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

Dear neighbors,

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: rural Texas doesn’t play second fiddle to anybody.

On October 2nd, Mason will join more than ten towns across the state in lighting the proverbial porch light for innovation. It’s called Texas Venture Fest — and while the name may sound a little big-city, the heart of it is pure Hill Country. Local students will pitch bold ideas. Neighbors will cheer. And folks who never considered themselves “entrepreneurs” might walk away thinking… maybe I am onto something.

That’s why we’re featuring each Venture Fest town in this week’s Travel & Dreamers — because no matter the zip code, we’re all breathing the same dry air and dreaming under the same big Texas sky.

So whether you’re planting your first garden with your grandkid, coaching your teen through a pitch, or finally writing that book you’ve carried in your heart for decades — this week’s edition is for you.

Because the future isn’t coming to us.

We’re building it — one porch light, one pitch, one town at a time.

See y’all at Fly Gap.

With pride and grit,
— Katie

Fresh off the Porch

This week’s excuses to put on pants.

• Mason – Puncher Varsity Football vs. Junction (Fri, Sept 19, 7–9 PM, R. Clinton Schulze Stadium) — Friday night lights, Hill Country edition. Show up loud, stay proud, and let Junction know whose turf this is.

• Mason – 7th Grade Puncher Football vs. Jim Ned (Tue, Sept 24, 5 PM, Mason HS Stadium) — Future varsity legends in the making. Catch the Punchers before they’re headline material.

• Mason – JV Football vs. Bandera (Thu, Sept 26, 7 PM, Mason HS Stadium) — Mid-week lights, hometown grit. JV brings the heat against Bandera.

• Fredericksburg – Fun After 5 (Fri, Sept 19, 5–7 PM, rotating venue) — After-hours cocktails with Fredericksburg’s movers and shakers. Networking that actually feels like fun.

• Harper – 61st Annual Harper Frontier Days Rodeo & Dance (Fri–Sat, Sept 26–27, Harper Community Hall) — Spurs, BBQ, and a boot-stompin’ dance floor. Harper’s longest running party knows how to throw a weekend.

• Llano – Llano Texas Music Fest (Fri–Sat, Sept 26–27, 4–11 PM, Robinson Park) — Two nights, endless riffs. Pack a blanket and dance by the river under a Texas moon.

• San Angelo – Keep San Angelo Beautiful Fall Sweep (Sat, Sept 27, 8:30–10:30 AM, citywide) — Grab gloves, save the planet—at least the city’s prettier corners. Quick karma boost before brunch.

• San Angelo – River Fest 2025 (Sat, Sept 27, time TBA, Concho River Downtown) — Bands, bites, and breezy river vibes. San Angelo turns its waterfront into one big block party.

• Mason – Greater Mason County Venture Fest 2025 (Thu, Oct 2, 5–8:30 PM, Fly Gap Winery) — Rural innovation gets the mic. Student pitches, powerhouse panel, and wine-country magic all in one night.

• Fredericksburg – Pioneer Memorial Library Sidewalk Book Sale (Sat, Oct 4, time TBA, Pioneer Memorial Library) — Bag books by the armload and feel like a literacy superhero.

• San Angelo – Plateauberfest 2025 (Sun, Oct 5, time TBA, Plateau Brewing) — Craft beer, live jams, and Sunday-Funday bragging rights.

• Kerrville – Symphony of the Hills: Bach to the Beatles (Thu, Oct 9, ~7:30 PM, Cailloux Theater) — When a symphony mashes up Bach and the Fab Four, you cancel every other plan.

• Kerrville – The Mousetrap (Oct 10–12, 17–19, 24–26, VK Garage Theater) — Agatha Christie’s classic whodunit served three weekends straight. Mystery addicts, your fall binge is set.

• Llano – Artoberfest at the Llano Art Guild & Gallery (Sat, Oct 11, 6–9 PM, Llano Art Guild & Gallery) — Art, music, and a little wine-fueled wonder. Fall creativity, Hill Country style.

