Do the warm summer months have you hankering for some good Texas Barbecue?

Do we have a Cooking School for you!  Run by our top notch Chef  Norris Sebastian, the Texas BBQ camp teaches you everything you need to know about BBQ. Be the envy of your neighbors when they smell the enticing aromas coming from your backyard!

Barbecue is a traditional style of preparing beef and is one of the many different varieties of barbecue found around the world.

Texas barbecue traditions can be divided into four general styles: East Texas, Central Texas, South Texas, and West Texas. The Central and East Texas varieties are generally the most well-known Additionally, in deep South Texas and along the Rio Grande valley a Mexican style of meat preparation known as barbacoa can be found. The word barbacoa in Spanish means barbecue though in English it is often used specifically to refer to Mexican varieties of preparation.

Generally speaking the different Texas barbecue styles are distinguished as follows. In the East Texas style the beef is slowly cooked to the point that it is “falling off the bone”, typically over hickory wood, and marinated in a sweet, tomato-based sauce. In the Central Texas style the meat is rubbed with spices and cooked over indirect heat from pecan or oak wood. In the West Texas style the meat is cooked over direct heat from mesquite wood giving it a somewhat bitter taste. The South Texas style features thick, molasses-like sauces that keep the meat very moist. Learn everything there is to know about Texas BBQ, as featured on the Food Network and you’ll be the new star in the neighborhood.

Our BBQ Camp is sold out for June. However, due to high demand we just added an additional Barbecue Camp for August 6-8, 2012, and we still have availability for the October 8-10 class.

June is the perfect time to explore the Texas Hill Country and enjoy the many Lavender farms and festivals.  Wimberley is centrally located along the Blanco River and various Texas lavender farms.  A Romantic Wimberley Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the Texas Hill Country.

 The Central Texas area is particularly suitable for growing lavender. The first commercial lavender farm in the state, called Hill Country Lavender, was started near Blanco in 1999. The climate and terrain reminded the farm’s owners of Provence, where they had recently visited. After planting their lavender, they gave seminars to others who wanted to grow the beautiful flowers. Currently, more than ten farms are located near Blanco with more farms being added every year.

The benefits of lavender are too numerous to mention. From nutritious teas to potpourri and bath salts, lavender can be enjoyed by anyone. Lavender can also be processed to extract oil which is used for bathing, as a fragrance and massages. With its calming effects, lavender can be used in whatever way you want to. When prepared as a tea, you are bound to enjoy the calmness you are looking for in an herb.

 Experience the relaxation and serenity at The Blair House Inn. You don’t have to travel to England or France to enjoy the rolling countryside and fields of lavender. In June the color of lavender has come to characterize the area. Lavender fields profusely bloom purple-blue under the Texas sun.   Rows of vibrant lavender contrast with the red, sandy loam soil it grows in.   Enjoy a Provence-like setting for rest and relaxation, for an ultimate Texas Bed and Breakfast getaway…

 The Local Lavender Farms:

Miller Creek Lavender, 8453 Miller CreekLoop,Johnson City512 934-1616

Hill Country Lavender, 4524 Hwy 281, Blanco 830 833-2294

Wimberley Lavender Farm 11300 FM 2325, Wimberley 830 833-1595

 Upcoming Lavender Festivals:

Rough Creek Lavender Farms June 1, 2012

 Blanco Lavender Festival June 8-10, 2012

  At the local lavender festival participate in lavender-related educational programs. If you are interested in lavender’s mystical culinary properties, its various craft uses, aromatherapy benefits, or its suitability as a landscape plant, you will find many ways to enjoy the features of lavender.

 At the Blair House Inn, imagine a day of serenity, whether you’re relaxing by our pool and hot tub or enjoying a glass of wine on your own private deck. Plan your weekend with us today and enjoy all The Texas Hill Country and Wimberley area has to offer.

Anyone traveling the United States will say once they visit Texas they finally understand “Texas Pride”.  We are a pridefully state with rich history that runs through every river and hill.  Visiting the Hill Country offers an excellent opportunity to enrich your life with Texas History.  Wimberley is centrally located between Austin and San Antonio. 

