Blog
Turning The Page on A New Year: Same Heart, Same Values, New Memories To Be Made
A new year always feels like a fresh page. We’re not rewriting our past or changing who we are, but leaning into what makes us special. It’s a chance for us to slow down, reflect on the year before, and look ahead at what’s to come.
2025, A Year In Reflection
Kerr United sign placed at the front entrance of The Ridge Marketplace
2025 was a year that no one had expected. It was a year filled with sorrow and pain, but with that came something bigger than all of us: a community coming together, standing united.
The Ridge Marketplace team with Jack and Jennifer Hudson after the Hearts For The Hudsons Benefit Concert
During one of the most difficult times in our community’s history, we joined so many others in stepping up and doing whatever we could to help. From creating and sharing Kerr United ribbons, to feeding first responders, to hosting a benefit concert for longtime friends and a fellow local business, our goal was simple. We wanted our community to know we were here, and that we always will be.
Even in the midst of hardship, we were reminded of something powerful. This community shows up. Through shared meals, music, laughter, and moments of togetherness, we saw hope take root again. This past year held challenges, but it also held joy, connection, and countless reminders of why Kerrville and the Texas Hill Country are the place we call home. As we turn the page, we carry all of it with us, the hard moments that shaped us and the good ones that lifted us.
Looking Ahead To 2026
As we move forward, we do so with intention and gratitude. The experiences of the past year have shaped where we stand today, and they guide how we step into what is next. With that foundation beneath us, we are looking ahead to 2026 focused on serving our community with thankful hearts and a genuine excitement for what is to come at The Ridge Marketplace.
Cafe At The Ridge: Where We Gather
A Ridge server carrying a tray of food to guests
The Cafe has always been more than a place to eat. It is where mornings start, where families stay a little longer, and where friends catch up over meals they know and love. Over the past year, it has continued to be a steady gathering place for our community, whether someone is stopping in for breakfast, sitting down for dinner, or staying for live music in the evening.
We are grateful for the conversations that happen around our tables, the familiar faces who return week after week, and the new ones who find their way here for the first time. Serving great food is important to us, but serving people well matters just as much. As we look ahead, the Cafe remains a place to slow down, connect, and feel welcomed.
Wild Flour Bakery: Made From Scratch
A slice of Brownie Bottom Cheesecake made fresh at Wild Flour Bakery
Early mornings and full ovens are nothing new at Wild Flour Bakery. From everyday favorites to seasonal treats, everything that comes out of the bakery is made with care, intention, and a whole lot of heart. This past year brought busy holidays, new flavors, and continued support from customers who believe in scratch-made baking.
We are thankful for the people who stop in just because, the ones who choose us for their celebrations, and those who support local baking year-round. The bakery is a reminder that small, thoughtful details matter, and that consistency and care never go unnoticed.
Gardens At The Ridge: Rooted Here
Guests creating succulent arrangements during a Gardens at The Ridge workshop
The Gardens continues to be a place of growth, learning, and seasonal beauty. Throughout the year, it changes right along with the Hill Country, offering fresh color, native plants, and inspiration for yards, porches, and gardens of all sizes.
From spring planting to fall pumpkins and winter preparation, the Gardens is a space where people can slow down, ask questions, and connect with the outdoors. We are grateful for everyone who walks through with curiosity and care, and for the opportunity to help our community grow something lasting, right here at home.
Shops At The Ridge: Thoughtfully Chosen
Guest trying on different rings at Shops At The Ridge
The Shops at The Ridge is all about finding all of those pieces that feel just right. From new seasonal styles to everyday favorites, it is a place designed to make shopping feel easy and enjoyable. Whether someone is looking for a gift or something for themselves, the focus is on items that are practical, stylish, and meaningful.
We are grateful for the many local and small business owners that we have partnered with to share our space and promote local entrepreneurship, and for the customers who take the time to stop in and explore. It is a simple but special part of The Ridge, and one that continues to grow alongside everything else we do.
Events & Live Music: Community In Motion
Kids hunting for Easter Eggs at the 2025 Easter Eggstravaganza at The Ridge Marketplace
Events and live music have continued to bring people together at The Ridge. From family-friendly holiday celebrations like Easter Eggstravaganza to our seasonal markets and movie nights on the amphitheater lawn, these moments are about more than entertainment. They are about sharing time, laughter, and connection.
We are grateful for the musicians, vendors, volunteers, and guests who show up and make these events possible. Every song played, booth set up, and chair filled helps create the sense of community that means so much to us.
Moving Forward Together
As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with full hearts and a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for our community, for our team, and for everyone who continues to support The Ridge Marketplace in ways both big and small. The past year reminded us how important it is to show up, to care well for others, and to remain rooted in what matters most.
We are not trying to become something new. We are continuing to be who we are, serving with intention, growing with purpose, and welcoming all who walk through our doors. Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to the year ahead, together.