Blake Howe, Author at Boot Ranch

Boot Ranch Practice Park Named Top 50 in America

Blake Howe on December 16, 2016

Boot Ranch is honored to have been named one of the Top 50 Private Golf Ranges in America for 2016 by the Golf Range Association of America.This is the 5th consecutive year that Boot Ranch was ranked among this esteemed group of practice facilities.

The Practice Park at Boot Ranch spans 34 acres and consists of a four-sided driving range, which allows for practice into any wind direction; a short range for perfecting chipping, putting and bunker shots; and a three-hole short course to play nine par-3 holes from 80 to 180 yards.

For more information on our Hal Sutton designed Golf course and Practice Park, please click here

Developer Announces Major Amenity Expansion

Blake Howe on October 31, 2016

The developer of Boot Ranch today announced an expansion project that will add 10 new features for outdoor recreation and social activities. Most are planned to be ready for use by members and their guests in 2017.

The amenities will be located around Longhorn Lake at the north end Boot Ranch, and in Metzger Park, a new residential village near the Clubhouse. The two areas will be connected with a new 10-foot wide paved trail that spans the two miles between these areas. Longhorn Lake features will include a covered party deck with fireplace and canoe/kayak tie ups; a swim beach, jumping platforms accessed by raft; and two tree houses connected by a swinging bridge.

At Metzger Park, central green space will accommodate a one-acre putting park and 3.5 acres of play fields. Work will begin in 2017 on the restoration of the 19th century stone Metzger House for use as a general store and mail center.

Boot Ranch, ranked among the top-10 golf communities in America by Golf Digest, currently features a Hal Sutton-designed 18-hole golf course and 34-acre practice park; a 55,000 square-foot Clubhouse Village; and the Ranch Club with three pools, a pavilion that seats 300 and lighted courts for basketball and tennis. At present, Boot Ranch has about 200 Club members, more than half of whom own property in the community.

“Today, Boot Ranch offers a top-tier golf experience and an amazing pool complex,” said developer Mark Enderle of the Terra Verde Group. “Our vision for this expansion is to take full advantage of this extraordinary land with lots of outdoor activities you just can’t do in the city.” The acclaimed private club design firm Swaback Partners of Scottsdale is doing the architecture and planning work.

Enderle added that a freestanding fitness center, a new sporting clays course, and a lakeside clubhouse are also in the early planning stages.

Hill Country is Wine Paradise

Blake Howe on September 7, 2016

Known as one of the top wine destinations in America, second only to Napa Valley. The Fredericksburg Wine Trail has increasingly become a popular destination for wine lovers from around the country. Thanks to the varieties of grapes and winemaking styles that are inspired by some of the most prestigious wine-producing regions from around the world. There are 15 wineries along the famed ‘Wine Road 290’ and over 45 throughout the Texas Hill Country.

While a wide selection of Hill Country Wines are available at our Clubhouse, we also recommend experiencing the wineries first hand to receive an authentic Hill Country wine experience. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Becker Vineyards

Richard and Bunny Becker established Becker Vineyards in 1992 in a 19th century German stone barn reproduction between Fredericksburg and Stonewall. Becker Vineyards is committed to promoting wines using only locally sourced, Texas grown fruit. The Stonewall vineyard spans 46 acres and is comprised of 8 varietals, including Syrah, Petite Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Becker Vineyards offers tastings, tours, a gift shop, wine club, picnicking options and is home to the annual Lavender Festival. For more information on Becker Vineyards, please click HERE

Messina Hof

The Bonarrigo family has a long history with winemaking spanning as far back as the 1800’s. The first Texas vineyard was started in 1977 and named Messina Hof, after their family origins of Messina, Sicily, and Hof, Germany. Messina Hof was the 4th winery in the state of Texas, and their long history of winemaking has resulted in their fair share of award-winning wines. Messina Hof offers a full calendar of events with cooking parties, trivia night, Thirsty Thursdays and more! Learn more about Messina Hof, HERE

Grape Creek Vineyards

The award-winning Grape Creek Vineyards bring the traditions of Tuscany straight to Fredericksburg. Visitors can enjoy 100 award winning wines, tour the facilities, featuring a state-of-the-art production complex, or shop for exclusive selections in the Italian-inspired picnic market. For more information on Grape Creek, please click HERE

