Well, here's my version of directions. From San Antonio I've found the fastest way to be straight 35 to Walnut Ave. in New Braunfels (this is also called 46, but while in N.B. there are two 46's. Take the one called Walnut and head north.) to... 1863 and it is just a short distance north and turn left. Schumacher's is just a hop away from that intersection on the right. If you're coming down 281 from the north, then take the 46 exit for New Braunfels. It is a huge sign! Head left, south, to 1863, then take a right onto 1863 and it will be just a hop down on your right. I've tried the country roads to get there from S.A. and they take much longer than the 35 route. I'm a fan of country roads but not if they add 30 minutes to the drive. Patty, have you gone yet? I'm thinking about going...

And another http://www.msaofsa.com/residential/residential-projects/custom-homes/prado-crossing/ This house has a German influence (like the one above), which is historically and architecturally correct, as many Germans settled in the hill country of Texas. You can see more of this house at the link, and is worth seeing. I love that this house is obviously large and expensive, yet stayed true to the hill country look, and didn't try to add a dozen more architectural features in crazy windows and rooflines. Here is a link that might be useful: German Influence Modern Hill Country Home This post was edited by bird_lover6 on Sun, Oct 6, 13 at 11:54

I don't have any specific advice for any of the areas you are visiting but do want to recommend www.restaurant.com. I've used it traveling and in my own city. You can view the menus online before you go and then buy a savings certificate and print it right out. I never had a problem with using this service. You will probably be eating out a lot when traveling and the savings really add up. It is great to view the menus beforehand and get a map to the location. You can even make reservations online too. The offering include small independant ethnic restaurant to upscale supper clubs - no chains. ------------- I see you may be travelling through The Badlands. Check out Jewel cave in the area. It is awesome. http://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/home/thingstodo/parksmonuments/nationalparks/jewelcavenationalmonument Here is a link that might be useful: Restaurant

I don't know where Fayetteville County is in TX but if you're north of Austin you should be able to grow some peonies. Itohs are gorgeous, a cross between tree peonies and herbaceous, and tend to do better in warmer areas. Another thing to look for is early blooming ones and single bloomers for mid-season. Saunders peonies are typically fairly early and have some amazing colors. If you want big double peonies you'll want to be super careful not to get late blooming ones--it'll be too hot for them by the time the buds are ready to open. Afternoon shade in the summer wouldn't be a bad idea, either. Here are a couple of sites to do some research: http://www.americanpeonysociety.org/  I'm pretty sure there's an article written by Don Hollingsworth in their archives about growing peonies in the south http://www.southernpeony.com/  She's a zone 7 so a bit cooler than you but you can see how many varieties she manages to grow. She's very good about answering questions as well http://www.paeo.de/navigation/hilf_en_1oben.html  The peony database on this site has more varieties with pictures and info than any other database I've seen. Another good resource is the big growers. Both Adelman's Peony Paradise and Hollingsworth's Peonies have been very good about answering emailed questions for me before. info@peonyparadise.com and nursery@hpeonies.com respectively.