A Historic Fredericksburg Guesthouse
The Blue Cottage
Call Gastehaus Schmidt at 866-427-8374 and ask for "Blue Cottage!"
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Blue Cottage Newsletter |
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| SOME COMMENTS FROM OUR GUESTS
Thanks so much John and Donna. We feel your are kindred spirits. Thanks so much for your hospitality. It was so nice to come home
after a long day and sit in the backyard and listen to the birds. Such
a nice home--comfortable and welcoming.
This is a great place to stay for two couples traveling together;
I’m glad I found it on the internet. Wendy & Evan are antique
lovers and enjoyed looking at all the treasures in this house. I have rented many house in Fredericksburg. I would have to say
this was the most comfortable. Beds just great. Will stay here again.
Thanks. Very cozy home with lots of history and antiques. Beds very comfortable.
Will be back next year. It sure beats the cold & snow in Canada. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us & also special thanks to the people of Gastehaus Schmidt for all their help—especially the directions and the courtesy extended. I am the great grandson of Georg Heinrich Ludwig Bernhard Enderlin, who is the brother of Charles Enderlin who owned the “Blue Cottage.” It was a fantastic experience to stay in such a beautiful home—full of nostalgia & a family connection from the other side of the world, G& S E We appreciated the detailed newsletter for guests. It's the first place we've stayed that left such an in-depth review for us. Thank you for taking the time to compile this information. C & K T We really enjoyed the house. The kitchen is a great kitchen; you can sit and visit while geting breakfast ready. The house is furnished with everything that was needed. L & H S This little house stirs the imagination of what early Texas was
like. The many photos, documents,and period antiques add to the cultural
climate. Fredericksburg has never been a destination for me, but this
weekend experience has changed that. John,
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TO OUR VALUED GUESTS . . . Welcome to Fredericksburg and the Blue Cottage (Riley-Enderlin House). As we are sure you know, this delightful little city with its still old world charm has a unique history. Founded in 1846, by John O. Meusebach, Secretary-General of the Adelsverein (the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas), the new community attracted settlers from the northern and central German principalities and, despite the hardships of the early years, grew and prospered. A city of over nine thousand today, Fredericksburg still exhibits a decidedly Teutonic character not only in its place names but in the community’s general appearance (notice the clean, wide streets), as well as some of the best German food to be found west of the Rhine. And, yes, you can occasionally still hear German spoken in a few of the shops along Main Street. After visiting Fredericksburg for several years, we purchased the Riley-Enderlin (Blue Cottage) and decided to operate it as a guest house. Labor Day 2009 marked the centennial of the construction of the home. Interestingly, in November we had a visitor from Australia, a descendant of the brother of Charles Enderlin whose family occupied the house for several generations. Much to our surprise, we discovered that we derive tremendous pleasure in the challenge of buying antiques (in fact, we are dangerously close to becoming addicts) and decorating. We have renovated the upstairs, adding a complete bath with a shower (not designed for really tall guys) and a king size bed and love seat. The theme is a somewhat tongue in cheek Texas/Southwestern; at the suggestion of our daughter, we decided to call it the “Lone Star Roost.” The Jacuzzi in the downstairs bath is also new as is the sofa-sleeper and easy chair in the living room. Another addition is our web site (bluecottagebandb.com) that is linked to Gastehaus Schmidt so the Blue Cottage may be booked on line. We trust, therefore, that you will enjoy your stay in the Blue Cottage as much as we enjoyed getting it ready for you! We have alsoadded high-speed wireless internet connection so our guests may check their email. We also added a larger TV with both DVD and VCR capabilities. And in case our guests wish to fort up some evening there is a collection of movies in the cabinet below the TV monitor.
