hill country river region guide 2013

Dining • Lodging • Events T hings to Do & More

YOUR GUIDE TO

Hill Country River RegionHill Country River RegionHill Country River Region

Welcome to theWelcome to theWelcome to theWelcome to theWelcome to the

in Concan, Camp Wood, Leakey, Rio Frio, Sabinal,

Utopia & Vanderpool

2013

Rio FRio Lodging

830-966-2320 • www.friolodging.com www.hillcountryadventures.com

Paradise & Adventure... closer than you think!

HiLL CountRy natuRe touRsFrio Bat Flight, Bluebird Trail, Birding & Big Tree Tours, + Campfire Storytelling

www.hillcountryadventures.com

HiLL CountRy natuRe CenteR

Host of Best Nature Festival in Texas

NATURE QUESTApril 24-28, 2013

& April 23-27, 2014

3Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013

888-502-9387

Welcome to the

Hill Country river region

published by

The Hill Country SunWinner of 21 TCNA Awards including General Excellence

Celebrating Our 23rd Anniversary 1990-2013www.hillcountrysun.com

Contents copyright ©2013. Reproduction of any portion of this publication in any form requires written permission of the publisher

Front Cover “Frio Beauty” Photo by Julie Harrington

Julie HarringtonPublisher/Advertising

512-484-9716 [email protected]

Melissa MaxwellEditor/Design512-569-8212

[email protected]

Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/HillCountrySun

4 Welcome to the Hill Country River Region 2013


H Leakey PAGES 8-14, 34Bent Rim Grill Burgers & More .......................................................................10Buckhorn Bar & Grill Live entertainment, food, more .....................................9Camp Live Oak Cabins on the Frio .................................................................11Catahoula Woodworks Gifts & Home Decor ................................................11Cypress Frio Waters Cabins on Frio River ......................................................12 Ella Purls Trading Post Cafe & Bakery, Retro Gifts ........................................12 Frio Canyon Chamber of Commerce Information, Events ............................8Frio Canyon Real Estate Shawn Streib Gray, Broker/Owner ........................12Frio Rivers Edge Houses on the Frio ..............................................................12 Frio Springs Lodges Cabins on Frio Waterfront .............................................13High Places Realty Mary Kay Windham, Broker .............................................11Hondo National Bank 24-Hour ATM ............................................................11Josh’s River Gear, Souvenirs, Swimwear, Bait, More ..........................................23Lala’s Mexican Food .........................................................................................14Land & Ranch Realty Lem Lewis, Broker/Owner ..........................................34Leakey Inn Frio River Inn & Cabins ..................................................................14Pioneer Real Estate Shirley Shandley, Broker/Owner ....................................10River Haven Cabins on the Frio ......................................................................14River Rags & Rhinestones Country Style Boutique .......................................10Sunrise Ridge Cabins Cabins on the Frio ......................................................10

H Concan PAGES 15-27, 36Andy’s on River Road Tubing, Shuttle, Cabins, RV Sites, Gift Shop, Store.......20Bec’s Store & RV Park RV Park, Cabins, Store ................................................27Bonnie’s Bakery Fresh baked goods ..............................................................23Buchanan Cabins Cabins and swimming hole ...............................................24Camp River View Cabins, RV Sites, Tent Sites on Frio......................................24Concan General Store Gas, Groceries, Tubes, Pizza ......................................16Crider’s on the Frio Cabins on the Frio .........................................................23Elm Creek Stables Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Gift Shop .......................................21Frio Country Resort Lodging, Golf, Dining ...................................................16Frio’s Dry 50 River Gear, Gifts, More ..............................................................22Frio Fergie’s River Co. River Gear, T-Shirts, Flip Flops ....................................18Frio River Realty Larry Roberts, Owner/Broker, Homes, Ranches ..................20Frio River Vacation Rentals Cabins, Homes ................................................20House Pasture Cattle Co. Dining, Live Texas Music ......................................25Josh’s River Gear, Souvenirs, Swimwear, Bait, More ..........................................23Loca on the Frio Boutique Gifts, Jewelry, Decor, Clothing ..........................15Nana’s RV Park Frio Riverfront Park ................................................................24Neal’s Dining Room Dining ..........................................................................19Neal’s Lodges Cabins & Lodges, Tubes, Groceries, Gift Shop ...........................26Parkview Riverside RV Park Frio Riverfront, Groceries, Gift Shop ...................... 17River Oaks Resort Homes and Cabins ...........................................................21River Rim Resort Cabins, RV Sites on the Frio River ...........................Back CoverSeven Bluff Cabins Cabins, RV Spaces ...........................................................18Yeargen’s River Bend Cottages, Motel & Camping on Frio, Gift Shop ...........15Texas Land & Ranch Jim Fuchs, Owner/Broker ............................................22

H Utopia PAGES 29-29, 35Fiddlestix Dining, Comfort Food .....................................................................29Foxfire Cabins Log Cabins & Homes on the Sabinal River ...............................28Lost Maples Cafe Dining ...............................................................................29Main Street Utopia Antiques, Gifts ................................................................29Sabinal River Lodge Log cabin lodge ...........................................................28Thompson Real Estate Nancy Thompson, Owner/Broker .............................28The Laurel Tree Fine dining ...........................................................................29The Lodges of Lost Maples Vacation Cabins ..............................................29Utopia Golf Golf Course .................................................................................29Utopia on the River B&B Lodge, Conference Center on Sabinal River ...........35UtopiaTexas.info Utopia information online ..................................................29

H Sabinal PAGE 33Hart’s Furniture Custom Mesquite & Hardwood Furniture .............................33

H Camp Wood PAGES 30-31Arrowhead Lodging Cabins & Guest House on Nueces River ........................31Bear Creek Chocolate & Fudge Sweets & Treats .........................................30Boots & Buckles Bar and Grill ........................................................................31Marilyn’s Jewelry, Knives, Cowhides & Western Decor .....................................30Nueces Country Smokehouse Meat Market & Smokehouse, Groceries .........31Suzie Q’s Quilting Supplies ...............................................................................35Valley Ranch Retreat, Woodbine Inn& Mill Wheel on the Nueces Guest Cottages Lodging ............................35

H Rio Frio PAGE 2-3, 6-7Hill Country Nature Center, Hill Country Nature Tours.........................2Rio Frio Lodging Vacation Rentals ...................................................................2River Bluff Cabins Cabins on the Frio ..............................................................3The Ridge Real Estate on the Frio ......................................................................7

Frio Bat Flight See millions of bats emerge ......................................................3Hill Country Herald Weekly newspaper ........................................................32Hill Country Rivers Visitor Information ...........................................................5Nature Quest Nature Festival April 24-28, 2013 ................................................6Real County Centennial Celebrating 100 years ..............................................6Real Hill Country Times Newspaper ............................................................32“Tales of the Frontier Canyon” Book by Linda Kirkpatrick ...........................32


See CENTENNIAL, page 7

Real County will celebrate it’s 100th Birthday for the entire year of 2013! We have lots planned so check out our web site for monthly events and make plans to party!

Come Celebrate our

100th Birthday

www.RealCounty1913.com

HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION

REAL COUNTY

Attractions & Events... See Calendar Pages 33-34

for more information!

By Wanda BlackBurn

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Real County and

guests are invited to help celebrate.

For the past two years, Real County Judge Garry Merritt and Centennial Committee Chairman Willis Springfield have lead an army of volunteers; their planning and hard work has resulted in a year-long calendar of events.

The county-wide effort marks the milestone by honoring Real County’s settlers.

“We are celebrating the hardiness and the entrepreneurship of the pioneers,” Judge Merritt explains. “This was a hard place to make a living and the people who live here now respect the sacrifices that were made, which means they appreciate the freedom, independence and space we have in this area.”

Each month throughout 2013, the county will host a variety of events: guided historical tours of Leakey, Camp Wood and Rio Frio, reunions, parades, cook-offs, shrimp boil, melodrama, 5K run, soap box derby, charreada, cowboy symposium and more, including burial of a time capsule.

New events will be accompanied by old favorites. “We’ve tried to partner with local organizations that put on certain events that were

already being held. Events such as the well-known July Jubilee will carry a Centennial theme this year,” Judge Merritt explains.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so we wanted to make it really outstanding,” Willis says, dubbing April 6 as the “Big Birthday Bash.”

