Texas Hill Country Culture July 2018

LIVING

THE

BEAUTIFUL

LIFE

JULY 2018

Western Wonder World AWARD-WINNING HORSES CALL TWISTED ROSE RANCH HOME

A DECEIVING EXTERIOR

BARNS ARE NOT JUST FOR ANIMALS ANYMORE

TIPPING HIS HAT

JOHNSON CITY LEATHERWORKER STICKS TO TRADITIONAL COWBOY STYLE

Your knees.

In the Full Page best hands.HC MEMORIAL AWARD-WINNING, PATIENT-ENDORSED ORTHOPEDIC CARE

BEICKER & ROMANICK Texas Hill Country Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, PA (830) 997-4043 thcosm.com ROBERTSON HCM Medical Group Toll free 1 (844) DOCS-HCM 1 (844) 362-7426 hcmmedicalgroup.com

4975

PROVIDING ORTHOPEDIC AND SPORTS MEDICINE CARE. SPECIALIZING IN RESTORE JOINT REPLACEMENT FOR SHOULDERS, KNEES AND HIPS.

Schedule today!

2014-2018

2014 - 2018

Contents 6

Departments

Features

6 HILL COUNTRY MADE Stidham Outfitters creates the perfect cowboy apparel

11

THE ARTS Clifton Fifer stays in tune with the cowboy lifestyle

16

20

34

39

60

62

HERITAGE Frontier Times Museum celebrates 85 years

26

SLICE OF HEAVEN

Dianne and Murphy

Lents bring Morgan

horses to the Hill Country

Your Home in the Hill Country

26

48

UNCORKED Take a trip to the Old West saloon

WHEELS Husband-wife duo pursue American dream with car shop

56

HOME SWEET BARN Behind the walls of what seems to be an ordinary barn HOME SHOWCASE Ranch property provides beauty, land, views

GOOD TASTE Kelly Scott’s famous chuck wagon grub OUT & ABOUT First Friday Wine Share EVENTS July calendar

48

ON THE COVER One of the many beautiful scenes at Twisted Rose Ranch in Kerrville, Texas.

Photo by William Houghton

2

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Top left photo by Scott Slusher; bottom left photo by Gabriel Segura; right photo by William Houghton

plans. for every stage of life.

At Peterson Women’s Associates, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized care. From adolescence through pregnancy and birth, to menopause and beyond - we believe that every woman is unique and that is why we focus on your individual needs. As the premier obstetrics and gynecology team in the region, we build on the strengths of our physicians and midwives to provide the highest level of care.

We’re redefining women’s care. We’re Elevating Health.

• Unique birthing options such as hydrotherapy and family-centered C-section • Neonatology support • Customized Pain Management • daVinci® Surgical technology

• In-office procedures • Customized birth control options • International lactation consultant • Hormone replacement therapy • Genetic Testing • Women’s Wellness

Most Insurances Accepted.

To find a provider, visit PetersonWomensAssociates.com Joining Our Growing Team

Sharrel Carlton, MD

Kerrville

575 Hill Country Drive, Suite 202 For an appointment, call 830.258.6237

Trista Ranton, FNP

1/4

July 2018 - Volume 3 - Issue 7

1011 Bistro 8105284

Autumn Bernhard Magazine Editor

Neice Bell Publisher

Jeanette Eastwood Nash Copy Editor

Dean Heep Composing Manager

Wine Weekdays @ 1011 Bistro BRING YOUR BOTTLE - NO CORKING FEE TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY!

RESERVATIONS 830-895-1169 1011 Guadalupe Street H Kerrville, Texas

www.1011bistro.com

Total Image Salon

400 Quinlan Street • Kerrville • 896-6322

1/4

Our Team of Specialized

Total Image Technicians and Master Stylists 8305558

Tom Holden Photo Editor

Jonathan Toye Assistant Copy Editor

Writers Nancy Foster Judith Pannebaker

Photographers Samuel Beaver William Houghton Lou Ann Maxwell Gabriel Segura Scott Slusher

John Doran Advertising Director

Account Executives Brandon Baldwin Jeff Herring Becky Kiner Luly Miller

For advertising inquiries: ads@dailytimes.com

For editorial inquiries and story ideas: autumn.bernhard@dailytimes.com

will meet your every need.

The professional stylists at this premier Hill Country salon are committed to creating styles with flair.

• Specializing in custom color and cuts for men and women • Kerrville’s Only Redken Specialist • 25% off on products $ with color service any hair service of $35.00 • Therapeutic massage or more on your first visit Lillian DeLeon 459-8106 to Total Image Salon.

5.00 off

4

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

The Kerrville Daily Times 429 Jefferson St., Kerrville, Texas 78028 www.dailytimes.com | Phone: 830-896-7000 | Fax: 830-896-1150

Copyright: Texas Hill Country Culture is published by The Kerrville Daily Times under Southern Newspapers Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Sticking to the state motto Howdy y’all, I figured since this is our Western edition, it would be appropriate to use that phrase. I mean, after all, people from out of state think that’s the most common greeting we use.

With Texas and the cowboy way on my mind, I decided to do some research on this state I’ve called home my whole life.

One of the most interesting things I found was that our state motto is “friendship.”

This was determined in 1930 with House Concurrent Resolution No. 22, where it adopted the bluebonnet as the state flower, the mocking bird as the state bird and “Texas, Our Texas” as the state song.

“The name ‘Texas’ is derived from the Indian word

‘Tejas,’ meaning friendship, and whereas, the said word is emblematic of the universal spirit existing in Texas and reflects the spirit that has at all times influenced our people; now, therefore, be it resolved, By the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring, that the word ‘Friendship’ be and is here-by adopted and declared to be the motto of the State of Texas,” the resolution reads.

As I spoke with Clifton Fifer for this issue of the magazine (page 11), he never used the word friendship to describe the cowboy era, but he did say that people had to rely on each other to get where they were going. They couldn’t be harsh to others. Some might call that a friendship.

As I searched for a cowboy motto, the most reoccurring one stated, “If it ain’t yours, don’t take it. If it ain’t true, don’t say it. If it ain’t right, don’t do it.”

I don’t know about you, but that motto sounds like an excellent way to make friends.

One of the ways people from out of state know we are from Texas is because of our friendliness — that and our wonderful Texas twang and our use of y’all. But none of those sound like a bad way to show you’re a proud Texan.

From Clifton to Rebecca at the Frontier Times Museum (page 16), to Dianne and Murphy Lents (page 26) to Mike Benoit (page 47), I think I can say that this issue, I made a few new friends.

See you on the trails,

Top photo by Amber Bernhard; bottom photo by WIlliam Houghton

Autumn Bernhard Magazine Editor autumn.bernhard@dailytimes.com

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 5

HILL COUNTRY MADE

Western style Stidham Outfitters tips hat to genuine cowboy heritage with custom-made leather goods Story by Nancy Foster Photos by Scott Slusher

S

eth Stidman is a pretty fascinating guy. He’s a fourth generation Texan, a seasoned rodeo roper and a man who now makes his living doing what he loves — working with leather to create heirloom-quality pieces for a wide-based clientele that even includes a TV soap star from Mexico City. His fiancee and work partner, Jasmin Arpin, says he’s a “cowboy through and through” and that sums him up very well.

Seth is a soft spoken, purposeful man who is deliberate with his words. He and Jasmin work out of a tidy 2400-square-foot retail store called Stidham Outfitters & Custom Leather at 201 E. Main St. in Johnson City, a perfect location to catch the many tourists who are searching for something unique to take home. Tucked in one compact corner made seemingly larger by two bright windows is where Seth spends the majority of his working days.

6

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

HILL COUNTRY MADE

Origins Like many craftsmen, Seth’s career resulted from a hobby learned at an early age. His first set of leather tools came from an estate sale. During college — he and Jasmin graduated from Georgetown University — he worked for a saddle maker in Saledo and kept learning his craft. It wasn’t long before friends wanted to buy, and his hobby morphed into a business.

He officially started selling when they arrived in Johnson City in 2014, and as the business grew, the couple moved to their current location in 2015.

The retail store started out with men’s apparel, but mostly because of the tourist crowd, they now stock an eclectic mix of unique home goods, trendy fashion items and Seth’s own premade creations. Jasmin says they see people from all over the world, and both she and Seth love interacting with them. As far as that soap opera star, they won’t divulge his name but say he is now a repeat customer, which delights them.