If you like to cook outdoors, we offer a barbeque grill on the patio. A couple of years ago we added a chiminea (for you Yankees that is an outdoor fireplace). We supply the wood for the chiminea and it is a lot of fun on a cool evening. We also provide charcoal for the grill. We would like to recommend to you some of our favorite places to eat, a number of which are in walking distance, as Fredericksburg is a city of fine restaurants and exceptionally good food. In fact, the Chamber of Commerce claims there are over sixty such establishments. When we are in town, we make it a practice to lunch at the newer establishments (although we can’t avoid old favorites such as Pasta Bella and Bejas Restaurant and Grill). We consider this “research.” Also, you might as well forget Dr. Adkins while in town. A word of caution, however; so many cafes and restaurants open and close in a year’s time that there may be some excellent new ones that we have not had the opportunity to try. If you discover a gem that is not on our list of recommendations, please let us know. We have sampled on more than one occasion all the establishments suggested below. Most have been in business for sometime and have well-established reputations. Located on South Llano, a half block from Main on the left hand side of the street is Pasta Bella (103 South Llano; 990-9778). Our daughter Paige insists that we eat here at least once every time we are in town. In truth, it really doesn’t take much pleading on her part to persuade us. The food, exclusively Italian, is praiseworthy as is the service. You can tell that the young owner truly enjoys his business. The Buffalo Nickel Restaurant, located next to Pasta Bella,
is one of the newer
One of the newer establishments in town is the Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse (305 W. Main; 992-3288). There is a large bar area with a stage, and the Crossroads offers entertainment on weekends. We have enjoyed lunch at the Crossroads on numerous occasions, sampled several of the offerings on the menu, and have never been disappointed. In addition, we found the wait staff to be delightfully helpful and pleasant. The restful décor in the large dining area is an attractive Southwestern style. The Crossroads is open for lunch from 11-2 Wednesday thru Saturday, with dinner from 5-9. A recent issue of Texas Highways featured an article on the Cabernet Grill (2805 S. State Highway 16; 990-5734). Very upscale, the Cabernet offers a gourmet menu and boasts the nation’s largest all Texas wine list including wines from the vineyards along U. S. 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. (The ten wineries in this area have banded together as the “290 Wine Road” to promote the 290 corridor as a distinctive wine producing region.) According to Texas Highways “the chef and owner Ross Burwell looks to the surrounding area for produce, cheeses, and meats,” thus giving the menu a most distinctive and unique Texas flavor. Our only disappointment is that the Cabernet does not serve lunch; however, it is open for dinner Tuesday thru Saturday from 5 p. m. till closing. It might be a good idea to call for reservations. The Hill Top Café (997-8922), located some twelve miles west
on the Mason highway If you are in search of barbeque, try Cranky Franks (1679 S. U. S. Highway 87; 997-2353). Until recently this well-known Fredericksburg establishment was owned and operated by Texas high school football legend Ken Hall. We noticed on our last trip that Cranky Franks also has a stand on the east end of Main. While on the subject of barbeque, Cooper’s in Llano some 40 miles to the north is indeed nationally famous and well worth the drive. Recently, John heard a program on National Public Radio concerning a search for the world’s most perfect barbeque. The broadcast was from Cooper’s! Cooper’s does not stand on ceremony. You walk up to the pit, point to the pork, beef, or ribs you want, and they sell it to you by the pound. John got overly ambitious on one occasion and ran up a $50 tab! You go inside, get your drink, potato salad, beans, or whatever, join the rest of the crowd at the picnic tables and eat on butcher paper. Your congenial dining companions may include a lawyer from Austin, a physician from San Antonio, a party of deer hunters, or a truck driver on his/her way to Los Angeles. It is all indeed great fun. Cooper’s also has a place in Mason. An old friend who spent a good deal of his service time in Berlin insists that Friedhelms Bavarian Restaurant and Bar (905 W. Main near the west end of town; 997-7024) offers the most authentic German food he has found in this country. Having never been to Germany, we cannot testify to that, but the food is indeed excellent. Friedhelms has recently undergone extensive renovations. The Altdorf (301 W. Main; 997-7865) outdoor biergarten is a fun place to eat during good weather; stick with the German food however. On occasion, they feature an Om-pah-pah band. Another biergarten, the Auslander (320 E. Main, almost directly across the street from the Nimitz Museum; 997-3744) offers a wide variety of food in addition to German fare. Have you ever heard of a Mexican pizza? Well, the Auslander has, and, truthfully, it isn’t bad. On occasion the Auslander offers entertainment featuring some of the best of Texas musicians and songwriters including Ray Wylie Hubbard and Jimmy LaFave. The Altdorf (301 W. Main; 997-7865) outdoor biergarten is a fun place to eat during good weather; stick with the German food however. On occasion, they feature an Om-pah-pah band. One of Fredericksburg’s most popular lunch spots is the Peach Tree Tea Room (210 South Adams; 997-9527). On weekends, call a day ahead for reservations; in fact, we have eaten there only infrequently, because it is often difficult to get a table, especially during even weekends. Open for lunch, they occasionally serve supper in the evening, depending of the season. Again, best to call ahead. For Mexican food we enjoy Mamacita’s (997/9546) located on E. Main past the Nimitz. However, we noticed that a new Mexican restaurant has opened across the street from city hall, but we have not had the opportunity to try it. Because of a change in state law a number of years ago, Fredericksburg now has its own brew-pub, the Fredericksburg Brewing Company (145 E. Main; 997-1646) that offers lagers and ales brewed right on the premises (Donna likes the “Not So Dumb Blond”), as well as a variety of foods ranging from hamburgers to German sausage plates. They also have some interesting lunch specials. Open both for lunch and in the evenings, this is one of the first such establishments in the state. Fredericksburg Brewing was featured in the August 1995 issue of Texas Highways.
