What a summer it has been! This has been our busiest year with our business. So much so that I have been working six days a week for most of the year. That left Sunday to my household chores. No time for play time.
But soon we will be announcing some changes and I think many of you will be excited about it.
The first week of October Tracy and I decided to take a day off. We grabbed a couple of friends and headed to Fredericksburg Texas. We have been there many times and I have worked on many building throughout the area. I posted about this area a couple of years ago. Tons of history, I mean tons.
We just needed a break and since Tracy LOVES wine I thought it would be a good idea to head to wine country. Yes, Fredericksburg has many wineries. I have been told the soil is like Spain. if you enjoy Spanish wines, you will enjoy the wineries here. It is a great area to spend a vacation or at least a weekend.
When we arrived, it was hard to find a place to park. Couldn’t figure out what was going on until my friend says, “Octoberfest Duh!” Dummy me, never even thought about it. Found a spot on the west side of town and took a little stroll down Main Street (Highway 290)
We stopped at a few shops and decided since we arrived late, time for some authentic German food. We found a place called Altdorfs. The building has been remodeled with inside and outdoor dining. We decided to sit inside facing Main Street. Good thing we did, the costumes walking by were fantastic. We were focused on the passing people I forgot to take pictures. The only picture I took was the sign when we walked in.
Very good food. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Great atmosphere.
The restaurant is just a block away from the park. That area was bustling with music and other festival activities. We did not want to be around a ton of people that weekend, so we did not join in on the fun. Maybe next year. It sure seemed like a lot of fun.
My goal of this trip was wineries for Tracy and her friend to sample. I just wanted to relax and enjoy the day. Off we went and our first stop was Safari Winery. Very busy place! . We were kind of overwhelmed on how crowded it was, but we did the tasting anyway. Good thing we did. They have a few very good wines.
Off to the next stop
Decided to do something different. Next stop was Garrison Brothers Distillery.
I thought this sign was funny.
We should have made this stop our lunch stop. When we arrived, we were being serenaded by a blue grass honky talk band. Music was excellent. When reached the lounge area, the band took a lunch break. The facility has wide open spaces. Huge rocking chairs for people to sit, relax and enjoy. It was very relaxing, beautiful views and atmosphere. We did a tasting.
Now I am not a fan of bourbon, but Tracy said they each had a unique flavor. She did enjoy them. Take a look at their web site. When you arrive, you are instructed to visit their site to place your order. The tables and seating areas are labeled with numbers. You just sit back, order your drinks and food. Just enjoy the music, atmosphere and everything is brought to you. Looking at the menu again, I commented many times. Note to self, this place is a do over for lunch! It was a very enjoyable experience.
When we left, we found a new winery, French Connection Wines down the road. Incredible views during your tasting. You can see for miles. 
We did not stay there long. Our focus was figuring out what to do for dinner plans. We wanted something different than what you typically find in town.
Heading back to Johnson City while trying to decide what to do for dinner we found a place called Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa. Also known as Old 290 Brewery.
Wow, hidden gem. It is new, maybe a couple of years. They have a winery, craft beer, restaurant, music stage, wedding venue, cabins, and spa. And we were told it is still growing. Very unique facility.
When we arrived, we went directly to wine tasting (what else do you expect). We tasted five wines and bought a couple. My buddy and I tried a couple of their craft beers, pretty good also. It was getting dinner time and we started discussing what to do. The gentleman doing the tasting suggested we dine there. You have a restaurant we asked? Yep, reservations only and very good food. He made reservations for us.
We were glad we took his advice. The waiter we had was fantastic, a ton of fun.
We tried their brisket flat bread for an appetizer. I thought it of a brisket pizza, worked for me!. I decided to try their tomato bisque. Amazing flavor.
It was suggested we try the prime rib. Yes, they had prime rib, a rarity these days.
A few more of their craft beers, and wines. Dinner was awesome. We spent about two hours relaxing and enjoying ourselves. Then we heard music from outside.
As we were walking out, we found a stage with a live band. Huge grass area with people were playing bean bag and other yard games, enjoying their drinks. Other people were sitting at tables enjoying dinner, drinks, and the band.
We wanted to stay, but it was getting dark and our dogs had been cooped up all day in the house.
I highly recommend a trip there. Doesn’t matter what you do, taste wine, taste craft beer, have dinner, enjoy the music, and take advantage of the spa. Well worth the trip.
Stay tuned for changes happening!