Book Signing & Lunch Featuring Julia Child's Favorite Recipes
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is always coming up with creative special events and next month's is no exception. On Friday, September 29, you can meet author Alex Prud'homme, grandnephew of Julia Child, when he signs copies of My Life in France, written with his famous great-aunt.
Prud’homme will sign his book from 10:30–11:30 am. Books are sold in The Modern Shop for $22.
The event also includes a three-course lunch begins at 11:30 am, prepared by Café Modern’s Executive Chef Dena Peterson. The menu will feature a selection of Julia Childs’ favorite recipes. Mr. Prud’homme will speak about his great-aunt at the luncheon.
Tickets: Tickets for lunch must be purchased in advance and are available now for $40, price includes non-alcoholic beverage, tax and service. Modern members will receive a 10% discount on lunch tickets and a 20% discount in The Modern Shop. Please call 817.840.2174 or visit Café Modern to purchase tickets. Seating is limited.
posted by Paris and John @ 3:58 PM
Wanna Be a Cowgirl?
If you've ever wanted to be a cowgirl, grab your hat and boots and head to Bertram, Texas for Cowgirl 101, a hand-on, education experience offered by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame's Cowgirl University.
What: Cowgirl 101, the hands-on, western education experience offered by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame’s Cowgirl University
Where: Bertram, one hour north west of Austin, Texas or two hours northwest of San Antonio, Texas. Held at at Colbert Ranch, a beautiful 250-acre guest ranch Texas’ Hill Country.
When: Saturday, October 7, 2006; Cowgirl 101 starts at 9 a.m. and wraps-up at 4 p.m.
Cost: $175 per person.
Cowgirl 101 features hands-on educational sessions designed for those with little or no horse experience desiring to learn western activities. Getting on a horse is just the beginning. The day activities include:
Basic horse care
Trail rides
Roping lessons
Horsemanship
Chuck wagon cooking demonstration with lunch
Also, participants will meet 1988 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Hope Varner (above, at the recent Georgetown cattle drive) and listen to her cowgirl story. Varner, a talented western musician, has been a promoter of western culture for more than 50 years and produced rodeos with her family.
Cowgirl 101 began in the fall of 2005 at a private North Texas ranch, offering a full day of workshops in western culture for beginners. As Cowgirl 101’s popularity grew, more people wanted to participate (classes limited to 30 people), so the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame decided to take it on the road.
For registration information:• call 817/336-4475 or 800/476 FAME (3263)
• visit
www.cowgirl.net • Directions are available at
www.ridecolbertranch.comLabels: Fort Worth
posted by Paris and John @ 4:42 PM
Getting Batty at Austin's BatFest
Have you witnessed the nightly exodus of Austin's 1.5 million bat colony? These Mexican free-tailed bats make their home beneath the Congress Avenue bridge from April through November, departing at sunset in a spectacular flight.
If you haven't seen the bats (or even if you have!), here's a great opportunity this weekend: Austin BatFest. Organized by local producer Roadway Events, the event celebrates the Austin bats along Congress Avenue Bridge from Barton Springs Road to Cesar Chavez Street.
The bat mania include more than 150 art crafts and food booths, musical performances (2009 artists include The Wailers, Bob Schneider and Vallejo), bat education displays and bat watching.
Where to View the Bats: One of the best spots to view the nightly bat flight is from the Austin American-Statesman’s bat observation area at 305 S. Congress Ave., along the southeast corner of the bridge. Educational kiosks, manned by interpreters from BCI, are positioned throughout the viewing area, Thursday through Sunday during the summer.
For More Information:
• Visit
Roadway Events for Batfest info
• To find out flight times during the summer months, call the Austin American-Statesman’s Bat Hotline at 512-416-5700, ext. 3636.
• More information about the Congress Avenue colony is available from BCI at P.O. Box 162603, Austin, TX 78716; toll-free 800-538-BATS; or
www.batcon.org.
Labels: Austin
posted by Paris and John @ 4:28 PM
Texas Renaissance Festivals
Did you know that one of the largest Renaissance faires in the country is held in Texas? The Texas Renaissance Festival, held in Plantersville (near Houston), extends from late September into late November, with every weekend filled with a special theme. Get all the info on this and other Texas Renaissance festivals in our new festival article,
"Renaissance Festivals & Faires in Texas."
posted by Paris and John @ 4:23 PM
Georgetown's Downtown Cattle Drive
On Friday night, we attended the cattle drive in downtown Georgetown, one commemorating the town's role in the Chisholm Trail. The event, which took place on Main Street, drew a huge crowd (in spite of 100+ degree heat) and featured live music, trick roping, lots of cowboys and a small herd of longhorns. Look for a photo gallery in the coming days!
