After a Fashion

NO, THIS ISN'T "DAY TRIPS" ... I first went to Wimberley on Christmas Eve. It was a spur-of-the-moment trip -- my favorite kind. I'd never heard of it before, but my sister and I had somewhat of a tradition of visiting some of Texas' more charming locales during the holidays. So off we went on our quest for the true charm of Christmas. Wimberley has the kind of small-town charm that usually has to be re-created in theme parks -- and it's just as tourist-friendly. Although a little self-consciously quaint, it is smart enough to know just how bankable that charm is, and even though the eventual, inevitable yuppification has already begun, the town endeavors to retain its original personality. Forty-five minutes from Austin, Wimberley would do well to take a good look at how our fair city is regularly being stripped of much of its local charm, and how the developments continue.

With many hand-built, beautifully restored structures surviving, it is picture-postcard perfect -- especially at Christmas. But I've been back several times since, just to see if it's really as cool as I thought it was the first time. It is. The Square and its adjacent properties are prime shopping. Needless to say, much of what is bought and sold falls into the category of dangerously "cute," with the accent on whimsy, whatnots, and other flights of fancy, but there's an enormous market out there for this kind of merchandise. But that's far from all that's to be had there.

... BUT IT IS A RECOMMENDATION A favorite Wimberley destination is Rancho Deluxe. An incredibly friendly establishment, offering wonderful Texana and other delights, the mix of merchandise is defined by the exquisitely rustic taste of its owner, Sally Hogue. All manner of worked iron and carved limestone, mixed with Mexican antiques and Central American folk art, is displayed here, without any trace of kitsch to be seen.

Wimberley Stained Glass creates magic with color and light. Offering stained-glass everything from lamps to windows, the work is beguilingly classic, yet spectacularly original. And that's only what you can see through the front window (Note to Wimberley Stained Glass: Sundays are prime shopping days. Have you considered opening at least for a few hours?)

With a quaint name that belies its contents, the Old Mill Store only slips into cuteness occasionally. You will not find barrels of flour and penny candy. You will not find penny anything. What you will find is a gloriously appointed, large shop offering upscale desirables that are so lovely, you don't want to buy them -- it would be easier just to move right in. With their own unique mix of iron, wood, and stone, along with treats to delight the body and all of its senses, the Old Mill Store is heavenly.

IN A NUTSHELL Gorgeous antique gifts, mingled with lovely modern collectibles, are Blue Willow's signature look. With furnishings and merchandise in a welcoming arrangement out front, it invites you in. Accept that invitation. For the Celtic-and-crystals set, there's the Lady of the Lake, offering gifts, décor, cards, and all things exuding style from another world. Designs in Wax features handcrafted candles of every description, and an array of scents to create an olfactory feast. The El Dorado Trading Post, a little further down from the Square, is also inviting, with three separate establishments under its roof: Rebecca's, the Old Gourmet Kitchen, and the poorly named Denim-N-Things which offers much more interesting merchandise than the name implies. There's lovely antiques shopping to be had, as well -- nearby is Star Antique and Wimberley Antiques, where the furnishings of gracious living can all be had. Also deserving mention are Picket Fences, Annette's Country Store, Sugarbritches, the Gingerbread House, the Gypsy Piddler, the Eagle Dancer Gallery, and Razberri Junction. Then there's the Wimberley Glassworks ...

THE PAUSE THAT REFRESHES Offering an idyllic respite from the rigors of shopping, Wimberley features a handful of good places to eat. Most notable is the Creekview Grille, and I'm not saying that just because my brother Bill is the new general manager. I loved the place before he went to work there, and when the employment opportunity arose, I prayed that they'd hire him. So, it's just a coincidence that I recommend it. Really! Situated among massive trees above a verdant lawn rolling down to Cypress Creek, the culinary fare is fairly average (with great chicken fried steak, even if they are a little skimpy with the gravy), but the star of the restaurant is the location. I could eat gravel in a location like that and like it.

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