A quality craftsman Although much of Seth’s work is custom, he does stock pre-made inventory in the store including quality belts, wallets, boot jacks, gun slings and portfolios. His advice to buyers of leather goods is to “always ask about the hide’s country of origin, how it is tanned and with what chemicals. Oftentimes bonded leather is used by manufacturers of small pieces to keep the prices down and the words ‘leather or genuine leather’ can be ambiguous.”

Jasmin says that Seth wants “his legacy to be his quality goods made in traditional Western style.” The couple are admittedly “American-made” enthusiasts, and Seth uses American-made materials wherever possible, including tanned hides that are sourced from Chicago and Missouri. Tooling leather for JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 7

saddle skirting comes from Amarillo, and his stamping tools come from Sheridan, Wyoming. In one corner of his workshop is a 1910 Singer sewing machine, the first machine he ever purchased. To this day, it is used to stitch lightweight items such as wallets. Many of his other design and tooling pieces are vintage as well.

Superior craftmanship is important to Seth and his designs are all done by hand. He starts by rolling out a side of leather, lays out and draws his design with pencil, then uses a swivel knife to carve the shapes. Stamping tools are used to add dimension. Additional steps include dyeing, sewing and burnishing the edges, either by hand or machine. Once completed, the item may be “set up” in the sun for added color. It is painstaking work, but Seth doesn’t mind at all.

“I’m a one-man operation, and quality control means everything to me. My grandfather taught me that a man’s legacy is in his name, so when I stamp my name on my work, it’s on a piece that I’ve built with the intention for it to last, hopefully to even be passed down,” he said.

8

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

“My grandfather taught me that a man’s legacy is in his name, so when I stamp my name on my work, it’s on a piece that I’ve built with the intention for it to last.”

- Seth Stidman

Seth the Roper It’s almost surprising to hear that Seth has time for a hobby, but he’s also a seasoned rodeo roper. He started roping at a young age, rodeoed while in college and continues to train horses and team rope. Prior to opening Stidham Outfitters & Custom Leather, he worked for a rodeo company producing events across central Texas.

Upcoming: Saddle Competition Seth has a vision, and he’s determined to give it his all.

Combining his mastery as a maker of fine leather products with his deep roots in cowboy life, he plans to dedicate a good portion of his time for the next few months building a custom saddle to be entered in the 30th Annual Boot & Saddle Maker Trade Show in Wichita Falls in October. With his talent, creativity and expertise, we expect he’ll do quite well.

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 9

1/4 AMERPRISECOLLUM 3967

1/2 GROWTH RESOURCES

Extraordinary Doctors

1/4 VISION SOURCE

Extraordinary Care Trinh Nguyen, O.D. • Tobin Tilley, O.D. • Drew Whitehead, O.D. Therapeutic Optometrists • Optometric Glaucoma Specialists Treatment of Eye Diseases • Laser Vision Correction (LASIK) Pediatric Vision Care • Sports Eyewear • Sunglasses • Contact Lenses Great Selection of Designer Frames & Affordable Eyewear!

(830) 257-5656

708 Hill Country Drive, Kerrville www.visionsource-tilley.com

10

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

THE ARTS

Playing a cowboy tune Fifer showcases his many musical talents Story by Autumn Bernhard Photos by William Houghton

L

istening to Clifton Fifer speak is almost as mesmerizing as hearing him sing or play one of his many musical instruments.

This Kerrville native can be found at many heritage events in Gillespie and Kerr counties teaching people Texas history and sharing his musical talents.

But Clifton might disagree with using the word talents.

“What I play doesn’t take musical ability. A harmonica, you blow in it and just figure out which holes you need to blow into. It doesn’t take much to play it,” he said. “The washtub base, it’s simple. You just practice it a little bit to find out where the notes are, and then you just go from there. The Native American flute actually plays itself.”

Don’t let the modesty fool you, JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 11

THE ARTS Clifton can play a little bit of everything very well. Simple or not, he has skills.

The list of instruments he can play is extensive and includes the harmonica, Native American flute, washtub base, diddly bow, hambone and the spoons, although he admits it might be cheating, considering they are connected.

“I started playing the harmonica on a dare. One of the coaches at school said, ‘I bet I can play that quicker than you can.’ I said no way. We both bought one, and he didn’t practice; and I did. I practiced every night until I could play something that you could understand. Then I just kept on,” he said.

He played the same flute for the past 31 years, until it got ran over a few months ago. He just recently got a new one and has put it to good use.

“The spoons, I picked them up about seven years ago at Crackle Barrel,” he said. “Spoons are really hard to play, but these are cheaters.”

Clifton also sings and writes his own songs.

“I will sing anything — gospel, blues, country, soul, folk — during programs, that’s what people want to hear, so that’s what you give them.”

But he’s not just a musician, he

12

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

THE ARTS also teaches country western and line dance, tells cultural stories and does educational programs for kids and adults, alike.

“In 1984, I went up to my sisters house to see my great-niece. She was 4 years old, and I asked what they were doing at school the next day, and she said show and tell.

I asked what she was taking and she said, ‘You.’ I said, ‘Me, what was I supposed to do?’ And she said I was going to be an Indian.

I stayed up all night making some regalia, and I went to school the next day. The word was out and other teachers asked me to come to their classrooms,” he said with a chuckle.

Clifton was a Texas history teacher at the Kerrville Independent School District for 33 years until he retired to do his programs full time.

“I wanted to see if I could make a living doing it. I miss the money sometimes. But the good Lord provides enough for me to continue what I’m doing, so I’m happy,” he said.

Clifton has embraced the cowboy lifestyle and embodies it to a T. “One of the reasons I like the cowboy lifestyle is because I think that was the freest time in America.

That time period was the cowboy era, from 1872-1882 after the Civil War. Cowboys understood that they depended on each other to get

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 13

THE ARTS

where they were going. I can’t be harsh to you, knowing you might need to have my back in the next three minutes.

I’m going to need you some time in my life,” he said.

“I love that time period. It was a good time period.

Even older cowboys that I talk to now, you get the same hospitably. They don’t see the color, they see who you are. In the Old West, it was not the color of your skin, it’s how you treated your fellow man. This right here,” he said shaking my hand, “meant everything. It was your word.”

Another thing to add to Clifton’s resume is the fact that he’s a fourth generation Texan and has lived in Kerrville his entire life.

“When people ask me (where I’m from) I tell them that I’ve drank so much water that my roots go way past China, if you pull me up, you pull a part of the earth. So I ain’t going nowhere unless the good Lord moves me. This is it for me. Kerrville is home,” he said.

“Cowboys understood that they depended on each other to get where they were going. ...

In the Old West, it was not the color of your skin, it’s how you treated your fellow man. ”

- Clifton Fifer

14

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

1/4

Acne · Eczema · Hair Loss Rashes • Mole Examination Psoriasis · Rosacea · Warts Skin Cancer

PRECISION DERMATOLOGY (evaluation & treatment) Photo Dynamic Therapy Facial Rejuvenation

(Botox, Fillers, Kybella)

Spider Vein Treatment Chemical Peel

Accepting

Matthew C. Lambiase, DO, FAAD

Board Certified: American Board of Dermatology

Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology

Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology

CareCredit

Accepting new patients and all insurance, including Medicare and Tricare.

Same day appointments.

708 Hill Country Drive, Suite 300 A-1 Kerrville • 830-890-5181

New look. Same Hill Country soul.

Our logo has changed, but our dedication to the ambitions of our Hill Country customers will never waver.

Come by and see for yourself.

AMBITION, CULTIVATED.

bankoncb.com

Bob Turbeville Narrow Path Winery Fredericksburg

Austin · Boerne · Fredericksburg · Hart · Kerrville · Lubbock · New Braunfels · Plainview · Post · Slaton · Tulia

Cabinets of curiosities Story by Judith Pannebaker Photos by Autumn Bernhard

16

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Frontier Times Museum continues to educate

I

n 1933, prohibition had just been repealed in the United States, yearly salaries averaged $1,550, gas cost 10 cents a gallon, and Willie Nelson first flexed his golden pipes.

That was also the year J. Marvin Hunter Sr., journalist, publisher and history buff, opened the Frontier Times Museum at 510 13th St. in Bandera.

Celebrated as one of the oldest history museums in Texas, this year, the museum marked its 85th anniversary. Today, more that 10,000 visitors annually are transported back to a time when museums were known as “cabinets of curiosities” and filled with treasures — both weird and wonderful.

