September at Sunset Mill Ranch
Treasured Things, Sweet Memories & the First Signs of Fall
September has been a busy month here at the Inn, and we’ve certainly enjoyed cooling off in the new pool during these last hot days of summer! Still, we happily welcome the forecast of cooler weather and all the wonderful things that come with fall in the Texas Hill Country.
To get into the spirit of the season, I’ve been looking through fall magazines for new recipes and decorating ideas. Earlier this month, I baked several loaves of pumpkin bread, filling the Inn with those wonderful first smells—and tastes—of fall.
This time of year brings thoughts of evenings outdoors: sitting around the firepits, making and eating s’mores, watching classic movies at our outdoor theater, and heading out to enjoy the many fall festivals and events around the Hill Country.
Treasures, “Doo Dads” & Memories
September is also my birthday month, which always reminds me of the many gifts I’ve received over the years from dear friends and family.
Those little mementos—or “doo dads,” as Lynn likes to call them—scattered throughout our home are wonderful reminders of cherished times with people we love. It might be a framed picture of friends laughing together, a piece of art or jewelry, a decorative dish, a planter filled with greenery or flowers, or one of the many boxes of cards I’ve saved over the years, filled with words of love, encouragement and blessings.
In the early days of our marriage, Lynn and I began collecting Pfaltzgraff dinnerware—the tan dishes with the navy blue flowers and vine pattern. For several of those early years, I could almost always expect a beautiful platter, pitcher or other piece as a birthday or Christmas gift from Lynn.
Then, about a year before we opened the bed and breakfast, we walked into an antique store and discovered nearly 200 pieces of that very same pattern!
Isn’t it a little humbling when the dishes you received as wedding gifts start showing up in antique stores?
Naturally, we bought every piece.
We added them to our already expansive collection and decided it was simply meant to be that these dishes would someday be used to serve guests at our B&B.
When Old Things Tell a Story
Guests often compliment the décor and antiques throughout our breakfast and guest rooms. We’ve been collecting antiques for many years, but one of our favorite things is hearing a guest say, “My mother had those dishes,” or “My grandmother had a piece of furniture just like that.”
Some guests have become dear friends after staying with us many times. On their first visit, one gentleman mentioned that his mother had the same Pfaltzgraff dishes we use at the Inn. Later, when she moved into a smaller home, he asked if we would like to have her collection.
Of course, we were honored that they thought of us.
Now, when these friends return to the Inn, they can enjoy breakfast on those familiar dishes while remembering his precious mother. That makes them far more valuable to us than anything we could have purchased in a store.
Most of our collection is kept in an old painted glass-front cupboard that we had custom fitted into our kitchen when we built the house. The cabinet also holds beautiful crystal glasses my sweet mom gave us as Christmas gifts several years ago, along with matching crystal bowls given to us by another dear friend.
It’s amazing how many precious memories can become attached to the things we gather over a lifetime.
My Mom’s Treasures
While I am definitely a collector of antiques and “doo dads,” my mom was quite different. She was artistic and a very talented decorator, but because she lived in a small home, she was much more of a minimalist.
After she passed away two years ago, my sister and I divided her few precious keepsakes. We discovered that many of the things she had treasured most were things we had given her over the years.
That brought another opportunity to remember so many family gatherings, celebrations and ordinary days together that now seem especially precious.
I still love looking around our home and seeing some of her treasures mingled with ours. I also enjoy going through her old cookbooks and trying her favorite recipes—especially the ones on those food-stained, well-worn pages. Somehow, you just know those are going to be the best recipes.
A Little Shopping in the Hill Country
Lynn and I love taking drives through the beautiful Texas Hill Country, stopping for lunch and wandering through the shops in its charming small towns.
But, of course, one of our favorite places to shop is right here in Wimberley!
Our little slice of heaven has so many wonderful places to discover art, antiques, gifts, home décor and one-of-a-kind treasures. Here are just a few of our favorites:
Poppi Vernon’s — Our favorite antique store. It seems that every time we visit, we find something that fits perfectly in one of the guest rooms.
Wimberley Gardens — Beautiful plants, flowers and garden supplies that help us keep the Inn and our old outdoor water bins filled with greenery and blooms.
Rancho Deluxe — Rustic, ranch-inspired décor and unique finds.
Kiss the Cook — A carefully curated and extensive selection of quality cookware and kitchen gadgets.
River House — Wonderful gifts for the home, unique jewelry and accessories, and children’s gifts.
Star Antiques — Another favorite vintage stop, with beautiful lighting and architectural pieces.
Old Mill Store — Handmade and quality gifts, jewelry, accessories and furniture.
My Happy Place — Home décor and unique gifts and accessories.
Jeanne’s Fashions — A charming ladies’ boutique featuring relaxed clothing, vintage-inspired lace and linen pieces, jewelry, accessories, gifts and home décor.
Love Your Space Place — Beautiful home décor and furnishings.
Wall Street Western — All things Western, including quality vintage Western wear, hats, boots and accessories.
Junk Gypsy — A fun mix of vintage and bohemian-inspired home décor, clothing and accessories.
Ace Hardware — Yes, Ace made the shopping list! We both visit often—Lynn especially—for our many ranch maintenance projects, while I can usually find candles, seasonal décor and gift ideas.
Coming Up Around Wimberley
In addition to shopping and dining in and around Wimberley, September brings plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the Hill Country. The Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for a complete calendar of local happenings.
Here are a few events and activities we think our guests might enjoy:
Gourdgeous Glass Pumpkin Patch — September 19
Kick off the fall season at Wimberley Glassworks with live glassblowing demonstrations, beautiful glass pumpkins and fall decorations, and activities the whole family can enjoy.
Texas Murder Mystery Dinner — Saturday, September 26
An evening of mystery and fun at the Wimberley Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Stars Over Wimberley — September 30 at 7:30 p.m.
The Wimberley Playhouse presents an evening of live music featuring Pat Byrne, Tony Kamel and Kym Warner.
Jacob’s Well Guided Hike — Saturday mornings at 10:00 a.m.
Explore one of the Hill Country’s best-known natural landmarks on a guided hike.
Karst Canyon Preserve Guided Hike — 2nd & 4th Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.
Hays County park staff lead this approximately two-mile round-trip hike to the Wimberley Bat Cave and back.
Wimberley Farmers Market — Sundays, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
A great Sunday stop for local products and a leisurely morning in Wimberley.
Come See Us This Fall
We hope you’re enjoying these last days of summer and looking forward to cooler mornings, fall festivals, outdoor fires and all the fun that autumn brings.
If you’re thinking about a fall getaway to the beautiful Texas Hill Country, we would love to welcome you back to the Inn. And, as always, we’re happy to help you plan your visit and share some of our favorite places to eat, shop and explore.
There’s something especially wonderful about the Hill Country in the fall. We hope you’ll come experience it with us.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above …” James 1:17
Hope to see you soon!
Lynn & Diana
Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch
