It's amazing how different the pace of life can be when you venture an hour and a half away from home. My husband and I loaded up our spoiled mut for a much needed spring getaway and headed west to Fredericksburg, Texas. Our first stop, Alamo Springs Cafe.
We arrived on a Thursday as the evening sun was making its descent. Had it not been for Matthew's coworker, we'd have never known of this place, as it's tucked away deep in the tangle of Texas back roads and located next to a bat cave (yes, that's right...a bat cave). The cafe was featured on the cover of Texas Monthly, and the green chili cheese burger is the cafe's claim to fame.
The cafe had a welcoming back patio with picnic tables and a stage with a handpainted mural. I could only imagine the buzz of a weekend night at the cafe with loyal patrons and live music filling the air. The building itself must have been an old house, turned restaurant. The path around the perimeter led you to the front entrance of the cafe that led up stairs to a quaint wrap around front porch.
The place was "no-frills" and before ordering you could serve yourself the beverage of your choice (beer, fresh brewed iced tea, soda pop, etc). Once seated, a friendly waitress introduced herself (and greeted Griffyn, too!) and took our order. I couldn't resist ordering the cheeseburger with diced green chilis on a jalapeno cheese bun, and Matthew stayed true to his vegetarian roots with the spinach, garlic, and jack cheese quesadillas. Did I mention the homemade fries and onion rings, too?
To sum up the meal, I devoured the entire half pound burger immediately (no lie!). I can honestly say it was one of the (if not the best) burger I've ever had. The combination of the juicy burger and the jalapeno cheese bun just can't be beat. My husband demolished the quesadillas and we both agreed the homemade onion rings were melt in your mouth good. I'd skip the fries on a future trip and save the room to try the jalapeno bites or mozzarella sticks.
After our meal, we enjoyed the sunset, conversed with a trio of friends on their annual visit, and watched a set of siblings chase each other around the property. The cafe setting evoked the feeling of a summer barbecue at home with the family or neighborhood friends. You can be sure that we will be making our return to this place very soon! Until next time.....
Alamo Springs Cafe
107 Alamo Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624-6101
(830) 990-8004
After a good nights rest in Fredericksburg, we arose early to burn off some calories on a hike at Enchanted Rock. The State Park is located about 20 miles outside of the town, located just off of Ranch Road 965. You'd be a fool to miss out on the Summit Trail Hike, as the views from the top of the dome are breathtaking. Pack some water for both you and your pooch, as you'll work up quite a sweat on the 0.6 mile steep climb. If vistas aren't your thing, take the 4 mile Loop Trail that wraps around the park and lets you experience the landscape up close and personal. It's a flat course that is easy on the knees and back. If you haven't been "enchanted" yet, give yourself some peace of mind by working off some calories here!
Enchanted Rock State Park
16710 Ranch Rd 965
Fredericksburg TX 78624
830/685-3636
249 E. Main St
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-0498
We arrived on a Thursday as the evening sun was making its descent. Had it not been for Matthew's coworker, we'd have never known of this place, as it's tucked away deep in the tangle of Texas back roads and located next to a bat cave (yes, that's right...a bat cave). The cafe was featured on the cover of Texas Monthly, and the green chili cheese burger is the cafe's claim to fame.
The place was "no-frills" and before ordering you could serve yourself the beverage of your choice (beer, fresh brewed iced tea, soda pop, etc). Once seated, a friendly waitress introduced herself (and greeted Griffyn, too!) and took our order. I couldn't resist ordering the cheeseburger with diced green chilis on a jalapeno cheese bun, and Matthew stayed true to his vegetarian roots with the spinach, garlic, and jack cheese quesadillas. Did I mention the homemade fries and onion rings, too?
To sum up the meal, I devoured the entire half pound burger immediately (no lie!). I can honestly say it was one of the (if not the best) burger I've ever had. The combination of the juicy burger and the jalapeno cheese bun just can't be beat. My husband demolished the quesadillas and we both agreed the homemade onion rings were melt in your mouth good. I'd skip the fries on a future trip and save the room to try the jalapeno bites or mozzarella sticks.
After our meal, we enjoyed the sunset, conversed with a trio of friends on their annual visit, and watched a set of siblings chase each other around the property. The cafe setting evoked the feeling of a summer barbecue at home with the family or neighborhood friends. You can be sure that we will be making our return to this place very soon! Until next time.....
Alamo Springs Cafe
107 Alamo Road
Fredericksburg, TX 78624-6101
(830) 990-8004
After a good nights rest in Fredericksburg, we arose early to burn off some calories on a hike at Enchanted Rock. The State Park is located about 20 miles outside of the town, located just off of Ranch Road 965. You'd be a fool to miss out on the Summit Trail Hike, as the views from the top of the dome are breathtaking. Pack some water for both you and your pooch, as you'll work up quite a sweat on the 0.6 mile steep climb. If vistas aren't your thing, take the 4 mile Loop Trail that wraps around the park and lets you experience the landscape up close and personal. It's a flat course that is easy on the knees and back. If you haven't been "enchanted" yet, give yourself some peace of mind by working off some calories here!
Enchanted Rock State Park
16710 Ranch Rd 965
Fredericksburg TX 78624
830/685-3636
After working up a sweat, we were ready to satisfy our appetites. I am reluctant to share this next venue, as I feel as though it's better kept under wraps. Rather Sweet Bakery is located on the corner of Lincoln and Main Street set in the quiet courtyard of a beautiful 2 story home turned bake shop. The restaurant bares the name of its owner, Rebecca Rather (daughter of journalist, Dan Rather) who has turned the bakery into a hidden gem. Customers can choose from full table service seating, to point and pick sweets at the coffee bar. It's hard to refrain from gawking at the delectable showcase of freshly baked desserts that greet you in the main room.
By this point in the day, the grumbling of our stomachs had settled in and we quickly ordered an appetizer of tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa with some fresh brewed iced tea. The appetizer came quickly and my husband repeatedly commented on the satisfying crunch of the homemade chips. Our lunch plates were equally as good as our starter course, and I enjoyed a tuna salad sandwich with a house salad while Matthew dined on a tomato, basil, and mozzarella sandwich and tomato basil soup (what can I say, he likes tomatoes!). I don't think we uttered one word to the other until our plates were cleaned. The foccacia bread was the perfect texture, and the house salad was lightly topped with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
As the lunch crowd poured in, we finished our meal with a cup of coffee and a Chocolate Ice Box Pie. O-M-G, this was good! The pie was created with a chocolate cookie crust (think Oreo), a hearty mousse like chocolate filling, and whipped cream that was as light as a cloud. If you dine out in Fredericksburg, do NOT miss out on a sweet treat at this amazing local jaunt.
Rather Sweet has received much notoriety in the culinary world, and Rebecca Rather has been featured in Food & Wine, Southern Living, O (Oprah), USA Today, and Texas Monthly. I call it a hidden gem, but by the framed articles scattered about the bakery, it is clear that this location is a Texas staple.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-0498
It's easy to enjoy a trip away from home with your pooch. Pack up the car, pick a spot, and go! Fredericksburg is the perfect location for a weekend getaway, with plenty of outdoor cafes and pet friendly accommodations. Don't miss out!
Griffyn was exhausted from so much fun!
