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Here are 3 reasons to visit Fredericksburg right now

Located near the geographic center of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a great option for any summer getaway, as it is just over an hour from San Antonio and Austin and four hours from Houston.

Here are three great reasons to plan your next vacation to Fredericksburg right now.

Raise a (wine) glass
With grape harvest season just around the corner, Texas Wine Country offers plenty of ways to enjoy award-winning Texas wines. Fredericksburg is home to more than 50 wineries, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy all the scenic views. Area wineries in Fredericksburg offer tastings, tours, and wine by the glass or bottle. Be sure to plan ahead by booking a wine tour or shuttle to leave the scheduling and driving to someone else.

Looking for a walkable tasting option? Explore Fredericksburg’s Urban Wine Trail, which includes more than 10 wineries all within walking distance from historic spots, shopping, and even B&Bs and hotels.

Here are a few upcoming options that celebrate the annual harvest season:

Grape Stomp at Texas Heritage Vineyard, July 24 and 31 and August 7
Harvest Festival at Messina Hof, August 6-8, 13-14, 20-22, 27-28, and September 3-4
Grape Stomp at Pedernales Cellars, August 14-15 and 21-22

Events are back
After nearly a year hiatus, Fredericksburg is once again home to more than 400 special events and festivals, not to mention plenty of live music.

Fredericksburg is also celebrating its 175th anniversary throughout the summer — don’t miss the special art exhibit “The Art of Fredericksburg: 175 Years.”

During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy events such as:

Harvest vineyard tours
Trips to the local farmers market
Live pari-mutuel horse racing
Grape stomps
The 12th annual Hill Country Film Festival
Living history and reenactments at Fort Martin Scott
First Friday art walk

More festivals and special events are also being planned throughout the fall, including the 40th annual Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest, BestFest, and more. Be sure to reserve your lodging accommodations well in advance on festival weekends.

Unique places to stay
There are plenty of places to stay if you are traveling with family this summer — groups and families of all sizes can find a home in Fredericksburg. With more than 20 hotels and nearly 1,500 vacation rentals, you can find your perfect escape. There are also plenty of pet-friendly spots and great places featuring swimming pools, perfect for cooling off in the Texas heat.

One final tip: Visit during midweek for great perks, including a more relaxed pace for shopping, more personalized tasting room experiences, and better rates on lodging.

To plan your summer getaway, go to VisitFredericksburgTX.com.

Fredericksburg is home to more than 50 wineries.

Photo by Trish Rawls

Fredericksburg is home to more than 50 wineries.

vacation wine promoted

A Star is (Re)born

San Antonio's iconic Blue Star Contemporary rebrands while sticking to its mission

Blue Star Contemporary/Facebook

The Contemporary at Blue Star has been making little tweaks to its identity for three decades, but remains committed to contemporary artists.

For the astronomy nerds out there, the thing that comes after a blue star is a red one. For Blue Star Contemporary, the nonprofit art space, it’s a softer rebranding to Contemporary at Blue Star. San Antonio’s oldest contemporary art nonprofit unveiled a new name, graphic identity, and website on September 30, but it’s still the same organization people know and love.

Contemporary at Blue Star is celebrating its new identity with a public First Friday Block Party on Friday, October 7, at 6 pm. The event includes a DJ and an interactive screen-printing station with a donation to The Contemporary. Visitors can peruse the five galleries currently active.

Public-facing discussions about the organization’s identity started in 2021, when it assembled some focus groups of artists, educators, and other community. Prompting such a subtle change, it seems that San Antonians agreed the nonprofit was representing itself fairly well already, and just needed a little more specificity about the locale.

“During the community feedback process, we asked, ‘What is the promise we make to the community?’ and the answer consistently returned to: Contemporary Art for San Antonio, which is actually our incorporated name,” said Contemporary executive director Mary Heathcott. “To honor this history as an artist-centric home for contemporary art in San Antonio, celebrate the community we’ve built over the last 36 years, and prioritize our mission, the Contemporary at Blue Star felt like the right choice to lead us into the future.”