San Antonio ~

The Alamo is one of the most important land marks in Texas.  This is were we lost our battle with Mexico and ignited a nation to fight.  To step foot on the soil were great men like Davy Crocket, Sam Houston, and Daniel Boone stared fear in the face to fight for honor and property is an honor for anyone.  This is one of the best tours you can find and is the most important monument for any Texan!

The Missions ~ After 10,000 years, the people of South Texas found their cultures, their very lives under attack. In the early 1700s Apache raided from the north, deadly diseases traveled from Mexico, and drought lingered. Survival lay in missions. By entering a mission, they forswore their traditional life to become Spanish.  When visiting San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, plan to spend at least a couple of hours - four hours if you have the time. Free guided tours, movies, and demonstrations are scheduled throughout the week.

Austin ~

State Capitol ~ When planning the building of the State Capitol after joing the Union in 1845, what better way to show our appreciation than replicating the Capitol in Washington DC.  Not only did we choose to build exact, but we all know things are bigger in Texas, and we decided to build one foot higher!  The great nation we live in  has many wonderful States with beautiful capitols and buildings face Washington DC.  The one exception of course is Texas.  Every Texan has the motto in their hearts “Remember the Alamo!” and that is exactly were our capitol faces. 

Texas History Museum ~ The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in downtown Austin, Texas, tells the “Story of Texas” with three floors of interactive exhibits, the special effects show, The Star of Destiny, in the Texas Spirit Theater, and Austin’s only IMAX Theatre, featuring the signature large-format film, Texas: The Big Picture. A 35-foot-tall bronze Lone Star sculpture greets visitors in front of the Museum, and a colorful terrazzo floor in the Museum’s rotunda features a campfire scene with enduring themes from Texas’ past. The Museum also has a Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a Museum Store with something for the Texan in everyone.

Once you have experienced the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, you cannot deny the hold it places on your mind.  With crystal clear streams, majestic giant oak trees, and wildflowers that blanket open fields this is a place that seems to be another country.  Over 5 million visitors come to the Hill Country every year.  Wimberley is located in the beating heart of this enchanting land and offers new wonders and experiences for every kind of traveler. 

We have created our own top ten day trips for the Texas Hill Country that guest can enjoy:

#10 ~ Wimberley Square Shopping ~ Wimberley is full of unique shops that offer traditional and not-so-traditional art and wares. Although the primary shopping areas are clustered around the “Square” and “Olde Towne Plaza”, there are also shops sprinkled throughout other areas. Antiques and Art Galleries are mixed in and anyone is sure to find a dimond in the ruff.  The first Saturday of each month, March through December, Market Days draw visitors from around the state.

#9 ~ Texas Wine Trail ~ Texas wineries have a special allure. Each is unique in its setting and personality, a distinctiveness found also in their wines. Wineries throughout the Hill Country offer public tours of their facilities and tastings for individuals and groups. It‘s an enjoyable day trip, weekend escape or vacation destination.  In ever-increasing numbers, consumers are visiting Texas wineries, attending community wine festivals and enjoying
the delicious difference of a fine, Texas vintage.

Colored Olives from Bella Vista

#8 ~ Bella Vista Olive Ranch ~ Located in the hill country of Wimberley, Texas. Designed to reflect a traditional Italian family farm, the ranch is home to over 1,200 producing olive trees, seasonal fruit and vegetables, a frantoio (olive press), a winery, tasting room and gift shop.  Bella Vista also offer tours of the frantoio, winery, orchards and gardens for individuals as well as groups. Tours provide you an opportunity to explore our orchards and gardens, learn about the agriculture and cultivation of their olives, grapes, and other fruit before participating in a guided tasting of our fresh-made products. Guided tours last about 1 – 1 1/2 hours long and there is a fee of $15.00 per person. 

Just a taste of the Texas Hill Country and the colorful culture that awaits the creative traveler.  Make sure to mark this as a destination for you to visit and this will just could become a top ten of your own!

