The Pink Pig
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 for the weekend, undeterred by the cold, the wind, and the rain.
This trip stemmed from a happenstance conversation we had at a visit to Bejas Grill on a
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.
The Pink Pig Bed and Breakfast, which is owned by Rebecca, is one of the most inviting accommodations we have had the pleasure of reviewing. In fact, it is our favorite place to stay in town and our number one recommendation. Her guest house is a beautiful reflection of her 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 first visit, a new rooster was being introduced and there were fresh eggs to gather. On our second visit, the geese were especially fun to watch and Donnie fed the pigs an entire tray of bread, not just any bread either, Rebecca’s homemade bread (damn lucky, well fed pigs). Our first night we never left the cottage except to have dinner; we simply settled in and enjoyed the serene setting!
The Pink Pig is located just outside of Fredericksburg and it is every bit as adorable as the Bed and Breakfast! It is a log cabin style restaurant with cozy interior, lovely wood with splashes of PINK, of course. Pink and Pigs, and pink pigs. It is a theme, it is precious, and you will love it. Sit inside, or outside on the patio and enjoy the Hill Country view!
. We WILL be back every time we are in the area, and we WILL go back just for THE PINK PIG! Yes, we shamelessly took home raspberry bars and blueberry scones….and ate them before we got there. What do we plan to have upon our return? Pulled pork on jalapeno fry bread. Donnie also insists we will get there before the cinnamon rolls sell out!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!
Want something more traditional? Try the fudge. She now sends it to us on occasion and it is always a delight to get that deliver! 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. 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.
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!! And when you sleep, count pink pigs instead of sheep!