Brand strategist Leigh M. Baldwin led the focus groups, which also informed local graphic designer Jamie Stolarski while creating new logos. “We worked closely with the staff, board, and arts community to gather input on how best to convey the institution’s professionalism, inclusivity, and support for artists,” Stolarski said, “while providing distinction between it and the Complex and its commercial spaces.”

The logo is now “a modular system,” according to Stolarski, who incorporated a deeper cobalt blue to reflect the bold choices of contemporary artists who popularized the primary hue. The new website by Spellerberg Associates (yet to be implemented as of October 3), which specializes in designs for museums and cultural institutions, will incorporate community feedback for “a more updated, user-friendly, accessible, and engaging experience.”

In its three decades, the community organization has encompassed the Blue Star Exhibition, the Blue Star Arts Complex, the Blue Star Contemporary and more, all to make the changing business as accessible as possible without changing too much of its growing iconic identity. The Contemporary does not maintain a permanent collection, so its insides change constantly, too, hoping to keep up with the rest of the world as it shifts.

“It has been a pleasure to support the Contemporary’s role in our center city’s revitalization and to see it thrive along with businesses and organizations that sparked this remarkable growth years ago — growth that continues today,” said Blue Star Arts Complex owner and Contemporary Advisory Council member James Lifshutz. “I know firsthand the power of art to transform lives and build community, and I am energized by the Contemporary’s mission-driven, forward-thinking at this pivotal time.”

The block party on October 7 from 6-8 pm at 116 Blue Star is free to the public. On November 9, the 32nd Annual Red Dot Art Sale and Show launches with a fundraiser from 7-10 pm. It will be on view from November 11, 2022 to January 8, 2023, and will show work from more than 100 San Antonio artists, with proceeds benefiting both the creatives and The Contemporary. More information and tickets ($50) as they become available at bluestarreddot.org.

museums galleries

Eat for a good cause

10 top San Antonio chefs battle it out at upcoming Burger Showdown

Photo courtesy of Hometown Chef/Burger Showdown

Burger Showdown takes place Oct. 14

Ten San Antonio-area chefs plan to put their burger-making skills to the test in an October 14 event designed to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank.

Hometown Chef, a local online culinary series, will host the annual burger competition, Burger Showdown 3.0, at Alamo Beer Co. The event will take place 6-9 pm with VIPs being welcomed at 5:30 pm.

According to a news release, the outdoor event will position the competing chefs beneath the historic Hays Street bridge, and attendees get to vote for their favorite burger.

The first-place winner will be awarded a cash prize, along with a trophy. Second- and third-place winners will also receive a trophy.

"This is my absolute favorite event of all time. These chefs are phenomenal, and the battle is real - everyone wants to throw down the most badass burger, and if you're going to find one in San Antonio, it will be on this night!" says Homegrown Chef co-creator and food writer Kimberly Suta.

Suta also says Burger Showdown 3.0 helps to emphasize the benefits of locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

"Additionally, I just want to say that we're really proud to promote, in small part, the slow food movement and the fantastic local ranchers that we have and are working with, such as Pure Pastures, Behind the Oak Farm and Peaceful Pork. Sustainable, healthy food raised by compassionate people is more important now than ever," she says.

Here are their participating chefs and their planned burgers, with descriptions provided by the event.

Chef Diana Anderson, JD's Chili Parlor: The Hostage Burger
A burger patty made with their signature five-pepper chili paste, topped with aged Wisconsin "jeddah," an all-beef hot dog, grass-fed pecan-smoked whiskey chili, Mexican cheeses, red onions, fried jalapeños, “chilified” aioli, and romaine lettuce; served on a homemade chili seed bun.

Chef Angelo Gordon of Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine: Reggae Burger
Made with seasoned ground beef, topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, pickled cabbage, and jerk aioli on a brioche bun.