• Fredericksburg – Reading with a Ranger (Mon, Oct 13, time TBA, Pioneer Memorial Library) — Storytime meets trail time. Kids learn that the wild is way cooler than screen time.

• Kerrville – Kerr Arts & Cultural Center Fall Exhibit: Garey/Lewis/Tony Schaub (Sep 23–Oct 18, KACC) — Three artists, one gallery, endless conversation starters. Your fall art fix is ready.

• Kerrville – Museum of Western Art “The Church Series” by Walt Gonske (Through Nov 8, Museum of Western Art) — Stunning oil paintings of timeless churches. Like a Sunday drive for the soul, minus the gas money.

• Fredericksburg – Hill Country Local Authors Day (Sat, Nov 15, 11 AM–4 PM, Pioneer Memorial Library) — Meet the scribes behind your next favorite read and snag a signed copy for bragging rights.

🌤️ Weather at a Glance — Week of September 18th

Ain’t no big cold snap headin’ our way — just heat, sun, and a little bit of easing off by week’s end. Daytimes’ll be roasting with highs in the mid-90s (95-98°F through about Sunday), then sliding down to the low 90s by Monday-Tuesday. Nights stay muggy, lows mostly in the low 70s, finally dipping toward the upper 60s Tuesday. Rain chances? Nearly zero — skies are mostly sunny, with clouds maybe hustling in here and there but nothing likely to rain on your barbecue.

No major severe weather threats forecast this week — no storms, no hail, no freezes, just that “dry heat,” so watch out for sunburn, heat exhaustion, and fire danger in dry patches. Best bet: do your heavy chores early in the morning, keep water handy, and find shade when the sun is hangin’ high overhead.

Community Content & Classifieds

Greater Mason Co. Venture Fest: Where Hill Country Ingenuity Takes the Stage

Under the big Texas sky on October 2, Fly Gap Winery will host more than an evening of speeches. The first-ever Greater Mason Co. Venture Fest is set to feel like a Hill Country block party for ideas—where handshakes turn into partnerships and one-minute student pitches could spark tomorrow’s businesses.

Katie Milton Jordan, founder of The Townie and the quiet engine behind the event, knows the playbook well. As Deputy Director of the Kerr Economic Development Corporation, she twice helped launch Venture Fest in Kerrville, where the very first gathering earned an International Economic Development Council award. Those wins taught her something simple but potent: start with people, not programs.

By 5:30, the public will flow in to a courtyard humming with local flavor. The Spring Street Collective—Fly Gap Winery, Porchlight Distillery, Twisted Fork, and The Reel Deal—will serve wine, cocktails, farm-to-table bites, and even fresh seafood. Local favorite Justin McFarland will close the night with a courtyard set while micro-businesses and makers sell everything from handmade goods to fresh-baked treats. “Come hungry and shop local,” Jordan says. “This is the Hill Country on a plate.”

Youth Pitches with Real Stakes

The centerpiece, though, belongs to students. Teams from Mason ISD and Fredericksburg ISD’s new Business Incubator program will deliver one-minute innovation pitches—no slides, just heart. Among the standouts:

• Local Eats – Sophie Alschwede envisions a single app for every restaurant and food truck across Mason and nearby towns.

• Smiles That Shine – Sabina Perez dreams of a mobile dental unit to bring brighter smiles and better health to underserved neighbors.

• Seeds of Change – Chloe Swan and Adalie Thomas want to equip low-income students to grow gardens and cook with their own harvest.

The goal isn’t just applause. With civic leaders and entrepreneurs in the audience, these ideas will be heard by people with the authority to act. “It’s a rare chance for youth and decision-makers to share the same room and imagine the future together,” Jordan says.

Leaders, Movers, Shakers—and a PorchLight Margarita

City of Mason Administrator Amanda Hill will give the welcome, setting a community-first tone. Volunteers Jessica Jackson, Chelsea Fore, Jan Appleby, and Tina Painter will keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Jordan may still hand off the emcee role—“I can’t both run the show and be the show”—but she’s ready to steer the vision and, eventually, to toast the night with a well-earned PorchLight margarita.

