Every time we drive up 281, we watch for the lighthouse that
breaks the rolling hills just south of Johnson City. These days, just before
the lighthouse, another large structure reaches up into the hill country sky.
For a while, we jokingly called it the arch. We guessed the lighthouse and arch
were a local B&B, but we were pleased to find that besides the various accommodations,
the arch also has a wine bar. On a bright Spring Saturday, we decided to stop
and found out our nickname was not too far off; the Arc de Texas offers great
wines and an incredible view.
The B&B
Both the lighthouse and arc are part of the Lighthouse Hill Ranch.
The Lighthouse has 4 bedrooms and can accommodate 9-15 guests. There are other houses on the premises, including the
Grey House (3 bedrooms, 8 guests), the Brown House (also 3 bedrooms, 8-10
guests), the Green House (3 bedrooms, 12 guests), the Red House (3 bedrooms,
6-7 guests), and the Log Home (3 bedrooms, 6-11 guests). Each of these accommodations
is secluded from one another on the ranch. They also include amenities like kitchens and access
to other attractions on the property. The houses
run from $210 a night (2 guests at the Red House) up to $1015 for 15 people
in the Lighthouse.
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| View of the Lighthouse from the Arc |
The Arc itself houses
4 suites. 3 of the suites occupy the second floor and include kitchens and two
bedrooms. The Louis XIV Suite encompasses the entire third floor. This
particularly suite has an incredible view, though all suites have a view. Like
the other areas, guests can enjoy the swimming pool at the Arc, hot tub, and
fire pit, as well as the surrounding area. The suites run from $210 night (2
guests in the Napoleon Suite) up to $730 for 14 people in the Louis XIV Suite.
The Arc -- Tastings
The
first and fourth floor of the Arc de Texas can be visited Thursdays-Saturday
from 11am-7pm and Sundays from noon until 7. On the first floor, guests can
lounge in a well apportioned wine bar, sipping at a table or at the bar. The
terrace houses a smaller bar and a panoramic view.
Tastings run $10 for 5 or $15 for 8. The list does change
periodically, to encourage multiple visits. During my first visit in April,
they offered wines from California and Oregon, along with South Africa, South
America, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. They do not offer any Texas wines;
they would rather encourage guests to head out to the many nearby wineries instead
(the closest winery is Texas Hills). Guests can also enjoy wine by the glass (starting
at $6) or by the bottle.
In addition to wine, the Arc also offers beer. Glasses start
as low as $4 and include international faire – England, Germany, Czech Republic
to name a few – as well as local beers.
The Arc does allow for outside food, but no outside alcohol.
Also, friendly dogs can come and visit. The wine dog, Titan, greets guests and
enjoys the company – two- and four-footed.
The View
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| Terrace Seating |
One thing the Arc prides itself on is the magnificent view
from the fourth floor roof terrace. They
provide outside seating, including umbrellas. However, if the sun is out, it
does shine quite strongly on the roof, so be prepared. Also, the wind can
really lash the terrace, which is both enjoyable and also problematic (it can
easily take off with a class of wine). On our visit, the sky was nearly clear
and the sun blazed down, making it rather hot; however, the breeze was crisp
and cool to take the edge off. To round out the spot, a smaller wine bar can
take care of guests, including tastings, glasses, and bottles.
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| View to the Northwest |
The main reason for coming up the terrace is the view. From the
front, guests can enjoy the southern side of 290 as it stretches west. The back
view looks out east over the property. In both cases, the hills rise and fall,
some very close. The valleys stretch out between the hills as they roll towards
the horizon. It is easy to lose track of time will sipping wine up on the terrace.
Visiting the Arc de Texas
For those driving to, from, or through San Antonio along 281,
the Arc de Texas and the rest of the Lighthouse Hill Ranch property provide a
wonderful rest. Sitting comfortably in the bar or on the terrace, guests can leave
behind the 290 traffic and slow down to enjoy some wine and a quintessential hill
country view.
Open:
Thursdays-Saturday
from 11am-7pm & Sundays from noon until 7
DIRECTIONS:
- From Austin take 290 west until it dead-ends into Highway 281. Turn right and go 3/4 mile. You'll see the Arc on your right.
- From San Antonio head north on 281 and turn right at the Arc about 3 miles before you get to Johnson City.
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