Camp Verde:
Nestled in the foothills, 3 miles from famed Bandera Pass, on the banks of Verde Creek stands the Old Camp Verde General Store. Founded in 1857 and opened only on payroll days, the store was built one mile from Fort Camp Verde.
The Fort is remembered for being the location of the historical camel experiment of the 1850's, suggested by then Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, and supported by President Pierce for army transport and military purposes. The camels brought from the Middle East passed every test with flying colors, but after the Civil War, funds were no longer available for this experiment, and the Fort was closed.
Visiting Camp Verde General Store was a delightful experience for us. The garden, the excellent cafe, the gift store and of course the history makes this a great stop-over. The "Ooh-La-La" grilled sandwich was amazing, living up to it's name! Camel food was also on the menu...for healthier choices.
Dave let me shop to my heart's content.
Having babies on the brain, my husband spotted this Jim Shore collectible figurine, and purchased it for our daughter.
Medina:
After lunching in Camp Verde, we made a 15 minute drive toward Medina, and stopped at The Apple Store for dessert.
Medina holds the claim of "The Apple Capital of Texas." The Apple Store is located on site at Love Creek Orchards, where you can pick your own apples, or purchase a number of unique apple gifts, like the potpourri which is pictured.
See the soft serve ice cream machine? It holds apple ice cream, which is flavored with apple cider and cinnamon, and is scrumptious!
Dave chose a "to go" slice of their famous homemade apple pie. His was sugar-free...he savored every bite!
Boerne:
Boerne is located only 22 miles northwest of San Antonio in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country. This historic and charming city is famed for being the #1 retirement city in Texas.
Boerne Market Days take place on the city square one weekend a month. We loved the festive atmosphere...and soaked up hill country local color.
You have not experienced a gordita until you have tasted one made with made-from-scratch pita-type of fried bread. This family boasts that they make the best gorditas in all of Kendall County. After tasting one...whoa boy! That is the truth!
Most every outdoor event in the Hill Country will have icy cold fresh fruit drinks. Watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple...oh my! So refreshing.
Since I'm a "bag lady," Dave bought me a new purse at Market Days. Cute, huh?
One evening our friends, Helen and Rudi Soliz, took us to the Hungry Horse Restaurant in downtown Boerne. Country style...homemade...huge portions...definitely a place to go if you are hungry. The huge bran muffin/roll...that alone was worth the stop.
My daughter and I always check out a thrift shop run by a local animal shelter, which opens on Thursdays and Saturdays. They have a reputation for selling really good things, so lines are always long at the 10:00 A.M. opening.
This visit I was able to do one nice thing for a friend with a serious foot problem. Her podiatrist recommended Z-Coil shoes for her, but the $200 price tag prevented her from trying them out. Now, what are the chances that I should find never worn Z-Coils in her size at the thrift store? And for a mere fraction of the value. When I phoned her, she was shouting...and doing that nice thing sure made me happy.
