Reader Question: Cabin in the Hill Country?
Dear Paris and John,
My wife and I are looking for a cabin getaway in the Hill Country. I'd like a quiet place; my wife would like a cabin that's not too rustic. Any ideas? There are a lot of cabins in the Hill Country so you've definitely got a good selection.
If you'd like the amenities of a hotel but the privacy of a cottage, we'd recommend you check out
Canyon of the Eagles Lodge. This lodge is in the Canyon of the Eagles Nature park just west of Burnet; the lodge cabins are nice and comfortable but not too nice; the park is quiet and a nice getaway for walks, bird watching and star gazing. There's a restaurant on site as well as organized park activities if you like.
Settlers Crossing, Fredericksburg. This B&B is made up of cabins just east of Fredericksburg. It's still close enough to run into Fredericksburg for dinner or Luckenbach for some live music but is located out in the country.
Cotton Gin, Fredericksburg. Also B&B cabins, these are less private than Settlers Crossing (they're located in a circle and just off a very good restaurant) We toured the cabins in the fall and had dinner at the Cotton Gin; it's a very nice facility. They're south of Fredericksburg near the airport.
Homestead B&B Cabin at Becker's Vineyards, Fredericksburg. Located east of Fredericksburg, this log cabin is really quiet once the winery closes for the night; it's surrounded by lavender fields and very comfortable.
Labels: Hill Country, mailbox
posted by Paris & John @ 2:52 PM
POTD: Get Ready to Sneeze!
It's that time of year again: cedar fever season in central Texas! The male juniper trees are now dotted with these yellow buds, ready to send pollen off into the air with the slightest breeze. Sometimes the pollen in central Texas and the Hill Country is so thick it is mistaken for smoke. Cedar season continues into February and is at its peak on dry, windy days.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:25 PM
Our Top 10 Texas Websites & Blogs
It wouldn't be the end of the year without some kind of top 10 list, would it? We thought it would be fitting to pass along some of our favorite Texas travel websites, ones whose excellent writing motivates us when we sit down at the keyboards and whose coverage encourages us to get out and explore the Lone Star State even more:
Texas Country ReporterWe're longtime fans of Bob Phillips and his
Texas Country Reporter television show; visit his website to see some of his videos online, check his festivals section, and see the upcoming schedule for his shows.
June Naylor's Texas Highways BlogWe always enjoy June's articles in
Texas Highways as well as her many guidebooks to the state, and we love following along with her state travels in this frequently-updated blog.
Texas EscapesThis excellent online look at Texas, also written by a Texas-based husband and wife team, is a great resource for learning about the state's many small towns and the history behind the places you might otherwise miss on your drive across the state.
Anders Meanders, Austin American-StatesmanHelen Anders takes a look not only at Texas travel but what's going on in the travel world in this friendly blog.
TravelTex.comThe official site of Texas Tourism, this site is handy for everything from festivals to free state maps!
TexasOutside.comFrom lake reviews to park reviews, this site is a good resource for all things outdoors.
Wild TexasAn active forum discussing Texas outdoor activities plus plenty of information on state parks and wildlife make this site fun to visit.
Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentBefore you head to the state parks, check this website for updates on any temporary closures, special events, and more.
Texas Highways MagazineThe travel magazine of Texas has an extensive archive of in-depth articles, a different Texas video featured every month, and more.
TourTexas.comThe official website of the Texas Travel Industry Association, this site has lots of freebies: brochures, maps, and more, some available for immediate download and some sent you free by postal mail...what a deal!
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris & John @ 1:09 PM
POTD: Market Square, San Antonio
Tomorrow is the day of the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio when Penn State squares off against Texas A&M at the Alamodome.
If you're headed to San Antonio for the game, save time for a visit to at least some of the attractions of the Alamo City including Market Square (above), home of the country's largest Mexican market at El Mercado as well as great Tex-Mex (don't miss Mi Tierra).
You'll find more of our favorites in our free downloadable The Football Fans' Guide to San Antonio. You can download a copy at
http://www.texastripper.com/san-antonio/football-fans-san-antonio.pdf then print it and take it along on your trip.
