town was named after King Frederick of Prussia. (Okay, I learned that via Google.) Today, this translates into tasty German food, rich history and architecture with a German-Texas twist. If you’ve never traveled through the Texas Hill Country, add it to your list right away. Driving the back roads, the rolling countryside will deliver you straight to another time and remind you of Larry McMurtry, Ladybird Johnson, Waylon, Willie and the boys. Downtown Fredericksburg is a shopper’s delight with over 150 retailers and artisans. And hello—walking around with a glass of wine is an expected and welcomed thing!
As I think back on the weekend, I have five random takeaways—things I learned or remembered or realized about myself, about being a newbie author, about life in general.
Takeaway One
Some dedicated folks who really truly enjoy my writing will travel great distances to attend my book signing. That’s a thrill for me. And folks who love to read southern fiction become giddy about buying a signed book for a Christmas gift. Another thrill.
On the other hand, there are those shoppers on a mission who will do most anything and everything to avoid making eye contact with me. They are strictly in the store for Christmas decorations or holiday themed gifts or to use the bathroom. I get it. I do the exact same thing to the perfume-spraying ladies at Dillard’s. It’s all good. And yes, you can still have a cookie.
Takeaway Two
I was reminded again of this always true adage—there are no friends like old friends. As a child I lived in Wilson, Arkansas across the street from (identical twins) John and Don Mooring, owners of The Christmas Store. Our families vacationed together several times to exotic locales such as Monterrey, Mexico. These memorable road trips involved federates (not really but always a strong possibility) and kids-being-unattended shenanigans. Forty years later, I still nearly peed my pants reminiscing.
Takeaway Three
Do not underestimate quaint little towns across Texas and the South. They have much to offer in the way of history and hospitality. You don’t have to go far or spend a bunch of money to have a fabulous time.
On the other hand… yes, yes you can. It’s highly possible to spend a chunk of change and enjoy an unexpected, truly spectacular meal in a small town. And it will be so worth it.
We celebrated my mother’s upcoming birthday dinner at Vaudeville in Fredericksburg, Tx. The braised Akahushi beef absolutely melted on my plate, and what attention to detail(!)—from linens to utensils to the luxurious bathroom—seriously scrumptious everything at this place. When we left, ain’t nobody feeling no pain.
Takeaway Four
As much as I love living in Northwest Arkansas, I realize I miss Texas. After living in Waco and Dallas and after spending half of my life in the Lone Star State, I left footprints all over. A part of me will always live deep in the heart of Texas.
Takeaway Five
I desperately need a haircut…#haint. If anyone has a hairdo recommendation, send it to me pronto.
So. Onward to next week. Ready or not, Christmas is coming, y’all!
Christopher Radko “Santa’s Wild Ride” ornament—designed by John Mooring—is available exclusively at The Christmas Store in Fredericksburg, Tx!
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
P.S. Thursday is DECEMBER 1st! Come back and visit because I’ll be launching a holiday giveaway soon!
[tweetthis]Takeaways from my Fredericksburg booksigning @XmasStoreFred @VisitFredTexas @VaudevilleFBG #GracieLeeWasHere [/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Waylon & Willie, Luckenbach, Texas
I wanted to swing by Luckenbach, in honor of Willie, Waylon, and The Boys, but we just didn’t have time. Another trip, another time.
Love the area, the store, and especially Jon and Don, as they are a hoot to be around. My favorite snowman ornament came from there! Glad you enjoyed it!
They are a hoot!!
Saw your picture on Ch 5 news out of Memphis where you had attended a writers workshop in Piggott
So glad you had a great trip, Talya! I’ve never been to Texas, but should add that to my bucket list.
Blessings!
I can relate to your five takeaways and would have loved to have been along on the trip to Fredericksburg. Definitely a good place for a girl trip. (I’m getting my #haint hair cut tomorrow.)
That would have been fun!
I like your hair!!!! I’m excited for you to be having such a good time promoting your book and reconnecting with your Texas peeps.
Thanks Colene! Tomorrow is haircut day though thank goodness!
This post makes me so sad! I just finished reading your book today and so I looked up your blog and found this post. I live right down the road from Fredericksburg!
I absolutely loved Gracie Lee! Even though she is about 4 years younger than me, her story resonates so much with my childhood I could not put the book down. I will watch for future signings by you in FBG and I will be there!
This post makes me so HAPPY! Not that you missed the book signing but that you read the book, took the time to look me up and commented here. Thank you so much. Be sure to follow my blog and newsletter (for all the news) and my author website http://www.talyatateboerner which includes future events. I hope you’ll write a review as well – on Amazon / Goodreads / wherever! xo
My wife, myself and my two sons 3 and 6 months spent 4 nights here about 4 months ago. We traveled all the way across from Australia, so we were a long way from home.
I must say this town was beautiful and the people were equally as nice. Everyone was super friendly and made our stay a time we will never forget.We have done a fair bit of travelling around the globe over the years and I must say this town is one of my favorite places on Earth.
We also spent an afternoon in Luckenbach, another amazing place!
How wonderful to be traveling and making memories with your family. The Texas Hill Country is definitely a special place. I’m glad you were able to enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by the blog!
I used to live in that area. There are so many great things I miss. Peaches, Bluebonnets, German Sunday houses, dancing by the Guadalupe, people that wave going down the highway, Kristkindle Market at Christmastime, the dime store with wooden floors that creak. So glad you had a wonderful time.
Yes! Me too, Terry. But the gardening is better here:)