Day-long festivities culminate in the dedication of the commemorative historical marker at the Real County Courthouse in Leakey followed by a traditional Texas meal, a huge birthday cake and a street dance on the Square.

A complete Centennial Calendar of Events is available online at www.realcounty1913.com.

You can also view a history of settlements in Real county, collections of photos and other information. The site is updated regularly.

T-shirts, coffee mugs, calendars and other Real Country Centennial items are big sellers. The t-shirt has been seen around the world, thanks to a popular front-page feature in The Hill Country Herald.

“Where in the World Did You Wear Your Real County Centennial T-shirt?” is the original idea of editor/publisher Julie Becker.

The pictorial has run every week since June 2012 and will continue through the end of 2013.

On the whole, 100 years isn’t such a long time and

Real County celebrates Centennial

Texas-sized party that lasts all year


CENTENNIAL, from page 6

RIO FRIO

Real County still has many residents who recall the early days.

Willis recognized the importance of recording their memories, so the oldest citizens were asked to tell a story.

And tell stories they did! Their remembrances range from amusing childhood pranks to poignant stories about the depression and war years.

You can read their personal reminiscences on the Centennial web site (and one—from Reba Hicks—in this guide, reprinted with permission).

When Edwards County was organized in 1883, Leakey, named for early pioneers John and Nancy Leakey, was its county seat.

Real County Judge Garry Merritt LEFT and Willis Springfield, Centennial Chairman, welcome visitors to the year-long celebration of the Real County Centennial. Photo by Wanda Blackburn.See CENTENNIAL, page 8

The Edwards/Bandera county line ran directly through town.

When the Edwards county seat was later moved to Rocksprings, citizens had to make an arduous, dangerous journey over the mountains and through the steep canyons to Rocksprings or Bandera to conduct business.

In 1895, residents proposed a new county made up of parts of existing Uvalde, Bandera and Edwards counties.

Their petition was rejected by the State. Finally, on April 3, 1913, the Texas Legislature passed a Bill creating a new county named Murphy from parts of Edwards, Kerr and


— ANNUAL EVENTS —

Memorial Day Weekend Shrimp BoilSaturday 5 pm • Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop, Hwy 337W. Leakey

July Jubilee/Rodeo First Saturday in JulyArts & Crafts, Food Vendors 8 am-4 pm • Patriotic Parade 10 am

Courthouse Square, Hwy 83, LeakeyRodeo —Friday & Saturday 8 pm

Christmas on the SquareFirst Saturday after Thanksgiving

Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors 8 am-4 pmCourthouse Square, Hwy 83, Leakey

SouthweSt Corner of hwy. 83 and 5th Street

PO BOx 743 • Leakey, Texas 78873-0743 • 830-232-5222


[email protected] • www.buckhornbarngrill.com

830-232-4755 • 4377 South US Hwy 83 • Leakey, TX

Great Food • Live Entertainment • Karaoke/DJ 5 Big Screen TVs • Pool Tables • Shuffleboard • Biker Friendly

“Where Everyone’s a Local”

LEAKEY


See CENTENNIAL, page 10

Centennial logo. Courtesy Real County Centennial.

Bandera counties. An amendment before

passage renamed it Real, for rancher and Texas State Senator Julius Real, a former Kerr county judge and the only Republican State Senator at that time.

The three counties were glad to be rid of their

most inaccessible parts, as the land was deemed undesirable, not good for grazing or farming.

“So now we’re more than happy to have their leftovers!” Judge Merritt says. The Frio Canyon area with the Frio, Nueces and Sabinal rivers, is now much

sought-after, especially for recreational purposes.

The population of Real County’s is 3,309. In addition to Leakey, it contains the communities of Vance, Camp Wood, Rio Frio and Divide. The winding Nueces River is a boundary and highways and twisting ranch roads take you in and out of the county.

From the Edwards Plateau, up and down the Balcones Escarpment and on top of the Divide, the steep canyons, ravines and breaks isolated the early farms and cabins dotted throughout the region. Settlements were hard to defend against Indian attacks and floodwaters often raged through the valleys. But those pioneers

who stayed became the backbone of today’s population, giving them grit, determination and a fierce independence. The current generation has benefitted from ancestors who relied only upon themselves and the responsibility they felt toward each other. Today, 100 years later,

View from Ranch Road 337. Photo by Tom Wiley.


LEAKEY

Specialty Burgers, & A Variety of Menu Choices

Dine-In or To-Go

657 West RR337 Leakey, Texas

Next to Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop

WI-FI

“Hot Food, Ice Cold Beer. It’s what we do.”

www.bentrimgrill.com • 830-232-6649

www.hillcountryrealestate.net698 S. Highway 83 • Leakey, TX

PIONEER Real EstateShirley Shandley, Broker/Owner

830-232-6422

Sunrise Ridge CABINS

A family oriented retreat on the FrioOpen Year ’Round

600 ft of private Frio River frontageFour 2 BR/2BA Cabins sleep up to 12

One Cabin Sleeps up to 8

Leakey, TX • 830-232-5911FrioSunriseRidgecabins.com

985 Hwy. 83 S, Leakey

830-232-4222

More fun stuff than you’ll find just about anywhere!

We have something for Everyone!Bling • Jewelry • Shoes • Flipflops • Shorts • Toys

Children’s Clothes • Men’s Cinch Jeans • Miss Me Jeans Guy Harvey • Home Accents • Texas Made Tee’s & More!

Good Fishing and Swimming!

there is still relatively little outside influence in the Frio Canyon.

Farming and ranching has evolved. An area that has relied primarily on summer tourism, dependent on the levels of the rivers to drive a healthy economy, now welcomes motorcyclists, bicyclists and car enthusiasts, who help extend the regular tourist season. And many natural attractions of the

area now make it popular as an eco-tourism destination.

FYI • Leakey is located at the intersection of US Highway 83 and Ranch Roads 336 and 337. For information about Centennial activities or tickets for certain events, call Willis Springfield at 830-232-5783 or mail him at Post Office Box 96, Rio Frio, Texas 78879. You may also contact Garry Merritt, Real County Judge at 830-232-5304. For more information, visit the Real County Centennial web site at www.realcounty1913.com or email [email protected].


Cyclists on Farm Market 1050. Photo courtesy Hill Country Rivers.


OLD FASHION FAMILY FUN ON THE FRIO H Leakey, Texas830-232-4152 • www.CampLiveOak.com

CatahoulaWoodworks.com

Catahoula

105 RR 337 West @ Highway 83Leakey, TX 830-232-5833

We Specialize in UniqueGifts J Decor JCustom Woodwork

Mary Kay Windham, Owner/Broker

www.HighPlacesRealty.com664 S. US Hwy 83 • Leakey, TX • 830-232-4408 Mary Kay Windham, Owner/Broker

By Allie eissler

The fifth annual, three-day UTOPIAfest—an intimate musical af-

fair located in a natural am-phitheater on the sprawling thousand-acre Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia—is slated for September 19-21.

Ticket sales are capped to keep a small community feel, and festival-goers are welcome to bring their own beer and camp for free.

“It really dawned on me how fortunate I was to own a piece of land so completely untouched by civilization,” says founder Travis Sutherland.

“I’m the fifth genera-tion to take care of it, and I wanted it to be self-sustain-ing in some way.”

Experience working se-curity and as a stagehand for big-time music events like Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo and Fun Fun Fun Fest led to an epiphany.

“I’d always been a huge live music fan, and I realized how many amaz-ing bands I knew person-ally since leaving Utopia in 2003. I decided to invite them out to the ranch to play on a Saturday, got the word out as best I could, ...hardly anyone knew the bands, but they all agreed the music was top-notch, and had a really good time.”

The festival has grown steadily in size and scope since its premiere. “Since I graduated from Texas State, all I wanted was to find a job where I could be doing something creative,” says Travis. “It’s amazing to be able to do something like this.”

FYI • The 5th Annual UTOPIAfest is September 19-21, 2013 at Four Sis-ters Ranch in Utopia. The musical lineup will be released in Spring 2013. Tickets go fast, and when they’re gone, they’re gone, so visit the web site at utopiafest.com to get yours now.

Utopia native foundsunique music festival

The thousand-acre Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia, site of UTOPIAFest music festival. This year’s 5th annual fest is September 19-21. Photo courtesy UTOPIAFest.

LEAKEY


See REBA, page 13

Two great houses on the Frio

713-825-2660 frioriversedge.com • facebook.com/FrioRiversEdge

Great Views • Fully Furnished • Locally Managed

Frio Rivers Edge

Where memories can be made for a lifetime....

Open Year-Round Reservations Required

830-232-5955 • www.cypressfrio.comHill Country Views, Wildlife, Tubing, Hiking, Star Gazing, Fishing, More

Cabins on the Frio River

Private access to a 1/2 mile of the East Frio River

3 miles north of Leakey, Texas on US 83

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!

Ella Purls Trading Post

Located in the Historic Drugstore183 Highway 83 South • Downtown Leakey

830-232-4611 • www.ellapurls.com

Good Eats & Yummy TreatsCafe & Bakery • Smoothies • Lattes • Frappes • Floats

Huge Salads & Sundaes • Fresh Soup • SandwichesBreakfast and Lunch Served ALL DAY

Toys & Joys for ALL Ages • FREE WiFi Unique One-of-a-Kind Retro Gifts

By rebA Hicks

If you were born and raised in Central Texas, known as the Hill Country, where

the Nueces River flows on the Real County side, you were expected to be a little bit Western.

I was born on a ranch on Camp Wood creek, a tributary of the Nueces River. I was the youngest of five Hobbs children, two older brothers and two older sisters. My brothers and sisters did saddle their trusty carriers, get their faithful dog and “go way around um” gathering fresh sheared goats to bring them to shelter under the goat shed, when the weather threatened. They carried a rifle on their saddle and could use it when need be. I, being the baby, was not expected to help outside, unless I chose to, which I did not. I was afraid of the cattle, of butting sheep, guns and even horses.

When I married a local boy, I know he expected me to enter (and win), the turkey shoot every year, to bag the biggest Buck Deer-with the widest rack, kill a rattlesnake or two and teach my girls to race barrels….hello! I did none of these things.

I think I was an

embarrassment, of a sort, to Ken because I wouldn’t do anything western. Every so often he would suggest “Let’s you and me go shoot a Big One.” To which I would reply “I am not good with guns, Ken. I really don’t want to shoot a gun.”

He would say “Well, let’s go head lightening then and I will use the gun.” So I would go, but it was always a disaster. Every time Ken would stop suddenly to shine the light in a tree, looking for a varmint, I would climb his back. That’s how close I would walk behind him.

One night he had the head light and I had the battery, for the light. We were connected by the wiring from the battery to the light.He shot a ringtail, which fell out of the tree and onto a bluff below the tree lines. Ken yelled “Come On!” as he jumped off the bluff.

I did not jump off the scary high bluff. The battery and I stayed safely on the top — in the dark….the now very, very dark. Once Ken jumped and I didn’t, the wiring to the light pulled loose and the result was total darkness.

From my lofty perch, I could hear “hiss!!spit!hiss!squak!!” …all from a wounded animal. Then “blankity blank, ugly word, ugly word” from Ken, plus a lot of very heavy boot stomping. At last, he came crawling up the bluff, ringtail in hand and we went home….in silence.

LEAKEY

Reba, don’t get your gunLooking Back

As seen in the Hill Country Herald

friocanyonrealestate.com

Shawn Streib Gray, Owner/Broker102 West Ranch Rd. 337 • Leakey, Texas

830.232.4500

Frio Canyon Real Estate


LEAKEY

REBA, from page 12Not a person to give up

easily, Ken continued to try to save me. One day he said “I know where the granddaddy of all granddaddy deer is and today you are going to kill him.”

He took me by the hand, grabbed his gun and pickup keys in the other hand and we were off. I prayed all the way along to the Lord God to hide the deer, but there he stood. Big as Life – a real trophy if I ever saw one.

Now Ken had told me to put a shell in the chamber, look into the scope and if there were as many as four points on one side to shoot. The deer was on my left, the driver’s side, so I had to bring the gun across and shoot from the passenger seat, out the driver’s window. I threw the shell in the chamber,

brought it around to my left and “kablooie!” I blew out the windshield!! “My God, did I shoot you Ken?” I cried.

No answer. I immediately think “Oh Lord, should I try to see where I shot him? Should I give him mouth to mouth? Should I get out of here before his head falls off?”

Yes! I opened the pickup door and ran as fast as I could (and I really run fast!) to……to……somewhere! Anywhere!

I’m so scared and crazy I don’t hear the pickup until it’s along side of me. I look at Ken and see a huge vein sticking out between his eyes and he is saying some really ugly, ugly words. He throws open the door and demands I get in….now! (I’d rather bite a bear!)….but I get in. I open

my mouth to tell him that I had not pulled the trigger, but no sound comes out. Just a squeak! I rolled down my window and laid my head on the window seal letting the air relieve me. We arrived at the house and the girls were there to meet us, excited to see my kill. Ken greeted them with “Your mother tried to kill me!” Four brown scared eyes looked accusingly at me….also Ken’s two hazel ones. I got so mad that my voice came back and I tell all three, “I did not pull the trigger on that gun!”

“How in the (ugly word) do you think that windshield got busted out?” says my rancher husband. Instead of answering I went into the house, picked up an orange and headed out back to the river. I stayed there until I

saw all the lights go out in the house.

The next morning I am picking up breakfast things and I am glad that Ken has taken his gun and gone to feed the deer blinds when I hear “kablooie!” out by the garage. I go to the kitchen door, look out and I see not only is the windshield gone in the truck but now the passenger window glass is also. Ken is standing looking puzzled at his gun. “Is anything special going on out here?” I asked. “This (ugly word, ugly word) gun just fired for no reason!” he said. “The hell you say!” I said as I slammed the kitchen door.

Ken asked many things of me in the 60 years we were married, but to be his hunting buddy again was not one of them!


The Historic Leakey InnFrio River Inn & Cabins

Since 1929Family, motorcycle & Pet Friendly

missoura’s General store & conFectionary treats

dance slab H Guest swimminG Pool

www.leakeyinn.com Reservations: [email protected] H 830-232-5246 H 527 Hwy 83 H Leakey, TX

LEAKEY

By AllAn c. kimbAll

Learn all about nature in the Hill Country, up close and personal, during this year’s Nature Quest.The five-day event will be held April 24 through April 28

headquartered, appropriately enough, near Utopia at the Hill Country Nature Center.

During the 14th Nature Quest, you’ll learn from ex-perts about all fac-ets of the Hill Coun-try—bats, birds, butterflies, insects, champion big trees, natural history, na-tive plants, wildlife habitats, and more.

You’ll get to go on scenic field trips, attend workshops, and perhaps even see rare and endan-

gered species of birds like the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo.

14th Annual NatureQuest is April 24-28

Fighting aoudads near Utopia. Photo by LeAnn Sharp.

See NATURE QUEST, page 14

EscapE to LEakEyEnjoy Rest & Relaxation at

830-232-5400 • 866-232-5400 (toll free)

RiveRHavenon 6.5 acres overlookingthe Frio River (Rio Frio)Log Cabins with River Views

Lodge Available forReunions • Weddings • Meetings

www.riverhavencabins.com • [email protected]: Sandy & Margie Sutherland


Established 1955Cottages • Shelters • Camping

Gifts • River Gear • T-ShirtsMotel • RVs • Fanily Reunions

830-232-6616www.riverbendonthefrio.com

1-1/2 Mile No. of Garner State Park on Hwy. 83

CONCAN

BoutiqueGifts H Jewelry

Home Decorand Clothing

23223 N. US Hwy 83Concan, Texas

(at the Y in Concan)

830-232-4402CowgirlLoca.com

Loca

Frio ON the KK

They like this neck of the woods and you will, too.

Nature Quest roams all over the region—in Bandera, Real and Uval-de counties and along the Frio, Nueces and Sabinal rivers.Coordi-nating the 14th annual event is LeAnn Sharp, with the Quest head-quartered at her Hill Country Nature Center.

The Nature Center is not just the place where all the activities emanate from; it’s a true attraction itself. The Center showcases the natural attractions of the area with displays, maps, specimens, artifacts, and observation ar-eas.One unique facet of the Nature Center is a bluebird nest outside with a fixed camera inside it so visitors can watch the various activities that take place in the nest, in-cluding adult birds feeding their young. It’s a truly rare experience.

FYI • Nature Quest headquarters is located at the Hill Country Nature Center on FM 1050, 5 miles east of Garner State Park and 10 wiles west of Utopia. For more information, call 830-966-2320 or visit the web site at hillcountrynaturequest.com.

Male bluebird. Photo by LeAnn Sharp.

NATURE QUEST, from page 14


ConcanGeneral Store

GAS • DIESELGroceries • TubesDeli • Pizza • Ice

Riverwear • T-ShirtsBait • Lottery

Open Year-Round 7 Days A Week

830-232-6414at US Hwy 83 & TX 127

CONCAN

More local info...Utopia & Sabinal Canyon utopiatexas.infoFrio Canyon Chamber friocanyonchamber.comNueces Canyon Chamber mycampwood.comSabinal Chamber sabinalchamber.comUtopia, Texas utopiatexas.infoHill Country Rivers hillcountryrivers.comLost Maples SNA 830-966-3413; tpwd.state.tx.usGarner State Park 830-232-6132; tpwd.state.tx.us

Live Music?looking for

House Pasture Cattle Co.River Road in Concan • 830-232-6580

Joe Jimmy’s at Neal’s Lodges20970 Hwy 127 • Concan • 830-232-6118

Buckhorn Bar & Grill4377 South US Hwy 83 • Leakey • 830-232-4755

Boots ‘n Buckles Bar & GrillHwy 55 • Downtown Camp Wood • 830-597-2277


WinterWinter Texans Paradise Moderate Temperatures

Low Off-Season RatesTelephone Connections

SummerTubing • Rafting • KayakingHorseback Riding • Fishing

Hiking • River Access from All Sites

Concan, TexasBeautiful Frio Riverfront

Shaded Sites Adjoining Garner State Park

High-Speed Wireless InternetFull Hookups • Satellite TV

Convenience Store • Propane

SpringBirdwatchingRally FacilitiesBicycle Tours

Fire RingsPicnic Tables

FallHuntingBeautiful FoliageRallies

Outdoor & Indoor Pavilions

Reservations:1-877-374-6748 (Toll-Free)

www.parkviewriversiderv.comP.O. Box 154 • Rio Frio, Texas 78879

email: [email protected]

Information:830-232-4006

Take a

Virtual Tour

and Reserve

Online!

New Championship Golf Course 5 Minutes AwayWinter Golf Packages Available


on the river...

...or in your cabin

www.7bluff cabins.com • (830) 232-5260

STAY FRIOComfort and relaxa� on inside your cabin and almost 3/4 mile of river frontage just outside your door…

Find out why we’re rated #1 for lodging on the Frio on TripAdvisor.com.


Hearty BreakfastsDaily Specials

Chicken Fried SteakFried Chicken

Steaks • BarbecueSandwichesOutdoor &

Indoor Seating

830-232-5813

SEASONAL Closed Dec - FebCall or check web site for hours.

20970 Hwy. 127 at Frio River in Concan, Texas

nealsdiningroom.com

CAMP WOODNueces CanyonChurch of ChristHwy 55. 830-597-4131.First Baptist Church813 South Nueces. 830-597-5150.Hill Country Church of ChristHwy. 55 North. 830-597-6175. St. Mary MagdaleneCatholic Church311 E. 3rd. 830-597-5165.

CONCANChurch of ChristHwy. 83 at the Y. 830-232-4058.Concan Baptist MissionHwy. 83 North of Concan. 830-988-2553. Emmanuel LutheranHwy. 83 N. of Concan. 830-988-2553.

LEAKEYChurch of Christ 1 block N. of Courthouse. 830-232-6933Church in the ValleyHwy. 83 S. 830-232-6841.First Baptist ChurchHwy. 83 N. 830-232-5344.Frio Canyon Baptist ChurchHwy. 83 S. 830-232-5883Réal CountyChurch of ChristCorner 2nd & Mountain St. Raymond Catholic 201 Mountain St.830-275-9661Trinity FellowshipE. on 337. 830-232-6770.Leakey United Methodist Church410 N. Market. 830-232-6266.

RIO FRIONew Beginning5749 Ranch Rd. 1120.830-232-5221.

SABINALCentral Christian 512 N. Center Street. 830-988-2751.Church of Christ204 N. Center Street. 830-988-2725.First Baptist Church.607 N. San Antonio. 830-988-2344.St. Patrick’s Catholic 501 N. Orange St. 830-988-2255.Trinity Temple Church108 W. Rheimer Ave. 830-988-2927.United Methodist 200 W. Fisher Ave. 830-988-2535.

UTOPIAGospel TabernacleJackson & Main St. 830-966-2440.Living Waters ChurchFM 1050. 830-966-2426.United Methodist 200 Cypress. 830-966-3400.Utopia Baptist ChurchJohnson & Oak. 830-966-3688.Utopia Church of ChristMain Street. 830-966-3629.

VANDERPOOLSt. Mary’s Catholic Hwy 187. 830-966-6268.

Local Churches


CONCAN

Cabins • Homes • Riverfront • Pools

936-524-4545 Office: 289 CR 348 • Concan, Texas

“Providing unforgettable experiences, time & time again.”

www.FrioRiverVacationRentals.com

Open All YearPersonal Service/

Red CarpetTreatment

Conveniently located in the heart of Concan on

RIVER ROAD/CR 348www.frioriverrealty.com • 936-537-4555

Larry RobertsOwner/Broker

Homes • Ranches • Acreages • Vacation Rentals“I can show you any property for sale in the Frio Canyon.

Catch the Frio Fever—own a piece of the Frio!”

ANDY’S ON RIVER ROAD“Where all your TROUBLES float away!”

830-232-5444 • WWW.ANDYSONRIVERROAD.COM [email protected] • 21488 TX Hwy 127 • Concan

TUBING • KAYAKING • SHUTTLE SERVICECabins • Suites • RV Sites • & Tent Camping

All Cabins & Suites have free Wireless Internet accessGroceries • Gift Shop • Volleyball • Horseshoes • Large Children’s Play Area

By Linda KirKpatricK

An array of beautiful sights greets you as you walk around

the hills and along the Frio River in the Frio Canyon. Butterflies feeding from the flowers, fish in the river, birds in the trees, deer in the woods and other wild-life along the trails are just some of the sights you may encounter.

You might see some-thing that you can’t ex-plain—it could just be the breeze gently blowing through the trees leaving ripples in the river, or a wispy morning fog shroud-ing everything in its path. Whatever it is, it just might leave you wondering. And according to local legend,

you may have just experi-enced the apparition of the White Lady of Rio Frio.

Could there really be a ghost haunting the banks of the Frio River? Many say there is, but ghosts aren’t real…or are they?

The tale of the White Lady of Rio Frio arises from a true love story that took place in the early 1900s and has evolved into a favorite campfire tale today.

Maria Juarez and her sister were known to be two of the prettiest senori-tas in the canyon. Gregorio, who was married to Ma-ria’s sister, was a young, handsome vaquero with an evil side. Even though Maria was several years

Legendary tale of the White Lady of Rio Frio

See WHITE LADY, page 21


Elm Creek Stables“Come ride with us.”

Open 9 am-5 pm (last ride out at 5 pm)OPEN Everyday during Spring Break,

Weekends After Spring Break, and Everyday Memorial Day through summer

1/4 mile N. of Garner State Park On Hwy 83 N H 830-232-5365

GIFT SHOPDRINKS SNACKSTrail Rides$2700

Pony Rides

$700

Two locations coming soon!CALL FOR RESERVATIONS & MORE INFO

CONCAN

River Oaks Resort

36 cabins & homes on or near the Frio River in Concan, Texas

1-6 BEDROOM UNITSPet Friendly H Hot tubs H FireplacesCabins have fully equipped kitchens,

DSS/TV/DVD, A/C and heatTUBE & KAYAK RENTALS

email [email protected] • 830-232-6106

Open Daily from 9-5 Summer or 10-4 Off Season

www.riveroaksresorts.com

younger than her sister, the two were very close and spent a lot of time to-gether. Maria spent many days helping her sister care for her children and longed for the day when she could marry and have children of her own. As Maria grew older, the devious Grego-rio was quick to notice the beauty of the young girl but alas, there was a prob-lem, he was married to her sister.

Maria’s beauty also caught the eye of Anselmo Tobar, a young vaquero from the Patterson Ranch. Anselmo began to court the young Maria. He, too, had fallen for her beauty. He courted her with bou-quets of wild flowers and spoke to her of love and marriage. Maria was happy and excited because she knew that one day soon the handsome Anselmo would be her husband.

