Day Trips: Hill Country Pottery

Hill Country Pottery has a gorgeous view of the hills between Sisterdale and Comfort. After the drive to Brian Burckhardt's gallery and studio, entering the showroom is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

After graduating from Southwestern University's pottery program, Burckhardt moved to the country for the inspirational sky and land. The colors of the sunset translate into the earth tones of his functional and beautiful pottery.

Burckhardt often gives a free tour of his rustic studio after a sale. Behind the showroom, black plastic tanks collect rainwater off the roof. The rainwater furnishes the water for mixing with the clay and the glazes. Groundwater in the limestone hills has too many minerals. Throughout the drought, Burckhardt has never run out of rainwater.

The scenic route to the gallery goes west on FM 1623 from Blanco. Hang a left on FM 1888, go until you reach FM 1376, and take another left. Before you get to the wide spot in the road called Sisterdale, turn right on FM 473; the pottery studio is on a hill a couple of miles down the road toward Comfort. The expedient way is to take U.S. 281 south and then west on FM 473. Check out the excellent wines at Sister Creek Vineyards while in Sisterdale.

Hill Country Pottery is at 738 FM 473. Brian opens shop Wednesday through Monday from 11am to 6pm. Make an appointment to stop by at 830/446-2957 or visit him at www.hillcountrypottery.com.

1,219th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.