Labels: Photo of the Day, San Antonio
posted by Paris & John @ 2:09 PM
POTD: Downtown Elgin
Elgin, located east of Austin on US 290, maintains a classic small town Texas look, one so authentic it has been used as the backdrop for many movies. If you've seen
Varsity Blues,
The Great Waldo Pepper, or several other Hollywood films, you just might have caught a glimpse of Elgin.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 11:48 AM
Valentine's at Messina Hof
Sure we're just packing up the Christmas ornaments and haven't finalized plans for New Year's yet...but it's still not too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day! There's a lot of demand for Valentine's Day activities and accommodations, so we're already getting word of activities around the state.
We just received word about a fun cooking party at Messina Hof Winery & Resort. This is no typical cooking class, though; you'll learn how to create the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner at Messina Hof's Aphrodisiacs Cooking Party. The event takes place February 7 and, in addition to learning to cook a meal that pleasures the taste buds, participants learn the importance of eating at a small table and choosing the right flowers for the tabletop.
Looking for accommodations? The Villa Bed & Breakfast at Messina Hof is offering a Valentine Package complete a choice a Messina Hof vintage wine, Chocolate Tuxedo Strawberries, a dozen roses, a Chocolate Tattoo Body Paint Kit, a rose petal bath and roses spread over the bed. Winery sunset tours are also available upon request.
For more information:• visit
www.messinahof.comLabels: Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris & John @ 11:34 AM
POTD: Gonzales County Courthouse
The Gonzales County Courthouse sits in the background of the Texas Heroes Square, festive for the holidays.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 9:29 PM
Happy Holidays from TexasTripper.com!
We wanted to pop online and wish all our TexasTripper readers a safe and happy holiday season, wherever your travels may take you! We've spent the last few days enjoying several local day trips including Luling, Gonzales, Bastrop, and Elgin as well as small town like Moulton and Muldoon. We'll be bringing you more coverage of these towns in the coming days but, for now, want to pass along our very best to all our readers! Merry Christmas!
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris & John @ 2:26 PM
POTD: Yule Trail, Moulton, Texas
Tiny Moulton, located east of Gonzales, celebrates the season with a pedestrian Yule Trail including sign recalled the area's Czech heritage.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 1:46 PM
POTD: Bastrop's River of Lights
Bastrop, located east of Austin, celebrates the season with its River of Lights, a walkway along the banks of the Colorado River. You'll find entrances at Ferry Park and Fisherman's Park.
Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:07 PM
Outdoor Ice Skating...in Austin
If you'll be visiting Austin over the holidays, don't miss the chance to ice skate...outdoors! The only outdoor, public rink in Austin is found on the rooftop of Whole Foods Market at 525 North Lamar Boulevard (at the southeast corner of Lamar and Sixth Street).
This is the third year Whole Foods has offered the skating experience that's pretty unique in Texas.
The cost is $10 per person, per session (that includes your skate rental).
For more information, call guest services at 512.476.1206.
Labels: Austin, holidays
posted by Paris & John @ 4:35 PM
Last Minute Shopping, Austin Style
The countdown is now underway as the clock ticks down to Christmas...and the traffic gets heavier on the roads to the mall. We just returned from a last minute shopping excursion at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, held this year at the Austin Convention Center.
The event, which started in the Armadillo World Headquarters, features unique arts and crafts, jewelry, ironwork (the neatest piece we saw featured an iron bat, a reminder of the Mexican free-tailed bats that will return to Austin this March), yarnwork, and more.
But one of the most distinctive features of the show is the live music stage. Jimmy LaFave, Marcia Ball, W.C. Clark, Sara Hickman, and others are all on this year's lineup. And, although Christmas is just around the corner, there's still a full weekend of music on the way: The Eggmen (a great Beatles tribute band) and The Derailers will be playing tomorrow. The music continues up until 11pm Monday, Christmas Eve.
