POTD: Threadgill's, Austin
The original Threadgill's, a place where Janis Joplin got her start decades ago, remains a popular Austin restaurant. Look for home cooking here from chicken fried steaks to fried okra.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 2:10 PM
POTD: Gulls on the Texas Coast
Feeding gulls is always a popular activity on the Texas coast.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 1:48 PM
POTD: Blue Hole, Georgetown
In downtown Georgetown, just blocks off the square, stands Blue Hole, a scenic swimming hole and picnic area along the hike and bike trail.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 1:35 PM
Texas Celebrity Travel, October 2007
AustinAustin's own Benjamin McKenzie recently grooved at Gruv nightclub to tunes spun by DJ Boombai, the
Austin American-Statesman reports. Back in the Live music Capital of the World in mid-October, the star of the cancelled FOX favorite "The O.C." will soon step in front of the cameras for his role in "The Stanford Prison Experiment."
Actor Scott Porter said so long to September at an event held at the capital city's Shoreline Grill, according to the
Austin American-Statesman. Like other patrons at the elegant Austin eatery, perhaps the "Friday Night Lights" star was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the city's local celebrities, the Mexican Free-Tail bats, as they left their roost under the Congress Avenue bridge and embarked on their evening escapades-- a sight that can be savored nightly from the restaurant's terrace, which overlooks the recently redubbed Lady Bird Lake.
Lone Star siblings Luke and Owen Wilson were spotted in the capital city in mid-October. According to the
Austin American-Statesman, the Dallas-born duo booked suites at the Four Seasons Hotel.
"Spider-man" villain Willem Defoe, who was recently in the Bastrop area filming "Fireflies in the Garden," was spotted by the
Austin Chronicle in mid-October at Whole Foods Market, checking out the store's organic gastronomical treats.
In town to promote his latest silver screen venture, "The Darjeeling Limited," The Austin American-Statesman conducted an interview with actor Jason Schwartzman at Austin's hippest hideaway, the Hotel San Jose on South Congress Avenue. The reformed 40's era motor court, which offers its patrons the use of an extended CD library filled with blues and jazz standards and a weekly showing of a cinematic cult classic along with entertainment by a local band, is a magnet for A-listers, with visits by Drew Barrymore and Luke Wilson in September.
DallasSeveral stars dined out in The Big D this October. The Dallas Morning News reports that actor John Cusack, who will soon be seen on the big screen in "Martian Child," and lady friend Jodi Lyn O'Keefe (Prison Break) were among the first to sample the culinary creations offered at The Club, a swank supper sanctuary in The Centrum Building which opened its doors in September 2007.....From lobster pasta to a 16 oz. New York sirloin, "One Tree Hill" star Sophia Bush had a wide variety of culinary delights from which to choose when she mulled over the menu at N9NE Steakhouse recently with Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.....Globe-trotting songstress Annie Lennox recently enjoyed the Japanese cuisine served at Nobu, one of six epicurean establishments located at Hotel Crecsent Court.
San AntonioCongratulations to Ricardo Chavira, better known to TV viewers as Carlos Solis on the ABC hit "Desperate Housewives," who said "I do" to longtime love Marcea Dietzl in the Alamo City on September 22, 2007. The television star, while born in Austin, was raised in San Antonio.
--by Grace Sydney
Labels: Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Texas celebrity travel
posted by Paris and John @ 8:33 PM
POTD: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Ammannsville
In the small farming community of Ammannsville, the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is one of the region's famous painted churches. On the exterior, it appears much like many Texas churches of the period. Inside, however, an elaborately painted interior recalls the churches the Czech immigrants left behind in their homeland.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 8:50 PM
POTD: Capitol Visitors Center, Austin
Located at 112 East 11th Street on the southeast corner of the Capitol complex, the Visitors Center is housed in the former General Land Office. Today you'll find numerous exhibits about the role of the former building (including an office once used by writer O. Henry), the Capitol, and early Texas.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 2:17 PM
Messina Hof Winery Hosting Halloween Dinner
Still looking for something to do for Halloween? Here's a unique event: a Halloween murder mystery dinner at Messina Hof Winery and Resort. “The Disappearance of Death” will include an elegant dinner (and, of course, wine) and an evening of fun.
Menu: The menu will include hocus pocus duck wontons to start, abracadabra asparagus and artichoke salad, Harry Houdini’s hickory grilled beef tenderloin for the main course, and presto pumpkin-vanilla cheesecake for dessert.
Date: Saturday, October 27, 2007
Price: $69.95 per person (plus tax & gratuity)
Location: Messina Hof Winery & Resort
4545 Old Reliance Rd.
Bryan, TX 77808
For more information:• visit
www.MessinaHof.comLabels: Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 2:00 PM
POTD: Round Rock's Dell Diamond
As the first cold spell of the season blows into Texas, one last look back at the summer of 2007. This photos was taken at Round Rock's Dell Diamond, the home of the Round Rock Express.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 1:19 PM
San Antonio Celebrates Halloween & DIa de los Muertos
San Antonio celebrates not only Halloween but Day of the Dead in a big way with events planned throughout the town. Day of the Dead, a Mexican pre-Hispanic festival, is the day when the dead are said to join the living for a day of celebration.
San Antonio Zoo - Zoo BooDate: October 30
Zoo Boo is full of fun for all ages; an exciting, safe and non-scary event for families with trick-or-treating, face painting and games. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes, and children can participate in the costume contest.
The Institute of Texan Cultures - Halloween Howl’rDate: October 28
Wander through the haunted rooms and lairs of the Institute’s campus. Young goblins can come in costume and trick-or-treat at various booths featuring spine-tingling storytellers, not-so-petrifying puppet shows and frightening face painters. Or, they can try their hands at the dark arts and crafts booths and see what they conjure up. Older goblins will enjoy the haunted barn or graveyard and dragon roping.
The Institute of Texan Cultures - The changing identity of Día de los Muertos revealed in photography and muralismDates: through November 12, 2007
Join in the festivities of el Día de los Muertos, and examine how time, intersecting cultural celebrations and mass media have changed the face of this tradition.
Mission San José - Día de los Muertos Exhibit and Altar
Dates: through November 30
An altar and exhibit will be on display.
Market Square - Los Altares Del MercadoDate: October 28
Over 30 altars created by tenants, merchants and junior high and high school students will be on display.
La Villita - A celebration of the art of the day of the deadDates: October 28 - November 4
Festivities will include performances by Las Monas Drum & Dance Group as well as exhibits from La Villita tenants and artists Chris Braswell and Ladi Loera.
Southwest School of Art & Craft - Día de los Muertos: La OfrendaDates: October 30 - November 2
A Día De Los Muertos altar created by students, staff, faculty, board members and volunteers of the Southwest School of Art & Craft.
Say Sí Central – Family ExtravaganzaDates: November 1-3
Enjoy family festivities, live music and food booths. To complete the experience, break bread (pan de muerto) with the dearly departed and savor sugar skulls prepared in one of San Antonio’s authentic Mexican bakeries.
Centro Cultural Aztlán - The 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration Altares Y Ofrendas ExhibitDates: November 2 – 9
Centro Cultural Aztlan has made a tradition of Día de los Muertos by bringing together artists and community people to install traditional and artistic altars that express their personal point of view on this universal subject.
SouthTown - URBAN 15’S Carnival de los MuertosDate: November 2
Carnival de San Anto presents its annual performance ritual as part of Día de los Muertos. The procession parade of dancing and drumming Calaveras can be seen at SouthTown starting at 7:00 pm. It will then travel to Centro Cultural Aztlan to perform at their Altar Ofrenda at 8:00 pm. URBAN-15 celebrates the joyful memories of our departed friends and family in this ceremony.