Spring is in the air and love seems to be blooming all around.  We would like to offer you a recipe for a wonderful and romantic weekend that will ignite the love between two souls.  The Texas Hill Country is a magical place that has wonders and amazement around every corner.  You will start your blissful Texas romantic get-a-way at the Blair House Inn located in the picturesque Paradise Valley of Wimberley.  Each room is unique and offers decor that will appeal to varying tastes.  Take a walk and explore nature filled with many species of wildlife.  Located in the Texas Wine Country you can awaken your palette with exceptional and award winning wines.  Connect with your significant other during a relaxing massage given by our exceptional therapists.  Enjoy a glass of wine on one of our scenic porches and decks before dressing to join in our dining room for a delicious Saturday gourmet dinner. Retire to your comfortable room and drift off into a peaceful slumber.  When you awake the next morning with the Texas Hill Country birds singing, Chef Sebastian will have created an exceptional breakfast that will start you on your day of exploration.

The first six guests that book a weekend reservation, with dinner, and a couples massage between April 13th and April 27th, will receive a 50% discount off their massage.  You must ask for this special to have it applied to your reservation. 

***Guest special not valid for ANY holiday weekends.

Hotel F&B magazine was intrigued with the custom designed executive teambuilding retreats offered to large and small companies.  “The biggest thing for us is it creates a point of difference from other operations, especially around Texas,” quoted by owner Vickie Schneider.  By taking executives out of the office setting that can be tense and stressful, and placing them in a kitchen with everyone having a common goal, helps to create a bond and team spirit that will continue when returning to the working environment.   Retreats can be coordinated by group interest with over a dozen menus to choose from.  Two, three, and five course meals that can include both lunch and dinner sessions will provide students with recipes and knowledge to create and execute in their kitchens at home.  “When, [executives] come here, it’s to create a bonding situation they feel is not present at their company,” says Michael.  “But that bonding does happen while working together in a kitchen, because everyone is contributing toward one goal.”  This is an equation and solution to building last bonds and relationships between coworkers. 

For more information on Team Building Retreats contact the Blair House Inn by phone or email.

The Texas Hill Country is majestic with life during Spring.  For all nature lovers this is a setting of wonder and enchantment.  Have you ever had an interest in learning about the Texasnature?  Weather it is the butterflies,bats or birds that get your wings flapping, or the vast height of the Champion Trees that crank your heads to new levels the 13^th Annual Nature Quest is a journey for you.  There will be four days of first hand information from experts on topics such as Birds, Bats, Butterflies, Insects, Trees, Natural History, Plants, and Wildflowers.   Come and ignite your imagination and create a Wildlife Habitat in your own backyard.

13^th Annual Nature Quest
April 25-29

Fieldtrip Leaders & Speakers Include
Tony Gallucci, Derek Muschalek, Tom Collins, Bain Walker,
Bob & Martha Sargent, Fred Bassett, Lee Haile, Sherry Collins,
Patty Leslie Pasztor, LeAnn Sharp & Anthony Sharp

You can choose from lectures and tours that range from bird banding, building specific bird houses for species of birds you would like to enjoy at home, medicinal plants, and the second largest Mexican Free-tailed Bat population.  There are numerous topics for the new adventurer and the seasoned hobbyist.  You can register online for the events and full list of the schedule here.

It’s been a chilly winter and we’re all ready for Spring…wildflowers, warmth of the sun and of course, the Wine and Wildflower Trail! Get out and take a trip to as many as 33 participating wineries during this picturesque trail, April 13-22, 2012 while you take in the beauty of the Hill Country and the award winning wines from your Hill Country Wineries.

The Wine & Wildflower Trail has a few changes this year…there are 33 participating wineries, the trail is 10 days long and the price has been reduced! More wineries, more time (weekdays included) for a lower price, how could you go wrong?

Come out and enjoy the fruits of the vineyards with a minimum of 1 and up to 3 complimentary tastes from each winery and a 15% discount on 3 bottle purchases. Pickup your beautiful bluebonnet swag bag, provided by Wildseed Farms, from the winery of your choice. We all know h ow important the rain is to our beautiful wildflowers so your bag will include a rain gauge from Capital Farm Credit, wildflower seeds from the  Texas Department of Agriculture and Wildseed Farms and a few other treats.

