Greater Mason Co. Region Venture Fest is bringing together local entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders to celebrate rural innovation and entrepreneurship. Join us at Fly Gap Winery on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:30–8:30 PM for networking, speakers, and community pride.

📍 Fly Gap Winery | Mason, TX
🗓 Thursday, Oct 2 | 5:30*–8:30 PM *doors open at 5pm
💻 Register today: https://forms.gle/757oWm7EgbYPd4hcA

✍️ Letter from the Editor

Neighbors,

Every so often, a moment comes along that feels bigger than any one of us — the kind of moment where showing up isn’t just about filling a chair, it’s about filling the air with possibility. That’s what Venture Fest is shaping up to be for Mason County and the Hill Country next week.

On October 2nd, Fly Gap Winery will swing its doors wide to host our very first Greater Mason Co. Region Venture Fest. It’s not just a fancy title or another event on the calendar — it’s a chance for us to say out loud, “Innovation isn’t only for the big cities. We’ve got grit, we’ve got ideas, and we’ve got a future worth building right here.” Students, entrepreneurs, ranchers, bankers, dreamers — they’ll all be there, shoulder to shoulder, swapping stories and sparking what comes next.

And here’s the truth: these kinds of gatherings matter. They remind us that when floods wash through or markets shift under our boots, we don’t just hunker down — we gather, we listen, we innovate. Venture Fest is proof that rural resilience isn’t a slogan; it’s a way of life we’re proud to keep practicing.

If you’ve ever wondered what the Hill Country looks like when possibility takes the microphone, don’t just hear about it later. Come stand in the courtyard, glass in hand, and see for yourself. The ticket price is nothing but your time — and I promise, it’s worth every minute. Register free here »

Now, while I’ve got you… a few more ways to lean into this community spirit:

– Advisory Board: TheTownie.ai is recruiting its very first Board of Advisors. This is not about titles or photo ops — it’s about vision, commitment, and a willingness to help shape something grassroots and groundbreaking. If that stirs something in you, I’d love for you to apply. Details here »

– Playlist Alert: We built Rural Hometown Vibes — 41 tracks of small-town swagger and Sunday porch swing energy. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a drive to Fredericksburg or a late-night kitchen sweep.

– Home Tour Season: With the Mason Home Tour and Seaquist House opening their doors, it’s the perfect reminder that our history isn’t tucked away — it’s alive and welcoming.

At its heart, The Townie is about this: building bridges between neighbors, businesses, and dreams. Thanks for letting me sit on your front porch each week — and for reminding me, time and again, why our Hill Country stories matter.

See you at Venture Fest,
Katie

This week’s excuse to put on pants 👖 

Mason County

• aeiou Students Ribbon Cutting — Sept 30, Mason Community Building. New kid on the block? Let’s cut some ribbon, eat some snacks, and officially say “welcome to Mason.”

• Greater Mason Co. Venture Fest — Oct 2, Fly Gap Winery. The Hill Country gets loud about innovation, students, wine, and big ideas. Registration’s free, but your bragging rights are priceless.

• Seaquist House Tour — Oct 4, Seaquist House. Mason’s crown jewel swings open its doors—creaky floors, grand halls, and history you can actually touch.

• 39th Annual Mason Home Tour — Oct 4, across Mason. Peeking into other people’s houses… but classy. Mason’s most beloved fall tradition is back.

• Mason Historical Museum Tours — Oct 4, Mason Museum. Small-town history, big-time charm. Free, open, and worth your Saturday stroll.

• AgriLife Livestock & Forage Conference — Oct 8, Extension Office. Ranchers, sharpen your pencils—two hours of hard-won tips for keeping cattle and fields thriving.

• Youth Football Hamburger Lunch — Oct 12, Mason Square. Nothing says community like burgers funding helmets and touchdowns. Bring your appetite.

• Young Life Banquet — Oct 14, Mason. Fundraising, fellowship, and maybe a little FOMO if you skip it.

• Fall Wine Dinner — Oct 23, Peters Prairie Vineyard. Forget pairing rules—just sip, savor, and call it research.

• City-Wide Garage Sale — Oct 25, Mason. Your trash is someone else’s treasure, and today’s the day to prove it.

• Fall Art & Wine Fest — Oct 25, Mason Square. Sidewalks full of art, wine glasses full, and zero excuses not to wander.