Labels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 9:10 PM
September Festivals in Texas
As the weather starts to cool off next month, the festival calendar really begins to heat up. We've just added our
September Festivals Calendar, one covering everything from country fairs to barbecue cookoffs to birding festivals.
posted by Paris and John @ 9:08 PM
Georgetown Hosting Downtown Cattle Drive
If you'll be in Central Texas tonight, head to the Square in Georgetown for a cattle drive on Main Street. The event kicks off an evening celebrating the city's position on the historic Chisholm Trail. Along with the cattle drive, look for live music, a trick roping exhibition, pony rides, and, of course, plenty of barbecue. The event takes place from 6-9pm on Friday, August 25.
Labels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 12:05 PM
State Fair of Texas Announces Concerts
It may seem like a long time until autumn but the State Fair of Texas is just around the corner. Scheduled for Sept. 29 – Oct. 22, the State Fair (which takes place at Dallas's Fair Park) has announced a growing line of entertainers who will appear at the 2006 Chevrolet Main Stage. Look for these well-known names on this year's program:
Friday, Sept. 29 – Cowboy Crush
Saturday, Sept. 30 – Monica
Sunday, Oct. 1 – Bo Bice
Saturday, Oct. 7 – * Special Mystery Guest *
Sunday, Oct. 8 – Jerry Jeff Walker
Saturday, Oct. 14 – Jars of Clay/Matt Wertz/Leigh Nash
Sunday, Oct. 15 – Lisa Loeb "Unplugged"
Friday, Oct. 20 – Jace Everett/Mark Chesnutt
Saturday, Oct. 21 – Lee Ann Womack
Sunday, Oct. 22 – La Conquista/Grupo Control
Did you know that concerts are free with State Fair admission?
posted by Paris and John @ 8:58 PM
We Receive Two Awards!
We received some exciting news today: two Texas travel articles we wrote for Fiesta, the magazine of the San Antonio Express-News, were selected to receive San Antonio Women in Communications Proliner Awards for 2006 in the following categories:
Award of Excellence Travel/Tourism Story
"Fun in the Sun"
Award of Merit Travel/Tourism Story
"A Getaway to Los Dos Laredos"
A nice announcement to start the week!
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 9:12 PM
Oasis: Still the Sunset Capital
This weekend we headed out to Austin's Oasis, known as the Sunset Capital thanks to its great views of Lake Travis. As many of you know, last June the restaurant was struck by lightning, sparking a terrible fire that demolished many of the restaurant's famed decks.
Even as reconstruction continues, the
Oasis is open as as pleasant as ever. Dining is now primarily in the Starlight section of the property where the live music stage is located. The former buffet setup in Starlight is gone with a temporary kitchen now located near that entrance. We found that the restaurant still has the great views and decks, albeit fewer right now, and they still ring the bell every night to celebrate sunset. This Saturday night featured
The Eggmen, a great Beatles tribute band (if you're ever in Austin when they play, be sure to save time to see them.)
Labels: Austin, Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 1:10 PM
Labor Day Package at Barton Creek Resort
Labor Day is just around the corner but it's not too late to make hotel plans if you will be on the road that weekend. We just received word of a new Labor Day weekend package at Barton Creek Resort in Austin:
The offer extends September 1 - 4, 2006; the Labor Day Weekend Package includes:
• Luxurious accommodations
• daily breakfast buffet
• poolside lunch cookout
• recreational activities for all ages
Rates start at $162 per person, double occupancy, with a minimum two-night stay.
On Saturday, September 2, from 6 pm – 10 pm, one of Austin musician Bob Schneider will play poolside. During the Schneider performance, overnight Resort guests can enjoy a lavish buffet featuring grilled baby Angus Sirloin, a shrimp and oyster bar, and much more. Cost: $29++ adults, $18++ children ages 6-12, no charge for children 5 and under.
For More Information:• call 800-366-6158
• visit
www.bartoncreek.comLabels: Austin
posted by Paris and John @ 4:41 PM
Austin Bat Fest Planned for Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend is just around the corner and the capital city has some big plans for the event including the Austin Bat Fest, taking place September 2 and 3 at the Congress Avenue Bridge. The event includes bat viewing and education, carnival rides, arts & crafts, and more. On Sunday morning, you can reserve a place at the "Bat Breakfast" to enjoy a gourmet meal and watch the bats return to their roost after their nightly trip. In true Austin style, there will be plenty of live music as well. For more, see
www.roadwayevents.com .
