Mason is a pretty town on the northern edge of the Texas Hill Country, serving as the seat of Mason County. It comes by its nickname, “The Gem of the Hill Country,” honestly: it’s the only place on earth you’ll find Texas topaz in nature. Though it comes in a variety of colors, it’s the water-blue version of Texas topaz that was named the state’s official gem in 1969. There’s also an official gem cut for Texas, known as the Lone Star cut; it’s the carving of a five-pointed star into the base of a gemstone. Unsurprisingly, the Texas topaz takes this cut very well!
As the holidays roll around each year, sometime during the hustle and bustle of the season our thoughts turn to what is easily one of the greatest Christmas tales ever told: “A Christmas Carol,” published just six days before Christmas in 1843, penned by legendary British author Charles Dickens.
Northwest of Austin, at the northern border of the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find Llano County, named after the river that bisects it. In its center, located on the Llano where Pecan Creek flows into it from the north, lies the county seat, logically enough named Llano. Currently, the town has a population of about 3,400, and its surrounding vicinity is known for the largest density of whitetail deer in the United States, attracting sportsmen and women to the region during hunting season.
If you hear the words, “Christmas in comfort,” you might imagine something simple. After opening presents with the family, you may look forward to nothing more than kicking back in your robe and slippers, maybe sipping a nice cup of cocoa, perhaps taking in a football game. Just you and your recliner. That certainly sounds like a comfortable Christmas!