Fredericksburg / Gillespie

• Pioneer Library Book Club — Oct 1, Pioneer Memorial Library. A quiet night of books, banter, and maybe a new best friend.

• Leadership Fredericksburg Summit — Oct 3, A&B Creative. Power ties meet power moves. Who runs the Hill Country? Leaders do.

• Ribbon Cutting: Robles Kitchen — Oct 2, Fredericksburg. New restaurant, sharp scissors, and the Chamber’s seal of approval.

• Ribbon Cutting: Rocky Mountain Resuscitation — Oct 10, Fredericksburg. CPR training meets Chamber cheerleading—because even new businesses deserve a proper heartbeat.

• Vaquero Exhibit — through Oct 11, Pioneer Museum. Cowboy history, but make it art.

Junction / Kimble

• Junction Booster BBQ — Sept 27, City Park. Brisket for a cause. You know you’re in Texas.

• Kimble Museum Exhibit Opening — Sept 28, Kimble Museum. Ranching stories get their own spotlight—history with a side of pride.

Brady / McCulloch

• NRA Banquet — Sept 27, Brady Civic Center. Auctions, dinner, and a hall full of community swagger.

Menard

• Homecoming Parade — Sept 26, Downtown Menard. Floats, horns, and more school spirit than a Friday night light.

Llano / Small Towns

• Llano Texas Music Fest — Sept 26–27, Robinson Park. Two nights, one riverfront, endless reasons to dance.

• Artoberfest — Oct 11, Llano Art Guild. Lederhosen optional. Good food and art aren’t.

Kerrville

• Trivia Night — Oct 16, Arcadia Live. Think you’re clever? Prove it over drinks and bragging rights.

• Water Street Festival — Oct 25, Downtown Kerrville. Arts, music, and street vibes that turn Kerrville into one big block party.

San Angelo

• River Fest — Sept 27, Concho Riverfront. Seven years gone, and now it’s back—San Angelo’s party by the water.

• Fall Sweep — Sept 27, citywide. Gloves on, trash out—because clean streets look good on everyone.

COMMUNITY FEATURES / BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

• Commercial Bank Tailgate — Sept 26, Mason. Free food, football vibes, and a whole lot of hometown cheer.

• Sketch @ Odeon — Sept 26–29, Mason. Monsters, magic, and a sketchbook that won’t behave.

• The Rifters @ Odeon — Oct 25, Mason. Fiddle, guitar, and a Saturday night soundtrack you’ll hum for weeks.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• Mason Photo Contest Winners — October. Proof the Hill Country looks best through local lenses

🌤️ Weather at a Glance — Week of September 25th

Well, butter my biscuit — we’re in for a week that likes to tease between “sticky summer hangin’ on” and “fall peering around the corner.” Highs should ride in the upper 80s to low 90s, lows dropping into the low‐60s to upper 60s. Rain chances are modest but real — early on there could be a stray thunderstorm or two, but after that skies will mostly be kind, with sun and perhaps a sprinkle or passing cloud now and then.

Now here’s the straight talk: no major storms look to march through, so don’t expect tornado parades or flooding rivers. But those afternoon thundershowers early in the week could bring downpours, lightning, and slick roads — so don’t bet the farm on dry travels. High‐heat stress will hang near midweek, so keep water up, slow your pace midday, and mind folks prone to heat. Other than that, it’s looking like a polite week for donning shorts and watching the skies with a squint.

Community Content & Classifieds

A Keynote on Resilience and Legacy at Venture Fest

Every festival needs a voice that rises above the clinking glasses and buzzing courtyard—a voice that reminds us why we gathered in the first place. At the inaugural Greater Mason Co. Venture Fest, that voice belongs to Ron Ondechek Jr., Managing Director and Founder of South Highland Ventures.

Ondechek isn’t a local name—at least not yet. He comes to Mason from San Antonio by way of Tulane and Penn State, carrying more than 15 years of venture capital and private equity experience and a résumé stacked with over 100 transactions worth more than a billion dollars. But his story isn’t just about deals and dollars. It’s about perspective earned in the hard places, from engineering refineries to navigating crises and then helping entrepreneurs turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Those who’ve heard him speak know he blends pragmatism with heart. He can talk about middle-market mergers one minute and about the grit it takes to rebuild after disaster the next. That balance—legacy and liquidity, roots and resilience—is exactly what this moment in Mason calls for. The Hill Country is still recovering from the summer’s floods, and Ron’s message promises to connect those wounds to a wider horizon: how small-town entrepreneurs and family businesses can become the “first responders of ideas” that chart the next chapter forward.