Labels: Austin
posted by Paris and John @ 5:01 PM
Rockport's Hummer/Bird Celebration Nears
Mark your calendars for Rockport's upcoming Hummer/Bird Celebration, a time to enjoy the fall migration of thousands of tiny hummingbirds as they make one last stop on the Texas Gulf coast before heading out to South America for the winter. Read all about the annual event in our
"Hummingbirds Keep Texas Gulf Coast Humming" article. This is a great event we'd really recommend.
posted by Paris and John @ 4:59 PM
15th Annual TX Parks & Wildlife Expo Set for Oct. 7-8
It may seem like a long time until October (and on 100+ degree days like today it seems like a
really long time until October...) but be sure to mark your calendar for the 15th annual Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo in Austin. We just received info on the expo from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:
AUSTIN, Texas -- America's largest free, family-oriented festival of the outdoors celebrates its 15 year anniversary at the Parks and Wildlife Headquarters in Austin on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8. The annual event that began as a tribute to hunting's role in conservation in 1992 today includes fishing, shooting sports, state parks, Texas history, rock climbing, biking, birding, paddling and many other activities, all free to the public.
"Texas Parks and Wildlife Expo emphasizes recreation and having fun, because we believe that's the key to getting people involved in conserving our natural and cultural resources," said Robert L. Cook, executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which produces the Expo as a public service with the help of sponsors and conservation organizations. "If you've never tried these activities, it's a great chance to see and do it all in a safe setting with expert guidance. In everything, you'll find a message of stewardship, the idea that we all have role to play to safeguard our heritage."
Activities: Several new activities will tempt visitors of all ages to Expo XV.
The Casting Kids activity in the Fishing and Aquatic area invites young people ages 7-to-14 to test their flipping, pitching and casting skills, learn about fishing, conservation and protection of the great outdoors and win prizes. Participants will also have a chance at competing for a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships and prizes to be given away nationwide. This new Expo activity is presented by the Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, part of a new statewide youth outreach initiative the group launched this year in partnership with TPWD.
For the first time, the nationally-known nonprofit group Leave No Trace will teach Expo visitors the seven ethical principals of responsible outdoor use in the Camping and Outdoor Skills area. Leave No Trace principals include Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Others.
A companion activity for youngsters will take place in the Little Critter's Corner area. P.E.A.K. (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) will introduce young children ages 6-to-12 to simple Leave No Trace principles.
Also new this year are presentations about outdoor equipment and clothing geared especially for women and people with smaller physical frames. Many items from kayaks to shotguns are now available tailored to women's needs. These seminars will be presented by Academy Sports and Outdoors in the Main Tent.
For the serious angler, the new Strike Team presentation will offer tips and techniques for fishing in Texas and across the country. Berkley will present this activity with interactive demonstrations designed to show the angler the science and technology behind fishing products. Journals, knot cards and samples will be available.
The new Texas Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) tent in Camping, Outdoor Skills and RV area will explain this new state program to create or improve OHV venues that provide safe and legal family-oriented trail riding and camping opportunities in Texas. Enthusiasts can learn where to ride and hear about plans and proposals for new trails and OHV.
Nearby visitors will find the latest on recreational vehicle travel opportunities at Texas State Parks, including where to go and what's offered at more than 70 state parks with RV facilities.
Also new this year, Expo Recycles! Through a new partnership with Keep Austin Beautiful, the event will recycle thousands of plastic beverage containers, with KAB providing receptacles and volunteers.
Longtime visitors may notice the Expo grounds look different this year. Notably, the arena for the popular sporting dog demonstrations and the live raptor Birds of Prey presentation by John Karger of Last Chance Forever has been relocated to the north side of the grounds near the Wet Zone paddling area. This allows organizers to consolidate and better present Wildlife and Law Enforcement exhibits and activities.
The Expo Friday night banquet from 6:30-10 p.m. Aug. 6 is moving off site for the first time in 15 years to the new Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort on Highway 71 east of Austin. This upscale Expo tradition raises money for conservation causes, featuring live music and a sumptuous Texas-style feast. In the past, it has been attended by top elected officials, sports and media celebrities and movers and shakers in the world of conservation. The banquet auction will feature items like a guided hunt with baseball legend Nolan Ryan, a lady's diamond pendant and a New Zealand safari. This year's banquet honors Joe McBride of Austin for his many years of contribution to the conservation cause. Tickets cost $100 in advance, $150 at the door. The banquet is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Kelli Sellers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation at (214) 720-1478, ext 205.
All events on Saturday and Sunday are free, as are water and air-conditioned shuttle bus service and parking. Although food may be brought in, coolers are discouraged because of the long walk to the grounds. Special shuttles on site will serve people with disabilities. Sorry, no pets allowed. Visitors are advised to bring cameras and sunscreen, and a little cash can be handy to buy food or outdoor gear and apparel.
Expo remains free to the public through the support of major sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, Clear Channel Austin, HOLT CAT, Recuerdo, The Dow Chemical Company, Time Warner Cable, and Toyota. Other sponsors include Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Careco Multimedia, Inc., ChevronTexaco, Farm Credit, Highland Mall, Arby's of Central Texas, Austin Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Boone & Crockett Club, Briley Manufacturing, CEMEX, Crosman Air Guns, Lower Colorado River Authority, McBride's, Shikar Safari Club International Foundation, Shoot Where You Look, Temple-Inland, and Weatherby Foundation International.
