About Medina County, TX

There is so much history and so many historic homes in Castroville it is hard to choose your favorite one. These pictures are of The Tarde Hotel built in 1852 by Victor and Clarissa Tarde, natives of Calais, France. In his book, "A Journey Through Texas" Fredick Law Olmstead wrote of his arrival at Castroville in 1853: Upon the banks of the Medina River stands Castroville, a village containing a colony of Alsatians, who proudly call themselves Germans, but who speak French or a mixture of French and German.

There were many famous clients that stayed at this hotel, Robert E. Lee, Ronald S. MacKenzie, John Bell Hood, Edward Ord and Abner Doubleday were just a few. The currant owner is Jessie Caseres.

Alot of people probably aren't thinking of moving outside of the city right now, especially with gas prices rising. However it's hard to overlook these 5 reasons that living out here is do darn GREAT.

1. Room to "breathe" - the majority of places out here give you space to move around. In our subdivision we aren't so close to our neighbors that we can hear their conversations at night! (something I found when living in the Big City).

2. Friendly neighbors - the slower pace of the country life leads to friendlier people. Stress breeds irritability, so when you exist in quieter surroundings, with a slower pace, it's easy to relax and just...be friendly!

3. No Crowds or waiting lists - our stores and restaurants generally aren't overpacked. This isn't because the food isn't good! It's because there is less of us wanting the same thing!

4. Nature - it's not hard to find abundant wildlife on a friendly walk around your neighborhood. Our kids have thoroughly enjoyed finding different animal species that we would never have seen in the city! What a different perspective a child will have growing up in this enviornment!

5. Beauty - the rolling hills in our area provide for beautiful scenery on a Sunday drive - or just on your way home. There's something so calming and refreshing about starting and ending my day in the Hill Country!

Best of all, we are only a very short drive away from the hustle and bustle - when you want it.

If you still aren't convinced, come and visit - and give me a call if you fall in love with the area!

Ronda

More than 10 years (or so) ago, many people I talked to didn't know where Medina Lake was. Sure they had heard of Canyon Lake in the North Central Hill Country, known for it's clear waters, healthy depths and water sporting activity. But Medina Lake was relatively quiet in comparison.However our Lake has gained much popularity in the more recent years as the growth explodes in the Northwest side of San Antonio. It also was on the local news in a Big Way several years ago when the torrential rains in the Bandera area flooded the Medina River and pushed the Lake to it's limits. So if you haven't heard of it, or you don't know much about it, now is the time to come and visit! Spring is here, the weather is beautiful and nothing compares to a drive through our scenic Hill Country area. Here are your "don't miss" spots!

Hungry Anyone?
La Cabana Café - Fabulous Tex-Mex Cuisine in a humble atmosphere (but don't let the looks fool you! The food is anything but humble!) De-lish!9083 FM 1283, Lakehills, TX - 830-612-2990Call ahead to check operating hours - they change often!
Oasis Bar and Grill - Sit and view the beautiful south end of the Lake while you dine. Live music and great variety on the menu!6800 CR 271, Mico Texas - 830-612-3399www.medinalake.com

Fishing Anyone?
Lake info: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/medina/
Joe's Marina - 9 acre, hill country, lake-front, gated facility hosting dry storage, water slips, moorings, 2 cement boat ramps, fishing, picnic and camp grounds, full hookup RV park, cabin rental, beach, swimming, party rental facility, and boat rentals. Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to dark Wednesday through Sunday with the exception of Friday and Saturday dock fishing until 10:00 p.m. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday unless a holiday or pre-arranged special event. Standard entry fee is $5 per person (no charge for children 7 and under), and vehicle parking fee is $3. These fees do not apply to tenants, pass holders and boat launches. Pets are only permitted with the long-term RV contracts. http://www.joesmarina.com/about.php
Reds Cove Marina- Bring your boat and launch at Red's cove. Restrooms and plenty of parking are available. A small fee is required to launch. Predominant fish species at Medina Lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, carup, gar and channel, blue and flathead catfish. 830-612-2715

Moving Anyone?
Dancing Bear Ranch - A new custom home community - beautiful scenic lakeview lots available. Nice restrictions, gated, fabulous clubhouse, pool and workout facility. Also has a pavilion and lake park for residents and guests! Several spec homes available for immediate move-in! Check the area out at www.dancingbearranch.com and give me a call or email me if you are interested! I can also show you ANY lot or home in the Hill Country!

Ronda