Why bring in an outside voice? Because sometimes it takes fresh eyes to show us the value in our own backyard. Ondechek has spent his career backing underdog ideas and underserved markets. His keynote will remind us that what looks small or scrappy here in Mason can be part of a much bigger story.

How to Hear Him
Greater Mason Co. Venture Fest : Register free now.
📍 Fly Gap Winery, Mason, TX
🕔 Thursday, October 2 | VIP networking 5 p.m., public program 5:30 p.m.
🎶 Live music, local food & drink, student innovation pitches, expert panels, and a vendor courtyard.

And because this is part of The Townie Listening Tour: if you’d like your business or story featured, hit reply with your contact info and a story angle. We’ll set up a time to visit.

💼 Job Board / Help Wanted

🔧 Mobile RV Repair Tech – Fredericksburg, TX
RV EMT is hiring! Join their mobile RV repair team—training available, but electrical, plumbing, or generator skills are a plus.
📞 Call Michelle: 830-251-2272

🧼 Cleaning Positions – RV Fresh, Fredericksburg
Love clean spaces? RV Fresh is a new service from the RV EMT team, specializing in RV interior cleaning. Now hiring for part-time and full-time roles.
📞 Call Michelle: 830-251-2272

🦌 Hunting Guide Needed – Fredonia, TX
Full-time hunting guide needed for MLD season + ranch hand work in the off-season.
📞 Call Justin Mondrik at 830-317-1977 for more info.

🛠️ Local Services & Contractors

Powers Aquatics Construction & Landscaping
📞 Call Lloyd Powers at 325-446-6085

Nailed It Clearing and Dirt Work – Josh Nail
Land clearing + dirt work
📞 325-347-7665

Twisted K Construction – Ashton Kettinger
Rural construction work
📞 830-333-4589

🫙 For Sale / Local Products

Sheri Ivy’s Homemade Salsa
$12/pint. Made locally. Limited batch.
🛒 Stop by London Grocery & Grill (17451 US-377, London, TX 76854)
📞 Or call (325) 475-2296 to place your order!

2020 Grand Design SOLITUDE 377MBS Fifth Wheel
$42,500. Sleeps 10. 40 ft with 4 slide outs, king bed, bunks, Cummins Onan generator. Well maintained. Mason County.
📞 Call Joel at (830) 777-7550 for more info.

Click here to 👉 Submit your classified to The Townie.

🏡 Snoop That Listing!

📍 325 East Rainey Street, Mason, TX
Built in 1954, this charming red-brick home is tucked just minutes from the local schools. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a cozy 1,866 sq ft footprint, it sits on a quarter-acre lot—plenty of yard without the upkeep. Inside, you'll find warm wood finishes, spacious rooms, and updates throughout. The sellers are even offering a roofing allowance to help you get started fresh. This one’s got great bones, and even better potential. 💬 Want to see it in person? Call Shayne Smith at 325-347-4012 or email [email protected].

FOR SALE :: 3BR / 2BA home on small acreage in Erna, TX. 1985 double-wide mobile home needs full remodel. Well, septic, and electric in place. Nice front-yard shade tree and direct highway access. $75,000. Call Randy at (325) 347-2520.

🏨 226 Fort McKavitt, Mason, TX
Own a slice of history: an 8-room boutique hotel with added commercial space and a spacious 2,100 sq ft apartment. Investment opportunity meets small-town charm.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

🔑 Charming Single-Story Home
Step into this beautifully maintained Hill Country home featuring an open layout, custom white cabinetry, a cozy fireplace, and expansive views. With a spacious primary suite and guest-ready accommodations, it’s perfect for both quiet mornings and lively dinners.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

📍 800 Steap, Mason, TX
A masterclass in craftsmanship, this single-story beauty includes warm wood trim, custom finishes, and a luxurious primary suite. Set on half an acre with postcard-worthy views.
📞 Jennifer Nack | 210-410-1276

Click here to 👉 Submit your real estate or rental to The Townie.

