Musings of the Creative Noggins

Whew. Boy have we been busy! But as promised from an earlier post, we have finally launched the new website for the Cotton Gin Village and Cabernet Grill Restaurant—and I want to tell everyone about it.

First of all, if you’ve never been to Fredericksburg, then you need to plan a trip….NOW. If you have been to Fredericksburg before, then you need to plan another trip….NOW…and be sure to stay at the Cotton Gin Village and eat at least one meal at the Cabernet Grill restaurant.

This place has got to be towards the top of my list of “clients whose product I would like to support on a daily basis.” In a nutshell, it’s a cool B&B complex of elegant rustic cabins and a first class restaurant. The cabins themselves are reminiscent of a time when cell phones and computers didn’t exist. (Hmmmm….maybe that’s why I’m drawn.) And although rustic, they are elegantly simple, clean, cozy and private.

We had the pleasure of photographing several of them and it made me want to just spend a whole week in one, even though I live only a couple of miles away.

The cabins are spaced out around a center courtyard. Although the footprint of the establishment is masked by a lush courtyard and ample space between each cabin. And to top it off, the whole place is surrounded by a cedar and stone wall. It really feels like you’re in a whole different world.

On the other side of “the wall” they have a great big house called “1Big House” that is great for girls weekends, family get-togethers. It’s a two story house that’s got all the modern conveniences with a huge kitchen, two story stone fireplace, big yard with fire pit area and more.

Tucked just inside the entrance of the Cotton Gin Village is the restaurant. And well, you’ll just need to check out the photos on the website to start making your mouth water. The Cabernet Grill has a great lunch buffet and the dinner menu is to-die-for. We spent some time shooting the incredible dishes and were “forced” to eat them. So, needless to say, I’ve been trying to think of reasons we need to shoot more!

If you like Texas wine, you’ll love this—they have the largest Texas Wine list just about anywhere serving wines from vineyards around the state of Texas. But not only do they serve it, their waitstaff is trained to know what wine will pair well with your menu selection. Seriously!

But rest assured. There are no wine snobs at this place. Just meet the Owner and Executive Chef, Ross Burtwell and you’ll understand why. As they say in the corporate world, the culture of a company is the “mirror” of the owner’s attitude, the is no different. A true gentleman and as humble as they come, Mr. Burtwell’s goal is to create a lasting impression and a wonderful experience for all of his guests —whether they’re in a cabin or in a seat in the restaurant.

So if you’re looking for a great place to stay or a great place to eat in Fredericksburg, Texas, take a gander – then pass it on to friends.

Oh – and by the way, we’ve heard through the grapevine that the Wildflowers are going to be GREAT this year!

Cabernet Grill —Texas Wine Country Restaurant
Cotton Gin Village — Rustic & Romantic Lodging
1 Big House — Great Lodging for groups

by Trish McCabe Rawls