Her private hope? A moment when someone walks up and says, “I never knew we had this kind of talent here. I’m excited for what comes next.”

“That,” she says, “would mean we’ve done more than host an event. We’ve shifted what people believe is possible.”

How to Be Part of It

The invitation is simple: Show up. Bring a friend.
And, as Jordan teases, “Bonus: we’re bringing in a videographer—so you just might end up a little small-town famous.”

Greater Mason Co. Venture Fest
📍 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.

🌸 Feeling Creative?

Take your own hands-on journey into nature and design at Amy Tucker Studio’s Bundle Dye Workshop.

In this immersive afternoon, you’ll:

• Learn about the natural dyeing properties of seasonal flowers + leaves

• See demonstrations of bundle dyeing techniques

• Create your own wearable textile art (an organic bandana + silk scarf to take home)

📍 Glashaus Floral, Fredericksburg
📅 Saturday, Sept. 20 | 1–5 PM
🎟️ $125 — all materials included
👉 Register here

💼 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.

Dear Pitchin’ in from the Sidelines,

WALT SAYS: Your kid’s already ahead of the pack — they’ve got an idea, they signed up, and they’re stepping up to the mic. That’s more guts than most grown-ups.

Now, nerves? Totally normal. Just tell 'em this: it’s not about sounding fancy. It’s about sounding real. Talk to the room like you're explaining it to a neighbor over a cup of coffee. No need for big words or startup lingo — people are voting for who they believe and who they like.

And don’t forget the closer. I’ve watched a dozen great pitches fall flat because the kid never actually asked for the vote. A strong finish like:
“Vote for me, and I’ll make this idea happen right here in Mason County.”
That’s the kind of thing that gets applause — and votes.

—Walt

NADINE ADDS: You’re doing such a good job already — not every student has someone in their corner cheering them on and helping them practice. Here’s how to guide that practice:

Help them shape their pitch into three clear beats:

1. What’s the problem?

2. What’s their solution?

3. Why them, and why now?

Encourage short sentences. Warm eye contact. A smile goes a long way. And if they lose their place? Take a breath and keep going. No one expects perfection — they just want to be inspired and feel proud of the next generation.

And if it helps: record a practice round on your phone. Let them hear where they shine and where they could tighten things up. That kind of prep builds real confidence.

No matter how the voting turns out, your student is building skills they’ll use the rest of their life. That’s a win in our book.

—Nadine

🕵️‍♀️ The Biz You Didn’t Know Existed

• 🎨 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

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

💼 Job of the Week

ERNA Sands is Hiring!

Join a growing team at Mason’s own sand plant. Entry-level role with warehouse + office tasks. Must be 18+, able to lift 50 lbs, and eager to learn. We’ll train the right fit.
📧 Apply: [email protected]

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

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

*sponsored 👉 Click here to advertise in The Townie — all ads free until Oct.

Dear Career & Money with Laurel & Reese,

Okay, you know we have thoughts.

LAUREL SAYS: Not only is it not too late — you’re actually in a great position to begin. You have lived experience. You’ve honed a voice, built wisdom, and probably collected enough stories to fill three volumes. Plus, you’re no longer juggling a full-time job. That’s freedom — and a huge creative asset.

Start by lowering the pressure. You don’t need to worry about agents or Instagram followings yet. First, write the thing. Or at least a few messy, glorious chapters of it. Give yourself permission to explore what it wants to be — memoir, guide, something hybrid. Clarity often comes from motion, not before it.

REESE SAYS: Look, there are debut authors in their 70s. And some of the richest writing comes from people who’ve lived a little (okay, a lot). The “platform” stuff? That’s a future-you problem. We can build that. What we can’t build is perspective — and you’ve already got it.

If Fredericksburg’s Local Authors Day is coming up, GO. Ask questions. Network with people who’ve walked this path. You might be shocked how many got their start later in life, or self-published, or turned blog posts into books. Your story matters — but first, it needs to hit the page.

Here’s your first assignment:
Write one page. Just one. Title it “Page One.” Start there.

We’ll be here when you hit “The End.”