Business Backbone with Walt & Nadine

📍 Now serving children and adults in McCulloch and surrounding counties
From ages 3 to 103, Olive Branch is here for the hard stuff—grief, trauma, transitions, and everything in between. You don’t have to do life alone. Their compassionate, licensed team offers counseling for individuals and families navigating real-life challenges, right here in rural Texas.

📞 Call: 210-564-4310
🌐 olivebranchsa.com

Dear Walt & Nadine,

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Walt & Nadine.

WALT SAYS: You’re five years in — it’s time to stop hoping people “get it” and start showing them what to buy.

Gift cards don’t move just because they exist. Neither do packages. You’ve got to spell it out: who it’s for, what it solves, and how they’ll feel after.

Put together three dead-simple offers: one for the mother-in-law who has everything, one for the stressed-out spouse, and one for the person who keeps saying, “I’ll get to it after the holidays.”

And price 'em like presents — round numbers, no fluff.

NADINE SAYS: You’re not alone — many service providers struggle to package intangibles, especially during gift-giving season.

Start by shifting your mindset: holiday offers aren’t about discounts — they’re about clarity and ease. Give each package a name that evokes outcomes (e.g., “Fresh Start Session” or “Declutter & Dine: Kitchen Reset”). Include a handwritten card or small physical token if you can — something the giver can actually wrap.

Market them visually, even if the service is invisible. Use before-and-after photos, happy client quotes, or a flat-lay of what someone gets with the gift.

And promote early. Don’t wait for December. Your ideal clients are planners — and they’d love to cross off a meaningful gift now.

Looking for some inspo? Use these ideas below.

🎁 1. “The Reset Session” – $150

For: The go-getter who needs a nudge, not a lecture
Description: A 90-minute virtual or in-home session to reset one space — a closet, a pantry, a workspace — with expert help and zero judgment. Perfect for someone who wants momentum going into the new year.
Gift Add-On: Include a custom checklist and a cute “Let’s Begin” notepad tied with ribbon.
Caption: “Give the gift of a fresh start — not another sweater.”

🎁 2. “Holiday Hangover Help” – $275

For: The host with the most… clutter
Description: A 3-hour post-holiday session focused on packing up decorations, decluttering surfaces, and restoring calm before January hits.
Gift Add-On: Include a mini candle and printed “Clear the Chaos” card
Caption: “Because no one asks for a mess for Christmas.”

🎁 3. “Home Harmony Package” – $600

For: The family who keeps saying, “We should really…”
Description: Two half-day sessions tackling key pain points in the home — from entryway chaos to kitchen systems. Includes a personalized action plan and sourcing support.
Gift Add-On: Wrap a simple measuring tape or printed mood board as the “gift”
Caption: “Wrapped in a bow, delivered in peace. This is the year of less mess.”

• ☀️ GREATER TEXAS SOLAR – Harnessing the Power of the Sun
  Founded right here in Mason in 2016, Greater Texas Solar helps friends and neighbors cut electric bills, gain energy independence, and switch to clean, reliable solar power. Fully licensed and bonded, their team holds top certifications—including NABCEP, SolArk Gold, and Tesla Certified Installer—delivering trusted expertise with handshake-and-honesty service.
  🌐 greatertexassolar.com

• 🎨 ART RANCH – Where Art Meets Landscape
  Discover ART RANCH: a place where the land inspires and artists gather to create, connect, and learn.
  Join for seasonal workshops, residencies, and creative stays that celebrate the bond between nature and expression.
  🌐 artranchfbg.com
  📍 See location & pics

• Once in a Blue Moon, Something Good Happens

  Brandy Speakman never expected to find her soulmate after losing her husband of 35 years — but life had other plans. With laughter back in her life and a renewed spirit, she’s returned to her roots: country living, faith, and creativity. Together with her new partner, Brandy handcrafts all things western through Blue Moon Rising Customs — a business built on love, resilience, and rustic charm.

