Kerrville, Texas Makes It Into the New York Times!

Yesterday morning as I perused the New York Times, I was pleasantly surprised to find an article touting the benefits of Kerrville, Texas: “A Hill Country Town that Whispers, Not Shouts.” A midsize town of some 22,000 residents, Kerrville in the location of my workplace. Foundations for Laity Renewal, the parent organization of Laity Lodge, Laity Lodge Youth Camp, thehighcalling.org, and several other ministries, inhabits a small campus in a business/residential neighborhood of Kerrville. In the photo to the right, you can see one of the small houses the make up the campus.

The Times article points to several highlights of Kerrville, including one of my favorite restaurants:

Francisco’s Restaurant (201 Earl Garrett Street, 830-257-2995, franciscos-restaurant.com), an upscale institution that has been serving residents for 25 years, also has an exceptional menu. Carefully prepared items, like cilantro and lime shrimp, fried oysters, and a 12-ounce ribeye steak, are served in a cozy space with exposed-stone walls and white tablecloths.

Starbucks gets a mention, but is quickly dismissed:

Head straight downtown, the place where Kerrville’s relaxed charm unfolds, thanks in large part to the sparkling Guadalupe River, which runs through the city’s center. “Even our Starbucks has water views,” Ms. Land said.

Skip the coffee chain and head for Grape Juice (623 Water Street, 830-792-9463, grapejuiceonline.com), a gem of a restaurant off the city’s main street, which is currently being redeveloped.

Actually, I’d like to emphasize the water views. What Starbucks in Kerrville sells is typical, but the view from the porch is extraordinary.

To be sure, the drought in Texas has not been a friend to Kerrville. But the river continues to have a decent supply of water, and this helps the trees next to the river stay green.

Kerrville is well-known for its various festivals. Most famous of all is the Kerrville Folk Festival, which features some of the finest folk musicians in the world. The next Folk Festival happens May 24 – June 10, 2012.

So, if you’re looking for a relaxed weekend, if you need to slow down your pace and enjoy life a bit, let me invite you to Kerrville. Heck, even the New York Times recommends it!