The Rathskeller (990-5858; corner of Main and Lincoln Street), located in a basement below what at one time was the local hospital, offers excellent lunch specials and has quickly become one of our favorites. The Rathskeller is opened for breakfast, lunch, and supper. George’s Old German Bakery (225 W. Main, next to Gastehaus Schmidt) is a favorite breakfast spot. Andy’s Steak and Seafood Grill (413 S. Washington St.; 997-3744) is a favorite with locals. Andy’s is the oldest continuous operating café in Fredericksburg. They offer great special of lunch and also have a reasonably priced full breakfast buffet on weekends. If you simply crave a cup of coffee and a muffin, a sweet roll or a
breakfast tortilla wrap, try Also featuring wireless internet access is Fredericksburg Gourmet Coffee & Tea (997-8327) located on West Main. The café offers an informal and comfortable environment that invites you to relax and enjoy your morning coffee. The gourmet coffees you will find in the cabinet came from Fredericksburg Gourmet. They offer breakfast as well as a light lunch. Open seven days a week; closed early on Sunday.
Donna insists that a trip to Fredericksburg would not be complete without a visit to the recently open confectionary, Chocolat (990-9382; 251 W. Main). Some of their exquisite chocolates offer a real surprise once you put them in your mouth. Careful, however, about driving if you sample too many of the Sam Houston Bourbons! We used to say that folks did not come to Fredericksburg for the night
life. However, that A new music venue, the Rockbox (109 N. Llano; 997-ROCK), opened this past year. They promise “professional variety live-music, Rock n’ Roll show with performances every weekend.” We have yet to experience it, but our daughter and her husband did and said it was well worth the money. The Rockbox is family oriented and does not serve alcohol. Maybe folks will start coming to Fredericksburg for the night life after all. A quick trip down Main Street reveals why Fredericksburg is reputed to be a shopper’s paradise. Even John, who avoids the malls at all costs, will make an occasional foray downtown. Donna suggests that you ladies need to visit the In-Step, located just up from the Nimitz. She is such a regular that they call us at home in Baytown when they have a sale. However, there is obviously a great deal more to do in Fredericksburg and the surrounding area than to go out to eat and shop. So much in fact that while we have been coming up here for years, we still have not seen and done everything. So rather than try to cover it all for you, we have left some literature including a Texas Monthly guidebook and a copy of a Ladies Day Out in the Hill Country. Please leave them for the next guests. Also, in case you simply want to fort up some evening and stay indoors, in the cabinet under the TV there is a small library of videos. Sometimes we enjoy spending an evening watching movies, something we rarely have time for at home. We cannot resist the temptation to make a few suggestions of things for you to do while in town. If you like wines, visit some of the local vineyards and wineries. There are now eight in the immediate vicinity of Fredericksburg, and the reputation of Hill Country wines is growing. The tasting rooms downtown (there are several) will give you directions, as will the local Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau (302 East Austin Street, 997-6523). Both the Chamber and the tasting rooms can also provide information regarding winery tours, a number of which include lunch. This spring we discovered a new winery, Water2Wine (997-9400), directly across Main Street from Gastehaus Schmidt. Here you can make your own wine. We accepted the challenge and actually produced, with gentle guidance from the owners, a delicious Australian Chardonnay that we bottled under “The Blue Cottage” label. Acting on a suggestion from the proprietors, the day we bottled the wine we invited a friend and brought in cheese, crackers, and other snacks. This made for a most delightful and entertaining afternoon. By the way, there is a gourmet cheese shop next door to Water2Wine that features a variety of cheeses from around the world. Take time to drive the Willow City Loop late some afternoon, The scenery is breathtaking, and you will most likely see an astounding variety of wildlife. In fact, a recent article in Texas Highways suggested that the Willow City Loop was among the ten best locations