Touristing in Fredericksburg

We're back from our belated wedding anniversary get-away in Fredericksburg. Our little cabin at Cotton Gin Village was a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e. I took lots of pics that I'll post later, but it was just so relaxing to have a slow-paced week-end where we didn't have to worry about work, house plans, obligations or being responsible in any way, shape or form.

We left Austin on Friday afternoon (but not early enough to be beat traffic jams, of course) and arrived at around 6:30 p.m. A vegetative state was assumed until dinner at the Cotton Gin restaurant, which was delicious. I had my very first mint julep ever and have been fantasizing about it ever since. They put their special twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby standard by adding lavender syrup, which gave it a strangely comforting appeal. Here's the recipe (or at least what I could figure out as our waitress mixed it in front of us):

Lavender Mint Julep

Add equal parts cognac, rum (I think), and lavender syrup to fresh spearmint sprigs (she was very insistent on the fact that it be spearmint) in a shaker with ice; shake vigorously and pour into a cute, silver mint julep cup.

Sip and pretend you're rocking on the porch of your colonial mansion in Georgia. Of course if you don't have a mint julep cup, any will do. But it's significantly less fun that way. Just holding it in my hand made me want to bust out the Southern drawl, strictly reserved for special occasions, i.e. high levels of intoxication.

The next day we spent window shopping in Fredericksburg. We were hoping to run across some furniture or paintings that we could truck back to Austin with us, but it wasn't to be. Instead we snagged some jams and pepper sauces from Rustlin' Rob's, an Oriental-looking red plate for the living room, and strands of turquoise & snail jasper (gorgeous! This may replace laboradorite as my new favorite stone) that I'll use to make jewelry. That night we rocked on our cabin porch, listened to the crazy-loud frog croaking in the pond, drank a bottle and a half of wine, and talked into the wee hours of the morning. It was really, really lovely...

The next morning Greg was awake at 6 a.m. to catch his Formula One race - yes, he took full advantage of the satellite T.V. Then he crawled back into bed with me to snuggle until we had to pack it up and check out.

We left Fredericksburg feeling cuddly and refreshed. I think we were both surprised at how much we needed this. And at the rejuvenating power of a simple week-end away in the hill country. If you have the means, I highly recommend it.

And what's better, we arrived in Austin to a fully refinished deck and front door. Let the deck beautification begin!