According to museum executive director Rebecca Norton, J. Marvin never turned away a gift to the museum’s collection “He felt that if the artifact was important to the donor, then it should be important to everyone,” she explained. “That tendency resulted in our eclectic and eccentric collection that has continued to fascinate visitors for more than eight decades.”

Pointing out some of the diverse pieces in the collection, Kim Miles, administrative assistance, noted, “The shrunken head from Ecuador was part of Mr. Hunter’s original collection.” To the community’s consternation, the head was filched, but was quickly recovered and returned to its place of honor. Other not-to-be-missed exhibits include a two-faced goat born in Edwards County in 1930, a group of “dressed fleas,” an elaborately carved Venetian birthing chair and an extensive collection of vintage bells.

HERITAGE Paying homage to the area’s cowboy history, “Stalls of Fame” celebrate Bandera County’s rodeo greats, including, among others, Ray Wharton, 1956 world champion calf roper, and Toots Mansfield, seven-time world champion calf roper.

The journey of this quirky little museum began when its founder realized he needed a place to house a burgeoning collection of artifacts, relics and whimsies.

After moving to Bandera in 1921, J. Marvin purchased the weekly newspaper, The Bandera New Era. However, fascinated with legends and lore of the Old West, the amateur historian also established The Frontier Times magazine in 1927.

Although the United States was spiraling into the throes of the Great Depression, the magazine became an unexpected hit across the U.S. Not only did readers send J. Marvin stories of the Old West, but also relics from the country’s pioneer days. These donations became the genesis of the collection of the Frontier Times Museum.

To finance museum construction costs, J. Marvin wrote “The Authentic History of Sam Bass and his Gang,” and initially printed 1,000 copies. He calculated that selling the books for a dollar each would raise enough for a simple stone building.

However, when fiscal reality hit, J. Marvin was forced to include a year’s subscription to the Frontier Times magazine along with a copy of “Sam Bass.”

His plan worked, and he celebrated the museum groundbreaking on Jan. 1, 1933.

Since J. Marvin wanted the building to be fireproof, he asked local stonemason Hough LeStourgeon to construct it from rocks gathered from local ranches.

Included in the exterior of the building were petrified wood, fossils, odd-shaped stones and even a large piece of ammonite, an extinct marine animal — all contributed by the community. The oddities are still evident today.

J. Mavin happily operated the museum until his death in 1957; his widow sold the museum to San Antonio’s Doane Foundation in 1960. Foster Bic “F.B.” Doane and his wife expanded the original building, adding the Gallery of Western Art, which is currently used for educational programs, rotating exhibits and receptions.

Following Doane’s death, the foundation donated the museum to the citizens of Bandera County in 1972.

After coming on board in 2006, Rebecca expanded the museum’s programs.

The museum provides “Texas History Traveling Trunks” to local schools. Each trunk contains information on a specific aspect of Texas history, such as the Civil War in Texas and ranching traditions.

“By checking out a trunk, teachers and librarians can teach Texas history in a fun and unique way,” Rebecca explained.

Each year, the Frontier Times Museum serves more than 2,000 children attending schools in Bandera County and surrounding counties.

Additionally, the museum is undergoing a capital JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 17

HERITAGE

campaign to raise $4 million to more than double its current 2,200 square footage.

The 5,500 square-foot expansion will house a multimedia programming room, new gift shop and large hall.

A new gallery will include exhibits that highlight the history of Bandera County and life on the Texas frontier.

One artifact recognized throughout Texas that’s scheduled for display in the new addition is the original neon sign of a roping cowboy that welcomed locals and visitors to Bandera’s iconic honky-tonk, The Cabaret Dance Hall, which opened in 1936.

Steve Ball, former owner of The Cabaret, who donated the sign to the museum, noted, “I am very pleased this wonderful sign is going to the museum, where it will be preserved for future generations.”

“We were gratified that Mr. Ball entrusted this wonderful piece of Bandera history to the Frontier Times Museum,” Rebecca said.

“We promise to preserve and cherish it for another 85 years — and beyond.”

18

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

National Day of the American Cowboy This month, staff, volunteers and trustees of the Frontier Times Museum will induct new members into the 2018 Texas Heroes Hall of Honor, kicking off Bandera’s National Day of the American Cowboy. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. July 27 at 510 13th St. in Bandera.

In keeping with the spirit of its founder, J. Marvin Hunter Sr., the Frontier Times Museum has established the Texas Heroes Hall of Honor to recognize individuals who, through their leadership, creativity, example and hard work, keep the pioneer spirit alive and “Help keep Texas Texan.”

The next day, The Cowboy Capital of the World gears up to honor America’s national icon during the 13th annual National Day of the American Cowboy, traditionally held the fourth Saturday in June.

Everyone is urged to don 10-gallon hats, pull on roach killers and mosey down to Bandera’s courthouse complex, 500 Main St., to participate in what True West magazine has described as “one of the best places to celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy.”

For more information on Bandera’s celebration of the National Day of the American Cowboy, call 210-215-1995 or visit nationaldayofthecowboybandera.com.

Keeping the traditions and history of the legendary Y.O. Ranch alive!

1/2 YO RANCH

Your Hill Country Destination for J Hunting J Wildlife Tours J Horseback Riding J Corporate & Family Retreats J Weddings and More

TOLL FREE

844.835.3222 Reservations Required

www.YORanchHeadquarters.com

Arts & CrAfts supplies • leAther CrAfts • BAlloons • Wedding supplies pArty supplies • seAsonAl • piCture & Art frAming • florAl • fABriCs & gifts plus muCh more!

Bedroom Furniture Sale

· Beds · dressers · nightstands · trunks · stools · occasional tables · lamps · media Centers · dining tables & Chairs · hutches · Buffets · desks · Bookcases

Open MOn -Sat 9aM til 7pM • Sun 12 nOOn til 6pM

841 JunctiOn Hwy. • RiveR OakS SHOpping centeR

(830) 896-5944 JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 19

Belly up to the bar Winery channels the spirit of the Old West Story by John and Carol Aceti Photos by Autumn Bernhard

P

aula Williamson was deciding on a name for the cowboythemed winery she was building off of U.S. 290 west of Fredericksburg. A local told her that the Chisholm Trail had passed near the area. Her decision was a no-brainer.

The wine tasting room with the look of an Old West saloon has wood from old farm houses and the type of furniture prominent in that era. So maybe it can be forgiven that a very modern pool table has quite a prominent place near the small booths with red velvet tieback drapes and a display of a dress that Kitty could have worn on “Gunsmoke.�

Paula, a Texas native, owner and winemaker at Chisholm Trail Winery, was a practicing attorney for more than 20 years. But traveling through vineyards in Germany and northern Italy gave her a hankering to make some cowboy-themed

20

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

UNCORKED

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 21

UNCORKED

22

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

wines available in the Fredericksburg area. She found mentors, went to seminars and classes at University of California, Davis and hired consultants from Napa Valley. The first commercial wines were produced in 1999. The grand opening of the winery was on June 1, 2001.

The wines reflect the Old West.

Viognier wine embodies the code of the West: rugged individualism and the will to succeed. The legend of the cowboy inspired her to produce this fine white that is clean and crisp on the palate.

But there are hints of vanilla cream and honeydew melon to bring out the mellow side.

Ghost Rider, a sweet red wine, is a reminder of the rider who could only ride when the full moon rises.

Sometimes, they say, you can only sense his presence. This wine can be paired with spicy foods and is great for barbecue or after dinner. It boasts of a strawberry aroma with tastes of raspberry, blackberry and cinnamon.

The outlaw of the Old West was secretly admired by many and lived by his own rules. Not totally without principles, he was guided by the spirit of the times. The Outlaw, a dry red wine produced at Chisholm Trail Winery is not secretly admired but is admired publicly and happily sold widely.

To honor the ladies of the West, the 2012 Belle Starr-Blanc du Bois won double gold at the 2014 Lone Star International Competition. Two new offerings are Madam Merlot and High Noon III. A sweet blush is also offered in honor of the miniature donkeys who usually inhabit the front lawn.

However, they disappeared into the cool of the trees soon after we got there.

Chisholm Trail Winery buys most of its grapes from Texas vineyards only.

A tour through the winemaking area noted some new type aging tanks made from a special type of plastic. Rather than barrels, woods are added, and these tanks efficiently age the wine in about 5 months.