in Texas to view wildflowers. Be careful, however, because the traffic can get rather heavy during the peak season, and the local constabulary frowns on folks who stop and pull off the road. For those of you who are birders, we have seen the rare Golden-Cheek Warbler on the Willow City Loop on several occasions. This suggests that they are nesting in the area. Please don’t spread this around; it’ll be our little secret. If you enjoy exploring, drive out the Mason Highway (U. S. 87 West) to Cherry Springs and visit the grave site of the founder of Fredericksburg, John O. Meusebach. Maintained by the Gillespie County Historical Society, the small cemetery with its unique stone wall is one of the most unusual in Texas. Approximately a mile past the cemetery is the old Rode Ranch, at one time a delightfully traditional bed and breakfast that offered a panoramic view of the surrounding country side; we are unsure as to its current status. Close by is one of the lovely Lutheran churches so characteristic of the German Hill Country. Again, for you birders, during the spring and summer the country is alive with painted buntings. A little further west on U. S. 87 is Loyal Valley near where Herman Lehmann, whose odyssey among the Indians has inspired several books, was captured by Apaches in the 1870s. One of these books, The Last Captive by A. C. Greene, is considered among the great classics of Texas literature. Lehmannn’s niece, Esther, who is a dear friend of ours and remembers her uncle quite well, still lives on the ranch where uncle Hermann was captured. Several summers ago, she was kind enough to allow us to bring a busload of teachers to her ranch, where she shared with them tales of her uncle’s adventures. For you Texas history buffs, Herman Lehmann eventually became a Comanche warrior and was adopted by Quanah Parker, the last of the great Comanche war leaders. The Comanche from Oklahoma occasionally visit Esther and have adopted her into their nation. Esther’s father also made a cattle-drive to the railhead in Kansas during the hay day of the Texas cattle industry (shades of John Wayne!). How many people are around today that have an uncle captured by Indians and a father who drove cattle to Kansas? The Fredericksburg area is not really that far removed from the frontier in either spirit or time. South of Fredericksburg off U. S. 16 (the Kerrville Highway), you may still view the remains of the old Morris Ranch, an internationally known horse breeding operation so extensive that it operated its own school as well as a hotel for prospective buyers. During the late spring and summer months, don’t miss the spectacular flight of the bats at dusk from the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area located several miles east of the city on the Old San Antonio highway. Owned by Texas Parks and Wildlife, the tunnel is home to a large colony of Mexican free-tail bats. We understand it is actually a nursery where females come to have their young (called pups). When the bats are in residence in the late spring and summer, there is usually a ranger on duty who offers an interpretative program prior to the evening flight. Adjutant to the tunnel, a few hundred yards down Alamo Road, is Alamo Springs Café (107 Alamo Road; phone 830-990-8004). Mary Petre, writing in the December 2008 issue of Hill Country Happenings, commented on a recent visit that “It was a wonderful evening for sitting on the patio listening to some great music while enjoying the very best chili cheeseburger and fries I’ve ever eaten!” The café is open every day and evening except Tuesdays and offers musical entertainment on Saturdays during the winter and on other evenings in the summer. If you spend anytime in the Hill Country, it would be a shame, almost a sacrilege, to fail to visit the Wildseed Farm, located on U. S. 290 seven or so miles east of town (between Fredericksburg and the Lyndon Johnson State and National Park). The 600 acre farm grows more than 80 species of wildflowers. Depending on the season, the sight of acres and acres of bluebonnets, poppies, perennial salvia, etc. can indeed be spellbinding. There is an attractive gift shop where you may purchase seeds as well as various other items with a wildflower theme. We have planted our backyard at home with seeds from Wildseed Farm, and they have done quite well. Be careful as you turn off U. S. 290 into the Wildseed complex. We have witnessed two wrecks as folks speeding