Good Find in Wimberley

If you're craving a getaway weekend but don't exactly relish the thought of airports and the hassles of flying, consider the small artist village of Wimberley. Less than an hour from Austin in the limestone-studded Hill Country, is a little-known bed and breakfast that is the perfect restorative retreat. The Blair House Inn has guest rooms and cottages filled with all the charm and amenities that you would expect from one of the top five B&B's in Texas.

You can relax by the pool, pamper yourself with the spa services, or enjoy the nature trail that is home to twenty seven different species of birds. If you are feeling less sedentary, the nearby Blanco River offers fly-fishing and kayaking.

The Blair House Inn is much more than just a bed and breakfast-it is also a cooking school. Every month the cooking school holds a hands-on class designed to help you master the techniques and preparation of classic sauces, Country French and Nuevo Texas Cuisine, among others. Classes run either two or three days. In June there is the popular "Barbecue Camp" for lovers of all things grilled.

 If you feel like brushing up on your culinary skills, the cooking school has a full schedule of classes taught by Chef Sebastian, an eighth generation Texan who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Not only is the inn known for legendary breakfasts, but picnic baskets and gourmet dinners are an option. 

Catching the sunset seems a perfect way to end the day.