Labels: Festivals, San Antonio
posted by Paris and John @ 10:44 AM
POTD: Muster Oak in La Grange
Located on the northeast corner of the square, Muster Oak in La Grange is one of the most famous trees in Texas. Here in 1842, Captain Dawson mustered his troops for an ill-fated battle in the war for Texas independence. Since that time, the tree has served as a muster site for Fayette County troops in conflicts ever since.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 9:21 AM
POTD: Treue Der Union Monument, Comfort, Texas
The Treue Der Union Monument located in Comfort honors the men and boys from this region who were killed when they remained true to the Union during Civil War days.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 8:06 PM
POTD: Po-Po Family Restaurant, Boerne
Think you have a lot of dishes to wash? Don't miss Po-Po Family Restaurant in Boerne; a collection of over 2,000 plates from around the world decorates the walls of this excellent restaurant. We recommend both the catfish and the chicken fried steak!
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 2:59 PM
Groundbreaking on New Austin City Limits Theater
A groundbreaking ceremony was held this past weekend for a new 35-story, $260-million mixed-use development that will include a new theater for the popular Austin City Limits television show.
The Theater: A 2,200-seat, state-of-the-art theater and music venue to be managed by Live Nation will serve as the new home of KLRU-TV’s venerable Austin City Limits (austincitylimits.org), the longest running televised concert series. The new theater, which will have more than five times the capacity of the current soundstage, is being developed in partnership with Willie Nelson and his nephew, Freddy Fletcher, of Pedernales Records. Live Nation has been selected to oversee a range of ongoing entertainment programming for the more than 300 nights a year when it will not be in use by ACL. ACL is a production of KLRU-TV, Austin PBS and C3 Presents.
Hotel & Spa: Occupying a former vacant lot in downtown Austin’s 2nd Street District, Block 21 is being considered for Platinum LEED Certification for its implementation of green building techniques, materials and operational standards. Upon completion in 2010, the project will include 196 luxury condominium residences, 250 hotel guestrooms, world-class spa, signature restaurant, approximately 47,000 square feet of premium, ground- and second-floor retail plus engaging public spaces.
The W Austin Hotel & Residences will include its signature Living Room experience and Whatever/Whenever®, the hotel’s 24-hour concierge service that can provide whatever guests want (from a pair of running shoes at 2 a.m. to private jet service) whenever they want it. The hotel will also include several innovative restaurants and clubs, a street-level plaza, an outdoor elevated garden incorporating a swimming pool, a full-service Sweat fitness facility, a 5,000-square-foot spa, 13,000 square feet of meeting space and 4,300 square feet of banquet rooms.
The Groundbreaking: Local dignitaries, VIPs and development partners who participated in the afternoon groundbreaking ceremony included Mayor Will Wynn; basketball-legend-turned-business-tycoon, Earvin “Magic” Johnson of the Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund; legendary University of Texas football coach and UT Austin stadium namesake, Darrell Royal; Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund Managing Partner, Bobby Turner; Ross Klein, President of Starwood’s Luxury Brands Group (W Hotels, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and The Luxury Collection hotel brands); lead design architect, Arthur W. Andersson, AIA of Andersson-Wise Architects; Bob Roux, President of Live Nation’s South division; KLRU-TV CEO and General Manager, Bill Stotesbery; Austin City Limits Producer, Terry Lickona; and Freddy Fletcher, Pedernales Records partner. The groundbreaking was timed to coincide with the KLRU-TV “Block Party” fundraising gala, which benefits the station that produces ACL.
“We are big believers in Austin, and in the commitment that Mayor Wynn has made to continuing the revitalization already underway here,” said Canyon-Johnson partner Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “Austin is a growing, dynamic and entertaining city, and through Block 21, we will work to enhance that by creating opportunities for the people of Austin, and making sure that it reaches its absolute fullest potential.”
Labels: Austin
posted by Paris and John @ 2:49 PM
POTD: Sculling on Lady Bird Lake
Scullers train on Austin's Town Lake, recently renamed Lady Bird Lake.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 8:53 PM
POTD: Painted Church, Ammansville
This photo of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, one of the painted churches near Schulenburg, shows the light pink interior which makes it distinctive. The church is open to the public and is located in the small community of Ammansville.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 11:05 AM
What's New on TexasTripper?
