Hi Friends,
October is a beautiful time to get away to the Texas Hill Country. We love the crisp cool mornings that make it especially pleasant to linger on the porch swing in the mornings and gather around the firepit with friends in the evenings after the sun goes down. It is a busy time here at the Inn and we have enjoyed meeting new guests as well as catching up with those returning for a special getaway.
We always look for ways we can help guests make the most of their visits as well as take away some special memories. Our hope is that you can relax and take in all the sights, sounds and experiences that will bring you joy while you stay at the Inn such as the smell of fresh country air, delicious baked goods and coffee, the sounds of birds singing, the sights of wildlife and beautiful sunsets, and the feel of luxurious linens as you fall into a comfy bed. Music is one of the additions we have intended to bring to the guest experience since opening. Lynn recently helped set up a playlist that now plays on our sound system in the breakfast room.
The play list is diverse and will shuffle among various genres in the background while you enjoy breakfast. The volume will ensure that you can still enjoy the company and conversation of your friends and family. The playlist includes, among others, classical and jazz, contemporary, country, bluegrass and folk, and gospel venues.
The experience of choosing and listening to the playlist is like going down a beautiful memory lane. Almost every song has a special meaning or takes us back to a happy place or time or reminds us of a great movie or special person. For instance, the classical and jazz music includes such legends as Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra to name a few. This music reminds us of listening to the classic radio station on Saturday mornings while we worked around the house as a young married couple. The blues music reminds of attending festivals with great friends.
Some of the music comes from great movies we have watched over the years. Every time we hear a Steve Tyrell song it reminds of watching that classic romantic comedy, Father of the Bride. The song that stands out the most from that film is “Give me the Simple Life” and if I could choose a theme song for Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch, that would be it. You will no doubt here this song while you dine each morning.
You will also hear songs from some great classic movies such as “Lay my Burden Down” by Alison Krauss and Union Station. You will hear from the number of songs on the list that she is one of our favorite artists. Her songs are as diverse as our playlist and is a mixture of bluegrass, gospel, blues and country. She often sings with other artists, but our favorite is “Amazing Grace” when she joins her voice with Andrea Bocelli.
Of course, the Country music you will hear takes us further back down memory lane to both of our childhoods. Any song by Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Don Williams, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Dolly Pardon and Vince Gill reminds us of the music our parents loved, and the songs we grew up listening to as children.
I especially love the music that reminds us of the special people in our lives. For instance, “Wagon Wheel” (both versions by Darius Rucker or Old Crow Medicine Show) was a favorite of our nephew, Blaise when he was a toddler. That song always makes me smile and think of him when he was barely old enough to sing and play his toy guitar. He is now a teenager, still loves music and plays the guitar beautifully. Our diverse playlist also reminds us of our young nephew, Luke who loves to sing along to worship songs, but admits to also enjoying Morgan Wallen.
Of course, we love gospel music and hymns, especially those sung by amazing artists such as those listed above, as well as Zach Williams, Ben Fuller, Mercy Me, Anne Wilson, David Crowder, Rascal Flatts and anything Casting Crowns sings. This music reminds us of how thankful we are for God’s blessings, for bringing us together, and for the hope that we have in Him.
Now you have an idea of the kind of music you may hear while you are visiting here at the Inn. We promise to keep the volume respectfully low and will keep it shuffled so you will hear music you will enjoy, and perhaps take away another favorite memory.
If you’d like to hear live music while you are visiting the Texas Hill Country, there are many venues where you can listen to great tunes while you dine or enjoy your favorite beverage.
We hope to see you soon!
Lynn and Diana
