Any time spent in Fredericksburg in the Texas hill country is always a good time. An abundance of shops, art galleries, fine dining establishments, and the charm of 1900s limestone architecture, not to mention a plethora of wine-tasting opportunities, all combine to make Fredericksburg a rewarding destination. A stay at the Cotton Gin Village increases your odds of having a great experience exponentially.
The Cotton Gin Village is a bed and breakfast style property with seven cabins and seven cottages, plus what is called the “big house,” set around a unique property with strategically placed koi ponds, waterfalls, fire pits, and pathways.
The cabins are real log cabins imported from Tennessee and Kentucky, and rebuilt log by log. The cottages are new, but echo the rustic stone style of the area. Located on the edge of town within three miles of Main St., it is a quiet location that feels removed from the hustle and bustle of Fredericksburg.
The cabins and cottages are furnished in a rustic style that complements the theme. My two-room cabin had a large living room area with a sliding door to close off the bedroom. There were plenty of Texas country decorative touches like a cowhide rug and a big woodcrafted state of Texas hanging on the wall.
A large comfortable leather sofa beckoned you to stretch out with a glass of wine in front of the wood-burning fireplace. Adjacent to the fireplace, an armoire housed the flat-screen television. There’s a small dining table and kitchenette with glassware, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. On the table, the fixings for smores, tempt you to light a fire even if you don’t need one. Bonus: there is a wine fridge too!
The bed was very comfortable and the rustic theme was carried through in the bedroom furnishings. I seem to recall not wanting to get out of that bed. Just as in the living room, there was a lot of attention to detail like the lone star stitched into the quilt, the bed made from polished logs, and a cozy throw draped on a chair. If you are traveling with another person the room is spacious enough that you will not feel crowded.
The bathroom had a jacuzzi tub and shower combination, a separate sink, and toilet area, and Gilchrist Soames toiletries.
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One of the best things about staying at Cotton Gin Village is the hearty breakfast served to you in a picnic basket. Gourmet yogurt and granola, handmade muffins, breakfast burrito, and a mini soufflé are all delicious and filling. I enjoyed my breakfast sitting in the rocking chair on the porch of my cabin.
Cabernet Grill at Cotton Gin Village
Part of the Cotton Gin property includes one of the best restaurants in Texas, the Cabernet Grill. In fact, in 2018 and 2019 Wine Enthusiast included Cabernet Grill on its top 100 Wine Restaurants list. The menu is Texas-centric but always with Chef Ross’ modern twist. A customer favorite is the lobster-topped chicken fried ribeye with Hatch chili gravy. Rich!
If you drink wine you absolutely must let the excellent sommelier manage your wine and food pairings for you. And yes, the wine list includes 100% Texas wines.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating and you will need to make a reservation as they are booked all the time. If you can, sit outside under the trees and listen to the sound of the waterfall.
Dining near Cotton Gin Village
If you can’t get a reservation don’t worry, there are many excellent dining options just a stone’s throw from Cotton Gin Village. A few suggestions: Otto’s for excellent modern German food, Vaudeville for French food with a southern twist, and Granite House for casual American food plus a great outdoor patio. For lunch, I love Emma and Ollie’s and Woerner’s Warehouse Cafe.
For a unique and relaxing Hill Country experience I give a Texas-sized recommendation to the Cotton Gin Village.
Prices range from $249 – 289 per night. Breakfast is included. Parking is plentiful and convenient. You can book your room directly with the property or go through a booking site such as Expedia.
Part of my stay at Cotton Gin Village was complimentary. All opinions are my own.
Photos courtesy of Cotton Gin Village.