We've just added several new towns in TexasTripper; look for guides to these cities:
PflugervilleWalburgJarrellCouplandWe're also adding video resources to many of the travel pages, featuring online video of festivals, cities, and special attractions throughout the Lone Star State!
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 3:41 PM
Get Ready for the Whoopers!
It may still feel like summer in much of Texas but winter's definitely coming and, with that, comes the arrival of the whooping cranes. We just received word from Texas Parks and Wildlife that wildlife scientists are predicting that a record-breaking 250 whooping cranes (compared to last year's 236) will reach the Texas coast this winter. They're asking the public to report whooper sightings.
Whooping cranes have been on the endangered species list since 1970, and in the 1930s, the Aransas population was down to just 18 birds. Texas continues to play a key role in the survival and recovery of this endangered species, and today Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is home to the only self-sustaining population in the world.
These cranes winter in Texas cranes from November through March. The blue crab is their primary source of energy, and due to the extensive rains Texas encountered this summer, experts are predicting an abundance of crab.
Whooping cranes are the tallest and one of the rarest birds in North America. They're considered valuable in several ways, including as a source of nature tourism in local communities.
Standing at nearly five feet tall, whooping cranes are white with rust-colored patches on the top and back of their heads. They are easily distinguishable by their long legs and outstretched necks while flying. Their black wing-tips are visible only in flight. The cranes migrate throughout the central portion of the state, from the eastern panhandle to the Dallas-Fort Worth area and south through the Austin area to the central coast during October and November, usually in small groups of two to five birds.
Report Your Sightings: Conservationists are asking the public to report any sightings of whooping cranes to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112, ext. 4644 or (512) 847-9480. Sightings may also be reported through e-mail (leeann.linam@twpd.state.tx.us). Some cranes may have a colored band around their leg as a method of identification, and any information regarding these bands would also be useful. Additional identification aids may be found on the
TPWD Web site.
Labels: Gulf Coast, nature
posted by Paris and John @ 2:02 PM
POTD: Downtown Pflugerville
Pflugerville (pronounced Flugerville) sits just north of Austin. While much of the city is now subdivisions and strip centers, the historic downtown still retains its small town atmosphere.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 1:24 PM
POTD: Lone Star Barn
This Texas-themed barn is located between Muldoon and La Grange, one of many Lone Star barns we've seen across the state.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 10:04 PM
Is Hairy Man Road Really Haunted?
Saturday marks the annual Hairy Man Festival in Round Rock so we decided to take some photos and shoot a little video of the scenic road today. (If you're not familiar with Hairy Man Road, it's one that involves a Bigfoot-type legend and even a ghost story.)
We left the office, grabbing the camera which had fresh batteries. Drove over to Round Rock and, after a little bit of searching, found the elusive Hairy Man Road. Took a couple of photos and a quick video.
Then the camera batteries went dead. Pulled over, got out a new set of batteries we just bought in Flatonia last week. Put them in, turned the camera back on in case we could find a street sign to photograph and continued on. About ten minutes later, pulled over to take a pix and the camera was dead again.
Had another set (not new) batteries. Put them in. They instantly went dead.
We had one more set of (again, not new) batteries. Again, they instantly went dead.
OK, we know it’s our fault for not grabbing new, photo quality batteries to take along. But maybe the Hairy Man Road really is haunted...and the hairy man just doesn’t want his picture taken...
For a look at the photos we did manage to grab this afternoon, take a look at our
Hairy Man legend page.
Labels: Hill Country, Unique Texas
posted by Paris and John @ 9:55 PM
Houston Hosting International Quilt Festival
As the weather turns cooler, thoughts turn cozy...and nothing's cozier than a quilt.
There will be plenty of coziness at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, an event called the "World's Fair of Quilts." The festival takes place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston from October 15 - 18, 2009, with a Preview Night on October 14. Close to 2,000 quilts will be display throughout the event which will draw over 50,000 visitors.