For More Information:• visit
www.armadillobazaar.comLabels: Austin, holidays
posted by Paris & John @ 4:17 PM
POTD: Christmas at the Williamson County Courthouse
The newly renovated and reopened Williamson County Courthouse in Georgetown gets into the holiday spirit.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:36 AM
POTD: Georgetown Square in Festive Mood
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the square in downtown Georgetown, just north of Austin.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:50 AM
POTD: 37th Street Lights, Austin
Although we've been in the Austin area forever, this week we went to see the 37th Street lights for the first time ever. If you're not familiar with the 37th Street Christmas lights, it's a residential neighborhood just off Guadalupe Street, north of the University of Texas campus. The residents of the street fill their yards with unique Christmas lights that range from the dinosaur like the one above (perched behind a tree decked out with beer cans and lights) to a tower of used bicycles, all lit for the season. You can see more lights on the
YouTube video we made from our photos and footage.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 12:18 PM
POTD: Texas State Capitol Tree
The front of the Texas State Capitol glows with holiday spirit with the 2007 tree located on the south side of the complex.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 10:23 AM
Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Driskill
The Driskill, the historic downtown Austin hotel, is reviving a longstanding tradition after a long absence: the formal New Year's Eve Gala. Formally dressed revelers can ring in 2008 in high style.
The Event: “An Evening of Elegance” features a five-course seated dinner, complete with wine pairings, on the Mezzanine. Mr. Fabulous entertains throughout the night with his distinctive Big Band music. As the clock strikes midnight, the party goes into high gear with champagne toasts and a balloon drop. With the gala in full swing on the Mezzanine, a bar serving signature martinis, single malt scotches and small batch bourbons is set up in the magnificent Maximilian Room. Hand-rolled cigars are also available on the Mezzanine Balcony. Jazz vocalist Suzi Stern performs in the Driskill Bar for another party in progress.
Price: The $225 per person cost includes party favors and souvenir photos.
Reservations: For reservations, call 512-391-7041.
Another Option: If you'd like to ring in the New Year in a quieter fashion, you can opt to dine at the Driskill Grill, which serves a special five-course prix fixe dinner, with seating at 5:30 p.m., and a seven-course dinner with late seating at 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required; call 512-391-7162.
Labels: Austin, holidays
posted by Paris & John @ 12:22 PM
POTD: Leander Celebrates the Season
Leander, located north of Austin on US183, celebrates the season with a tree of lights.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:29 PM
POTD: Shop Luling Wreath
A wreath at Luling's Central Texas Oil Patch Museum reminds Texas travelers how important the holiday season is for small town businesses.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 11:59 AM
Several Texas Cities Chosen As Best Budget Travel Destinations for 2008
CheapTickets.com has released its map to budget travel in 2008, introducing the second annual Value Travel Forecast Cheapometer(SM). The guide, which looks at travel values on a month by month basis, includes several Texas cities with tips on the cheapest month to travel.
"There are no hard-fast rules in the game of travel," said Marita Hudson Thomas of the CheapTickets Cheap Squad(SM). "But the cyclical nature of our business allows us to look back for a meaningful look forward. By using the month-by-month pricing averages provided in this report, travelers can identify more budget-friendly opportunities in 2008."
Texas destinations for 2008 include:
El Paso, TX
CheapTickets.com finds there's a 27% savings during the month of April over the peak season travel period.
Austin-San Marcos, TX
During July, travelers save about 14% over the peak season rates.
San Antonio, TX
During October, you'll see about a 28% savings over peak rates.
posted by Paris & John @ 11:50 AM
POTD: Holiday Look at Airport Information Desk, Austin
The visitors' information desk on the lower level of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport gets in the holiday spirit. The information desk, with information on local attractions, events, and hotels, is located opposite the baggage carousels 2 and 3.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 12:09 PM
Austin's Driskill Plans Christmas Dinner
The Driskill, built as the showplace of cattle baron Jesse Driskill in 1886, is almost a symbol of Austin and a fitting place for a holiday dinner if you'll be in the Capital City on Christmas. The hotel is filled with Christmas spirit with a majestic Noble fir illuminated by 10,000 lights in the Grande Lobby.
The Driskill is offering two Christmas dining options:
Christmas Brunch: Christmas dinner at The Driskill has become an Austin tradition. Brunch is served on the columned and marble-floored Mezzanine level on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Along with a spread of assorted salads, pastas and cheeses, the brunch also includes a cold seafood display, hot buffet of breakfast and lunch entrees, carving station with prime rib and honey-bourbon glazed ham, an omelet and waffle station and decadent desserts.
The brunch, $58 per person, includes complimentary champagne. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy their own kid-friendly buffet, with a cost of $24 per person. Reservations for Christmas Day Brunch are available at 512-391-7041.