Out-of-towners looking for a place to stay can call the Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau at (512) 478-0098 for hotel and motel information. To make reservations at a Central Texas state park, call (512) 389-8900 or book online.
There is limited free parking near the grounds, but the best way to get to the Expo is to catch a free shuttle bus at Highland Mall (Foley's side) near I-35 and Highway 290. If rain shuts down on-site parking, all visitors must catch shuttle buses, which run from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
For more information about Expo, including maps and directions, visit the
TPWD Web site or call (800) 792-1112.
Labels: State Parks
posted by Paris and John @ 8:35 PM
Round Rock Opens State's Newest Outlet Mall
The newest outlet mall in Texas has opened its doors;
Round Rock Premium Outlets is now open on I-35 north of Round Rock. The mall is home to 125 stores including Ann Taylor, Polo, Burberry, and more. The mall is located between Round Rock and Georgetown at I-35 exit 257.
This new mall is just the latest in a string of very tempting malls on I-35 including ones in Hillsboro,
New Braunfels, and, of course, the two mega-malls in
San Marcos (Prime Outlets and Tanger), more than just a shopping stop but also one of the state's biggest tourist attractions. Just off I-35 West, you'll also find the Texas-sized
Grapevine Mills.Labels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 1:52 PM
We're Having a New Contest!
It's time for a new contest! We're giving away a whole batch of prizes this time...check out our
contest page for all the rules and specifics on the prizes!
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 11:28 AM
New Inductees for National Cowgirl Hall of Fame
FORT WORTH, Texas – The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2006 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductees. These five astounding women will be honored during the 31st Annual Induction Luncheon Ceremony on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
The 2006 Inductees are as follows:
Minnie Lou BradleyShe was the first women to receive a degree in animal husbandry from Oklahoma State University, formerly known as Oklahoma A&M, and their only female member of the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team. She paved a way for young girls to enter into the arena of livestock breeding and management programs. She was the first female president of the American Angus Association and the recipient of numerous awards for her vision and dedication to the improvement of beef cattle. As owner and operator of Bradley 3 Ranch, Bradley implements innovations into her ranching operations that gained her notoriety and recognition as a leader in the beef industry. And in helping share her passion for ranch work, she has partnered with the Ranch Management Program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas for the past 46 years helping young men and women learn the ranching industry.
Esther Hobart Morris (1814 – 1902)Esther Hobart Morris, honored in Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. as a women’s suffrage leader, became the United States’ first female justice of the peace in 1870. Her influential efforts achieved the right for women to vote in the Wyoming Territory in 1869. Her triumph there set a course for equality that would not be fully realized in the rest of the United States until 51 years later with the passage of the 19th Amendment. She was a true pioneer for women.
Sharon CamarilloAs an accomplished barrel racer, horsemanship clinician and four-time National Finals Rodeo contender, Camarillo made her mark on rodeo history in 1995 as one of the few select women to ever co-announce the prestigious Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Not only does Camarillo teach horsemanship clinics on barrel racing throughout the year, she wrote an industry-leading book on barrel racing called Training, Tuning and Winning.
Rose Cambra FreitasRose Cambra Freitas represents the best of Hawaiian cowboy or “paniolo” culture through sharing knowledge of western lifestyle with people of all ages. Recognized as one of Maui’s 100 most influential people in the past 100 years, Freitas co-founded the Maui All Girls and Junior Boys and Girls Rodeo Association, Hawaii’s only incorporated non-profit organization of its kind and has earned the respect of community and civic leaders across the island. She and her husband donate their private arena for horse shows and clinics to educate people in horsemanship and have been ranching in Makawao in Maui’s “upcountry” for more than 40 years.
Bonnie McCarroll (1897 – 1929)This a champion bronc rider, made rodeo history in 1922 by winning the cowgirl bronc riding championship at the two most prestigious rodeos in the nation, Cheyenne Frontier Days and the first Madison Square Garden Rodeo. Already an accomplished rodeo performer, McCarroll dazzled kings, queens, dignitaries, an American president and countless rodeo fans across the world. Her tragic death at the 1929 Pendleton Round-Up changed the face of women’s rodeo when rodeo officials began exercising more scrutiny on rules and regulations for women in bronc riding.
“All five of these women set themselves apart from the crowd and distinguished themselves as true pioneers,” said Patricia Riley, executive director of the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
About the Museum: The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and documents the lives of women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West. Located at 1720 Gendy Street in Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the museum includes interactive exhibit galleries, three theaters, a retail store and a grand rotunda housing the Hall of Fame. The museum is open seven days a week – Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For More Information:• visit
www.cowgirl.net• call 817/336-4475 or 800/476-FAME (3263)
posted by Paris and John @ 8:45 PM