down the road get distracted from their driving by the fields of wildflowers. Other worthwhile attractions in Fredericksburg and the vicinity include the Nimitz National Museum of the War of the Pacific, definitely a world-class facility. The newly opened George Bush Gallery with its life-size dioramas of Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle Raid (we actually met Doolittle’s co-pilot on a recent visit), and Guadalcanal is definitely worth a morning or afternoon. Fort Martin Scott (located a few miles east of downtown on U. S. 290) was the first such military post established on the Texas frontier following the annexation of the state and the subsequent war with Mexico. Occupied for only five years, from 1848 to 1853, the fort made a significant contribution to the development of the economy of Fredericksburg. Because of the cordial relations between the German settlers and the local Indian tribes, few actions against the native peoples originated at Martin Scott. Stationed at the fort at various times were such notable army officers as Seth Eastman, known for his sketches documenting the lives of Native Americans, and Longstreet of Civil War fame. While the only original building still standing is the guard house, several of the barracks have been reconstructed on their original sites. A friend of John’s researched the history of Martin Scott in the National Archives and discovered an enlisted man was once court marshaled for “worthlessness.” Interestingly, there were apparently degrees of worthlessness as another soldier was charged with “utter worthlessness.” We are thrilled that the Former Texas Ranger Association intends to build a state-of-the art, high tech museum in the vicinity of Fort Martin Scott (John has the honor of serving on their education advisory committee). Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is 17 miles north of town on S. H. 965. It features the third largest granite batholith in the world and is really fun to climb as you get a spectacular view of the unspoiled surrounding countryside. However, on holiday weekends it is difficult to get into the park as entrance is limited because excessive traffic has damaged the ecosystem. The Lyndon Johnson State and National Park is located some 16 miles east of Fredericksburg on U. S. 290. On most days, the National Park Service offers bus tours of Johnson’s Ranch; we have taken the tour dozens of times and never tire of it. Be sure and visit the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm while at the Johnson historical park. On the bookshelf (unless we or someone else have borrowed it) you should find The Search for Emma’s Story, a delightful little book by Marian Martinello and Ophelia Nilsen Wienheimer chronicling the life of a young German farm woman who owned and operated the farm with her husband in the early 1900s.
Also, keep in mind that Kerrville, with all it has to offer, is located only some 20 miles south of Fredericksburg. We especially enjoy the exhibits of the National Gallery of Western Art (formerly the Cowboy Artists of American Gallery), so much so that we have become members so we can take advantage of their special programs. The little town of Comfort (founded, interestingly enough, by German freethinkers) also approximately 20 miles south is an antique junkie’s paradise. As you have probably surmised by now, we have a great fondness for Fredericksburg and the Hill County. We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay and come back often. Warm regards from your hosts,
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Fredericksburg,
with its wide streets and outdoor eateries, is a great town to see by
bicycle so we recently purchased two bikes. Both bikes have brand new
tires and inner tubes. We acted on a suggestion from a guest and added
baskets to make the bikes useful for shopping. 
establishments
in town. When we went in for lunch, and Sandy, who owns the restaurant
with her husband, came by to welcome us. Decorated with authentic Indian
artifacts from New Mexico, the Buffalo Nickel has an interesting menu
of Southwestern/Texas fare. There were four different varieties of chicken
fried steak. We were impressed with both the food and the service. The
Buffalo also offers a full service bar and it is opened on Sunday.
For Southwestern
fare it is difficult to beat Bejas Restaurant and Bar (209 E.
Main; 997-5226). We enjoy taking our out of town guests there for lunch.