In her winemaking role, Paula does a lot of mixing and matching of varietals every year and experiments with methods of wine to provide new tastes and new wine experiences. As she puts it, “My wine club almost demands it,� and she is happy to comply.

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 23

UNCORKED

Chisholm Trail Winery, located at 2367 Usener Road, has its share of special events with music, food and a yearly favorite, grape stomping. In a nod to that old Italian custom when grapes were mashed not by hand but by foot, Saturday of Labor Day weekend is purple feet day. White bandanas are given to the stompers so they can literally have their foot prints as evidence.

Paula recently had a very special bonding experience with members of the wine club of Chisholm Trail Winery. A group of them accompanied her as she hosted a wine cruise on the Rhine River from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Holland, sponsored by Ama Waterways. Paula offered seminars on wines, winemaking and wine pairings.

Her wines were served aboard ship. The culture of the Old West rides again, this time through Texas wines amid the sights and sounds of Europe.

John and Carol Aceti After encouragement from Dick Holmberg, owner of Singing Water Vineyards, John wrote “Wineries of the Texas Hill Country Plus One Fine Brewery” in December 2016. After visiting 30 wineries in the Hill Country, he is convinced the area has plenty to offer wine connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts.

24

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

1/4 HOMETOWN CRAFTS What is an Alaska Cruisetour?

It’s the ultimate Alaska experience — a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise plus three or more nights in the Alaska wilderness, including scenic rail travel and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

Every Alaska cruisetour includes pristine Glacier Bay National Park, as well as picturesque six million-acre Denali National Park.

Only Princess offers Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service that takes you from your ship through the heart of Alaska to our exclusive Denali-area wilderness lodges – in the same day for more time exploring and less time in transit.

At the doorstep of legendary national parks sit our exclusive Princess owned wilderness lodges, the ideal location for exploring the Alaska wilds.

Enjoy comfortable accommodations and dining options, an expansive Great Room and unbelievable views at every turn.

With Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ Recommended and Exclusive excursions you’ll get the chance to see whales, bears and moose, river raft and take a thrilling sled-dog ride on a glacier.

1/2

KERRVILLE TRAVEL 4976

1/4

Call for information.

KERRVILLE ORAL 5092

KERRVILLE

TRAVEL “Your Travel Concierge” (830) 257-6266

Brittany & Linda

Cinco de Mayo may be over, but it’s always Dia de los Dientes at Advanced Oral Surgery of Kerrville!

All new patients during the month of July receive our colorful tee.

715 Hill Country Dr. #6 | Kerrville, TX 78028 830.896.0056 | www.oralsurgerytx.com JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 25

A slice of Hill Country heaven Twisted Rose Farm is set on more than 240 beautiful acres and is home to Dianne and Murphy Lents, their two dogs and 20 or more Morgan horses

By Autumn Bernhard

26

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Photo by William Houghton

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 27

D

ianne Lents is good at what she does. That’s not an opinion; it’s fact. She has plenty of awards to prove it to you hanging at the Twisted Rose Ranch. But among the hundreds of awards, a few stand out more than others.

“My favorite claim to fame is that I’ve been owner of the year for five years in a row,” she said noting her horses won more total point across the country than any others. “My horses are good. It’s been kind of fun.”

Dianne and her husband, Murphy, own Twisted Rose Ranch, a 240-acre Morgan horse farm on Harper Road.

On a regular basis, 20 to 30 horses can be found roaming the pastures or in the 30-stall barn. But when competition season comes around, the barn looks rather

28

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

empty, considering Dianne takes eight horses with her on average to one competition.

The ranch enters competitions on the west and east coasts and everywhere in between. The horses have earned the highest ranks in the business, including Grand National Champion and World Champion.

“Genetics play a big role in a horse’s disposition, which is the biggest factor in competitions,” Murphy said.

“They are either born with it, or they are not. You can enhance it a little bit by how you train them. But what you find is a horse with the right genetics and then train them right.”

How do you go about finding a horse with the right genetics? You know someone like Dianne.

SLICE OF HEAVEN

Photos by William Houghton

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 29

“Our trainers will tell you the way I buy horses is saying, ‘That one’s really pretty. I would like that one.’”

Dianne admits that she might not know much about the genetic side of it, but she has an intuition that has proven to be right.

“She has the best eye in the business,” Murphy said. “We have an extremely successful show string.”

Morgan horses The Morgan horse is the oldest American breed, forming in the late 18th century in Vermont. They are the predecessor breed to the quarter horse.

“Morgan’s are very versatile; they do almost everything,” Murphy said. “They are very smart.”

So smart that their World Champion Western Pleasure Ladies Amateur winner, Bonita Fe, was able to unlatch her stall door and proceeded to let four other horses out of their stalls.

Unlike other horses, Morgans tend to mature later in life. For instance, western horses typically take eight years before hitting their full potential.

When it comes to competitions, there are three levels: classic pleasure, pleasure and park pleasure. The difference is the height the horses lift their legs up when walking. Classic is the lowest, and park is the highest.

“You have to find out what they want to do, 30

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Photo byCassidy Spreadbury

A long time rider “I’ve been doing this since I was 2. But I did quarter horses most of my life,” she said.

But now it is clear to see, Dianne is all about the Morgans.

Although she started so young, Dianne had actually quit riding when she and Murphy lived in Rancho Sante Fe, where there were horse trails going from house to house.

Their daughter, Emily, wanted to get riding lessons, and the first person they talked to trained Morgans.

“When I decided I wanted a horse, the trainer suggested Morgans. When I rode one, I thought they were pretty cool,” she said.

Her first Morgan was Holiday’s Bonita Fe, who has become one of the most successful show mares in the past five years.

“My claim to fame is MLB Capo Di’ Capo, a big buckskin stallion,” Dianne said. “They told me when I bought him that Morgans don’t use horses of color.”

He went on to win multiple titles, but the biggest was Western Pleasure World Champion, becoming the first colorful Morgan to ever win that honor.

MEN SLICEINOF INDUSTRY HEAVEN

Background photo by William Houghton; top right photo by Howard Schatzberg; bottom left photo by Howard Schatzberg; bottom right photo by Howard Schatzberg

Hill Country CULTURE 31

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

and sometimes you don’t know,” Dianne said. “We find out what they want to do first.”

Training Taking the time to figure out what the horse wants to do is something Murphy thinks sets Twisted Rose Ranch apart from other Morgan farms and trainers.

“A lot of them have an idea in their head of what they want them to be. They will buy a horse and decide what they want it to be and just train for that,” he said.

“A horse tends to have something they really like to do. Rather than pigeon hole the horse to where we want them to be, Dianne is really good at looking at the horse and figuring out what the horse wants to be.”

“You have to find out what they want to do, and sometimes you don’t know,” Dianne said.

“I don’t always like that. I have a project horse that I got, and we tried to make him a western, and he was just unhappy. They put him in hunter (pleasure) without telling me. When I saw him out there doing hunt at his first show, he was just nailing it. I can’t complain; I’d like to, but I can’t.”

That goes back to the natural ability and genetics the horse has, Murphy said.

“If you are willing to train them to what they want to do and what they are really good at doing, you end up with a much better result,” he said.

But before any real training begins, there is one fundamental step to do.

“First, you have to teach the horse manners, just like you want your kids to have manners. Bonita weighs 900 pounds, and she’s little. So, you don’t want to allow misbehavior, so you correct it,” Dianne said.

The farm The Lents, both Texas natives, have owned the ranch for about five years and moved to the property in 2014.

32

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

SLICE OF HEAVEN

Photo by William Houghton

“We spent a year fixing things, because it hadn’t really been used in five or six years,” Murphy said.

This isn’t the first time the property has been known for producing horses. It was once known as Thistlewood Farm, where Arabian horses were bred and trained. Patrick Swayze frequented the farm.

Although the property was run down when the Lents purchased it, they didn’t have to do much when it came to new construction.

“The outdoor arena is one of the few things we had to build.

The covered arena is a little short for Dianne’s driving horses,” Murphy said. “They move pretty fast, and if you don’t have enough room, you feel like you’re just going in circles.”

The couple also added a viewing deck to look over the two covered arenas.

The stunning facility includes grassy pastures, a spring-fed lake, outdoor arena with a stone amphitheater for viewing, riding trails, an event hall and the horse stalls.