  📍 Based right here in London, Texas
  🔗 Follow Blue Moon Rising Customs on Facebook »

• Bogusia’s Farmstand – “Sourdough from the Heart of the Hill Country”
  From the rolling hills of Poland to a cozy microbakery in the Texas countryside, Bogusia Speakman offers long-fermented, organic sourdough baked goods that bring comfort and tradition to your table.
  🌐 Bogusia’s Farmstand on Facebook

• Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story!”
  Interior design rooted in personal storytelling—spaces that reflect your journey, style, and soul.
  🔗 FB: CrossKeysDesigns

• WIN: Women’s Innovation Network – “Women in Business: Networking + Learning Together”
  A regional women’s business network with regular events, mentorship, and community support.
  🔗 FB: WIN

• RV EMT – “Mobile RV Repairs. Reliable Parts. Ready to Roll.”
  On-the-go RV service and parts for Texans with wanderlust.
  🌐 rvemt.com

• Heart of Texas Taxidermy – “Preserving Your Trophies for a Lifetime”
  Local taxidermist with deep Texas roots and a law enforcement background.
  🌐 heartoftexastaxidermy.com

• House of Joy Art Studio – “Art from the Heart of the Hill Country”
  Local artist Joy Milliorn brings creativity and community to San Saba through watercolor workshops, artisan events, and an inspiring studio space. Explore, create, and connect.
  🌐 houseofjoyartstudio.com

Career & Money with Laurel and Reese

Because even small-town superheroes need a reset.

Gentle, body-based yoga to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and come back to yourself — no flexibility required.

📍 With Alison Pounds, trauma-informed yoga for real-life rest.
🌐 alisonpoundsyoga.com | IG: @alisonpoundsyoga

Dear Career & Money with Laurel & Reese,

Dear Holiday Overwhelm Survivor,

First, let us say: you are not alone. The glittering Pinterest perfection of the season is a lie built on unpaid labor and credit card debt. You’re smart to see it coming and even smarter to name it out loud.

Now let’s break this down.

🎁 1. Cut the “perfect parent” performance.
You’re raising five humans. That’s already magic. This season does not have to prove your love through presents, parties, or Pinterest-level coordination. The pressure to “make memories” often turns into making stress. Your job isn’t to deliver a holiday miracle—it’s to show up with your presence (not presents) intact.

💸 2. Budget like it’s a team sport.
Bring the whole family in on a transparent, age-appropriate convo about what you can spend this year. Older kids can help brainstorm affordable gifts (hello, Secret Santa sibling exchange), while younger ones can be looped into traditions that aren’t about money—like decorating cookies, doing a movie night at home, or crafting homemade ornaments.

🗓️ 3. Pre-decline now, thank yourself later.
Social overload is real. Choose your family’s priorities, and give yourself permission to RSVP “no” early. Try: “We’re keeping things simple this year—sending love from home!” or “We won’t make it, but we hope it’s wonderful!” You do not owe your sanity to every invite in the inbox.

🛑 4. Make peace with saying no to family guilt.
If the extended fam is dishing out expectations you can’t or don’t want to meet, remember: boundaries are a kindness. You don’t have to attend every event, host every meal, or explain every choice. You can simply say: “This year, we’re doing what works best for our crew.” That’s it. That’s the sentence.

🧠 5. Your sanity is part of the celebration.
If you’re dreading the season, your body is trying to tell you something. Listen. Choose less, earlier. Outsource what you can (paper plates? store-bought pies? yes and yes). Drop the martyr mindset. The best gift your kids get is a parent who isn’t running on fumes.

You’ve got this. Not because you’ll do everything right, but because you’re willing to do it differently. And that’s what turns a stressful season into a sustainable one.

Big love and even bigger boundaries,

Career & Money with Laurel & Reese

Home and Garden with Hazel Mae & Fern

🛋️ Cross Keys Designs – “Let Us Tell Your Story”

Your home isn’t just a place—it’s a reflection of your life, your memories, your style. Cross Keys Designs helps you bring that story to life through curated interiors that feel personal, soulful, and deeply yours.
🛠️ Let your home speak. www.crosskeysdesigns.com

🏠 Do I Open My Doors or Just My Curtains?

Click here to 👉 Submit your Q to Hazel Mae and Fern.

Hazel Mae: Honey, you’ve just described half the homes in Mason — and the other half are hiding their antlers in the attic. First, take a deep breath and pour yourself something calming (tea or tequila, your call). Now listen to me real clear: this is not HGTV. No one expects your home to look like Joanna Gaines just dusted your baseboards.

That peeling porch? If you’ve got time, slap on a fresh coat. If not, sweep it clean and call it rustic charm. Throw a mum or two in a bucket and let nature do her thing.