Follow the Wine and Wildflower Trail through the Texas Hill Country Wineries in it’s finest hour. Enjoy the spectacular vistas along with the new releases born among the bluebonnets. Remember to pack your camera so you don’t miss out on photo ops all along the trail, at the wineries and in the vineyards. Wildflower pictures make great Christmas cards in a few months!

Your ticket includes:

• 1-3 complimentary tastes of wine at each winery
• 15% discount on 3 bottle purchases at each winery
• One bluebonnet gift bag per ticket
• One rain gauge per ticket

One Wildflower seed packet per ticket.

www.texaswinetrail.com
For Tickets

Calling all cyclist!!  It’s time for the  5th annual LBJ 100 bike tour.  Bring your bikes and your desire to succeed.  Below the information for this wonderful event in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!  Spring is blooming and the views will be extraordinary.

Event will be held again at the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall, Texas. Complimentary technical t-shirts of wicking grade material are guaranteed for pre-registrants, a newly designed professional cyclist jersey is available for purchase, a $1,000+ Novara Strada Bike 2012 and a weekend in Las Vegas OR a Caribbean Cruise will be raffled, and the usual complimentary great food and beverages, along with the enlightening participant camaraderie, await you.

For further information, including route maps and registration options, click: http://www.lbj100bicycletour.org/

After the long ride have your family members meet you to celebrate your victory with a down home Texas BBQ.  Lady Bird Johnson would be celebrating her 100th birthday.   Enjoy live music with the best BBQ in Hays County!

As part of the 100th year celebration of Lady Bird Johnson’s birth, the BBQ on the LBJ Ranch, a fundraising event for the Friends of LBJ National Historical Park, will be held on the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall, Texas, May 5, 2012, beginning at 4:00PM. And boys and girls, buckaroos and buckarettes, RIDERS IN THE SKY, the multi-Grammy award winning stars of stage and screen, will stop along the trail to pay a visit at the LBJ Ranch. They’re planning a 90-minute show of stories and music guaranteed to bring a smile. President and Mrs. Johnson hosted many barbeques in the 1950s and 1960s, and we’re re-creating those good times. Come on out for some great food, music and fun under the live oaks of the LBJ Ranch. Catering will be provided by the very well-known and popular Salt Lick Restaurant.

Spring is upon us and the weather is setting the mood for warm days and cool nights.  Rain has been abundant this fall and winter.  Mother Nature is helping to create a beautiful Texas Hill Country Spring.  The Emily Ann Theater & Garden will be hosting the 14th annual Butterfly Festival April 21st.  Sure to be a beautiful day with wonderful activities you will enjoy experiencing the release of over 3,000 butterflies to the wild.  Celebrate Earth Day with guided nature walks by the Hays County Master Naturalists, live music, carnival games, concessions, and Commemorative Air Force flyover.  The best news, the festival is FREE! (Donations are accepted and appreciated). 

Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center

Now we all know the most beautiful time of year in Texas is wild flower season!  Lady Bird Johnson was a pioneer in establishing and maintaining the beautiful sights of Central Texas.  Lady Bird Wild Flower Center was created in 1982 to help preserve and restore the beauty and biological richness of North America.  Texas jumped on board and the program has been a success ever since.  You can visit the WFC any time of year, but we suggest the Spring to truly appreciate the natural beauty.  (Below is the hours and days of operation)

Interested in creating your own back yard meadow with beautiful wildflowers?  Then you must visit Wildseed Farms.  Acres of wildflowers and seed production makes this location the largest working flower farm in the nation.  Crop production will be in various stages of growth during any visit ~ some fields in bloom, some freshly planted, and some may be ready for harvest.  You will enjoy the views and gain knowledge of local natural plants that will thrive in your personal haven you create.  The Country Store is open for purchase or pick up the free mail order catalog and have purchases delivered right to your door!

Reservations are booking quickly.  Now is the time to make sure you stop and smell the Flowers!  Call us or click here for availability and reservations.

Emily Ann Theater & Garden
Butterfly Festival
April 21, 2012
10 am – 4 pm

Wildflower Center grounds:
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Closed Mondays except Labor Day

Wildseed Farms
Open Daily 9:30 am – 6 pm