The farm also offers plenty of room for visitors with a fourbedroom guest house upstairs from the barn and an 1850s vintage farm house.

The farm is not only home to winning horses, but to broodmares, retirees and future stars. The farm also offers lessons on some of the horses.

“Everybody gets work somehow or another every day,” Dianne said. “They almost all go out part of the day, but the broodmares and gelding stay out all the time.”

Each horse stall is matted for the comfort of the horse, has wood walls and is equipped with an automatic water dispenser, a ceiling fan and fly spray system nozzle.

The passion that Dianne and Murphy share for the Morgan horse breed is apparent in their care and love for each of their horses and shines as bright as the sun setting over the lake.

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 33

Horses under the hood Husband-wife duo builds business from the ground up Story by John and Polly Holmes Photos by Lou Ann Maxwell

A

s we celebrate our country’s birthday, let’s consider what makes this the greatest nation on the planet. One of the fundamental building blocks that has consistently put us in front of the pack are the many Mom and Pop small businesses that line the main streets of Everytown, USA. Starting one’s own business is a core element of the American dream. A good example of this is Greg Maxwell’s House of Steel in Kerrville. The total staff is made up of only Greg and his wife, Lou Ann. The couple built the business out of blood, sweat and good old American muscle. When the shop opened, Greg already had a more than 32 years of experience in the automotive field and a lifetime of passion for vintage and specialty vehicles.

Greg buys and sells those alltime classic vehicles, sports cars

34

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

WHEELS

2005 Cobra Superformance Roadster JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 35

WHEELS and high-performance muscle machines. He travels all over the country looking for those special “barn finds,” as well as delivering a unique set of four wheels to the eager new owner.

He keeps a good inventory of eye-catching wheels in his shop, 110 Crystal Drive, for you to look over.

Have you always wanted to find that special ride like the one you wished you had back in high school? Well, drop by and get Greg to locate the one on your wish list.

2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

1969 Pontiac GTO convertible

John and Polly Holmes

2005 Mercedes 500Sl

36

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

John and Polly Holmes are longtime gearheads. They have written for automotive publications for more than 40 years. Now, they’re bringing our readers some interesting stories about things with wheels in the Hill Country. Their perspective comes from years of racing, restoring classics and participating in car club activities.

Why do we advertise in Texas Hill Country Culture?

Texas Hill Country Culture is seen by more of our “would be” clients.

“Framing is personal. I treasure the relationships we have developed with our customers, in collaborating with them to create the best design for the special items they bring to us. Like Texas Hill Country Culture, we reflect and connect to local people and places, and are rooted in making this community the best it can be. We advertise here to grow along with the area, reaching new customers with amazing and beautiful things to frame.”

Cynthia White, Owner – Kerrville Framing

1/2 NP SUBARU No Charge Maintenance

Hour

APPRAISAL

RETURN POLICY

GUARANTEE

48

10 DAY

2/24

WE WILL BUY YOUR VEHICLE HASSLE FREE

48

10 DAY

3/30

The All New 2019 Subaru Acsent WE WILL BUY YOUR VEHICLE HASSLE FREE

North Park Subaru, wishing you and your family a fun and safe 4th!

No Charge Maintenance

SUBARU at DOMINION 21415 IH10 West, San Antonio

NPSUBARUDOMINION.com

APPRAISAL GUARANTEE

filled with

HFurniture

HPaintings

HRugs

HAntiques

HOddities

HBooks

HGold

HSilver

233 Earl Garrett • 830-257-8482 Kerrville, TX 78028 info@fitchestatesales.com TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

48

Hour RETURN POLICY

WE WILL BUY YOUR VEHICLE HASSLE FREE

210.816.8000

Kerrville’s Newest ANtique Shop

38

RETURN POLICY

GUARANTEE

10 DAY

Sales:

Hour

APPRAISAL

Service: 210-816 -7000

Certified Subaru

ECO-FRIENDLY RETAILER

Parts: 210-816-9000

GOOD TASTE

Cowboy grub Scott continues to impress with his chuck wagon skills

By Judith Pannebaker

W

Photo by Judith Pannebaker

hen it comes to Western heroes, nobody plays the part better than Tarpley’s Kelly Scott. In addition to shoeing horses and mules, saving rough stock contestants from certain death in a rodeo arena and playing a “passable cowboy” on the silver screen, Kelly’s a master chuck wagon cook. He can whip up a tasty meal over an open fire like nobody’s business, something to which the thousands of people he’s fed over the decades can attest.

Kelly’s local legend is so great that he and his chuck wagon have been immortalized in a larger-than-life mural, titled “Kelly’s Campfire Coffee,” that stretches across a series of 4-by8-foot panels.

As an homage to Bandera County’s favorite chuck wagon cook, several years ago, local artist Bill Stevens created an over-sized version of his original oil, which is now on exhibit at the Frontier Times Museum. The mural greets visitors as they enter “The Cowboy Capital of the World” where Texas 16 North intersects with 12th Street.

Kelly’s love affair with horse-drawn conveyances began in the 1960s.

While working as a wrangler at local dude ranches, he was charged with driving tenderfeet around in wagons, buckboards and surreys, among other Old West contraptions.

A frontier town constructed at the Mayan Dude Ranch became a popular JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 39

GOOD TASTE

40

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Photo courtesy of Kelly Scott

spot for staging Western events, including cookouts.

Kelly not only drove guests to the event, but he also helped prepare and serve up the victuals.

After serving his “apprenticeship,” Kelly yearned for a chuck wagon of his own. He acquired his first wagon from Hondo Marchand by trading an $11 Army rifle for it. It seems Marchand hankered for a deer rifle, and Kelly happily obliged.

“When I got that wagon, painted on its side was ‘Sold

by Charles Schreiner, Kerrville, Texas,’” Kelly recalled.

After using it for more than 30 years, the wagon made its way back to Kerrville in the 1990s when he sold it to horse trainer Leon Harold. “I wish I’d kept that wagon,” he said regretfully.

Since then, Kelly has built or restored about “30-odd” chuck wagons, and along the way he has honed his reputation for dishing up some of the best grub around cooked in cast iron cookware over red hot coals.

Kelly cooked regularly for Kerrville’s annual Cowboy Breakfast. “I usually do scrambled eggs, biscuits and some kind of meat, plus plenty of coffee, of course,” he said.

His meals are simple, hearty and hit the right Western note. “Depending on the party, I do beef stew, chili, grilled steaks, biscuits or maybe just a pot of beans,” he said. “And for dessert, I always make peach cobbler, because everyone expects it now.

“You know, a pot of beans was the ‘real deal’ for a cowboy. On trail drives north, the wranglers got fed just twice a day, breakfast and a late meal. In between, they chewed jerky,” he said.

“Charles Goodnight introduced the chuck wagon in 1866. After the Civil War, beef was in high demand, and cattle had to be driven to railheads. The cowboys that drove the cattle had to be fed for months at a time,” Kelly said.

Charles’s solution was to turn a durable Army surplus wagon into a traveling kitchen by adding a chuck box to the back of the wagon. The chuck box was equipped with drawers and shelves for storage space, and a hinged lid provided a flat cooking surface. For convenience, a water barrel was attached to the wagon, and canvas hung underneath carried firewood.

Kelly hauls his fully equipped chuck wagon to events on a trailer and then sets up an authentic cowboy camp. Through the years, his parties have included a huge shindig “for thousands of people” sponsored by Toyota at the AT&T Center, as well as a private parties, including one thrown by Robert Earl Keen at his home.

Under the auspices of then San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger, for several years, Kelly prepared stew in front of The Alamo. “H-E-B furnished the food, and we gave the stew to anyone who wanted it,” Scott said.

“Cooking cowboy stew over an open fire in front of the Alamo was always a good time.”

Kelly has also produced chuck wagon parties for Schreiner University and the Marriott Hotel and The Witte Museum, both in San Antonio. At one time, JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 41

42

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Top photo by Judith Pannebaker; bottom photo by Tom Holden

he has kept as many as 17 Dutch ovens brimming with peach cobblers and 16 coffee pots simmering along merrily.

One of his most memorable gigs was a party for Charles Butt, then CEO of H-E-B. “Charlie Butt’s ranch manager wanted me to go with him to pick out steaks for the party, so we went to H-E-B in Kerrville,” Kelly recalled. “We walked into the store dressed like ranch hands and made our way to the meat counter.

