Rather Sweet Weekend We recommend not over planning when traveling. Packed itineraries and rigid scheduling often lead to over spending and disappointment. Weekends trips are especially good opportunities to go with the flow. No matter how much research you do, or how well you plot your journey, the weather can and often will, force you to improvise. Your attitude will seal your travel fate in these moments. In true nomad spirit, we through our bag in the trunk and headed to Fredericksburg again this weekend, undeterred by the cold, the wind, and the rain. To be honest, we were happily leaving the traffic and the crowds of SXSW behind us for the weekend.   This trip stemmed from a happenstance conversation we had at Bejas Grill on our last  weekend in the Hill Country doing research for our blog. After enjoying the single most amazing dessert I have ever consumed, we had the absolute pleasure of meeting the genius behind the Pumpkin Cheesecake with praline topping, Rebecca Rather. During our chat it was evident to me that this was a seriously talented lady! Not until I went home and did some research did I realize she was royalty in the Culinary world. Known as the Pastry Queen, Rebecca has accomplished far more than one incredible cheesecake                              ! She worked as executive chef at Schlotzsky's Bread Alone cafes. She has been featured in Texas Monthly, Gourmet, Ladies' Home Journal, Food and Wine, Southern Living, Chocolatier, and Saveur! She is the author of three cookbooks and just a genuinely nice person. When she mentioned she had a guest house in town, we happily accepted an invitation to come back and do a review. A Rather Sweet Retreat, which is owned by Rebecca, and managed by Absolute Charm Bed and Breakfast is one of the most inviting accommodations we have had the pleasure of reviewing. Her guest house is a beautiful reflection of our personality. It has a warmth and peaceful energy to it that immediately puts you at ease, for lack of better word, it feels like home. The attention to detail is impressive. Every nook has a collection of treasures hand selected by Rebecca. The color scheme is vibrant but subtle. The home consists of two bedrooms, one with a queen sized bed, the other with a king sized bed. There is a spacious living area, complete with fresh flowers and a basket of fresh fruit. You will find her famous pastries in the well stocked kitchen, and enjoy them at the antique dining area that overlooks her gardens. This place is family friendly, which is quite different than simply saying children are welcome. Outside you will find a cozy courtyard, and to our delight, geese, chickens, and pigs to feed! On our visit, a new rooster was being introduced and there were fresh eggs to gather. Our first night we never left the cottage, we simply settled in and enjoyed the serene setting! Day 2 we decided to ignore the cold and rain and make our way to Lone Star Candy Bar. The dreariness stopped at the door. We dare you to spend time in here and not come out happier! If Candy Land and Memory Lane were to meet, Lone Star Candy Bar would be at the intersection. Inside you will find an energetic, candy loving, manager named Crystal. She will enthusiastically school you in all things chocolate covered! We found favorites from childhood such as Garbage Pail Kids, Candy buttons, etc. If you remember it from childhood they have it! They also have a  huge collection of candy oddities such as chocolate flavored crickets, scorpion suckers, and ant candy. The sizes are as varied as the selection. Be sure to meet the world's largest gummy bear and gummy worm, a super sized Astro pop, and a 10 lb Hershey's bar! The hand dip bacon, pickles, bananas, chips, and jalapenos in chocolate daily. Want something more traditional? Try the fudge. Sure, you can get fudge everywhere, but flavors like lemon meringue and key lime are not so readily available! This is an interactive candy store, the kids can make their own pucker powder pouches and bag their own M&Ms. Lone Star Candy Bar has more than just candy, you will find a wide array of beverages in the cooler at the back of the store.   There are traditional favorites from childhood like Frostie Root Beer, Big Red and Dr Pepper in bottles. There are also crazy concoctions like Bacon Soda and an energy drink to help you survive a Zombie attack! Owners Ron and Donna, clearly love what they do, and their 19 grandchildren! They will soon open "Fitz and Hollerins" toy store across the street. We saw them put the finishing touches on Fort Fitz and Hollerin House today for their grand opening next week. We think it is the perfect partnership for the kids and kids at heart. If you find yourself in Fredericksburg on a dreary day, or need to a reward to offer up to the kids as you drag them along the not so kid friendly shops on Main Street, this is the place for you to try. twenty seven pound gummy bear Our sugar rush sent us back to our weekend retreat for nap. We are both busy, active, talkative people, but we found the quiet of the guest house immensely comforting. We had our "Eureka!" moment, and realized THIS is exactly what we have been craving! Our senses were calmed and our minds quieted. We decided to spend the evening in, soaking up the soothing energy. We highly recommend you stay here! This is an environment that fosters creativity. Plan a weekend or week here, spend day one slowing your pace, and from there, write, paint, shop, or sleep! From cozy cottages to candy stores, this weekend has indeed been a Rather Sweet Retreat!