Gregorio became aware of the romance between Maria and Anselmo. He knew he had to act quickly, so he called her aside to tell her of his love. Maria, how-

ever, scoffed at his words and assured him her love was for Anselmo and An-selmo alone, but she feared Gregorio and what he might do to her sister. She ran home leaving Gregorio ranting and raving.

As the sun was setting and darkness engulfing the Rio Frio community, Maria heard a noise outside her home. She assumed it was Anselmo coming to see her after his day of work at the Patterson Ranch. Anxious to tell him of the incident with Gregorio, she went out to greet him.

As the moonlight cast a haunting glow on the man standing before her, to her horror, she realized it was not Anselmo, but her broth-er-in-law.

She watched in fear as he drew a pistol from his belt, slowly raised the gun and pointed it at her heart. Maria heard the fatal shot and slowly the night grew darker around her. Maria and her dreams died that night. There would be no wedding, there would be

WHITE LADY, from page 20

Autumn Frio River. Photo by Margie Davis.

See WHITE LADY, page 26


Frio’s Dry FiFty

Frio River & GSP T-Shirts H Shorts Blue Bell HHawaiian Shaved Ice H Consuela

Hats/Caps H Flip Flops H River GearYellow Box HJewelry H Gifts H and More!Sunday-Thursday 9:30-5:30 • Friday-Saturday 9:30-6:30

Check Us Out on Highway 127 in Concan, TX

830-232-6300 • friosdryfifty.com

A Summer Tradition Since 1985

Theodophilus Watkins first settled at Con Can and built the first log cabin

with a chimney in 1862. When a Post Office was to be estab-lished in 1880, a name had to be chosen. One story of how the community of Concan got its name goes like this:

“The men of the com-munity gathered on Sat-urday afternoons and played dominoes and ‘coon can,’ a Texas card game. ‘Coon can’ was a variation of ‘Conquian,’ the earliest known rummy game, played since at least the 1880s. When word came t h a t a Post Office was to be located there and a name for the town had to be decided on, the men decided that they would send in ‘Coon Can.’

In Washington, no one had heard of such a game or such a word, so they thought the Texans must have misspelled the word and meant Con Can (now spelled Concan).”

FYI • Excepted from Lora B. Garrison’s book, “Texas Pioneer Families.”

How Concan got its nameDid you know?


CONCAN

830-232-5583 • [email protected]

Fresh baked goods, from our family to yours

Place your order today, call

830-232-5582 •[email protected]

On US 83, 1.5 miles past Garner State Park

830-232-4243 • Corner of US Hwy 127 & 83 in Concan

CONCAN830-232-6292 • Downtown on

US Highway 83 in Leakey

LEAKEY

Find Everything You Need at

CONCANLEAKEY

TWOLocations!

Since 1991!

SouvenirS • T-ShirTS • CapS • RiveR GeaR • FishinG tackle

Women’s clothinG • Swimwear • JeWelRy • campinG GeaR • toobs & kayaks bait WoRms • bait minnowS (Leakey only) • Gelato & coFFee (Concan only)

Big Springs Ranch north of Leakey is part of the headwa-

ters of the Frio River; water gushes out of holes in the side of the bluff.

Many Texans are famil-iar with the ranch because of its nickname “country of 1,100 springs,” made fa-mous by a television adver-tising campaign featuring the falls and river.

Established as a work-ing ranch in 1930 by Oma Bell Perry and her family, Big Springs Ranch opened as a children’s home in 1998. The ranch now houses four children’s homesteads, four grandparent’s cottages and an on-campus charter high school and middle school.

FYI • An RV park on the Frio River is open to visitors. Tours of Big Spring Ranch are available. Call the Doss Library for more information at 830-232-4121 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit the web site at www.thousandangels.org.

Country of 1,100 springs

Falls at Big Springs Ranch near Leakey. Photo courtesy LeAnn Sharp


Concan, Texas14 cabins, ranging in price from $86 to $220 per night. All cabins have air conditioning, microwaves, barbecue

pits, coffee makers, & satellite television. Tube rentals, float trip

shuttles, & day guest access.

830-988-3272 [email protected]

www.concancabins.com

Buchanan CabinsOwned by the original Neal Family

Buchanan Cabins Swimming Hole

2,800 feet of Frio River frontageCabins • RV Sites • Tent SitesGroceries • Tubing • Fun

[email protected] • friocampriverview.comOn the Frio River • 1636 County Road 350 • Concan, Texas • 830-232-5412

CONCAN

River frontage park located on the Frio River, each site features a picnic table, a fire ring,

20-30-50 amp electrical, sewer & water hook-ups.

NANA’S RV PARK

Across the Frio River from Garner State Park on County Road 350

RIO FRIO, TX • 830-232-4653nanasrvparkonthefrio.com

in CAMP WOOD...Bear Creek Fudge & Chocolate Hwy. 55 Downtown • 830-597-6160

in CONCAN...Andy’s on River Rd.

21488 Tx. Hwy. 127 • 830-232-5444

in LEAKEY...Real County Library

Main at Evergreen • 830-232-5199

Lala’s Mexican Restaurant491 N. Hwy 83 • 830-232-4572

Bent Rim Grill 657 W. Ranch Rd. 337 • 830-232-6649

in RIO FRIO...Hill Country Nature Center

FM 1050 • 830-966-2320

in UTOPIA...Lost Maples Cafe

384 FM 187 (Main Street) • 830-966-2221

whereto find


House PastureCattle Co.

River Road H Concan, TX

Restaurant & Texas Music Venue

830-232-6580www.housepasture.com

Summer 2013 Lineup

May 25 ................................. Gary P. NunnJune 1 ..................................Roger CreagerJune 8 ..................................Whisky MyersJune 15 ............................. Casey DonahueJune 22 ........Pat Green with Luke OlsonJune 29 ................The Josh Abbott BandJuly 4 ............Jason Boland & the StragglersJuly 5 ...................................Randy Rogers with Dirty River BoysJuly 6 .....................................Cory MorrowJuly 13...................................Stoney LaRueJuly 20 ................................... Kevin FowlerJuly 27 ..........................................Kyle ParkAug 3 .............................Bellamy Brothers

The Rankin TwinsAug 9-10 ............................ Owen Temple

Frio River Song FestivalAug 31 ................Turnpike Troubadours

“Best Steaks on the Frio!”

Call for more info and hours

CONCAN

By nancy FeeLy

Lots of famous folks have called Uvalde home. Among those: King Fisher, Pat Garrett, Vice-President John Nance Garner, Governor Dolph Briscoe and America’s

most successful train and bank robbers, the Newton Boys. You’ll find plaques on the exterior wall of Uvalde’s Grand Opera House honoring four famous Uvaldians who became stars in the entertainment field.

Dale Evans, wife and partner of singing cowboy, Roy Rogers, and star of many Western musicals, was born at her grandparents’ Uvalde home in 1912. She reigned over the 1956 Uvalde County Centennial cel-ebration.

In the 1940s, Dana Andrews starred in movies including Oscar winner, “The Best Years of Our Lives.” Prior to his theatrical ca-reer, Dana lived in Uvalde, where his father was the Baptist minister. Dana was president of the Screen Actors Guild while a student at Uvalde High.

The Arreola brothers—Jorge, Johnny, Jesse and James—grew up in Uvalde making music. As adults, their band, Los Palo-minos, produced an album entitled Por Es Te Amo, topping worldwide charts. They won a 1999 Grammy for Best Tejano Performance and a Latin Grammy in 2000.

The fourth plaque on Uvalde’s Grand Opera House is devoted to native son and actor Matthew McConaughey, born in 1969. Matthew, voted People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2005, still turns heads while shopping at HEB in Uvalde or camping in Concan in his Airstream trailer.

FYI • Uvalde’s Grand Opera House is at 104 West North Street. For more infor-mation, call 830-278-4184.

Famous Uvadians honoredwith Opera House plaques

Uvalde’s Grand Opera House. Photo by Nancy Feely.

Dale Evans’ plaque. Photo by Nancy Feely.


GROCERIES • YOUTH FISHING TANK • RIVER GEAR • TEE’S & CANDEE’S SHOP • GAME ROOM • FLOAT TRIPS

TUBES • BIRDING STATIONS • HAYRIDES • WEDDINGS • PETTING ZOO • NIGHTLY DANCES AT JOE JIMMY’S

CORPORATE RETREATS • HORSEBACK RIDING • NATURE TRAILS • HUNTING PACKAGES

• CABINS, CONDOS, LODGES

CONCAN

no children and without these, some say, her soul would never rest.