As for the antler lamp — I once hid my ex-husband’s singing fish plaque behind the couch every time company came. You’re allowed to stage your home for a tour. Pop that lamp into a closet with the spare paper towels and nobody’s feelings have to get hurt. If he squawks, tell him it’s on temporary assignment with the Historical Society.

Fern: Panicked, you’re not alone. Every home on that tour has something that creaks, peels, or makes its owner wince. But here’s the truth: folks aren’t coming to see perfection. They’re coming to see home — real, lived-in, layered spaces that tell a story.

Pick one or two areas to shine — maybe your dining room if you’ve got Grandma’s hutch, or the kitchen if that’s where the soul of your home resides. Clean with love, decorate with intention, and let the rest be what it is. People remember how a space feels, not whether the curtain rods match.

And if someone does notice a little peeling paint? Well, bless their bored little heart.

Hazel Mae: Exactly. You’re giving folks permission to love their own crooked crown molding and squeaky doors. That’s the beauty of these tours — they remind us that charm comes with a little grit.

Fern: You’ve got this. Open your doors, but more importantly, open your heart. And maybe light a cinnamon candle on the way out the door.

Sponsored by Refuge Decor & Designs
From paint color consultations (thinking Clary Sage for a soft refresh? Or Alabaster for that clean, calm glow?) to full space makeovers, Tessa brings local charm, expert eyes, and just the right amount of “let’s do this” energy to every project—starting at just $50.
📞 Call 254-630-8950 | 💻 FB: @RefugebyTessa

Travel and Dreamers: for when you want to wander but not too far…

🏛 If These Walls Could Speak...

Right on Broad Street in Mason stands a jewel of Hill Country history: the Seaquist House. Built in 1887 with soaring ceilings, stained glass, and a third-floor ballroom, this Victorian Italianate beauty has been lovingly restored by the Seaquist House Foundation.

✨ Tour it. Host an event. Step into history.

Whether you’re craving a Saturday day trip, planning a photo session, or dreaming of a wedding backdrop with timeless character, the Seaquist House invites you in.

📍 405 Broad Street, Mason, TX
🌐 www.seaquist.org | ☎️ 325-347-4058
🗓 Public tours: First Saturday of each month

🌾 Fredericksburg Trade Days – Treasure Hunt in the Hill Country

Hazel Mae: There are Saturdays when you want to scale a pink-granite peak and feel the wind in your ears. And then there are Saturdays when you want to sip something cold, haggle over a wagon wheel, and come home with a trunk full of treasures you absolutely didn’t plan to buy. Trade Days, darlin’, is the latter — and thank God for it.

Fern: Tucked just east of Fredericksburg, where the Pedernales meanders past peach orchards and the breeze smells faintly of lavender and leather, you’ll find Sunday Farms — home to Fredericksburg Trade Days, a monthly marketplace of music, history, and sweet serendipity.

Hazel Mae: You’ll find over 350 vendors, which means by the time you make it from barn one to barn seven, you’ll have forgotten why you came in the first place. Was it a patio table? A goat-milk lotion? A new husband? Doesn’t matter. You’ll leave with something.

Fern: The charm here isn’t just in the goods — it’s in the rhythm. Fiddles from the Biergarten drift through the stalls. Folks take their time. Strangers chat over turquoise rings and rusted tins. It’s the kind of place where you might learn a new recipe or hear a family story three booths down.

Hazel Mae: Bring cash, comfy shoes, and your best “I might circle back” poker face. Parking’s five bucks for the whole weekend, and if you’re wise, you’ll get there early — before the aisles get too thick with sunhats and folding wagons.

Fern:October’s the sweet spot. The air softens, the sun isn’t quite so bossy, and the Hill Country puts on her golden dress. Pair your stroll with a stop at Wildseed Farms or a glass at a nearby vineyard, and you’ve got yourself a full-day wander.

Hazel Mae: Don’t say we didn’t warn you: you’ll leave with something in your hand, dust on your shoes, and a strong desire to come back next month.