About the Festival: Festival features more than 1,000 booths selling everything from antique and contemporary quilts to fabric, tools, patterns, and books. Many other vendors also will offer antiques, jewelry and country crafts. From large fabric companies to small mom-and-pop shops, Festival's vendors and special exhibits will spread out over the equivalent of more than 15 football fields in the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Classes: Quilt and textile art education are also integral parts of the show. More than 450 classes, lectures and special events will take place as part of Festival's Quiltmaking Academy, taught by dozens of well-known instructors and covering all quilting styles and skill levels.
For More Information:• visit
http://www.quilts.comPhoto: courtesy International Quilt Festival.
Texas(73” x 98”) by Lois Atkins, machine quilted by Leslie Sparks.
From the special exhibit “In the American Tradition VI.”
Partial sponsorship by Coats & Clark.
Labels: Festivals, Houston
posted by Paris and John @ 8:02 PM
POTD: Oktoberfest in Walburg, Texas
Walburg, Texas, located just east of I-35 north of Georgetown, celebrates October in true German style with an annual Oktoberfest.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 3:50 PM
POTD: Antiques Week in Warrenton, Texas
Tucked between La Grange and Round Top, the community of Warrenton is a quiet burg most of the year...until Antiques Week, that is. Every October and April, this community--and every community from Warrenton all the way north to Carmine--bustles with antiques shoppers and sellers.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 2:39 PM
POTD: Gruene Hall,Gruene, Texas
Belly up to the bar at Texas's oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall. Located in what was once a former ghost town (now part of New Braunfels), Gruene Hall has a bar in the front and a dance hall in the back. You'll find lots of activity here in the evenings and on weekends but pop in any time for a look around and a chance to sit awhile.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 12:03 PM
Texas Celebrity Travel News
AUSTINA motor court back in the 1940's, today A-listers hold court in the revamped, bungalow-style
Hotel San Jose. Page Six reported that Dallas native Luke Wilson recently enjoyed a break in filming the upcoming dramedy "Henry Poole Is Here" at the boutique retreat's Belvedere Music Lounge.
Another celebrity seen at the
Belvedere Music Lounge in September was Drew Barrymore, who was spotted among the throng of 60,000 tapping their feet to the beat at the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park. The "Never Been Kissed" star and her latest beau, her "He's Just Not That Into You" co-star Justin Long, enjoyed a roster of wide-ranging international recording acts during the three-day event, which included performances by Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Joss Stone and Paolo Nutini.
In the Live Music Capital of the World to support his directorial debut "The Hottest State," Oscar-nominated actor Ethan Hawke was wearing his Austin City Limits T-shirt when he sat down for an interview with the Austin American-Statesman at the
Omni Hotel, a 375-room retreat with a view of the State Capitol.
Charismatic crooner John Mayer reportedly enjoyed a romantic repast with "Friday Night Lights" star Minka Kelly on September 23, 2007, according to iVillage. The pair perused through a menu peppered with such delicacies as Pollo Arrosto al Rosmarino, Fettucine Frutti di Mare and Pizza al Gorgonzola, Pera e Arugula at Austin eatery
Taverna.
DALLASDays after attending his sister's thanksgiving memorial service at the Guards' Chapel in London's Wellington Barracks, Charles, the ninth Earl Spencer, brought a touch of Althorp's aristocratic ambiance to the denizens of The Big D. Princess Diana's brother regaled an appreciative audience of Anglophiles with stories of the Spencer's ancestral abode as he introduced the Althorp Collection, a series of reproduction furnishings which is now among the 57 different lines of custom-made furniture sold at McGannon Showrooms, located in the
Dallas Decorative Center.
According to the Dallas Morning News, country music queen Naomi Judd was also in a furniture-shopping frame of mind during her stay in the nation's ninth-largest city. The "Love Can Build A Bridge" singer was spotted at
Aneita Fern: The Home of Stickley, which opened its doors in Dallas earlier this year.
Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell surely sang the praises of
The Mansion on Turtle Creek during the Dallas leg of their Lone Star state search for the next "American Idol." After a day spent listening to a deluge of Dallas diva-wannabes, the reality show stars were able to unwind in their respective suites at the 5-star sanctuary, the Dallas Morning News reports.