Chef Louis Halaszyn of Cream Kitchen and Bar: The Westslider
Chorizo-marinated beef patty with smoked cheddar cheese sauce, sour pickle relish, shredded red and green leaf lettuce, and toasted hot Cheetos aioli on a Kaiser bun.

Chef Geronimo Lopez of Botika: BBC (Botika Burger Cartelua)
House-made patty cooked with Spanish chorizo, Chihuahua cheese, crispy onions, shoestring potatoes, and chimichurri on a sourdough bun.

Chef Joseph Thadeus Martinez of Tributary Modern Texas Cuisine: Elote Burger
A Dean and Peeler smash patty, Oaxaca cheese whiz, street corn relish, chicharrón corn nut crunch, and cilantro lime aioli on a potato bun.

Chef John O'Larnic of Chef's Backyard: Chef's Backyard Flavor Formula Popper Burger
Cheeseburger made with bacon, American cheese, cream cheese, fresh jalapeños, and Chef's Backyard Flavor rub.

Chef John Munoz of Smokies by Chef John: The Smoked Out Burger
Grass-fed ground beef, smoked gouda and chili peppers, layered with house-smoked brisket and sausage, topped with onion strings, and finished with a house-made barbecue sauce.

Chef James Richard Smith of toohotfortabc: The Marfa Lights Burger
A green chile flat iron cheeseburger.

Chef Dave Terrazas from The Art Institute of San Antonio: The Caribbean
A sweet, spicy, and savory asadero-topped burger, featuring layers of tamarind, citrus, Allspice, gold rum, with pickled green mango, avocado aioli, and sweet and Scotch bonnet peppers.

Chef Kristina Zhao of Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar - The Dashi
Made with beef, pork belly, avocado, GGG, Sichuan peppercorn oil, tamari, and Kewpie mayo on a biscuit.

Additionally at the Burger Showdown, Ed Villarreal, host chef of Homegrown Chef will make french fries, and Stone Oak bakery Texas Cookie Shop will providing cookies for dessert.

General admission tickets of $50 per person does not include drinks, but beverages can be purchased via Alamo Beer. VIP admission includes one drink ticket and the aforementioned early admission.

burger showdown san antonio burgers

State Fair News

State Fair of Texas adds serious gourmet treats from local restaurants

Chimichurri

A well made empanada is impossible to resist.

The 2022 State Fair of Texas commenced September 30. On the foodie front, for the first time, they've added seven new food stands from some notable Dallas restaurants.

These are above and beyond the usual concessionaires, and also have nothing to do with the Big Tex awards (which this year include a Fried Charcuterie Board and a sweet called Peanut Butter Paradise).

No, these are serious gourmet goodies that range from irresistible empanadas to gourmet soft-serve ice cream to Neapolitan pizza topped with BBQ.

These are the seven brand-new vendors joining the lineup at the 2022 State Fair of Texas:

Empanadas and fries from Chimichurri & Milagro Taco Cantina
Award-winning chef Jesus Carmona’s new stand will be serving dishes from his two Dallas restaurants, Chimichurri and Milagro Taco Cantina. He'll be doing two types of empanadas, plus a campeona taco, a burrito Texano, and mole fries, drizzled with mole sauce, crema fresca, and cotija cheese. Carmona was nominated for Rising Star Chef in CultureMap’s 2018 Tastemaker Awards and appeared on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.

Candy pickles from Di-Licious Candies Pickles Factory
Known as the “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” of pickles, the family-owned and -operated Di-Licious Candies Pickles Factory is the “first original candy pickle factory in the entire world” and has more than 250 flavors of candy pickles. Featured dishes include their signature chamoy candy pickle along with candy pickles in a cup, Rainbow Brite candy pickle sundae, and cotton candy pickle roll crunch.