—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

Dear Hazel Mae & Fern,

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

Hazel Mae says: Well, Pawpaw, I hope you know you just made every reader in the Hill Country melt like a popsicle in July. This? This is the good stuff. You said yes before you had a plan, and that tells me everything I need to know — you’re exactly the kind of granddad a kid remembers forever.

Now, you don’t need blueprints from the Smithsonian to make a memory. You just need a project that does two things:

1. Teaches a skill.

2. Tells a story.

Here’s my vote: build a porch stool or small bench. One he can sit on while tying his boots, or you can rest your coffee on during early morning chats. Sturdy. Simple. And it can hold the weight of both y’all, literally and otherwise.

Or, if he’s got a soft spot for critters, make a birdhouse or bee hotel and mount it on a tree he can name. There’s magic in watching something you built become a home for something wild.

And no matter what you choose — let him pick the paint color. Even if it’s traffic-cone orange. That way, he sees himself in it every time.

Fern adds: You’re not just building a thing. You’re building a moment. Something slow and deliberate in a world that rushes kids along.

If I may offer one more idea: a memory box — wooden, with a simple hinged lid. Carve your initials inside. Let him stash treasures — acorns, notes, marbles, photos, dreams. Years from now, he’ll open it and remember exactly what your shed smelled like, what your laugh sounded like, and how steady your hands felt when you showed him how to drill without splitting the wood.

Let the project be humble, but the time be rich.

And Pawpaw — send us a photo when it’s done. We’ll frame it right here in our hearts.

With sawdust and sentiment,
— Hazel Mae & Fern

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

Venture Fest Towns

Across the wide back of Texas, where highways stretch like bootlaces flung across the dirt, a different kind of festival is taking root. Not one of music or food or rodeo glory — though you’ll still find all three if you look — but one of grit, gumption, and the spark of a good idea. On a single October evening, porch lights flicker on in towns big and small, and folks gather not to watch, but to pitch, plan, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. This is Texas Venture Fest — a scattered bonfire of innovation, burning across the Lone Star State.

And here in the Hill Country, we’re proud to be part of it. Because this moment isn’t just happening in Austin boardrooms or Houston high-rises. It’s happening in towns like ours — rural, scrappy, deeply rooted — where the air smells like mesquite and folks still wave from their trucks. These towns may be miles apart, but tonight, we’re stitched together by the same thread of belief: that ideas grow strong in Texas soil. That we don’t need permission to build something great. And thank God, we don’t need to live in Austin to be part of it.

So we’re lifting our glasses, firing up the projectors, and cheering for our fellow Texans across the state who are pitching in, dreaming big, and proving that innovation isn’t reserved for the coasts — it’s born right here, where the land runs wide and the people run deep.

Mason
In the Hill Country, the courthouse still stands proud as the center of town, but on this night, the buzz hums louder out at the winery. Students take the mic, pitching dreams that smell of hay and ambition. The crowd nods, laughs, claps — not out of politeness, but belief. Mason doesn’t chase trends. It cultivates its own.

Austin
Where tech towers cast long shadows over taco trucks, the crowd gathers at a bar with worn wood floors and worn-in ideas. Investors rub shoulders with dreamers, and even the skeptics lean in when someone says, "I’ve got something new." It’s still weird, Austin — just a little more wired.

Round Rock
Down the road, Round Rock builds what Austin buzzes about. The new accelerator’s just getting off the ground, but the energy’s there — hopeful, methodical, a little scrappy. Like planting tomatoes before the last frost. You know it’s early, but you believe in the yield.

Pflugerville
Three days. Thirty-five speakers. And more than a few folks who showed up curious and left inspired. Pflugerville doesn’t whisper its worth — it sets up a tent, plugs in the mic, and says, "You belong here."

Arlington
Under the glow of stadium lights and startup dreams, Arlington knows how to put on a show. This isn’t just football country — it’s future country. The pitches here aren’t loud; they’re bold. The kind that make you lean back and say, “Huh. That just might work.”