SOUTH PADRE ISLANDMinka Kelly, Taylor Kitch, Scott Porter and the production crew of "Friday Night Lights" unpacked their luggage in the 192- guest room
Radisson Resort South Padre Island recently. According to The Monitor online, scenes for the new season of the NBC hit were filmed in Cameron County parks, followed by a shoot which will highlight Brownsville's Market Square's south of the border style.
---by Grace SydneyLabels: Texas celebrity travel
posted by Paris and John @ 11:07 AM
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum Offers Evening with Inductees
FORT WORTH, TX - The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum presents an evening with former Miss Rodeo America winners and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Inductees, Pam Minick and Debbie Garrison, on October 18, 2007. The evening will feature an intimate meet and greet opportunity, then they will answer questions on their various areas of expertise including rodeo, beauty pageants, team roping, broadcasting, and basic horsemanship. A guided tour of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and its legendary Inductees will kick off the evening.
Pam Minick is a former Miss Rodeo America, and one of the most well known faces in the world of rodeo. She served on the board of directors of the Women's Pro Rodeo Association for 16 years as Publicity Director, 2nd Vice President, and Vice President. Pam has appeared as a sports commentator/interviewer on over 1,000 nationally televised rodeo, equestrian, and country music specials. Pam is the marketing director of Billy Bob's Texas, "The World's Largest Honky Tonk" in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Pam is a 2004 inductee into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Debbie Garrison, also a former Miss Rodeo America, is an icon in women's rodeo. She has been awarded for accomplishments including a listing as one of the most "Notable Women of Texas." She was selected for "Woman of the year award" for the Mineral Wells, Texas, zonta club status of Women presentation. In 2000 she was inducted into the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame in Stephenville, Texas, for rodeo accomplishments and contributions. Debbie is currently competing in the U.S team roping association and is involved in various other team roping associations. She is a 2000 Inductee into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Location: The event will be held inside the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Time: Tuesday, October 18, 2007. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with a guided museum tour and refreshments. Pam and Debbie's program begins at 7:00.
Price: Admission is free to the public.
For More Information:• call 817-626-7131
• visit
www.texascowboyhalloffame.comLabels: Fort Worth
posted by Paris and John @ 10:52 AM
New Exhibit at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Through January 6, you can visit a new exhibit at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. The museum is showcasing an exhibit called "In Citizen’s Garb: Southern Plains Native Americans 1889-1891" with photographs and artifacts of Native Americans as they were forced to adapt to a new life on the reservations.
For More Information:• call 512-936-8746
• visit
www.thestoryoftexas.orgLabels: Austin
posted by Paris and John @ 10:18 AM
POTD: Central Texas Coral Snake
As the months turn to fall (even though it is still 90 degrees), the snakes are starting to move more, even during daylight hours. Here's a closeup of a coral snake taken this weekend near Austin. Remember how to tell the poisonous coral snake from the non-harmful king snake:
Red and yellow, kill a fellow,
Red and black, friend to Jack.
You'll see the adjacent red and yellow stripes on this snake; a king snake would have red bands touching black bands.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 9:07 AM
National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame Plans Exhibit, Sale
Fort Worth, Texas – The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is honored to bring works from 24 of the most talented female Western artists from across the nation to “Cowtown” for the 2007 Heart of the West Art Exhibition and Sale. This rich collection comprised of more than 60 paintings, bronzes and drawings is on display for a limited time beginning Oct. 18 and ending Nov. 11 with the art sale benefiting the Museum on Nov. 8. Marking its third year at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Heart of the West celebrates outstanding women who consistently enhance the contemporary Western art genre.
Collectively, these women represent the best-of-the-best of the female artists in the Western art world today. Many of their works have been juried in some of the nation’s most well-respected Western art shows such as the Prix de West at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Okla.; the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale in Cody, Wyo.; and the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles.