Prix Fix Dinner: In addition, the five-star Driskill Grill serves a gourmet four-course prix fix Christmas dinner on the nights of December 24 and 25. The menu includes apple salad with mascarpone cheese, a white root vegetable soup, anise-crusted bluefin tuna, squab with foie gras and Snake River Farms ribeye. Reservations are available at 512-391-7162.
Labels: Austin, holidays
posted by Paris & John @ 11:40 AM
POTD: Tunnel at Trail of Lights
Austin's Trail of Lights begins with a tunnel of lights, one that leads to numerous other lighting displays along the one-mile walk. The lighting display is in Zilker Park and continues until December 23.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 10:40 AM
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame Announces Inductees for 2008
Five new honorees will join the ranks of distinguished inductees in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame at the induction ceremony on January 10, 2008. Located in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have shown excellence in competition, business, and support of rodeo and the western lifestyle in Texas.
When: January 10, 2008. The Induction Ceremony will start at 6:00 p.m. with the silent auction and dinner will begin at 6:30 with induction to follow.
Price: The tickets are $100 or a table for 10 for $1000.
Inductees: The 2008 Inductees include:
•
Trevor Brazile of Decatur developed his roping skills at an early age. Brazile's ability to rope, combined with cat-like quickness and surprising strength, has allowed him to be a world champion factor in several events. In 2003 he became the first cowboy to qualify for the NFR in four events - tie-down roping, steer roping and team roping header and heeler. He won the all-around title at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, three years in a row from 2002-2004. He continues with his success in the rodeo industry, in 2006 he became the youngest PRCA cowboy and seventh over all to cross the $2 million mark in career earnings. He also won the 2007 World Championship in Steer Roping.
•
Tom Lyons of Grandview has proven himself a champion over and over. He has won every major National Cutting Horse Association event including two time NCHA World Champion. Tom was in the first class of the NCHA hall of Fame. Tom has raised and owned the reining Horse Futurity Champion and owned two of the top 50 all time American Quarter Horse Association sires of AQHA offspring. He has held over 80 schools in the USA, Australia and Canada. He has taught over 2000 students, he is an exceptional teacher, horseman and showman.
•
George Doak of Katy knew at the age of eight what he wanted to do when he grew up, the best rodeo clown in the world. He was known as a protectionist bullfighter, his speed, ease, and grace made this job seem effortless. He entertained the crowds with his simple props, like his rubber chicken, and kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. George was a welcome sight for the bull riders and contractors and became a finals bullfighter on all levels. He has been inducted into the ProRodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, National Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame.
•
Carl Nafzger A native of Plainview, Texas, Carl Nafzger was a bull rider on the rodeo circuit before turning his talents to training horses. As a bull rider, Nafzger went to the national rodeo finals three straight years, from 1963-65 and was ranked third in the world in 1963. He is best known for his training champion Unbridled to win the 1990 Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic. Even though he keeps busy with training he is also the Author of the book, "Traits of a Winner: The Formula for Developing Thoroughbred Racehorses.” In 2007 he won Kentucky Derby with Street Sense, who became the first horse to win both races in the 23-year history of the Breeders' Cup.
For More Information or Tickets:• call The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame at 817-626-7131
Labels: Fort Worth
posted by Paris & John @ 3:52 PM
POTD: Decorations at the Austin Airport
Decorations created by the Del Valle Elementary School put the baggage claim area of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in the holiday mood.
Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 11:44 AM
POTD: Tin Texas Ornaments from Mexico
After so many years of traveling throughout Texas, it's not surprising that the Christmas tree here at TexasTripper is filled with Texas ornaments. Some of our favorites are the tin ornaments we've bought through the years in the mercados of Nuevo Laredo and in San Antonio's El Mercado.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 10:04 AM
POTD: Luling's Cowboy Themed Christmas Tree
Luling's Central Texas Oil Patch Museum celebrates the season with a Texas-themed Christmas tree topped with a cowboy hat!
Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 10:12 AM
POTD: Luminarias Line the San Antonio River Walk
Weighted with sand, white paper bags lit with small candles line the San Antonio River Walk during Fiesta de las Luminarias. This special event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights through December 16.
Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 9:57 AM
POTD: Christmas at the Alamo
The Alamo Christmas tree peeks over a VIA San Antonio trolley on its way to whisk shoppers around the Alamo City.
