Poppy's Hill Country Feast

Check in, unpack, settle into the rental. Grab snacks from the kitchen — stock the fridge with water, electrolytes, and local cheese from the grocery run.

Tip: Assign someone to do a quick HEB run for breakfast items, wine, and snacks before everyone arrives.

First order of business: get in the pool, soak in the hot tub, let the Hill Country air hit different. This is the reset moment before the food marathon begins.

Tip: Bring a Bluetooth speaker and a chill playlist — golden hour by the pool is peak content time.

Styled wildflower-field picnic with rosé, charcuterie, and a curated spread. April wildflowers are in full bloom — the photos will be unreal. Poppy gets her first food moment of the weekend in the most beautiful setting.

Tip: Bring a portable speaker, a good camera, and wear something that photographs well against the wildflowers.

Shower, change, pre-game at the house with wine and snacks. Order or prep a casual dinner — tacos from a food truck or pizza from West End Pizza Co.

Tip: Have someone text ahead to West End Pizza Co. for a 7:45 PM pickup — no wait, fresh pizza at the house.

Hit The Ausländer Biergarten for German beer and sausages, then Altdorf Biergarten for a second round. Keep it low-key, local, and fun — these are the spots where Fredericksburg's real vibe lives. No cover, no pretense.

Tip: Start at Ausländer (it's bigger and more social), then walk to Altdorf for a quieter second stop. Both are within walking distance of downtown.

Kolaches, pecan pie, and strong coffee — the local breakfast ritual. Poppy gets to taste the real Hill Country morning before the wine trail kicks off.

Tip: Get there right when they open (8 AM) if you want the best selection, but 11 AM still has plenty. Grab extra kolaches for the road.

Guided tour of 4-6 wineries with tastings and food pairings. This is Poppy's main event — a full afternoon of wine education, local producers, and Hill Country hospitality. April weather is perfect (70s, no extreme heat).

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen. The shuttle driver will handle all the driving — no one has to worry about DUI.

Shower, change, decompress. Snack on cheese and crackers. This is the downtime block where inside jokes form and everyone recharges for the big night.

Tip: Lay out outfits, charge phones, and have water + electrolytes ready. The wine tour is dehydrating.

Hire a local chef to cook a Texas Hill Country menu at the house — think smoked brisket, local vegetables, and a wine pairing. This is THE big dinner, Poppy's food moment, and everyone stays at HQ to celebrate.

Tip: Book the chef 2 weeks ahead. Budget ~$60-80 per person for food + wine. Have the group chip in for groceries the day before.

After dinner, move to the living room for the honoring moment. Each bridesmaid shares one memory of Poppy + one wish for her marriage (90 seconds each). Light candles, pour wine, make it intimate. This is the heart of the weekend.

Tip: Text the bridesmaids 48 hours ahead asking them to pre-think their memory. Have tissues ready.

Hands-on culinary class where Poppy and the bridesmaids learn Texas cuisine techniques. Cook, taste, take home recipes. A foodie's perfect farewell activity.

Tip: Book the class 3 weeks ahead. Wear an apron you don't mind getting messy. Bring a small container for leftovers.

Handmade tortillas and breakfast tacos — the local institution. Poppy gets one last taste of Hill Country before heading to the airport. Casual, delicious, no fuss.

Tip: Get there early (before 11 AM) to avoid the line. Order extra tacos for the road.

90-minute drive back to SAT. Coordinate rides — some people may fly out at different times. Have a group Venmo ready for final splits.

Tip: Book airport rides the night before. Leave the rental by 3 PM to avoid late fees.