“The ranch manager asked the clerk, ‘What kind of steaks would you use if you were cooking for your boss?’ The clerk replied, ‘I’d use strip steaks like these.

They’re $18 a piece.’ After considering a minute, the ranch manager said, ‘Well, give me 30 of ’em, and wrap each one individually in paper.’ That clerk didn’t realize we were actually going to cook those steaks for his boss,” Kelly said.

Kelly and his chuck wagon have been featured in a commercial for TravelTexas that extolled the virtues of vacationing in the Lone Star State, which played across the United States; one featuring George Strait and Ty Murray to publicize the Houston Rodeo; and another with Rudy Robbins for Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.

But perhaps the greatest testament to Kelly’s cowboy cuisine and winning personality came in May at a fundraising gala for Bandera’s Frontier Times Museum.

A stew and cobbler chuck wagon dinner and a performance by the Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters was offered during a live auction. When the hammer came down, the high bid was $2,500 — far above the original estimate.

“I really felt proud when they told me that was the highest auction item all evening,” he said. “That was really something.”

Although Kelly declined to give the recipe for his cowboy stew, he happily shared the secret to his come-back-for-more dessert: his peach cobbler.

• Take a 12-inch cast iron Dutch oven.

• Pour in four small cans of peaches packed in heavy syrup.

• Add a box and a half of yellow cake mix, a half stick of butter and some cinnamon.

• Put the lid on the pot, cook it for 20 minutes.

“It’ll be done,” Scott said, noting, “Just make sure you have more hot coals on the top of the lid than on the bottom.”

4.0 CELLARS

The Texas Wine Experience™

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR HEALTH Richard B. Johnson, JR. M.D.

4th Fridays 1/2 at

4.0 Cellars Music Series

6:00PM – 9:00PM • FEATURING LOCAL NON-PROFITS

July 27th - The Stephen Morris Trio

4.0 CELLARS August 24th - John Arthur Martinez 4940 Featuring Fredericksburg Dog Park Association Featuring Hill Country Needs Councils

15% of proceeds from event will be donated back to featured Non-Profit.

Free Admission. Live Music. Family Friendly.

Food Truck: Conchita’s Mexican Fusion Come enjoy wine, music and delicious food!

See you at the Cellar!

The Texas Wine Experience™ We offer private tasting experiences that feature Texas cheeses and locally made chocolate truffles.

Whether you’re trying Texas wine for the first time or looking to expand your Texas wine knowledge, we have a unique experience for you and your group.

We hope you’ll spend some time exploring all of the high-quality and memorable experiences available.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOURPOINTWINE.COM 10354 E HWY 290 FREDERICKSBURG, TX 78624 830.997.7470

@fourpointwine

ConCieRge MeDiCine

1/2

Personal, individual attention is the key to concierge medicine. The practice of concierge medicine means that the physician limits the number of patients in his panel. For the patient, it means that your physician is available to you.

Truly available. If you need an appointment today, you can have an appointment today.

If you need to consult with your physician at night or on the weekend, you can.

DR. JOHNSON

As My PersonAlized CAre PAtient you’ll enjoy...

3 Executive-style annual physical 3 Appointments that last as long as necessary 3 Same or next day appointments 3 24/7 availability via my personal phone 3 My undivided attention 3 Office visits for your visiting friends and family

Richard B. Johnson Jr., M.D.

www.signatureMD.com/richard.johnson EXPECT MORE FROM PERSONALIZED CARE

703 Hill Country Dr., Ste 101 • Kerrville 830-257-5500 JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 43

Steve & Marie Davis Empty Nesters Fo s t e r Pa r e n t s

Your one-of-a-kind life deserves a one-of-a-kind financial plan.

At Ameriprise, we know that the best financial plan is the one that’s created just for you. That’s why we work closely with you to help you set and reach goals for every phase of your life. So you can prepare for life’s changes and live confidently on your terms.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. © 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (9/17)

44

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Jeff Talarico, CRPC® Financial Advisor | Certified Kingdom Advisor® 830.315.6525 Talarico and Associates A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 741 Water St, Ste 102, Kerrville, TX 78028 jeff.talarico@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/jeff.talarico

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 45

The ShuTTer FacTory, Inc. InterIor ShutterS, BlIndS & ShadeS

shutterfactoryinc.net 830-896-7110 or 1-800-308-9881 23+ years family owned and operated

1412 Broadway • Kerrville

(830) 896-5500 • 1712 SYDNEY BAKER ST. CBHARPER.COM | SERVING KERRVILLE & THE SURROUNDING AREAS

732 STUBBLEFIELD - WEST QUARRY RANCH, LONDON

406 HARPER ST - LEWIS, KERRVILLE 3BR 2BA Great home, updated within past 3 years with granite counter tops throughout, shingles replaced in March 2015. Close to town and shopping. Ideal for that starter home. Great opportunity!

Ronald Hackett | (830) 896-5500 | MID# 1503H | MLS# 96035 | $169,000

2BR 2BA Rnch on 108 acres! Saltillo tile & bamboo wood. Semi-opn flrpln. Gourmet isl kit. Lrg sunrm off kit.

Cstm iron frnt dr, pass-thru fp, wet bar & jetted mstr tub. Gst hm w/cvrd prch.

John Prater | (830) 896-5500 | MID# 1599H | MLS# 95919 | $725,000

Text The "Mobile ID" Number (MID#) to 85377 ®

©2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

46

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

NUMBER ONE REALTOR FOR 2017 JO ANNE ENGLISH JO ANNE’S SALES WERE OVER 18 MILLION FOR 2017, PER KERRVILLE MLS DATA.

CALL JO ANNE IF YOU WANT TO LIST AND SELL YOUR PROPERTY! LET HER EXPERIENCE GO TO WORK FOR YOU. MY LISTINGS ARE SELLING! CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST PLEASE CALL ME TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY! JO ANNE ALSO HAS A HIGH NUMBER OF SALES WORKING WITH BUYERS! SHE IS A CERTIFIED BUYER’S AGENT.

JO ANNE ENGLISH • Broker/Owner 200 Sidney Baker St., South, Ste. 30 “In Riverhills Mall” • 830.285.0190 www.KerrvilleHomeListings.com • englishj777@gmail.com LIST YOUR HOME WITH KERRVILLE’S NUMBER ONE SALES AGENT FOR 2017!

Home sweet barn

Life in a barn never looked so good Story by Autumn Bernhard Photos by Gabriel Segura

48

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

SOMETHING

W

hen you look at a barn, what do you see? Somewhere to store hay during the winter months? A place to see horses and cows moseying around as you drive by? An area where farmers store their tractors and working equipment?

While those are all valid assumptions, there’s another possibility that might not have crossed your mind: a home.

In recent years, the term barndominium has begun to surface more and more. Whether it’s been the ever-growing popularity in home renovation shows or social media’s presence, it looks like these unique structures are here to stay.

When barndominiums started getting popular in the mid2000s, they typically just exactly what the name says: A barn transformed into a condominium. But Mike and Carolyn Benoit had a different approach.

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 49

HOME SWEET BARN You see, Mike and Carolyn didn’t have an old barn they wanted to transform into a guest house.

But they did have a 26-acre ranch off Goehmann Lane in Fredericksburg and a vision.

“We had seen a building with the barn look before and thought it was a really neat idea. We knew we wanted to incorporate it,” Mike said.

“We told the builder what we were looking for, and he told us to draw a picture. So, on the back of a napkin, we drew the roofline and what we thought it should look like.”

That was all Dennis Segner had to go off of — a little napkin with a drawing and a few

50

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

dimensions. From there, he created the Ark Bunkhouse.

“When we were building, we always told Dennis that it had to look like a barn. We wanted a place where, if times got tough, we could store hay in the loft,” Mike said with a laugh. “It was always, ‘When in doubt, make it look like a barn.’”

That was in 2005 before the bardominium had really gained popularity.

“We didn’t know what we were doing. We just built what we thought would work,” he said.

What came from the drawing on a napkin?

Kerrville

1/2

REMAX Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.* Stop by and let us show you why!

*As measured by residential transaction sides.