Pumpkin spice cheesecake on a stick from Drizzle Cheesecakes
Olympic athlete Stephen El Gidi and his partner Walid founded Drizzle Cheesecakes in 2018. Their business has made appearances across North America from southwestern Ontario to our neighbors at Six Flags Over Texas’ Holiday in the Park. Drizzle’s New York-style cheesecake on a stick is dipped in magic-shell Belgian chocolate and rolled in a variety of toppings including crushed Oreos, red velvet cake, strawberry crumble, and more. Their stand will feature specialty flavors developed just for the State Fair of Texas including pumpkin spice cheesecake.

Loaded queso fries by Enjoy Foods
Founded in 2012, Enjoy Foods started out as a gourmet kitchen store in Rockwall from owners Dwaina Morris and her husband They'll be serving loaded queso fries, loaded queso nachos, fried chicken tacos, root beer floats, brownie sundaes, daiquiris, and fried jalapeños. One extra-unique item is their adult-infused jumbo Texas pickle infused with daiquiri mix.

Gourmet soft-serve ice cream by Once Upon a Cone
Once Upon a Cone has been soft-serving delicious ice cream treats all over Texas for the past 12 years. They do premium vanilla, chocolate, and swirled soft-serve ice cream along with specialty sundaes, shakes, floats, and malts. Their dipped cones are available in chocolate, cherry, butterscotch, and birthday cake flavors.

Nashville hot chicken by Palmer’s Hot Chicken Dallas
The Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant concept from Dallas native Palmer Fortune and his partner and chef Mills Garwood will serve the Motherclucker sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich with pimento cheese and pickles; jumbo tenders; banana pudding; and tots, plain or smothered in pimento cheese queso). Plus their Frosé wine slushy made with pureed strawberries, hibiscus, and lime.

Neapolitan-style burnt ends pizza by Texapolitan Pizza
Stephan Nedwetzky of Pit Commander Barbecue is using barbecue as the topping on his favorite type of pizza, Neapolitan. Each pizza is made from 00 flour imported from Italy and needs only 90 seconds in the 900-1,000-degree stone oven to reach thin, crispy perfection. Four personal-sized pizza pies will include margherita, pepperoni, cheese, and smoked pork belly burnt ends. That one consists of red sauce, mozzarella, smoked pork belly burnt ends, jalapeños, cotija cheese, and Pit Commander Barbecue Sweet Heat BBQ sauce.

lists state-fair

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Here are 3 reasons to visit Fredericksburg right now

Fredericksburg is home to more than 50 wineries.

Camp Margaritaville RV resort revs up at Texas' Crystal Beach

San Antonio-area farm opens Alpaca Pumpkin Patch, plus more top stories

San Antonio suburb named 5th fastest-growing city, plus more top stories

A Star is (Re)born

San Antonio's iconic Blue Star Contemporary rebrands while sticking to its mission

Camp Margaritaville RV resort revs up at Texas' Crystal Beach

San Antonio-area farm opens Alpaca Pumpkin Patch, plus more top stories

San Antonio suburb named 5th fastest-growing city, plus more top stories

Eat for a good cause

10 top San Antonio chefs battle it out at upcoming Burger Showdown

Camp Margaritaville RV resort revs up at Texas' Crystal Beach

San Antonio-area farm opens Alpaca Pumpkin Patch, plus more top stories

San Antonio suburb named 5th fastest-growing city, plus more top stories

State Fair News

State Fair of Texas adds serious gourmet treats from local restaurants

Camp Margaritaville RV resort revs up at Texas' Crystal Beach

San Antonio-area farm opens Alpaca Pumpkin Patch, plus more top stories

San Antonio suburb named 5th fastest-growing city, plus more top stories

1, 2, 3

Fredericksburg is home to more than 50 wineries.

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A Star is (Re)born

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

Eat for a good cause

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

State Fair News

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

We will not share or sell your email address.

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome

Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome

Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome

Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.

CultureMap Emails Are Awesome

Get San Antonio intel delivered daily.