William Chris Vineyards

William Chris Vineyards utilizes only Texas grown fruit to showcase wines that are undoubtedly Texan. Focusing on the natural beauty that Texas wines represent, William Chris highlight varietals that thrive in Texas, as well as styles that cater to our climate and cuisine including Mourvèdre, Tannat, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and Petillant Naturel. William Chris offers tours, barrel and reserve tastings. For more information on William Chris, click HERE

Baron’s Creek Vineyard

Baron’s Creek Vineyard is a family owned vineyard that offers varietals primarily from California, Washington, and Spain. In addition to their currently sourced fruit, they intend to add more wines from Texas. Barons Creek has several buildings on site including villas that can be rented for overnight stays. For more information on Baron’s Creek, please click HERE

Hilmy Cellars

Hilmy Cellars has been producing some the finest Hill Country wines since its inception in 2012. Owner Erik Hilmy produces wines from hot climate varietals of grapes from around the world. Hilmy believes through and through that wine is made in the vineyard – they strive for quality in farming, and works tirelessly to achieve a balance between all of the factors that contribute to quality winegrowing. Hilmy Cellars invites you to enjoy a glass or bottle, while taking in the beautiful Hill Country surroundings! For more information on Hilmy Cellars, click HERE.

Fall Creek Vineyards

When Ed and Susan Auler planted their first grapes in 1975 at Tow, Texas they had no idea that they would help spark the revitalization of Texas Winemaking. Now known as the “First Family of Texas Wines,” the Auler’s have led Fall Creek Vineyards into the forefront of the Hill Country Wine industry with several award-winning wines. Along with tours and tastings, Fall Creek offers nature excursions, a Monthly calendar of events and can even serve as the venue for your wedding, or rehearsal dinner. For a closer look at Fall Creek Vineyards, please click HERE.

Like most things created in the Hill Country, our wines are among some of the finest around, and with over 45 wineries to explore, the Texas Hill Country is a true wine lover’s paradise.

Becker Vineyards

Messina Hof

Fall Creek Vineyards

William Chris Vineyards

Grape Creek Vineyards

Baron’s Creek Vineyards

Hilmy Cellars

Boot Ranch Raises Money for Scholarship Fund and STPGA

Blake Howe on July 29, 2016

On Monday, August 17th Boot Ranch PGA members Emil Hale, Brandt Kunz, Nathan Schlie and Todd Huizinga will play 100 holes of golf in one day under the sizzling Texas sun to raise money for the Southern Texas PGA Foundation and the Boot Ranch Scholarship Fund.

The Boot Ranch Scholarship Fund was established in 2015 to help provide financial assistance to Boot Ranch employees, spouses, children and grandchildren who are pursuing degrees in higher education.

In its inaugural year, The Boot Ranch Scholarship Fund awarded four recipients a total of $10,000 in scholarship money. Five recipients have been chosen to receive the 2016 scholarship of $2,500 each for the 2016-2017 academic year.
The Southern Texas PGA Foundation will receive 70% of the funds raised on August 17th, and the STPGA Foundation will donate the remaining 30% to the Boot Ranch Scholarship Fund. Last year, Boot Ranch raised the second-most money of any individual or facility in the STPGA. We look forward to surpassing that mark this year!

Contributions are accepted by check or via a Boot Ranch Membership account. Donations to the Boot Ranch Scholarship Fund made by check should be made in the name of the Boot Ranch Scholarship Fund to Todd Huizinga at 1447 Boot Ranch Circle, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624.

Land Rush for the Rich

Blake Howe on June 17, 2016

In Texas Hill Country, a Land Rush for the Rich

by Alina Dizik—The Wall Street Journal
June 17, 2016

Unlike the settlers of old, a new wave of modern-day settlers traded in their livestock and shovels for secluded modern homes that are still within driving distance to the attractions and cultural offerings of major cities like Dallas and San Antonio.

The Wall Street Journal’s recent expose focuses on this “new wave” of settlers to the Texas Hill Country who are purchasing ranches as luxury weekend homes in order to take advantage of the beautiful landscape and seemingly endless views.

WSJ included Boot Ranch in their expose, praising us for our low-maintenance approach to life in the Hill Country, providing “new wave” settlers like the Waldrips’ with a simple approach to home selection, design, and construction.

