The Japanese Garden of Peace at the National Museum of the Pacific War brings an element of serene quiet to the heart of Fredericksburg. Not far away is another peaceful spot — Hill Country Herb Garden Resort and Spa, an oasis offering food not found elsewhere in town.
“We wanted the menu to be more health-focused, with vegetarian options and fresh salads, with Asian and Japanese influences, invoking the Nimitz garden. We’re wanting to tie it all in with the spa, with the serenity that encapsulates all of that,” said Travis Tucker, CEO of Elements Hospitality, which manages the Herb Garden, along with four other luxurious properties.
When Elements Hospitality bought the Herb Garden, it added over 1,500 new plants. They tried to preserve as many growing things as possible from previous owners and to layer in new ones. Some of those herbs are used in the cuisine and some is used in the natural body care products created on-site by herbalist Laura Peterson.
Simply observing the lush gardens makes people happy.
“Our guests enjoy walking the property,” Tucker said. “As everything comes back to life in the spring, people drop by and walk the grounds. In the fall people sit and watch the butterflies at the pollinator garden.”
Ezequiel “Cheque” Huitron is the restaurant’s executive chef. He found his true calling in the kitchen.
“The first chef here was from the Philippines, so we kept those Asian trends. Then Travis thought we needed to incorporate items friendly to vegetarian and vegan people. And fresh ahi tuna, spring rolls,” Huitron said, with Elements Hospitality business liaison Fina Lacambra translating.
The restaurant is open every day but Monday. Lunch and dinner are served on weekdays, and brunch is available Saturday and Sunday only. Yes, you can order a cheeseburger, served with local greens. Or you can try a veggie-terrific Forbidden Rice Bowl.
Huitron uses the garden’s herbs in marinades, sauces, and dressings. He also uses them to make infused oils, which are then used in his cooking. He loves to create dishes outside the menu for private events. He’s done a Mexican fiesta and a 4-year-old’s tea party birthday.
“Anytime we serve a meal that requires a lot of work, the instant gratification is when you see a guest happy,” Huitron said. “I like it when it’s spring, when we can have events outdoors. To see families and guests enjoying being in nature, in the garden. That’s the purpose of this place.”
To better accommodate outdoor events, the Herb Garden added a pergola and a building with outdoor restrooms. The area can hold between 150 and 200 people.
The restaurant also offers what Tucker calls “immunity shots with intention.”
“They’re healthy options, very popular. We make them fresh at the bar, serve them in a sake glass,” he said. “There’s an immunity shot and an anti-inflammatory shot.”
The Herb Garden also offers fresh-made juices. Green Goddess is the most popular. And it brews teas and specialty lattes with its own herbal touch.
Likewise, the cocktails and mocktails incorporate herbal elements.
“The most popular is the Garden Bloody Mary. By far, that one has the most herbs. Our signature mimosa is made with our lavender lemongrass syrup, made in house,” Tucker said. “The Garden Refresher mocktail — it tastes like a cocktail, but without the spike.”
Visitors who want their peaceful day to extend into a peaceful night can reserve one of the 14 cottages on site. Guests receive a breakfast basket delivered to their door, Continental style. For larger groups, the Garden House can host up to 16 guests.
When the Herb Garden reopened, it offered a week of classes for local residents, including one on how to fight cedar fever using natural remedies and a class on water conservation. The Herb Garden also has a booth at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market.
“People say, ‘Oh my gosh, we didn’t know it was open again!’” Lacambra said. “Couples are coming. It’s very relaxing. Ladies feel comfortable here. They come to the spa, they have lunch.”
The spa has eight treatment rooms offering massages, facials, and scrubs. A relaxation area welcomes guests both before and after pampering. If someone forgets to bring casual workout gear, the shop is the only purveyor of Lululemon in town.
Both locals and guests come to the Herb Garden Monday through Friday for O2 yoga, taught by Melinda Kirchoff and other instructors. Elements Hospitality allows its employees to attend yoga classes at no charge.
To take home a little piece of the Herb Garden, visit the Marigold Gift Shop, which offers herb-based products made on site. In addition to body care items, Marigold sells its own line of candles, essential oils, and room fresheners.
To make reservations for the restaurant or for overnight lodging, visit hillcountryherbgarden.com.