Day Trips
By Gerald E. McLeod, Fri., Sept. 11, 1998
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Lookout Mountain offers such an expansive view of the Blanco River Valley west of Wimberley and the surrounding Hill Country that it was just too beautiful for Joe and Barbara Day to keep it to themselves. From the wraparound porch of their hilltop home, you can watch the wildlife flitter about as the sun drops behind the rolling hills in a daily scene that can best be described as relaxing and rejuvenating.
"We love to share the gift of the beautiful Hill Country sunset," Joe says. Visitors are welcome to come enjoy the sunset while munching on the gourmet foods from their Grand View Cafe or to take a nature tour through the restoration projects on the 32 acres of hardscrabble.
Austin natives Joe and Barbara began the unique project five years ago when they found the property off Jacob's Well Road for sale. The former ranch land included one of the tallest hills in the area and a spectacular view. Since growing up in the hills west of Austin, "the Hill Country got in my blood," Joe says.
In his former career, Joe had seen the devastation that development has caused to aquifers. "The water situation (in Central Texas) is a train wreck waiting to happen," Joe says. Through independent study and research, he has found ways to use and enjoy the land without decimating it. "Restoration doubles the land's value, wildlife habitat, and productivity," he says.
The Days have created on the property natural habitats and "outdoor nature rooms" that work with nature instead of trying to control or alter the landscape. Joe's hour-long tours of the private park stress nature appreciation and a quick lesson in the balance of nature.
Not all of the Days' efforts have been successful, as any farmer in the Hill Country will attest. Joe and Barbara spread several hundred pounds of wildflower and native grass seeds around the property only to have most of the crop negated by a lack of rain this year. "Our weather is perpetual drought with intermittent flooding," Joe said with a touch of humor in his voice.
The careful restoration and reseeding with native wildflowers and grasses have encouraged the return of wildlife and birds. More than 80 species of birds have been spotted on the property that is on the north-south flyway for migratory birds. In the evenings hummingbirds buzz around the feeders hanging from the porch. Cardinals, finches, and other birds fly from the trees to the bird feeders hanging a few feet from the house.
The building on the side of the hill that serves as home, visitor center, gift shop, and cafe, is made with 22-inch thick caliche walls that gives the building an adobe look. The porch on the back of the house faces the south with a 300-degree view of the Hill Country that looks like a green carpet for miles. In front of the porch in a small pond large koi splash, adding to the serenity of the view.
From her kitchen, Barbara serves a light but filling meal for the guests occupying the lawn chairs and picnic tables waiting for the spectacular sunset. An award-winning cook, Barbara keeps the menu simple, but flavorful. The Days buy partially cooked baguettes that are fresh from the oven when the smoked turkey, roast beef, or Barbara's special chicken salad is added. For a uniquely Texas course, try the Texas White Chili. They also serve quesidillas, buffalo wings, and salads. After a large sandwich, save some room for one of the landmark desserts, like Jacob's Well made with Blue Bell ice cream covered with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, peanuts, and a cherry on the top.
Joe leads the easy tours through the nature rooms Wednesday and Sunday two hours before sunset or by special arrangement. Friday through Sunday he also has tours at 11am, with Barbara serving lunch. For the late afternoon tours and for dinner, the Days require reservations so that they can have plenty of food on hand. The tours cost $8.50 for adults and $5.50 for children with most of the dinner and lunch items around $5. Lookout Mountain is in a dry county, so alcohol is BYOB.
To get to Lookout Mountain from Austin, take U.S. 290 West to Dripping Springs, turn south on Ranch Road 12 toward Wimberley. Make a right on Jacob's Well Road at the VFW Hall and Rodeo Grounds and follow to the "T" in the road, make a right and go 3.5 miles to 5300 Mt. Sharp Road (right after the first cattle guard; if you cross a second cattle guard then you've gone too far). For more information or to make reservations, call the Days at 512/847-5010.
Coming up this weekend ...
Texas Hot Air Balloon Festival in Round Rock's Old Settler's Park brings balloonists and fans together, Sept. 11-13. 512/255-5805.
Grand Ole Opry at Georgetown's Palace Theater on the square offers entertainment on Market Days weekend, Sept. 12. 512/869-7469.
Diez y Seis de Septiembre Celebrations happen at La Villita and Market Square in San Antonio to honor Mexican independence, Sept. 12. 210/207-8613.
Kolache Festival in Caldwell celebrates the town's Czech heritage with great food, ethnic music, and more; Sept. 11-12. 409/567-3218.
Grapefest in Grapevine is Texas' largest wine festival showcasing the wares of local wineries along with food and music, Sept. 11-13. 817/410-3189 or 800/457-6338.
Coming up...
Hummer/Bird Celebrations in Rockport and at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge document the passing of the ruby-throated hummingbirds on their way to Mexico, Sept. 17-20. 512/729-6445.
Shrimporee in Aransas Pass features entertainment and lots of shrimp served at Community Park, Sept. 18-20. 512/758-2750 or 800/633-3028.
Davy Crockett Pioneer Festival/Fiddlers Festival in Crockett combines fiddle contests, local cuisine, and arts and crafts; Sept. 18-20. 409/544-2359.