1835 Sidney Baker • Kerrville, TX 78028 • Office: 830-895-7771 500-C Main Street • Kerrville, TX 78028 • Office: 830-896-3200

$

Residential Finance coRpoRation 1/4

500 Main Street, Suite L • Kerrville, Texas 78028

RESIDNETIAL Kelly Rogers FINANCE

Lee T. Johnson (830) 890-5794 NMLS #214142 rfctexas@aol.com

(830) 890-5801 NMLS #1616113 kelly.rfctexas@gmail.com

• Purchases • Refinances • 2nd Homes • Investor Loans • Cash Out Loans • Jumbo Loans • Construction Loans • Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA loans All loan programs, terms and rates are subject to change without notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Residential Finance Corporation is a Texas Corporation and Equal Housing Mortgage Company. NMLS #346431 (Not affiliated with Residential Finance Corporation of OHIO)

www.Remax-Kerrville-Tx.com Each REMAX® real estate office is independently owned and operated.

ST JU TED S LI

ST JU TED S I L

506 Cardinal | $250,000

1/4

8314 Winecup Hill | $837,500 D

CE

DU

RE

CHRISTINE DURHAM 5089 • Top 10 Sales Agent in Kerrville •

219 Castle Pines | $739,000

625 S. Creek St. | $285,000

Texas REALTOR® GRI, ABR and EPro Call Christine today for the “the best experience in real estate”

830-955-0363

Christina.Durham@ERA.com 1005 Sidney Baker Suite A EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HOUSING

www.era.com/ERA-Colonial-Real-Estate-1628c/Christine-Durham-201844a JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 51

HOME SWEET BARN A beautiful, rustic two-story barndo situated on Fair Haven Ranch nestled among towering oak trees.

The home features a front balcony perfect for enjoying the view of the property, an electric fireplace and a kitchenette.

The one-bed, one-bath home is made completely of wood. The floors are hickory, and the poles for the staircase are cedar.

“The ceilings and walls are all pine.

We just let time and light take care of the color, and it gave it the beautiful golden look,” Mike said.

The decorating, all done by Carolyn, gives the interior a Texas-chic feeling, complete with Western antiques.

The hot tub out back is surrounded by a cedar coyote fence for privacy.

The high soaring roof is tin, which sings when it rains.

The original plan for the bunkhouse was to be used as a weekend house for when Mike and Carolyn’s children and grandkids came to visit. But after a few years, they realized it wasn’t being used much with everyone’s busy schedules. Then came a new idea: a bed and breakfast.

The idea wasn’t completely new to the Benoits, considering they already had a B&B on property, the Augsut Schmidt Guest House. So, in 2007, the Ark Bunkhouse was open for business.

Since then, the bunkhouse has become a popular spot for weekend Hill Country visitors to stay. Some of the most-used words to describe the home by visitors are unique, beautiful and rustic.

The Benoits, originally from Minnesota, were living in Altlanta when they visited San Antonio in the late ’80s.

“We always liked the Hill Country, so since we were so close, we went to Fredericksburg. And we just fell in love with the place,” he said. “We looked at properties and found this one with a farm house and a few buildings and moved down here when we retired in 1997.

“We love being here. This is a good place to be — the people, the surroundings,” he said. “We’ve been very fortunate for this experience.”

52

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 53

Ugly tub?

Don’t Replace – Resurface!

Up to 70% less than replacement.

1/4

1/4

HC SURFACE 734959

FIDELITY ABSTRACTS

Make your existing BATHTUB • Also Clawfoot • Sinks Bath Tub • Chip Repair look BRAND-NEW with a • Ceramic Tile • Counter tops new, durable surface.

FREE no-obligation estimates!

Call 830.889.6100

www.Facebook.com/HCSurfaceRestoration/

Robbie Crocker 830-459-0616

Harold Crocker 830-739-0911

crockerrealestate.com

1/2

Residential • Recreational • Ranch

CROCKER RE

Low inventory, High demand, presents opportunity for sellers.

Let our experience work for you this selling season.

SERVING THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS 54

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

HOME SHOWCASE

1/4

1/4

RANDY PURSWELL Realtor®

RANDY PURSWELL

HC WINDOWS

Looking to buy or SELL call PursWELL

3183

Kerrville owned and operated by certified installers Offering a variety of product lines including vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and wood

www.RandyPurswell.com Office:830.496.1041 Cell:713.817.9786

Contact us for a free, no obligation, in-home consultation

Special Financing Options Available* * Subject to Credit Approval - Ask for details

Randy@ForePremierProperties.com

804 Water Street • Kerrville, texaS 78028

446 S. Lincoln St., Suite B • Fredericksburg, Texas 830.997.5302 • www.hillcountrywindowsanddoors.com

1/2 JOSHUA CADE 2021

JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 55

Photos courtesy of Fore Premier Properties

HOME SHOWCASE

56

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Leave your boots at the door Hang your cowboy hat at this ranch property after a day’s work

By Autumn Bernhard

S

ituated in the residential ranch community of Pass Creek, this 10.12-acre property at 1275 Pass Creek Road offers gorgeous views of the Texas Hill Country.

But the beauty doesn’t stop at the views — inside the spacious, two-story home there are custom home amenities including granite counter tops throughout and hickory custom cabinets.

The large living room has a wood-burning

stove that heats the entire house quickly.

The kitchen is just steps away and has stainless appliances, an island and provides a panoramic view through the window.

Three of the four bedrooms are located on the first story of the home. The master bedroom has a large his/hers walk-in closet.

The master bathroom has a claw foot tub and a walk-in shower.

A standout of this property are the large porches in both the front and back. In the JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 57

HOME SHOWCASE

Acreage: 10.12 Floors: 2 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.5 Garage: attached 3 car with additional detached garage Square footage: 4,733 Living room: 22 feet by 25 feet Dining: 15 feet by 13 feet Great room: 37 feet by 37 feet Kitchen: 21 feet by 17 feet Master bedroom: 19 feet by 15 feet Bedroom two: 17 feet by 16 feet Bedroom three: 25 feet by 13 feet Bedroom four: 16 feet by 16 feet Laundry room: 10 feet by 18 feet Price: $799,900 Address: 1275 Pass Creek Road, Kerrville, Texas 58

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

Photos courtesy of Fore Premier Properties

By the numbers

back of the home, there is a large deck with access to the hot tub from the master bedroom.

The detached garage houses a large workshop.

Other highlights include a formal dining room, a breakfast area, an office, a separate building for tack room, a barn, a large mud room, a generator to power the entire property in case of a power outage, as well as climate controlled storage and media room on the second floor of the home.

The very private, fenced and gated entry property has established trees in the front and back yards, providing plenty of shade for hot summer days.

The tract has natural land with separate fenced areas that are perfect for horses, longhorn cattle or other livestock. Currently, it is a horse property.

The property is ag exempt, and hunting is permitted with a wildlife management plan. This home has plenty of land to give you the feeling that town is not near, when in fact, Kerrville is just a 10-minute drive away.

The gated community’s home owners association gives residents access to multiple creeks and its very own water park.

This house is currently on the market for $799,900. For more information, contact Karin, Fore Premier Properties, at 970-630-7832 or karin@ forepremierproperties.

1/8 KARIN BUCHANAN

COONEY 1/8CONSTRUCTION

COONEY For all your home CONSTRUCTION remodeling needs

K E R RV I L L E , T E X A S

Tim Cooney 830.285.9659

TimCooney83@gmail.com JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 59

OUT AND ABOUT

1

2

3

5

4

6

7

8

9

10

11

1. Larry and Kathy Steward. 2. Marge Carseth and Linda Bullard. 3. Lily Beaumont and Cate Schulenberg.

4. Tom Moser, Linda Oliver and Larry Hesketh. 5. Yvonne Lorick and Gina Sweat. 6. Bekki Hutto and Lorraine LeMon. 7. Julius Jimenez and Ralph Sandifer. 8. Lynn Jones and Rhonda Wiley-Jones. 9. Mike and Mickey Marvins.

10. Rita and Bo Woodman. 11. Babs and Paul Piche. 12. Paul and Sandra Bortree. 13. Tina Woods and Robin Amerine. 14. Anna Norris and Dave Parson. 15. Bruce and Liz Bond. 16. Heather and Herb Patton.

60

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

13

12

14 June’s First Friday Wine Share was held at Louise Hays Park. This monthly event gives attendees the opportunity to try different wines while meeting new people.

The June event had an extra bonus with a production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” as part of Shakespeare in the Park.

Everyone was encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blankets and a picnic to enjoy the play acted out at the amphitheater.

