Taste the Texas Hill Country life at Bob Phillips' Escondida

From Dallas News, October 20, 2008...

It may be the most exclusive hideaway in the rolling green hills of Central Texas. Even the name, Escondida, means "hidden." And with only 10 guest rooms, it is about as exclusive as a resort can be.

Escondida was built in 1969 as a private residence on Medina Mountain, just off winding, scenic State Highway 16 between Kerrville and Bandera. The original owner brought in Mexican craftsmen to construct a posh, three-sided hacienda using traditional architecture, materials and techniques. The generously proportioned rooms of the house surround an intricately paved courtyard with a fountain at its center.

Today, Escondida is a relaxing getaway on 125 secluded acres, complete with a luxurious spa and a sparkling swimming pool. A stay includes a hot breakfast each morning and dinner, preceded by a happy hour with wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres, each evening.

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Celebrating 70 Years of Cowboy Camp

From Red Orbit, Jul 18, 2008...

The open-air tabernacle on the hill stands quiet and empty except for the barn swallows that cruise through. The grills are cold. Benches are stacked, hymnals have been put away. Fans have been taken down and the restrooms have been closed for the winter months. The kitchen is dark and deserted, but soon, that all will change and there will be a flurry of activity as the loyal volunteers ready the campgrounds for the 70th annual Hill Country Cowboy Camp Meeting, which starts Aug. 3 and runs through Aug. 10.

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Folk festival headlines a wealth of arts events in Kerrville

From dallasnews.com, May 21, 2008...

Late May is a bustling time for arts and cultural events in or near the Hill Country town of Kerrville.

Among this year's activities:

Perhaps the best-known event is the Kerrville Folk Festival (Thursday through June 8), which features more than 100 songwriters and their bands. This year's big names include Kathy Mattea, the Lost Gonzo Band, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Shake Russell and others. The gathering also has arts and crafts, food vendors and camping. Contact: 830-257-3600; www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com.

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Boomer retirees are loving what Texas Hill Country affords them

From Dallas Morning News, May 6, 2008...

Baby boomers' growing desire to retire to small towns is turning the Texas Hill Country into one of the nation's hot spots for the silver-haired set.

The natural beauty and relative affordability of the area west of Austin and San Antonio have put towns such as Fredericksburg, Kerrville and Marble Falls on national lists of popular retirement places.

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