Our cities are exciting because of the diversity of experiences, people, and structures that inhabit a condensed urban area. In order to appreciate all of that activity, anthropology, and eclectic design, it is necessary on occasion to step away from all that and immerse oneself in the nature and landscape of America’s small towns and countryside. My wife and I took advantage of that opportunity and spent four nights over the Memorial Day holiday in the Texas Hill Country in Fredericksburg.
As we walked the charming streets of Fredericksburg, ate in the biergartens and outdoor cafés, hiked Enchanted Rock, ambled across the expansive LBJ Ranch, and sampled the wine of two of the Stonewall area’s vineyards, Grape Creek Vineyards, and Pedernales Cellars, our eyes feasted on miles and miles of ruggedly beautiful hills, thirst quenching rivers, picture perfect landscapes, and structures fortressed in native limestone.
We watched an introductory film featuring former President Johnson before we commenced our driving and walking tour of the LBJ Ranch. I remember LBJ stating that the animals and the terrain of the country were good for reminding us of how to handle the relationships with people in our world. As I pondered that, I also saw the application for the creation of better city life. You don’t have the beauty of small town and rural America in the hustling, bustling metropolis. However, a healthy appreciation for the former can enable the city leaders to deal wisely with the gentle and humble assets that happen to reside in the latter.
Country Perspectives for City Life
Posted: June 1, 2012 by Chuck DeShazo
