Hi Friends!
Spring has officially sprung in the Texas Hill Country! The grass is turning a brilliant shade of Irish green, the dormant leaves are dropping from the oaks and new buds are bursting forth.
And the truest sign of spring–bluebonnets are popping up along the fields and roadsides. This is our favorite time of year to take country drives to see where all the wildflowers are blooming and to stop and take pictures of the flowing rivers and creeks or the grazing Texas Longhorns and wildlife.
Around the Inn, we are getting our hands in the dirt, tilling the soil, and preparing our garden to plant, pulling weeds, and re-planting flowers around the buildings and the former old rusty water tanks now turned into large flowerpots. The days are warming up, but the mornings and nights are still cool enough to sit around the fire pit at night or under blankets on the porches in the mornings.
This is the perfect time of year to birdwatch as the bluebirds (my favorite) are building their nests in the boxes around the property; the doves, cardinals, painted buntings, titmouse, and finches wake us in the morning with their singing and cooing, as they enjoy seed from the numerous feeders; and migrating birds we don’t get to see all year are stopping in on their journey north. One of our favorite activities is to sit on the porch and identify all the different birds we see and hear. But our absolute favorite is to hear the wild turkeys gobbling and strutting around the property for all to behold.
2024 is the year of Astro-tourism, and Wimberley, Texas, was named Dark Sky Place of the Year by DarkSky International (November 2023). The global designation will bring more visitors to the area for stargazing and celestial events, such as the Great American Eclipse on April 8th.
Nearly four and a half minutes of daytime darkness will overtake some Texas Hill Country communities, including Wimberley, during the astronomical phenomenon—the longest period of eclipse anywhere in the country.
This is the last total solar eclipse for decades. View it on a beautiful 25-acre ranch with 360-degree sunset views- imagine a total eclipse and stars!
We are so blessed to live in an area where there is so much to do and places to gather with friends and family. However, after a busy day of work, Lynn and I often opt to unwind with a glass of wine or iced tea sitting on the back porch as we watch the brilliant sun setting over the hills and valleys, taking time to talk and reflect on our week, plan our next project or just sit and listen to the peaceful sounds of the country.
If you prefer a little more excitement, Wimberley and nearby communities are alive with activities including numerous festivals, art fairs, wine tours, and markets to fill your days with fun. Every night of the week, live music can be enjoyed on the Square and at several local restaurants, bars, and dance halls. Check out the Upcoming Wimberley Events Calendar to stay up to date on fun activities. Of course, we are always happy to recommend our favorite local restaurants, drives, shops, and walking trails.
Hope to see you soon!
Diana & Lynn