16

15

Photos by Samuel Beaver

1/2 Cabernet Grill 3646 O U R S E C R E T I S T H E L O C A L LY S O U R C E D I N G R E D I E N T S — S TA R T I N G W I T H O U R C H E F. A menu this mouthwatering can only come from a culinary passion as big as Texas. Chef Ross Burtwell, author of Texas Hill Country Cuisine; Flavors from the Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant, not only cooks up exotic dishes, but partners with local growers to ensure the freshest taste possible. Top that off with pairings from the largest Texas wine list, knowledgable waitstaff, and a casually elegant atmosphere . It’s an experience that’s hard to keep to yourself.

830 990 5734

CABERNETGRILL.COM

TCGV21302-04-KerrvilleDailyTimes-HillCountryCulture-Sept2017-HPHorz-7.375x4.793-LocallySourced.indd 1

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS JULY 2018 | TEXAS

10/6/17 11:38 AM61 Hill Country CULTURE

July Calendar This month offers movies, concerts, fireworks, more

1/4 D&D

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE July 4 Come be a part of this annual event that has been sponsored and put on totally by volunteers for the past quarter century. It is meant to be a celebration of our pride in our country and our independence. Park your car on Main Street early for a good view or get there the morning of to stand.

Immediately following the parade, usually about 11:30, there is a free patriotic program at Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg. There you can find patriotic messages, live performances and more.

10 a.m. Wednesday; Main Street, Fredericksburg; 830-889-8875 fbgtxparade.org

ROBERT EARL KEEN’S 4TH ON THE RIVER July 4 Enjoy food, beer, vendor booths, family fun, bounce houses and face painting. Entertain the whole family with Louise Hays Park’s splash pad and playgrounds or jump in the Guadalupe River. Live music kicks off at 4 p.m., and a free concert headlining Robert Earl Keen follows at 8 p.m.

The fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Gates open at noon Wednesday; Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive, Kerrville; 830-257-8233, kerrvilles4th.org

1/4 HC AUDIOLOGY 736342

“LIVE FREE & FLY” 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION July 4 Come out for the 13th annual special day of remembrance, fun and live music hosted by Walt and Tina Wilkins. Bring your lawn chairs and pets, as long as they are leashed. The World Famous Lawn Mower Parade is at 4 p.m. This free event benefits the Austin Harmony Project and The Boys & Girls Club of The Texas Hill Country.

Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday; Luckenbach, 412 Luckenbach Town Loop; 830-997-3224, luckenbachtexas.com 62

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

2017

EVENTS Pain ManageMent

Pain is a critical signal from our peripheral and central nervous systems that something is wrong. It is an unpleasant feeling, such as a tingle, sting, burn, or ache. Pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your back, abdomen, chest, pelvis, or you may feel pain all over. Pain can be helpful in diagnosing a problem. If you were unable to feel pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it, or you might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment.

1/4

SHEEHAN

There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain usually comes on suddenly, because of a disease, injury, or inflammation.

It can often be diagnosed and treated and usually goes away.

Sometimes, though, it can turn into chronic pain. Chronic pain is different. Your body keeps hurting weeks, months, or even years after the injury. Doctors often define chronic pain as any pain that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more.

Pain is not always curable, but there are many ways to treat it.

Treatment depends on the cause and type of pain. You may have tried to achieve relief with pain medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy or surgery. Hypnosis* is often helpful in achieving relief from chronic pain either separately or by working in concert with other approaches to improve their effectiveness. *We require written permission from your physician before working with you to relieve pain.

104 Homestead Dr. Kerrville, TX 830-792-1138

sheehanearlyhypnosis.com

CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG JULY 4TH FIREWORKS DISPLAY July 4 This annual firework display launches from the golf course area at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and will last 15-20 minutes. The public is invited to take up spots for viewing the spectacle inside the park or at the surrounding areas. Bring your chairs, eats and drinks.

Fireworks start at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday; Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg; 830-997-7521, fbgtx.org

LIVE PARI-MUTUEL HORSE RACING July 7-8 Come out during the summer season for exciting live horse racing at the fairgrounds’ Class 3 track. Pick your favorites for quarter horse and thoroughbred racing, as well as special races, trials and futurities. Post time is 1 p.m.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; Gillespie County Fair Grounds, 530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg; 830-997-2359, gillespiefair.net

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS July 13 A great, free way to enjoy timeless classics while experiencing a fun-filled night on the LBJ Ranch.

“The Love Bug” will be projected on an outdoor screen, and those attending are asked to bring their seating, food and drinks.

Gates open at 7 p.m. Saturday, movie starts at dusk; Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, 199 Park Road 52, Stonewall; 830-868-7128 ext.231

MOVIES IN THE PARK July 13

1/4 KERRVILLE FRAMING

Come out and watch “The Little Mermaid” at this fun, free event for the whole family. Load up the car and bring the kids, blankets, chairs and flashlight for an evening outdoors at the movies. Enjoy free popcorn.

9 p.m. Friday; Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Drive, Kerrville; 830-257-7300, kerrvilletx.gov

KERRVILLE SUMMER MARKET July 14-15 Shop vendors from all over the state and beyond as they come to present their art, jewelry, clothing, accessories, gourmet food, gift items and so much more.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; Inn of the Hills Hotel & Conference Center, 1001 Junction Highway, Kerrville; 888-225-3427, texasmarketguide.com

ART@MO July 15-20 A family-friendly art conference with entertainment for all ages. Create art within a community of fellow artists while experiencing fellowship, worship, relaxation and renewal.

Times vary; Mo-Ranch Conference Center, 2229 FM 1340, Hunt; 800-460-4401, moranch.org JULY 2018 | TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE 63

EVENTS NIGHT IN OLD FREDERICKSBURG July 21 During the day, enjoy live pari-mutuel horse racing (1 p.m. post time), music by Chris Rybak, a 42 domino tournament, washer pitching, goat roping, Lone Star BBQ Society Cook-off and CASI Chili Cook-off.

Dance the night away to the music of Arkey Blue and The Blue Cowboys.

Gates open at 11 a.m. Saturday; Gillespie County Fair Grounds, 530 Fair Drive, Fredericksburg; 830-997-2359, gillespiefair.net

1/8 ODE YOUNG 5290 830.315.5005 www.odeYOUNGmd.com

MOVIES IN THE PARK July 27 Come out to the Kerrville Schreiner Park to “Back To The Future” Free fun for the whole family. Load up the car and bring the kids, blankets, chairs, and flashlight for an evening outside at the movies. Free popcorn.

9 p.m. Friday; Kerrville Schreiner Park, 2385 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville; 830-257-7300, kerrvilletx.gov

41ST ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY AUTO SWAP MEET July 27-29 Car enthusiasts can find just about anything at this annual event. A “car corral” has vintage autos for sale in various states of restoration, there is also a flea market and a free trolley will be making the rounds on the event grounds. Among the many items for sale are vehicles and parts, tools, auto accessories, hats, books, clothes and various souvenirs.

1/8 Sabrina K. Griggs, R.Ph. • Calvin D. Luck

APOTHECARY SHOPPE

• Hormone replacement therapy • Pain management • Men’s and women’s health and • Veterinary care customized wellness to your pet’s size • Dermatological treatment • Nutraceutical & CBD Products Ask Your Practitioner if a Compound Prescription is Right for You 1228 Bandera Highway | Kerrville, Texas | 830-257-0732 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 am-5:30 pm | apothecaryshoppe@hotmail.com

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon Sunday; Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, 432 Lady Bird Drive, Fredericksburg; 254-751-7958, earhartproductions.com

15TH ANNUAL RIVER CLEAN UP July 28 This event allows the community to help the environment by removing trash from the Guadalupe River and raising awareness about the problem of litter.

8 a.m.-noon Saturday; Flat Rock Lake Park, 3840 Riverside Drive, Kerrville; 830-896-5445, ugra.org/annualrivercleanup.html

Happy Indepedence Day! MOSS

M

1/8 MOTORS

OSS 713488 OTORS

Complete Auto Care Center

99 Coronado Drive, Kerrville • (830) 895-5858

64

TEXAS

Hill Country CULTURE | JULY 2018

1/4 Schneider’s 72 Degrees 4977

Tour Schedule Friday, September 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm - 6 pm Saturday, September 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, September 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 pm - 5 pm Friday, October 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm - 6 pm Saturday, October 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am - 5 pm Sunday, October 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 pm - 5 pm

Sponsored by

2801 Comanche Trace Dr., Kerrville, TX | 830.895.8500 | www.comanchetrace.com