We recently all packed up to work on a beautiful home in Fredericksburg Texas.  The last time I had been there was 25 years ago, when hubby and I stayed at a bed and breakfast-something they are known for!  I was excited to revisit this quaint Texas town!

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I found this historical home for sale which is a great example of all the beautiful stone work on all of the older homes, both the inside and out! Can’t you just imagine a whole village with structures like this back in 1846 when the town was settled!  Seems like all of the old buildings are still there but have been added to and renovated. This charming hill country town named after Prince Fredrick of Prussia was home to educated Germans fleeing social, political and economic conditions back in the day.  Baron von Meuseback, the town founder, purchased 10,000 acres on credit and gave each settler one town lot plus 10 acres of farmland.

Photo: Robbie Caponetto

Southern Living posted this photo of downtown main street on an article on Small Southern towns to visit.   Downtown is filled with shops, galleries and restaurants!!  With over 150 stores, you should plan on a day or two to shop around the town.

Off to the job!!  The house we are grateful to work in is simply amazing!!!  Here is builder Bill Dunn of Bill Dunn Construction going over our check list. See the new cabinet to the right?  That will look centuries old when we are done! the designer on this project is sweet Beverly Shaeffer!  We have done many projects together, her work was featured in Segreto Style–so the road trip will be fun!!!

I love all the stone detail in this home—the two types of stone are mixed throughout the house!

And look at this ceiling over the bar!  These old terracottas found at Back Row Home are amazing!!  Designer Beverly Shaeffer certainly has a creative eye!!! I love how they are embedded in the antique brick.

This great room ceiling was on our list to re-vamp.  The beams were stained dark and almost looked painted.  We were to make them look weathered and gray.  The inside of the planking will be a lighter gray aged painted wash.

We are just working on the first step but you can see that they are starting to take shape.   The graining in the wood and they definitely don’t look brand new! Well If I stay the entire time with the guys I tend to micro manage and drive them crazy, so I have learned to get things going and then step away!! And what better place to take a two hour break but downtown shopping!!!

Here is a progress shot the guys sent me along the way!

The first place I went was Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques and what a store.  It is huge and offers just about everything from tiles to old doors to stone sinks bedding fabric, dishes—you name it!!

They have incredible bedding and the displays are equally interesting!  Look at this wonderful antique set backdrop to this bedroom vignette.

They have a second building which is all white and neutrals—plan to spend some time in here!!!

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Right next door is Woerner Warehouse! It not only is an amazing bakery and café but also has furnishings and accessories.  We stopped here and got the Woerner Blat Sandwich for all the guys and headed back to the ranch! (home-made bread-turkey smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and sprouts)—DELISH!!!

Back at the project we decided  eat lunch on the bottom deck beneath the infinity pool above! What a beautiful view!  Much different than the flat Houston landscape! The amazing pool is being designed by Water Forms. He happens to be the Dad of Blake Mistich who was the photographer for many homes in Segreto Style and Segreto Vignettes! Small world!!

Other Places to eat!

Designer Beverly took us for lunch at The Peach Tree Gift Gallery when I first came to visit the job site!  I had the meatloaf sandwich and I must say the best I have ever had, judging by the crowds and need for reservations day or night I would say I am not the only one who thinks so!  The owners have written three cookbooks for purchase and also have a small gift gallery, perfect for browsing while you wait!

The homeowner took me out to dinner at Otto’s German Bistro.  Written up as one of Fredericksburg’s top 10 restaurants, it certainly didn’t disappoint!! Specializing in locally sourced produce, meats, beers & wines on tap, and handcrafted cocktails, I had the summer squash gnocchi and tasted Andrea’s curry mussels!  Exceptional!!!!

Also making the top 10 list we visited this family owned long time German fare restaurant The Old German Bakery and Restaurant!  Once for lunch and then again to take the guys pastries(amazing) for breakfast! All things are made from scratch here and from traditional German recipes.  Yum!!!

A Few More Shops I Visited and Loved!!!

In the heart of Main Street, I bought some clothes at Lauren Bade. Here you will find an interesting mix of vintage, chic items and new finds such as apparel,  jewelry, antique furniture, beautiful home accessories,and an expanding section of men’s apparel and gourmet items all housed in a beautiful, original 100+ year old building. Speaking with the owners, they are expanding to include a bar in front.  Men can have a cocktail while the women shop!  Brilliant!

I found a painting at the Fredericksburg Good Art Company by Robin Hegeimer which I thought might be pretty in Colorado! What do you think?  They represent many artists with all different styles!

Quintessential Chocolates was quite the treat!! Founder Lecia Duke, named the chocolate diva, introduced to the US confectionery market, a new product based on centuries old European process known as Liquid Praline (liquid center chocolates). Some of the best chocolate I have ever had and packaged beautifully you can order on line and have it shipped.  What I didn’t know is that you can take a tour of them making the chocolate–this will be at the top of my list fro my next trip!!

Off the beaten path, Magnolia Pearl is a clothing store. What I loved about the store is its aesthetic!! Made to look centuries old it is actually a new build!

The finishes and use of reclaimed elements are to perfection!! It is worth the visit just for that.  If you pull up the website you can see if the clothing is your look!!

Here are some things I didn’t get to do that I am planning on for my next visit!!

Unfortunately Vaudeville voted as the best restaurant in Fredericksburg was closed Tuesday when we went by! Not only is the food supposed to be amazing they are also supposed to have one of a kind furnishings store gallery and boutique! Looking on line it looks like it incorporates a bit of New York chic in this cozy little town!

Tour the wineries!

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Even though Napa and Sonoma seem to be the hot spots for wineries don’t sell Fredericksburg short.  According to Orbitz.com Fredericksburg is the second most visited wine destination in the country!  I didn’t make it on this trip but am excited to try it out on my next visit!!  There are so many companies like Tour Texas Wine which can drive you around to all in style.

Pick peaches!

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Being from Georgia which I thought was the peach tree state it was fun to lean that most of Texas peaches come from this region!  When I am here in season I will definitely take some home with me!! These ripe peaches are from Crenwelge Peaches located at 617 W Main.

Hike Enchanted Rock!

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The massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too!

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Heading back to Houston I spotted an amazing store in Johnson City, Echo!! It was also closed on Tuesday but I looked in the windows and was smitten with so many of the items!!  Their website says,”Echo in Johnson City is the culmination of a life of travel and high fashion combined with a passion for art, antiques and everything unusual. With a focus on mid-century modern, and the work of over 30 artists, you’ll find a visit to the gallery fascinating” I Did!!!!

The guys are staying to finish up their work but Andrea and I are headed back to Houston!  Look at the beautiful sunset! As you can tell I loved my trip and will come back to visit often!  My Hubby isn’t much of a shopper so it might be a girls trip for me!  Any takers? I hope you all have a wonderful week and don’t forget to fit in some random acts of kindness!  With each of us contributing to the challenge the world will be a better place!

If you are interested in hosting an event or carrying the book  please don’t hesitate to reach out! Email Karly@segretofinishes.com for all inquiries! We love to visit new cities!!!