La Cantera Ranch/Arche Winery/Ancient Ovens

On the weekend of August 20th, my friends Amy Kidd,Sirrod Garrett, and myself got the opportunity to stay at La Cantera Ranch Bed & Breakfast in Valley View, TX.  Our drive up there almost exhausted Sirrod, but once we arrived we checked into a fabulous 3 story home.  We got the whole 3rd floor to ourselves.  We couldn't wait to poor a few refreshments and take a dip in the fabulous pool while there.  As we were getting ready for our dip, another couple showed up to stay in the bridal suite.  We walked out to the pool and were greeted with a calmness in the air.  Absolutely no noise from vehicles, trains, airplanes, or anything to block our minds from just relaxing. While in the pool we were greeted by the other guests joining us, only to find that they too wanted to just relax.  What a perfect beginning to our Saturday.  After swimming we went upstairs in the wonderful quiet home and got dressed for a lovely evening.  We first stopped in Muenster, TX and picked up some of their infamous German sausage.  After that we drove to St. Jo, TX and headed our way up the side of a mountain ( as mountainous it gets in TX anyhow).  We turned on a gravel road as we followed the sign to the winery, the sign we saw on the way amused us, as it read Speed Limit 150mph, drive at your own risk. We thoroughly enjoyed our tasting and picked up bottles to take to our next adventure.  Only about a mile from the winery we turned on another gravel road to head to Ancient Ovens, a fabulous outdoor restaurant, centered in a couples backyard, where all of the food is cooked in a brick oven.  We were surrounded by lush green trees, rolling valleys, and a wonderful showcase of twinkling lights as the day drew to evening.  It was hot that evening, but the couple who owns the place knew this and put up misters to keep us cooled off.  As we dipped into the appetizer we all just looked at each other and said the same thing all at once, "Yum, this is good".  I'd highly suggest to take this adventure sometime.  It's a wonderful date venue or to take a trip with friends, and it's only about a hour away from the hustle and bustle of Dallas/Ft Worth.  We plan on going back this fall, as it was a little too hot to thoroughly enjoy the evening sitting outside, but I'm sure the fall/winter weather would be a great time to go.  If the fire pit is any indication of a fire in the middle of the seating, I'm very excited to go back.  Who doesn't enjoy a little wine and dining while a fire is going on around you.  Just remember to visit the winery first!  It's definately worth the drive!!  I have posted pics above of the evening.  Enjoy!