Reciting Mason History with Modern Twists

Valentine's Day Activities in The Texas Hill Country

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:38:57 GMT

A Budget Friendly Valentine's Day

I know the feeling, you're just beginning to get your finances in order after the holiday spending and Bam! there's Valentine's Day. Don't pull out the credit card, instead do something meaningful this Valentine's Day. An afternoon in the beautiful Texas Hill Country will bring you closer to your partner than any vase of flowers or box of chocolates.

Be the First to View the Wildflowers - Cost a Tank of Gas

Visitors travel from around the world to view the acclaimed Hill Country wildflowers. Normally blooming in March with peak times in April, this year's warmer than usual winter has enticed some of the beauties to make an early appearance. Mason locals have already reported seeing the state flower, the bluebonnet, on the area back-roads around James River & Pontotoc . You and your partner can be the first to post those beautiful wildflower shots on your Instagram page.

Check Back in March for the Full Wildflower Report for 2020!

Enjoy a Rainbow Trout Dinner - Cost a Fishing License / Gear

The 2nd Release for Winterfisch 2020 occurred the first part of February and there are still plenty of Rainbow Trout swimming the current around James River Crossing. Grab some fishing gear and catch your dinner. You'll enjoy the peaceful scenery of the Llano River, some friendly competition with your significant other, and hopefully a delicious Rainbow Trout dinner to finish the day. Read some of my tips for a successful day on the Llano River!

Reminisce About Your Childhood Valentine's Day - Cost Free

Remember making those cute handcrafted cards as a child? Step back in time with a visit to the Cave Creek School Open House on Saturday, February 15th. The schoolhouse will be decorated with old-time Valentine's just as it would have been in the early 1900's. Bonus: Make your own handcrafted Valentine card to present to your loved one during your tour.

Enjoy a Romantic Evening in the Weingarten - Cost $20/Person

Pontotoc Vineyards & Weingarten is hosting desserts after dark at the Fredericksburg weingarten. Enjoy a glass of wine and handmade desserts in the romantic candlelit garden.

Pull Out Your Dancin' Shoes - Cost Varies

Lots of opportunities to catch some live music across the Texas Hill Country. Costs vary from FREE to $45 for a weekend of camping and dancing in Luckenbach!

Support the Local Arts - Cost $60/Person

Not budget friendly you say? When you consider that your $60 donation to the February 12th Concert includes food and drink and you will be supporting the free concerts held in March, it's quite the bargain. Think of it as an investment towards your March date nights!

Stay the Weekend

7 Tips for Fishing the Llano River

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 22:34:56 GMT

Get Lucky at the Annual WinterFisch Release 2019/2020

The second release of Rainbow Trout into the Llano River took place last week. Grab your rod, take to the river, and catch your dinner! Rainbow Trout can only survive when water temperatures are consistently below 70 degrees. The Texas heat will raise water temps into the danger zone in late March making January & February optimal months to snag a trout. Here are a few tips to make your trip to the Llano River a success!

1. Grab Lunch or Fill Your Cooler at Castell General Store

The Castell General Store is the place to fill your cooler with drinks and because it doubles as a burger joint, it's also a great place to fill your belly before your hit the water.

2. Drop Your Line at James River/Dos Rios Crossing

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department releases the trout at the James River/Dos Rios Crossing on the Llano River. Because trout must swim upstream in order to breathe (water enters their mouth and exits the gills as they face upstream) they have a tendency to remain close to their release point, especially in the early weeks.

3. Break Out The Fly Rod & Get Your Kid in the Record Books

Your kid could be listed in the TP&WD record book. As of today, there is no record of a youth angler catching a trout on a fly rod on the Llano River. Teach your child to fly fish and give them a chance at claiming the spot.

4. Or Use Whatcha Got!

No need to chase the record books, just have some fun on the water with the old rod and reel. Many of the local Masonites have had great luck using a simple rod with a live worm under a bobber or some canned corn. Canned corn on a hook....brings back some wonderful childhood memories doesn't it?

5. Cook Your Catch

Remember, these fish won't survive in the warm spring / summer waters. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department encourages you to keep what you catch. Cooking trout is as easy as 1. Romove the Guts, 2. Wrap in Foil & Bake 3. Enjoy!

6. Or Let Mason's Best Restaurants Cook if For You!

Staying in a Mason AirBnB without a kitchen? Or just want someone else to handle the catch? No problem, the whole Mason community supports WinterFisch. You can take your fresh catch to Keller's Store or Mi Pueblo Mason to be cooked and paired with some sides. Now that's easy!

7. Claim Your Prize

If you catch a red tagged trout during WinterFisch 2019/2020 you're eligible to win a prize from Living Waters Fly Fishing ! Local Mason businesses have donated some wonderful prizes for the winning anglers. To claim your prize, contact Tony Plutino at 512-496-2020 or tonyplutino@gmail.com. Remember to take a photo of you and your catch and to keep the tag to redeem for your prize.