Poteet Country Winery: Raise a Glass to South Texas

Follow the weathered wooden arrow pointing down a rustic dirt road lined with windmills, and you'll eventually find yourself at Poteet Country Winery. True to its name, this local winery makes its guests feel as though they're far out in the countryside—despite being only about a 40-minute drive south of San Antonio.

Poteet Country Winery was opened in 1998 by two born-and-bred country boys with a penchant for creating sweet, fruit-based wines. From strawberries to blackberries, they continue to pluck the ripest berries and press them into wines at this charming family-owned and -operated winery.

Enjoy a free wine tasting behind its wooden facade, which evokes an old-timey general store, or take a tour of the winery (also free). With hardwood floors and exposed wooden beams overhead, the cozy spot is the perfect place to hunker down with a glass of fresh wine, especially if you take it out to the back porch overlooking the natural splendor of southern Texas.

Poteet Country Winery
400 Tank Hollow Road
Poteet, TX 78065
(830) 261-4710
www.winestoresanantonio.com
www.yelp.com/biz/poteet-country-winery-poteet-2

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Gristmill River Restaurant: Kick Back With a Beer in a Former Cotton Mill

In 1922, the Gruene cotton mill burned nearly to the ground. Powered by the waters of the Guadalupe River, the historic landmark sat vacant for more than 50 years. In 1977, New Braunfels locals reintroduced the former gristmill to the community as the aptly named Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, located inside the three-story brick boiler room that remained standing after the fire.

It remains a token of the Gruene historic district's industrial past; the interior's decor highlights the vintage exposed brick rather than masking it as a modern space. A wall of windows opens up right to the outdoors, so even dining-in feels like dining-out. Customers can also choose a table that's actually outdoors or grab a beer in the fresh-air garden before being seated. Regardless of where you choose to sit, the steaks, burgers, and fried catfish exemplify South Texas fare in every bite. Patrons particularly love the onion rings and beef tenderloin sandwich, all of which pair well with a wine, beer, or margarita.

Gristmill River Restaurant
1287 Gruene Road
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-0684
gristmillrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/gristmill-river-restaurant-new-braunfels

Happy Memorial Day!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday as we remember all those heroes who have served our nation.

RT Highway: Burgers, Oysters, and Cupcakes in Poteet

RT Highway may borrow its decor from something akin to a truck stop, but its fare is worlds away from what you'd expect to find along the highway. Behind a storefront of red wooden slats, this no-frills eatery serves cupcakes, coffee, and killer burgers.

The interior is much of the same: weathered wood paneling, a set of saloon doors leading back to the kitchen, and a handful of simple tables in a small dining room. But with free Wi-Fi, this becomes the perfect place to sit and sip on a cup of joe and slice of pie, both of which you can order at the counter. Its display case usually has some sweet cupcakes to choose from as well, and the kitchen also crafts savory items. Try one of the burgers, some fried shrimp or oysters, or anything from the kids' menu if you're accompanied by a little one.

RT Highway
15 Waxwing Highway 16
Poteet, TX 78065
(830) 276-9017
www.yelp.com/biz/rt-highway-poteeta

5 Omelet Recipes That Will Make Your Breakfast Better

To get the perfect combination of eggs, veggies, and cheeses, there’s nothing better than a savory omelet. These five unique omelet recipes will give you a few new ideas for your morning meal.

Aussie Omelet
You may have heard of a Greek omelet or a Spanish omelet, but you’ve probably never tried an Aussie omelet. Full of shrimp, peppers, curry, and other down-under ingredients, this is a spicy seafood omelet that will jump-start your day.

Herbed Cream Cheese Omelet
The addition of rich, creamy cream cheese makes this omelet a savory treat. When the herbs, eggs, and cream cheese all blend together, it creates a rich taste that everyone will love.

Quick Garden Omelet
When you want to create a beautiful breakfast but you don’t have much time to spare, this veggie-packed garden omelet is the perfect choice.

Southwestern Omelet
Black beans, salsa, and melted cheddar give this omelet a spicy flavor that’s distinctly Southwestern. This recipe can feed two people.

Onion and Fresh Herb Omelet with Mixed Greens
This light onion omelet is topped with a mix of field greens for added vitamins and nutrients. Pair it with fresh fruit, hot coffee, and whole-wheat toast for a healthy and hearty breakfast meal.

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Wishing all the moms out there a wonderful day!

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, Like our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends June 30, 2014.

For mobile users ONLY, like our Facebook Page, and then click here to enter!

Go for a Run or Plan a Picnic at Landa Park

Runners flock to New Braunfels' Landa Park early in the morning, jogging in the shade of its towering oak trees and offering warm welcomes to passersby as they go. The distinct community vibe that permeates this 51-acre park is a big part of what makes it so special to locals, according to reviews. More often than not, a police officer is even perched at the entrance, ensuring every car that enters is traveling a safe speed.

If that isn't enough to sell you on this local park, then perhaps its wealth of activities will be. A miniature train chugs around its 51 acres with guests aboard. Paddle boats are available to take out on placid Landa Park Lake. There's a wading pool and playground where children can play, a stage and amphitheater for fresh-air performances, and sand volleyball courts and horseshoe pits. More than 75 grills are scattered throughout the park, as well as 300-plus picnic tables, so head there early in the afternoon to snag a spot for a picnic lunch.

Landa Park
Landa Park Drive

New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 221-4350
www.texasoutside.com/newbraunfels/nblandaparkframes.htm

www.yelp.com/biz/landa-park-new-braunfels

House-Brewed Ales Come Fresh From the Barrel at The Dodging Duck Brewhaus

Before they splash into your glass, the beers at The Dodging Duck Brewhaus never see the light of day. They originate in a 10-barrel brewery system housed at The Dodging Duck, residing in stainless steel tanks calibrated to exactly 34 degrees. That's until the beers make their way through chilled lines to the tap and slosh into pint glasses. From an IPA and stout to lighter ales, the craft beers have put Boerne on the map. This brewery has even brought home gold and silver medals from the World Beer Championships.

Patrons recommend downing a pint with the fried green tomatoes or antelope burger, two favorites from the kitchen. The menu encompasses everything from chimmichurri beef tenderloin to Thai lettuce wraps to bratwurst. Dine outside on the patio, where you can watch the ducks for which the brewery is named as they paddle around a pond, or sit inside one of the lake house-inspired dining rooms. There's also a huge wraparound bar where you can grab a pint and chat with The Dodging Duck's brewmaster.

The Dodging Duck Brewhaus
402 River Road
Boerne, TX 78006
(830) 248-3825
dodgingduck.com/test
www.yelp.com/biz/the-dodging-duck-brewhaus-boerne

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