Gregorio watched as the life faded from Ma-ria. The lone shot was still echoing throughout the canyon as the pool of blood spread.

It was then he realized

what he had done. He knew he must hide, so he threw down the pistol and ran to the barn, burrowing deep beneath the hay. He had no plan—he only knew that if he could not have Maria, neither could Anselmo.

A crowd gathered and the search began for the

murderer of Maria, but no one suspected Gregorio. The sun rose the next morn-ing and more men came with guns, horses and dogs.

The women of Rio Frio prepared the beautiful Ma-ria for her burial—shroud-ing her in her sister’s white wedding dress and braid-

ing white ribbons and wild flowers into her hair.

The posse mounted their horses, ready to ride, but the dogs would not leave the vicinity of the barn.

As they cautiously opened the creaking barn door, the dogs bayed loud-er. Then, a lone, scared man with his hands held high, came out from be-hind the hay.

The silence was deaf-ening, except for the click-ing sound as the posse chambered bullets into their guns.

Gregorio, the murder-er, walked forward in fear as he stared down the bar-rels of loaded rifles.

Gregorio confessed to the murder, all the while swearing his love for the beautiful Maria. The posse arrested him on the spot.

Members of the com-munity adorned Maria’s casket with flowers and laid her to rest in an un-marked grave in the Rio Frio Cemetery.

It is said that her soul is not fulfilled or at rest to this day. Many claim Ma-ria’s spirit roams the can-yon, comforting children in need.

They say she may cov-er a child on a cold night or just sit at the foot of their bed, guarding the young-ster from harm. Children see her as a kindly spirit dressed all in white, while others see her in the form of fog or mist as she goes up and down the river.

The tale of the love tri-angle of Gregorio, Maria and Anselmo is true.

WHITE LADY, from page 21


CONCAN

Family friendly dances at beloved Garner State Park Pavilion are held Monday through Saturday during Spring Break, and Saturday nights ‘til summer. Then,

there’ll be nightly dances at the pavilion all summer long, and post-summer dances on Saturday evenings.Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can enjoy a hayride (complete with Cowboy songs, poetry and storytelling) at Garner State Park. Or enjoy a narrated hayride Wednesdayand Fridays. Be sure to arrive at the Garner State Park office by 6:45 pm.

FYI • For information, call 830-232-6132 or visit the garnerstatepark.com.

Fun dances, hayrides at Garner State Park

in CAMP WOOD...Bear Creek Fudge & Chocolate Hwy. 55 Downtown 830-597-6160

in CONCAN...Bonnie’s BakeryOn US 83, 1.5 miles past Garner State Park 830-232-5582

Frio’s Dry 50Tx. Hwy. 127 830-232-6300

Josh’sUS Hwy 127 & 83 830-232-4343

in LEAKEY...Ella Purls183 Highway 83 South 830-232-4611

Alamo Grocery257 South Main 830-232-4900

Leakey Buckstop608 Highway 83 South 830-232-5559

in UTOPIA...FiddlestixCorner of Lee & Main Street 830) 966-2345

BakedGoods

Ice Cream Shaved

Ice & More

Ice Cream & More

Ice Cream by the scoop

Ice Cream by the scoop

BakedGoods

Candy, Fudge &

More

Gelato,Coffee &

More

where to find


UTOPIA

NancyThompson.com

FoxFire Cabins

Year-RoundLog Cabin& Vacation

Home Rentals

in Vanderpool

www.FoxFireCabins.com

[email protected] 830-966-2200 • 877-966-8200

ON THESABINAL

RIVER

SABINAL RIVER LODGEA fully furnished, riverfront log cabin lodge

available for year round vacation rental

Hwy 187 S • Utopia, Texas • 830-966-3393www.sabinalriverlodge.com

By Linda KirKpatricK

When you’re day tripping in the Hill Country Riv-

er Region, there are lots of things you shouldn’t miss. The drives are simply awe-some, the people are friend-ly and each community offers something special. Here, a few suggestions. You’re sure to find even more of your own favorites as you explore this delight-ful area.

In CAMP WOOD, there is a serene, historic lo-cation on the north edge of the city on Highway 55—site of Mission San Lorenzo de las Santa Cruz. The site sits on a lone ridge on the right as you enter Camp Wood from the north. It seems a lonely place now, but in the late 1700s, this was a bustling area.

The mission was founded in 1762 by Fran-ciscan missionaries in an effort to convert the Lipan Apache (who actually used the Mission San Lorenzo de las Santa Cruz as a place of refuge from the Coman-che). The priests aban-doned the mission in 1767.

From 1857 to 1861, the same site served as a temporary U.S. Military outpost known as Camp Wood, hence the name of the modern day commu-nity. The site was excavated by archeologists in 1962.

In downtown Camp Wood, turn east on High-way 55 to head to LEAKEY. You won’t regret the view on this drive. In Leakey, turn left onto Highway 83,

then exit on Ranch Road 336 North. You are now traveling along the West Prong of the Frio River.

About seven miles north, you will notice a cut between two bluffs. The Frio River meanders through this cut.

In the 1880s, John McLaurin thought this the ideal place to set up his homestead. He was so wrong. The Indian raid on his homestead in 1881 is possibly the last to occur in the state of Texas. This se-rene site is marked with a historical marker.

Head back to Leakey, and on the south side of town, take Ranch Road 1120 to RIO FRIO. Drive very slowly and enjoy the small community that dates back to 1888, when N. M. C. Patterson laid out the town.

The huge oak in Rio Frio was one of the points of reference. This Live Oak is a National Champion and sits in the yard of the old Slover home. The oak sits beside the road, so you can take photos of this See NOT TO MISS, page 29

Rio Frio’s landmark Oak. Photo courtesy Frio Canyon Chamber.

Here, a few things you shouldn’t miss


UTOPIA

Lost Maples Cafe

Breakfast • Appetizers • DessertsEntrees • Burgers

384 FM 187 Main Street in Utopia, Texas 830-966-2221 • www.LostMaplesCafe.comOpen Sunday-Thursday 7 am-8 pm & Friday-Saturday 7 am-9 pm

The Lodges at Lost Maples

FiddleStix Comfort Food, Gathering SpotClassic & Healthy Breakfast

and Lunch Menu

(830) 966-2345www.fiddlestixutopia.com

Corner of Lee & MainIN UTOPIA, TEXAS

By Reservation Only

(830) 966-5178lostmaplescabins.com

Located on Scenic FM 337

between Vanderpool & Leakey

FRIDAYS 5:00-8:30 pm

Steak, Shrimp & Quail

.info

Utopia!A charming Hill Country town nestled in the

Sabinal Canyon between Bandera & Garner Park

Main Street UtopiaFrench Country Antiques, CollectiblesGifts, Books, Jewelry, AccessoriesClosed Sunday and Monday282 Main Street, 830-966-5544mainstreetutopia.com

The Laurel TreeSeasonal gourmet cuisine in charming setting. Open Sat. for lunch & dinner830-966-5444 for reservations18956 Highway 187. utopiagourmet.com

Utopia GolfPrettiest 9-Hole Course in Texas. Home of the movie “Seven Days in Utopia”20567 Hwy 187, 830-966-5577

utopiagolf.com

Spend a day in

beautiful tree, but please respect the private land on which it grows.

Continue on Ranch Road 1120 until you are at US Highway 83, then take a left to CONCAN. Continue

on Highway 127 to Farm Market 2690 to the sign announcing the Frio Bat Cave. The cave is on pri-vate property, but evening tours of the Frio Bat Flight

Bats emerge from Frio Bat Cave, home to the second largest bat colony in the world. Photo by Allan C. Kimball.

See NOT TO MISS, page 30

NOT TO MISS, from page 29


NOT TO MISS, from page 30

Scrumptious handmade chocolates & fun gifts from the Hill Country!

Perfect for the “thank you,” “I love you”,“I miss you,” &

“thinking of you” moments in life!

Open Thurs-Sat 10 am-5 pmHwy. 55 in downtown Camp Wood

Bear CreekFudge & Chocolates

LIKE US ON

WE SHIP!

