4 minute read
BEAUTIFUL SIGHT
A beautiful SIGHT
Hill Country shines with festive flair
By Nancy Foster
The spirit of the holiday season is once again upon us, launching a month of meaningful traditions, an aura of joyous optimism and an abundance of good will.
Hill Country towns and cities are gearing up to celebrate in their own unique ways, offering many events and activities that mostly are free of charge. Do make time in your busy schedule to pack the car with family or friends and enjoy beautifully lit trees, Santa parades, holiday music and seasonal décor.
This year in Kerrville, thanks to the nonprofit Kerrville Christmas Lighting Corporation’s efforts, with the assistance of the Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) for installation, 44 gold 7-foot Christmas trees with LED-lighting will hang from utility poles on Sidney Baker Street from I-10 to Main Street. In addition, the Kerr County Courthouse, downtown and city buildings are sporting a festive look with lights and decorations.
Across the river at Louise Hays Park, take in the dazzling Light the Island at Tranquility Island, where dozens of towering cypress trees are adorned with red and green lights against the scenic backdrop of the Guadalupe River and the River Trail. Light the Island started shining on Nov 21 and is scheduled to stay up through New Year’s Day.
Many area merchants also get into the Christmas mood. Right after Thanksgiving at the Cowboy Steakhouse on Junction Highway, the dining rooms are transformed with classic Christmas decorations, complete with a traditional fireplace mantle display. Many private residences decorate as well, including many at Riverhill on Bandera Highway, so drive through the neighborhoods and marvel at the front yards and homes adorned with holiday light displays.
BACKGROUND: Nearby Fredericksburg is a dazzling sight at Christmastime with a 26-foot German Christmas Pyramid and the Community Christmas tree.
Photo courtesy of Trish Rawls
ABOVE: Light the Island at Tranquility Island in Kerrville's Louise Hays Park will shine through the new year for visitors to enjoy. LEFT: The Riverhill neighborhood is a great location to admire holiday lighting displays.
Photos courtesy of the city of Kerrville and Andy Magee
After Thanksgiving, Kerrville restaurant Cowboy Steakhouse is transformed into a winter wonderland sure to delight and enthrall patrons of all ages.
In Ingram, the annual Christmas parade will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and start at Ingram ISD, run through Old Ingram Loop and end at the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department. Make sure to drop by Old Ingram Loop where many of the store exteriors are embellished with whimsical Christmas lights and decorations.
For out-of-town festivities, take a drive over to Fredericksburg. Running each evening through Jan. 6, enjoy traditional holiday music, a 5-minute audio program and history of the iconic 26-foot German Christmas Pyramid and Community Christmas tree. The city will also offer ice skating on Marktplatz at Eisbahn, the Christmas Wine Affair and The Christmas Journey, a 10-minute drive-through presentation of the Christmas Story presented by Bethany Lutheran Church. For info, go to visitfredericksburgtx.com/blog/post/ holiday-lights.
Holiday plans by many communities, churches and organizations have not yet been finalized, so check with your local chamber, city hall or convention & visitors bureau for updates before you go.
Leslie Barnett has consulted and facilitated homeownership as a mortgage loan officer for local families since 2000. A Tivy graduate, she knows how wonderful our Texas Hill Country is and believes everyone should own their own piece of paradise! She is committed to providing realistic expectations and simple solutions to help meet each buyer’s needs and is equipped with the knowledge buyers need to explore the many financing options available –Providing service to her clients beyond expectations is her main priority.
Your trusted mortgage lender… for more than 30 years 322 Thompson Drive | Kerrville, Texas 78028 www.swbcmortgage.com/lesliebarnett 830.928.9080 Phone | 866.697.1547 Fax NMLS #225632
Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Prog rams and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. SWBC Mortgage Corporation. Corporate office located at 9311 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216. NMLS #9741 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
THE SHUTTER FACTORY, INC. INTERIOR SHUTTERS, BLINDS & SHADES shutterfactoryinc.net
830-896-7110 or 1-800-308-9881 26 years family owned and operated 1412 Broadway • Kerrville