This year’s Heart of the West artists are:Joe Anna Arnett
Tracy W. Avant
Nancy Cawdrey
Patricia Dobson
Deborah Copenhaver Fellows
Glenna Goodacre
Veryl Goodnight
Lisa Gordon
Sherry Harrington
Donna Howell-Sickles
Joyce Lee
Sherrie McGraw
Terri Kelly Moyers
Brenda Murphy
Turid Pedersen
Bonita Roberts
Sherry Salari Sander
Sandy Scott
Martha Jane Spurlock
Sonya Terpening
Susan Terpning
Shirley Thomson-Smith
September Vhay
Paula Willis Jones
Historically, art has always been an important part of the National Cowgirl Museum. In fact, it represents one of the five categories in recognizing women in our Hall of Fame. Heart of the West is a reflection of our mission which is to honor and document the lives of women who have distinguished themselves while exemplifying the pioneer spirit of the American West and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the ideal venue for viewing such works created by incredible women artists.
In addition to participating in this year’s Heart of the West, North Texas artist Donna Howell-Sickles will join another exclusive group of women on Nov. 9 when she is inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame during the 32nd Annual Induction Luncheon and Ceremony along with Nellie Cashman, Terry Stuart Forst and Kalyn Brooks. Tickets for Heart of the West and the Induction Luncheon are available by calling 817-336-4475.
Heart of the West is sponsored locally by the Star-Telegram. 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 St. 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 Honorees such as retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, artist Georgia O’Keeffe, author Laura Ingalls Wilder, entertainers Dale Evans, Patsy Cline and many more.
For More Information:• visit
www.cowgirl.net• call 817/336-4475 or 800/476-FAME (3263) for information on museum hours, ticket prices, special events and general information.
Photo: Courtesy National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame.
“The Honey Tree”
Bronze
16” x 10” x 7”
Sherry Salari SanderLabels: Fort Worth
posted by Paris and John @ 3:43 PM
POTD: Buddy Holly Statue, Lubbock
Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas as Buddy Holley (his name was misspelled as Buddy Holly on an early contract), this Lubbock legend is remembered with a statue on the downtown walk of fame.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 8:38 AM
POTD: Smithville, Texas
Like many Texas towns, the railroad was an important factor in the development of Smithville. Today the train tracks still run through this community southeast of Austin which remembers its train heritage at a downtown railroad historical park and museum complete with cabooses, this Katy depot, and exhibits on train history.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 9:46 AM
POTD: Hostyn Grotto
Located at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Hostyn, Texas, this grotto draw many visitors. The structure was built in the 1920s by Czech settlers who constructed the grotto as a replica to the famous grotto at Lourdes, France. The grotto is located right beside the road; you'll find parking behind the church. Be sure to get out and walk to the grotto for a look at the structure and the adjacent stations of the cross; the hilltop location also offers good views of the surrounding countryside. To reach the grotto from La Grange, travel south on US 77 to FM 2436.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 10:33 AM
POTD: Harlingen's Iwo Jima Statue
Recognize this statue? The famous Iwo Jima statue, best known for its home at Arlington National Cemetery, can also be seen in Harlingen, Texas. This statue was used to cast the statue in DC; it was in storage for many years but can now be seen outside Valley International Airport Harlingen at the Marine Military Academy.
Labels: Photo of the Day, South Texas Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 9:21 AM
POTD: Hangar Hotel, Fredericksburg
We think the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg just might be one of the most creative accommodations in the state. It looks like a historic aircraft hangar...but this is a modern construction at the Fredericksburg Airport. Inside, the hotel harks back to the days of World War II with period decor (even boasting chairs in the guest rooms covered in bomber jacket leather), dining, and nightlife. Outside, grab a chair on the upstairs porch and watch planes come and go at the airport.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 1:19 PM
About the Festival: Festival features more than 1,000 booths selling everything from antique and contemporary quilts to fabric, tools, patterns, and books. Many other vendors also will offer antiques, jewelry and country crafts. From large fabric companies to small mom-and-pop shops, Festival's vendors and special exhibits will spread out over the equivalent of more than 15 football fields in the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Recognize this statue? The famous Iwo Jima statue, best known for its home at Arlington National Cemetery, can also be seen in Harlingen, Texas. This statue was used to cast the statue in DC; it was in storage for many years but can now be seen outside Valley International Airport Harlingen at the Marine Military Academy.