Not only is the food good (try the soup of the day—we have never been
disappointed; also the chicken tortilla soup is do die for), but the
service is excellent. Recently, Bejas featured a “chicken-fried rib-eye”
lunch special; John (who temporarily abandoned his carb counting) found
it to be tender and absolutely delicious. In other words, it is not
your typical Texas chicken-fried. Bejas also features an outdoor seating
area where in good weather you can enjoy your meal while watching the
action on Main Street. Eric, the owner, is a Fredericksburg native and
has become a friend. Tell Eric we recommend Bejas.
(U. S. 87), is a real gem that offers, believe it or not, Greek and
Cajun cuisine in an old building reminiscent of a circa 1930s filling
station and country store. Owner Johnny Nicholas, a well-known blues
singer who at one time played piano with Asleep at the Wheel, if around,
will usually entertain. Be sure to call for reservations in the evening;
closed Monday and Tuesday. The Hill Top has enjoyed considerable publicity
with articles in such varied publications as the New York Times and
Texas Monthly. Recently, it was selected by readers of Texas Highways
as among the ten best restaurants in the state. No telling what notable
you might run in to.
If you
prefer wine to beer, try the Lincoln Street (111 South Lincoln;
997-8463), a block south of Main Street at the corner of S. Lincoln
and E. San Antonio. They offer a fine selection of wines as well as
cheeses. In line with the latest smoking fad, they also carry a wide
variety of cigars. The atmosphere is informal; the staff friendly and
helpful. It’s a great place to take a break from an afternoon of downtown
shopping and enjoy a glass of wine, some cheese, and good conversation
with friends. (We both swore off cigars a long time ago.)
theJava
Ranch (990-4517; 114 E. Main). This is a favorite of locals, and
for you early birds, they open Monday through Saturday at 7:00 A. M.
(Sundays, 9:00 A. M.) and features Starbucks Coffee. John likes to go
there read the paper and occasionally do a little work on his laptop
while Donna prepares for the day. In fact, he refers to the Java Ranch
as his “Fredericksburg office.” What really makes it handy is they offer
wireless internet connection. The Java Ranch also serves a light lunch.
The tortilla wraps are great and a meal unto themselves. By the way,
it is worth a trip just to see the Old West mural on the walls. 
On one
of our more recent trips to town we discovered the Airport Diner
(997-9990) at the airport next to the Hanger Hotel. This jewel features
the décor of a 1940s diner--lots of polished chrome and music from the
World War II era. Not only does the Airport Diner open for breakfast
early in the morning but at noon offers “Blue Plate Specials.” If you
desire a real taste of nostalgia (along with the calories that go with
it) order a hamburger (“Bomber Burger”) with a malt and onion rings.
An added feature is that the diner is situation adjacent to the runway
so you may watch the action while you enjoy your meal. Interestingly,
the bar inside the Hanger Hotel, aptly named “The Officers’ Club,” features
1940s décor and shows movies from that era on a large screen. Not too
long ago we headed for the Diner for lunch and stumbled on to an air
show. We had the thrill of witnessing one of the few extant Second World
War B-17s take off and meeting “Tex” Hill, who commanded the 2nd Squadron
of the Flying Tiger’s Panda Bears in China in the early years of the
War. That is part of the appeal of Fredericksburg; you never know what
or who you are going to run across by accident.
changed
a couple of years ago with the opening of Hondo’s on Main (312
W. Main; 997-1633), named after the legendary Hondo Crouch, self-proclaimed
mayor of Luckenbach. Billed as a combination museum, general store,
gift shop, and domino parlor, Hondo’s features live entertainment as
well as cold beer and wine. You might want to check their schedule as
some of the greats of Texas music are occasionally featured. Hondo’s
has become so popular that they had to move from East Main to their
present larger location. Hondo’s is now serving food at lunch and in
the evening. John recommends the enchiladas; they are decidedly different!
Hondo’s is closed Monday and Tuesday. 
And
of course there is the little hamlet of Luckenbach
made famous by the song “Luckenbach, Texas,” where, as the town’s slogan
goes, “everyone is somebody.” The general store and bar is open most
nights till 9:00 p.m. Willie Nelson held his Fourth of July Picnic here
on two occasions, and Jerry Jeff Walker and other Texas music legends
appear on a regular bases in the old dance hall. Luckenbach is east
of Fredericksburg, four miles south of U. S. 290 off F. M. 1376.