My bicycle route from Flagstaff, Arizona to Port Aransas, Texas takes me through Fredericksburg, Texas, a ritzy resort town located in the Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg is overflowing with boutique hotels, luxury spas, gourmet bistros, and bespoke gift shops.
Magnolia Pearl is undoubtedly the most famous clothing store in Fredericksburg. Celebrities appreciate the antique look of Magnolia Pearl, a brand that takes inspiration from Victoriana, carnivals and hobos. Magnolia Pearl is embraced by celebrities. Taylor Swift wore a gauzy slip dress from Magnolia Pearl in her “cardigan” video from the “Folklore” album. Johnny Depp owns many items by Magnolia Pearl, like this blue patchwork jacket he wore to a film festival in Barcelona:
Magnolia Pearl has recently drawn ire on social media. At the end of March, Magnolia Pearl went viral on TikTok after a user named @chelseajordyn posted her mother’s Magnolia Pearl outfit: floral leggings with a cream lace dress and matching short jacket, and gray Charlie Chaplin style shoes. Commenters determined that the outfit cost about $5,000. @Lizynco wrote, “I love when people cosplay poverty.” @Mypellow wrote, “Really interesting how they look like hobos but their outfits cost a month of my pay.”
In contrast to all this eccentric luxury, let’s take a peek at some eccentric poverty! Here is a photo of Tom (yours truly) sitting at a table at the Fredericksburg Starbucks with a young man who had some questions about my bicycle trailer. I am smiling because I absolutely love it whenever someone asks a question about my bicycle trailer! I am wearing shorts and a T-shirt purchased at Walmart! As you can see, I don’t look like Johnny Depp!
This morning, I took some pictures of my favorite Fredericksburg camping spot. Then, just for fun, I wrote a faux “advertisement” for “Tom’s Bed and Breakfast.” Everything in the ad accurately describes my camping spot. As you are reading the advertisement, however, please substitute the word “tent” whenever the word “tiny home” appears.
Tom’s Bed & Breakfast
Conveniently located near Fredericksburg along Hwy 16 and just a short distance from the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Tom’s Bed & Breakfast is a great place to rest while you are visiting Fredericksburg. Your rustic, creekside tiny home sits amidst majestic oak trees. The shady grounds are sprinkled with colorful wildflowers. We recommend that you explore the Texas Hill Country by taking a spin on the sturdy Surly touring bicycle parked outside each tiny home. Our on-site bicycle mechanic will carefully adjust your bicycle for a perfect fit. The Barn Winery is located next door. Enjoy the sunset and a glass of wine on their relaxing porch. A hearty breakfast is included. We serve steel cut oats with fresh blueberries and organic cream. Our Mediterranean Breakfast Tacos are legendary! Enjoy a fruit plate and a cup of coffee while you sit under the oak trees and listen to the birds. Our grounds are a bird watchers paradise! In the afternoon, take a short stroll and wiggle your toes in the crystal clear waters of Palo Alto Creek. You will treasure your memories of Tom’s Bed and Breakfast! Our rates are remarkably low! Pay nothing and stay as long as you want!