The Waldrips’ purchased an Overlook Cabin at Boot Ranch last May, and chose to modify a design that was suggested by the developer for their 3,800-square-foot home. The family also decided to build two guest cabins on their property for family, friends and business associates to stay in while visiting. The Waldrips’ plan to take full advantage of Boot Ranch’s multi-generational membership which allows them to pass down their property to their three adult children, but in the meantime three generations of Waldrips’ can take full advantage of the renowned service and world-class amenities offered by Boot Ranch.

To read the full article, please click here

$50 Million in New Home Construction Underway

Blake Howe on June 14, 2016

Sixteen private homes plus Sunday House 5, and the 2017 Texas Monthly Hill Country Home are currently under construction at Boot Ranch. This construction activity represents about $50 million of residential investment, the highest level of activity ever at Boot Ranch. Some members have spent years designing just the right home for their property. Others purchased homesites in 2015 and accelerated the design and construction process so that they could begin enjoying the Boot Ranch lifestyle as soon as possible. Residences currently under construction range from 2,500 to 15,000 square feet, all with Hill Country-inspired designs that make them perfectly at home with their surroundings.

Boot Ranch Featured in Wall Street Journal Article

Blake Howe on June 13, 2016

Boot Ranch was included in The Wall Street Journal’s recent expose that focuses on the newest wave of settlers to the Texas Hill Country who are purchasing ranches as luxury weekend homes in order to take advantage of the beautiful landscape and seemingly endless views.

Unlike the settlers of old, this new wave has traded in their livestock and shovels for secluded modern homes that are still within driving distance to the attractions and cultural offerings of major cities like Dallas and San Antonio.

The WSJ included Boot Ranch in their expose, praising them for their low-maintenance approach to life in the Hill Country, providing “new wave” settlers like the Waldrips’ with a simple approach to home selection, design, and construction.

The Waldrips’ decided to move into an Overlook Cabin at Boot Ranch last May and chose to modify a design that was suggested by the developer for their 3,800-square-foot home. The family also decided to build two guest cabins on their property for family, friends and business associates to stay in while visiting. The Waldrips’ plan to take full advantage of Boot Ranch’s multi-generational membership and pass down their property to their three adult children.

To read the full article, please click here

Boot Ranch’s 10th Geburtstag Celebration

Blake Howe on May 20, 2016

In early May, Boot Ranch celebrated the Club’s 10^th birthday, or Geburtstag (German for birthday) as we like to call it.

This fun filled weekend included a men’s member-guest golf tournament, a pairings party at the Ranch Club, a ladies lunch, trap shooting on the clubhouse lawn, and a Friday night cocktail party and dinner-dance.

We would like to thank everyone who participated and also, congratulate our tournament winners, Daniel Simons & Jim Foody who shot a combined score of 165.

Come join the Boot Ranch family and you can be part of Geburtstag Elf (that’s II in these parts)

Boot Ranch Hosts 7th Annual Nimitz Golf Classic

Blake Howe on May 12, 2016

Boot Ranch is proud to host the 7^th Annual Nimitz Golf Classic on Friday, June 10^th Boot Ranch has hosted this charity event in conjunction with the Admiral Nimitz Foundation since it’s inception in 2010.

Each year the foundation chooses another non-profit that is dedicated to helping our military service members and donates a portion of the proceeds raised through the tournament to that organization. Over $ 200,000 was raised during last year’s event.

This year, the Admiral Nimitz Foundation has selected Operation Comfort, who works with the Wounded Warrior community at the San Antonio Military Medical Center. Operation Comfort offers a selection of rehabilitative sports, and automobile repair career training.

Click here for more information about the Nimitz Foundation

Click here for more information on The National Museum of the Pacific War

Boot Ranch Realty Office Opens

Blake Howe on May 2, 2016

Thanks to the talents of Fredericksburg interior designer Amy Slaughter and a team of exceptional local craftsmen, the former sales center building has been transformed into the Boot Ranch Realty office—the place where your Boot Ranch experience begins. The atmosphere reflects the comfort and good taste that are hallmarks of life at Boot Ranch. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and a genuine desire to help you see and experience all aspects of Boot Ranch that are important to you in deciding to become a member of the community. We invite you to call us at (830) 997-6200 to schedule your Discovery Visit or a day tour, and we look forward to seeing you soon in our beautiful new home.