830-597-6160 • www.bearcreekfudge.net

CAMP WOOD

Marilyn’s 115 S. NUECES, CAMP WOOD

WED-SAT 10:00-5:00 597-6400 CELL 591-4889

CASE, ANZA & MOORE MAKER KNIVES

COWHIDES & FURNITURE

CIRCLE E CANDLES, JEWELRY WESTERN & HILL COUNTRY DÉCOR KING SIZE QUILTS START AT $49

OVER 50 QUILTS IN STOCK! YELLOW BOX, CORKY’S &

MONTANA WEST

tours are offered through Hill Country Adventures from March through Sep-tember. Times and sched-ules vary, so call in advance (888-502-9387 or visit the web site at www.hillcoun-tryadventures.com). You’ll meet your guide at the gate. This is the second largest bat colony in the world and

it will simply wow you. The guides also explain the history of the cave and association with the Civil War and World War II.

Back to Highway 127 and take a right for the drive to SABINAL, where March 23-24, the 22nd An-nual Wild Hog Festival will take place. What many

don’t know is that Sabinal was one of the final desti-nations for the hog drives in this part of Texas. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, cowboys in the canyons rounded up wild hogs and drove them (much like the cattle drives, only not as romantic) to the rail head in Sabinal, providing much needed money for the early settlers and pork for the people in the cities.

So, is the Festival a con-tinuation or re-enactment of this historical event? Probably neither, but you won’t be bored—and it’s a family fun place to be.

Take Farm Market 187 from Sabinal traveling to Utopia and Vanderpool. What a way to end the day. The UTOPIA community came into being in the mid-

1800s, when early settlers were making their way up the canyons of the Sabinal, Frio and Nueces looking for new places to settle. History buffs should visit the Waresville Cemetery and Jones Cemetery. Both are in beautiful, gracious settings and the final rest-ing place of several of his-torical significance.

Near VANDERPOOL is Lost Maples State Natu-ral Area, a 2,175-acre pre-serve along the Sabinal River. Here, you can camp, backpack, picnic, swim, birdwatch, and take great photographs all year long.

Each of these commu-nities is unique and offer much more than I’ve men-tioned here. So jump in your vehicle and head out on a trip you won’t regret.


1029 S. Texas Hwy. 55 • Camp Wood, TX

830-597-4242

Nueces Country SmokehouseMeat Market & Country Store

Old Fashion Hamburgers Jerky • Dried Sausage

Hot Food • Beer & WineYear Round Game Processing

A Private ClubFull Liquor Bar

in Downtown Camp WoodOn the Three Sisters Loop - Highway 55

Specializing in

RibeyesHamburgers

& FajitasCome See Us!

Boots ’N Buckles Bar & Grill830-597-2277

Arrowhead LodgingON THE NUECES RIVER

921 Hwy. 55 N. • Camp Wood, Tx.830-597-4421 • [email protected]

3 BR/2 BA House 1 Bed/1 BA Cottage &

2 Beds /1 BA cabins

Vacation Cabins & Guest Houses

arrowheadguesthouse.com

CAMP WOOD

Looking for a fun way to get to the river and back? You’re in luck.

Concan offers two excep-tional options.

Andy’s on River Road is home to the Cool Bus, actually a fleet of three cool buses, that offer a “really fun way to get to all the river crossings in Concan,” says Andy Beard, owner of Andy’s.

“Lots of kids see the bus and just want to get on. We have music on the buses, so we’re jamming out all the way to and from the river,” he explains. “ I’ve actually had a lot of people say the bus ride was as much fun—if not more fun—than the float itself!”

The Cool Bus is also

available for private events. Cool Bus headquarters is at Andy’s at 21488 Texas Highway 127 in Concan.

For more information, call 830-232-5444 or email [email protected]. You can find out more about Andy’s at www.an-dysonriverroad.com or find them on Facebook.

The Frio Fun Trolley is Concan’s very own trolley service, providing another safe, fun way to shuttle you, your family and friends back and forth to all the river access points. The Trolley Depot is at the Frio Fun rental office at 500 County Road 348 in Con-can.

You’ll find a complete map with locations of all

the trolley stops on the web site at www.friofun.com.

Modeled after a late 1930s and early 1940s woody wagon, with an open air design, the Frio Fun Trolley provides seat-ing for 28. The trolley is also available for private parties, weddings, events or fun night rides upon request. “In addition to

our normal runs, custom-ers can reserve the trolley to take big groups to the river, and then at night to the Country Club or other destinations. It’s a fun, safe way to transport a large group” says Bob Caran of Frio Fun.

For more information, call 830-232-5721 or email [email protected].

Fun rides to the river in Concan

Frio Fun Trolley. Photo courtesy Frio Fun.

The Cool Bus at Andy’s on River Road. Photo courtesy Andy’s.


See CALENDAR, page 33

Real Hill Country Times

27551 HWY 83, Mountain Home, TX 78058

Serving Leakey, ConCan, Camp Wood, Rocksprings, Junction, Garven Store & More!

(830)-640-3517

Owner/Editor: Jackie Dowdy

[email protected]

“Our Business Includes Making Business Better For You!”

Frontier Books

announces

Tales of The frio CanyonReleased the summer of 2013, it joins

Somewhere in the West (poetry & short stories)

and Beneath a Western Sky(CD Cowboy Poetry)

AvAilABle For ProgrAms

Contact Linda Kirkpatrick

[email protected]

EVERY NIGHT in SUMMERCONCAN: Dances at Garner State Park Pavilion. Family friendly. garnerstatepark.com. 830-232-6132.EVERY TUESDAYLEAKEY: Chickin’ Earl’s. Might just be the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted at this popular roadside eatery on Highway 83. 830-232-5001.TUESDAY - FRIDAYCONCAN: Hayrides at Garner State Park. Cowboy style with song. poetry and stories Tuesdays and Thursdays, narrated hayride Wednesday and Friday. Be there by 6:45 pm to participate. Call for more information. 830-232-6132.THIRD THURSDAYSUVALDE: Farm to Market. Locals sell homemade and home grown products. Downtown Square in Uvalde. 830-591-2711EVERY SATURDAYCONCAN: Dance at Garner State Park Pavilion. Through Spring Break and post-summer ‘til Columbus Day. www.garnerstatepark.com. 830-232-6132.UTOPIA: Farmers’ Market. From 9 am to noon, weather permitting. UTOPIA: Gourmet Dining at The Laurel Tree, A Guest Table. Dinner by reservation only. 830-966-5444, www.utopiagourmet.com.MARCH - SEPTEMBERCONCAN: Bat Flights at Frio Bat Cave. Times and days vary widely. Call ahead to confirm at 888-502-9387 or visit web site at www.friobatflight.com.MARCH 2Shelly’s 1st Annual Crawfish Boil. Music by Zydeco Blanco. Frio Pecan Farm. 6 pm to 11 pm. 830-232-5294, www.friopecanfarm.com.MARCH 11-17CONCAN: Rio Frio Fest at House Pasture. Kevin Fowler, Randy Rogers, Cody Canada, Whiskey Meyers, Kyle Park,

Turnpike Troubadours, Stoney Larue, Dub Miller. More artists still to be announced. www.housepasture.com.MARCH 23CAMP WOOD: Guided Historical Tour. www.friocanyonchamber.com.UVALDE: 4th Annual Wellness Walk.Run. www.umhtx.org.MARCH 23-24SABINAL: Sabinal Lions Club hosts the Wild Hog Festival. Wild hog chasing, arts and crafts, games, rides. Sabinal City Park and Yellow Jacket Stadium. 830-279-4045, wildhogfestival.com.APRIL 5-6CONCAN: Texas Deer Association Pachanga BBQ Cook Off. Washer and horseshoe pitching tourney, helicopter and pony rides, rock climbing. House Pasture Cattle Co. housepasture.com.APRIL 6CONCAN: Golf Tournament at the Club at Concan at 9 am. www.concangolf.com RIO FRIO: Real County Centennial Quilt Exhibit. Quilts constructed in Real County will be on display at Alto Frio. Doors open at 9 am. RIO FRIO: Mohair Style Show. friocanyonchamber.com, 830-232-5222. RIO FRIO: Luncheon. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. by local high school students dressed in period costumes designed and made by MiMi Hardwick. friocanyonchamber.com, 830-232-5222.LEAKEY: Centennial Marker Dedication. 5 pm, followed by a Birthday BBQ Dinner and BIG Birthday Cake at 6 pm. Street Dance featuring The Rick Cavender Band at 8 pm. realcounty1913.com.APRIL 12-13FORT INGE: Fort Inge Days. Historic demonstrations, an 1860’s baseball game, and