Tyler
In East Texas, it smells like hops and hardwood. The Venture Fest crowd fills the Brew Room, clinking glasses and talking shop. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of fire — the kind that smolders and spreads. Boots tap under barstools as innovators swap war stories and wisdom.

Buda
At the HIVE Incubator, small-town charm meets startup hustle. There’s a fairground feeling in the air — part expo, part reunion. Kids run between booths while their parents pitch ideas. It’s business with a side of brisket, and nobody’s mad about it.

Laredo
Down on the border, the hum of commerce blends with the pulse of possibility. Laredo’s Venture Fest is smaller, sure — but it’s mighty. A reminder that big ideas don’t always need big rooms. Sometimes they just need someone to say, "Vamos. Let’s build."

Houston
In a city that dreams in high-rises and hustle, the Venture crowd sprawls across rooftops and co-working floors. Founders trade cards, stories, and late-night taco recommendations. The skyline watches like a proud parent. Houston’s got heat — and heart.

And across them all, one truth settles in like dust on boots: Texas doesn’t wait for permission. It builds. It backs. It believes.

One town at a time. One porch light at a time. One bold idea at a time.

Stars Over the Hill Country

Horoscopes for the week of September 18, 2025

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)
Your foot’s on the gas, but the road ahead’s got a few cattle guards. Slow down just enough to see what’s worth dodging and what’s worth fixing. Pride’s a tool — use it, don’t trip over it.
Lucky item: A pocketknife your granddad gave you but you keep forgetting to sharpen.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
You’re craving quiet, but life’s handing you a megaphone. Speak soft, stand firm, and know that some of your best work happens when no one’s watching. The porch swing's calling — don’t ignore it.
Lucky item: Cold coffee that still tastes good.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)
You’ve got six ideas before breakfast and a seventh by lunch — pick one and let it grow roots. Not every brainstorm needs to become a storm. Call someone who makes you laugh without trying.
Lucky item: A tiny notebook with the start of something great inside.

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
You’re nesting harder than usual — rearranging, repotting, reaching for comfort. Let yourself feel it, but don’t miss the beauty of mess. Sometimes the pile of laundry has something to teach you.
Lucky item: The one throw blanket nobody else is allowed to touch.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)
You’re the one folks are turning to — not for show, but for strength. Don’t be afraid to let the spotlight dim now and then; your shine doesn’t depend on wattage. Share your story, but save a little for yourself.
Lucky item: A dusty trophy from middle school that still makes you smile.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
You’re cleaning what doesn’t need cleaning, avoiding what does. Try tackling that one drawer you’ve sworn you’d get to since 2019 — symbolic wins count too. Keep a little space open for the unexpected.
Lucky item: A label maker you’ll actually use this week.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)
You’re balancing more than usual — maybe even hiding the wobble. Remember: peace isn’t always pretty, and harmony can have heat. Let one thing go out of tune without panicking.
Lucky item: A wind chime that sings only when the wind insists.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
You’re not wrong to keep some cards close, but consider letting one trusted soul peek at your hand. Secrets are heavy; you’re allowed to lighten the load. Don’t mistake privacy for isolation.
Lucky item: A worn letter you almost threw away but couldn’t.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You’re itching for movement — road trip, fresh project, new boots. Don’t wait for permission; lace up and go. Just make sure you’re running toward something, not away from something else.
Lucky item: A gas station burrito that’s better than it has any right to be.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
You’ve been the steady one too long — it’s okay to need a break from being the oak tree. Rest without guilt. Not every moment has to be productive to be valuable.
Lucky item: A half-finished puzzle no one else wants to touch.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You’re feeling a tug toward something offbeat and wonderful — follow it. The weird thing might be the right thing. Just don’t forget to text your people back while you’re dreaming big.
Lucky item: A bumper sticker you don’t remember putting on your truck.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Your heart’s tuned like a fiddle this week — tender, responsive, maybe a little dramatic. Lean into the softness, but don’t let it keep you from showing up. The world needs your art, even if it’s just a well-timed casserole.
Lucky item: A song you haven’t heard in years that still knows every part of you.

🎶 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

💌 SHARE THE LOVE

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