📦 Hazel Mae’s Top 5 Things You Don’t Need But Better Buy Anyway

1. A tin sign that says “Bless This Mess”
   — Because what’s a kitchen without a little truth?

2. Beeswax lip balm made by a woman named Janelle
   — It’ll cure your chapped lips and your attitude.

3. Rusty wind chimes you’ll pretend are “vintage”
   — Adds instant charm and one ghostly clang.

4. A $9 candle that smells like leather, sage, or trouble
   — Light it when your in-laws visit. Or don’t.

5. Anything with turquoise on it
   — It doesn’t matter what. If it’s turquoise, it’s coming home.

🗓️ Next dates: October 17–19, 2025
📍 355 Sunday Farms Lane, Fredericksburg, TX (7 miles east of town on Hwy 290, across from Wildseed Farms)
💵 Parking: $5 all weekend
🌐 fbgtradedays.com | Info: 210-846-4094

Stars Over the Hill Country

Horoscopes for the week of September 25, 2025

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
You’re an ember looking for a breeze this week — restless, ready, and one deep breath away from hollerin’. Channel that spark somewhere productive, like picking through the barns at Fredericksburg Trade Days. Hunt down something unexpected. Just don’t try to negotiate before your second cup of coffee.
Consider: Getting your boots dirty in a crowd.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
The world’s loud, and you’re craving something still. Trust that urge. Let it guide you to the fall wine dinner or even just a quiet glass under the stars. You don’t need to do — you need to be. And maybe wrap yourself in a blanket that smells like October.
Consider: Savoring something slow and well-made.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
Your thoughts are skipping like rocks this week — charming, fast, and occasionally a little wild. You don’t need to land on one big thing. Just show up curious. Try the Seaquist House Tour and let the creaky floors and stories from long ago feed your imagination.
Consider: Saying yes without overthinking.

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
You’re soft-shelled lately, and that’s not a flaw — it’s a strength. Let your sensitivity guide you toward something nostalgic, like the Mason Historical Museum Tours. Quiet corners, old photographs, and that feeling of belonging to a bigger story.
Consider: Honoring what’s made you you.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You’re the lead float in the Homecoming parade this week, and that’s fine — just don’t forget to wave at the folks on the sidewalk. Take your charisma to the Young Life Banquet or the Youth Football Hamburger Lunch and help raise some good while you shine.
Consider: Using your spotlight to lift someone else up.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You’ve been hyper-focused on the weeds lately — literal or metaphorical. Step back. Let someone else tend the garden for a day while you slip into the AgriLife Livestock & Forage Conference or a quiet walk through Fort Mason Park. There’s clarity in the wide view.
Consider: Letting go of your list for a while.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
You’re trying to keep everything pretty and fair, but real life’s got a crack or two in the paint — embrace it. The Mason Home Tour might just be your spiritual tune-up: homes full of charm, character, and imperfection that somehow feel just right.
Consider: Finding beauty in the undone.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You’ve been deep in your cave — not bad, just… solitary. Open the door just a crack. Let the Fall Art & Wine Fest lure you out. You don’t have to spill your secrets, just stand in the sun and let yourself be moved.
Consider: Connecting without explaining.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You’re itching for open roads and wild ideas — classic Sag behavior. You don’t need a passport; just a Saturday off and directions to Fredericksburg Trade Days. Wander. Ramble. Eat something on a stick. Come home dusty and happy.
Consider: Trusting your instincts, even if they lead off-map.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You’ve been holding the whole thing together — family, deadlines, garden hose connections. Let yourself not lead this week. Be a guest at the Seaquist House Tour or sit quietly at the Leadership Fredericksburg Summit and let someone else set the pace.
Consider: Letting stillness restore your strength.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You’re craving something different — offbeat, a little rebellious. Go find it at Sketch @ the Odeon or the Vaquero Exhibit in Fredericksburg. You’re not supposed to blend in this week. Be the one who doesn’t.
Consider: Following the weird. It usually knows the way.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
You’re floating lately — sweet and wistful. Don’t anchor yourself too hard. Instead, drift through the Fall Wine Fest or Trade Days, where stories hang in the air like the scent of cinnamon and cedar. Let your heart meander a little.
Consider: Creating without judging the outcome.

🎶 Rural Hometown Vibes 🎶

We’ve been cooking up something special for your speakers. Meet Rural Hometown Vibes — The Townie’s very own playlist, packed with 41 songs to carry you from Friday night lights to a lazy Sunday porch swing.

It’s a mix of small-town swagger, Texas grit, and toe-tapping joy — perfect for road trips, backyard BBQs, or just sweeping the kitchen with a little more attitude.

So turn it up, darlin’, and let the weekend start early.

👉 Listen to Rural Hometown Vibes on Spotify

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