Calendar of Events


SABINAL

H Antiques H Refinishing H Restoration

Open 7 Days 8 am-4 pm

830-988-2733 • cell 830-275-6580www.hartsmesquitefurniture.net

HART’SCustom Mesquite

& Hardwood FURNITUREDowntown Sabinal, TX

more. 830-278-2016APRIL 12-14UTOPIA: Mens Sacred Journey Retreat. Live the book “Golf’s Sacred Journey” as you join men from around the world on a great adventure with the author, Dr. Cook. Conference fees: $600, Includes a round of golf at the “Links of Utopia,” two dinners, and 4 sessions including watching “Seven Days in Utopia” movie with Dr. Cook. For more information or questions, contact [email protected] 24, 25, 26, 27, 28RIVER REGION: 14th Annual Nature Quest Birds, Bats, Butterflies & More! Learn from Experts about birds, small cavity nesters, bluebirds, raptors, hummingbirds, bats and butterflies, insects, champion big trees, natural history, native plants, useful & medicinal plants, wildflowers, invasive plants, and how to make your own backyard a wildlife habitat. Headquarters at Hill Country Nature Center, 830-966-2320, www.hillcountrynaturequest.com.MAY 25CONCAN: Gary P. Nunn. Live Texas music at House Pasture Cattle Company. www.housepasture.com.LEAKEY: Shrimp Boil. All you can eat shrimp, potatoes and corn. 5 pm at Bent Rim Grill. friocanyonchamber.com.JUNE 1CONCAN: Roger Creager. Live Texas music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.JUNE 8CONCAN: Whiskey Myers. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. housepasture.com.LEAKEY: Guided Historical Tour. friocanyonchamber.com.JUNE 15CONCAN: Casey Donahue. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co..housepasture.com.JUNE 22CONCAN: Pat Green with Luke Olson. Live music at

House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.RIO FRIO: Guided Historical Tour. friocanyonchamber.com.JUNE 29CONCAN: The Josh Abbott Band. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.JULY 4CONCAN: Jason Boland and the Stragglers. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.UTOPIA: Main Street Parade and Fireworks. Utopia Park.JULY 5CONCAN: Randy Rogers with Dirty River Boys. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.JULY 5-6LEAKEY: July Jubilee. Street Dance and arts and crafts fair. Old time street dances both nights at 8 pm. 10 am Patriotic Parade Saturday, plus arts and crafts and food vendors from 8 am to 4 pm.www.friocanyonchamber.com.LEAKEY: Rodeo. Bareback, calf roping, bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, ladies’ barrel on 336 north of Leakey. 8 pm. friocanyonchamber.com.JULY 6CONCAN: Cory Morrow. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.JULY 13CONCAN: Stoney LaRue. Great live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.JULY 20 CONCAN: Kevin Fowler. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.JULY 27CONCAN: Kyle Park. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.AUGUST 2-3CAMP WOOD: 52nd Annual Old Settlers Reunion. Arts and crafts, food, games, music, Friday rodeo, Saturday parade plus reunion of students. mycampwood.com.AUGUST 3CONCAN: Bellamy Brothers

(with The Rankin Twins). Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.AUGUST 9-10CONCAN: Owen Temple’s Frio River Song Festival. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 1LEAKEY: Melodrama, 5K Run and Soap Box Derby. Friocanyonchamber.com.AUGUST 31CONCAN: The Turnpike Troubadours. Live music at House Pasture Cattle Co. www.housepasture.com.SEPTEMBER 14CAMP WOOD: Guided Historical Tour. www.friocanyonchamber.com.SEPTEMBER 28LEAKEY: Guided Historical Tour. friocanyonchamber.com.SEPTEMBER 19-21UTOPIA: UTOPIAfest. Unique music festival in pristinesetting. Bring chairs and shade or canopy. Camping available. www.utopiafestival.com.OCTOBER 4-5CONCAN: Fall on the Frio. 5 K Run, BBQ Cook- Off, Bake-Off, Washer & Horse Shoe Tournaments, Vendors, Kids Games, Live Music. Family fun on the Frio River. Live Music during the day and Saturday Night. Come support the local Concan Fire Department while tasting some of the best BBQ around. BYOB. House Pasture Cattle

Company. housepasture.com.OCTOBER 12-13CAMP WOOD: Parade, Chuck Wagon, Cowboy Symposium. mycampwood.com.LATE OCTOBER to MID-NOVEMBERVANDERPOOL: Fall Foliage at Lost Maples State Natural Area. Make lodging plans in advance, as visitors flock to this beautiful area to witness changing of the leaves. Foliage report at www.tpwd.state.tx.us, or call State Natural Area at 830-966-3413.NOVEMBER 2UTOPIA: Annual Utopia Fall Arts and Crafts Fair. Vendors of handmade arts and crafts plus music, food, demonstrations and auction to benefit local scholarships. 9 am to 4 pm on Utopia Town Square, FM 187.NOVEMBER 30LEAKEY: Christmas on the Square. 8 am to 4 pm on Courthouse Square. Arts and crafts, food vendors, plus visit wirh Santa. Sponsored by Frio Canyon Chamber. www.friocanyonchamber.com.DECEMBER 14CAMP WOOD: Christmas in the Canyon. Open house for downtown merchants, refreshments and caroling. 6:30 pm. mycampwood.com.DECEMBER 20CAMP WOOD: Burial of the Time Capsule. Realcountycentennial.com.

CALENDAR, from page 32

A Riverside Bed & Breakfast Lodge and Conference Center+/-700 FOOT OF SABINAL RIVER FRONT

Full Hot Country Breakfasts • Hot Tub and Swimming Pool Barbeque Pits • Picnic Tables • Rock & Driftwood Hunting

Stargazing • Horseshoe Pit • Birdwatching • Wildlife ViewingCatch & Release Fishing • In-Room Massage Available

2 miles south of Utopia off FM 187 at 363 County Road 360www.utopiaontheriver.com • 830-966-2444 • [email protected]

“Easy to Get to... Hard to Leave”

A Quilter’s Delight

508 S. Nueces • Camp Wood, TX 78833830-597-6310 • www.suzieqquilts.com

PSALMS 37:4

Quilting Fabrics, Fat Quarters, Quilting Kits,

Quilting Patterns, Gifts, Specials & Treasures That Will Delight Your Heart!

Suzie Q Quilts....worth going the extra mile!

Valley Ranch Retreat

For information, call 830-597-3445105 Mockingbird Lane • Camp Wood, TX 78833 www.valleyranchretreat.com

Now taking reservations for quilting, scrapbooking,

needlecraft and art retreats, weddings,

receptions & other events.

Mill Wheel on the Nueces Guest Cottages

Vacation Time in Beautiful Camp Wood, Texas!P.O. Box 279 • Camp Wood, TX 78833For more information, call 830-597-4411MillWheelontheNueces.com

Woodbine Inn

For a peaceful stay, this is the place!214 S. Nueces St. • Camp Wood, TX 78833

For more information, call 830-597-2310

Visit us online at www.CampWoodLodging.com

1204 CR 350 • Concan, Texas • 830-232-5758 [email protected] • riverrimresort.com

ON THE FRIO

River Rim Resort, a hidden gem in the Texas Hill Country, provides guests with shady RV sites and a cluster of cabins accented with a European flair. The Spring at the Rim is a beautifully landscaped complex made up of an enclosed cabana with a pool and patio area that is a charming venue for private parties, wedding recep-tions, family reunions or corporate retreats. The Rim, its three sister resorts and two private guest houses of-fer a signature style of accommodations. Because they are open all year River Rim, RiverGate, River’s Edge,

Indian Springs, El Zocalo and La Vista provide the perfect home away from home getaways.

River Rim Resort RiverGate Cabins River’s Edge Cabins 1204 CR 350 2020 CR 350 2039 CR 350

Indian Springs Lodges El Zocalo & LaVista del Zocalo 1586 CR 348 1352 CR 350

VISIT US ON AT RIVER RIM RESORT ON THE FRIO.

hill country river region guide 2013

Documents

frio waterfront

river haven cabins

rio frio lodging

hill country sunwinner

frio springs lodges

cypress frio waters

frio rivers edge houses

jo river gear