Dine and Relax in Style
at the Cotton Gin

By Eve Carr

Here’s my test question for whether I like the accommodations I stay in when traveling: Would I like to return? In the case of the Cotton Gin in Fredericksburg, Texas, the answer is a definite yes. I recommend it highly because here you can relax in quaint accommodations—and dine on gourmet food as well.

I was especially pleased to find out that the Cotton Gin is owned and operated by Chef Russ Burtwell. I’m a definite fan of privately owned restaurants—especially by chefs themselves because these restaurants always seem a bit more homey, and I enjoy that.

My husband and I were quite pleased with the menu selections, which featured everything from escargot to pan-fried catfish. The wine list is extensive, with over 60 wines, and it included wines from the surrounding Texas Hill Country. The Toasted Pecan Crusted Breast of Chicken comes with a luscious Creole mustard cream sauce, and there are plenty of choices when it comes to Texas-sized steaks.

Service was outstanding--very professional and friendly and most efficient. I made a note to myself that the next time I came to Fredericksburg, Texas, that I would make it a point to try their luncheon buffet, which everyone was raving about.

More than Just Great Dining

Breakfast for those who stay at the Cotton Gin is a magical affair. The mini refrigerator in your room is always stocked with juices, bottled water, and milk, as well as fresh fruit platters and yogurt sundaes. Every day, a new basket of sweet and savory pastries magically appeared so we could enjoy them at breakfast the next day—or munch on them as a snack. A homey jar of granola and more fruit and even popcorn were always on the table.

With our own coffeemaker and microwave, we had a complete meal. This is especially nice if you have an early return flight home. There’s no need to miss breakfast, and you can have a delicious one as well. Now, the best part of all is that all of these edibles in your room are free for you to enjoy.

Actually, the breakfast and restaurant are not the only great things about staying here. The cabins themselves offer great privacy and, since they are authentic historic cabins, dismantled and moved here from other locations, you can step back in time.

The cabins are unique and decorated with real antiques. Our cabin, the Pedernales, for example, featured an assortment of crocks, washboards and other household items. When you look at the antique washer on your porch, you really appreciate modern amenities.

The rustic bed, with a quilt and bolsters to match, was quite comfortable, as was the Jacuzzi tub. There’s nothing like a stimulating water massage after a day of sitting on an airplane.

We especially enjoyed the homey comfort of a full-size living room, complete with fireplace, an old-fashioned rocker and a sofa bed. If you happen to be traveling with children or grandchildren, there are even two Indian blanket “curtains” that separate the bedroom from the living room.

Sitting on the front porch in a rocker for two is a special treat because the courtyard is an artistic feast for the senses. Blooming flowers, fragrant rosemary and basil, tall grasses and a pond with colorful Koi and a cascading waterfall make you want to linger. In addition, you can even sit around a campfire, cowboy style, but here you can relax in comfortable chairs.

Actually, it was so pleasant staying in our cabin, relaxing on the porch and dining at the Cotton Gin Restaurant that we were just tempted to stay here. But then we would have missed all the many attractions in Fredericksburg, Texas. For more information about them, visit www.fredericksburg-texas.com and www.cottonginlodging.com. We know that we certainly will.

About the Author:

Eve Carr is a full-time food and travel writer and photographer who absolutely enjoys sharing with others her knowledge of food, wine and restaurants that she discovers on her national and international travel.

Article coutesy of Suite101.com.