Labels: Photo of the Day, San Antonio
posted by Paris & John @ 9:01 AM
New Year's Eve Party Planned for Messina Hof Winery
It' not too early to start thinking about New Year's Even plans; word of a special event at Bryan's Messina Hof Winery & Resort just came into our offices. On December 31, Messina Hof will host a New Year's Celebration. Adorn your favorite pirate costume on New Year’s Eve for a “Pirates of the Caribbean” adventure guaranteed to be a treasure. The event includes a feast fit for the Captain and crew of Messina Hof Winery & Resort; you'll ring in the New Year at their lagoon with music and dancing as well as casino games.
For More Information:• visit
Messina Hof Winery & ResortLabels: holidays, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris & John @ 6:03 PM
POTD: Trail of Lights, Austin
Next week marks the opening of the Trail of Lights, the walking trail in Austin's Zilker Park that's open primarily to pedestrians (you'll find special bicycle hours on some days). Be sure to bring along your camera for the trail which also includes food booths and, of course, a Santa stop along the way.
Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 5:07 PM
Texas Parks Schedule Holiday Events
The countdown is on to Christmas but there are still weeks of activities left at facilities in the Texas Parks system. We've received word of these fun events scheduled primarily for the coming weekends:
Through Dec. 24 -- Candlelight Christmas Dinners -- Starr Family State Historic Site -- Marshall, Harrison County -- Pineywoods
By advance reservation, Starr Family State Historic Site will again offer their annual catered Candlelight Christmas Dinners for group and individual bookings. Vocalists serenade guests with beautiful Christmas melodies while costumed hosts/hostesses serve dinner at the beautifully restored Blake Home.
Following dinner and music, guests will follow a beautifully lit pathway through the grounds to tour the magnificent Starr Mansion. Tickets are $28 per person, including dinner, entertainment and the tour. Reservations for small groups and couples can be accommodated through the evening of Dec. 24. Proceeds go towards preserving the rich heritage of the park for future generations. Phone the site for available dates and details at (903) 935-3044.
Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 -- Trail of Lights -- Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery SHS -- LaGrange, Fayette County -- Prairies and Lakes
Enjoy a fantastic quarter-mile trail illuminated with thousands of lights that decorate the Monument Hill and Kreische House portions of our park. Walk a trail overlooking the town of La Grange. Experience the more traditionally decorated 1850s-era German home of H.L. Kreische, bedecked in Christmas splendor, in a Texas-German style. Bring your children to tell secrets to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, who sponsor the event. Get into the season's spirit with us! 6-8 p.m.; fees $3 adults, $1 children 3-12; reservations required (979) 968-5658
Dec. 8 -- Christmas Caroling Hayride -- Stephen F. Austin SP -- San Felipe, Austin County, Prairies and Lakes
Enjoy caroling through the park on a hayride, then share cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. 6-8 p.m.; admission is one canned good per person (979) 885-3613
Dec. 8 -- Pancake Breakfast with Santa -- Stephen F. Austin SP -- San Felipe, Austin County -- Prairies and Lakes
Join Santa for a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee and let him know all your dreams for this Christmas. 8-10 a.m.; fee $4 per person (979) 885-3613
Dec. 8 -- Candlelight Christmas -- Barrington Living History Farm-Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS -- Washington, Washington County -- Prairies and Lakes
Come share a traditional Christmas with the Jones family at their annual gathering of friends and neighbors. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with a sampling of 1850s crafts, games, music and dancing. Wassail and cookies will be served. 1-8 p.m.; fees: $2 Texas State Parks Pass members, $6 non-members, $4 students, free for children 6 and under. (936) 878-2213
Dec. 8 -- Caroling Through Penn Farm -- Cedar Hill SP -- Cedar Hill, Dallas County -- Prairies and Lakes
We will begin the evening with a lantern lit tour of Penn Farm then have a Christmas carol sing-along around the campfire. Afterwards we will enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. 6-7:30 p.m.; call to confirm program (972) 291-3900, ext. 232
Dec. 15 -- Holiday Celebration -- Martin Dies, Jr. SP -- Jasper, Jasper County -- Pineywoods
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of activities and music. At 2 p.m. we will hold our Annual Gingerbread House Design and Construction Marathon, with the Friends of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park supplying all supplies to create truly unique creations. At 4 p.m. we will have a festive sing-along live-band concert of seasonal songs and hymns. All activities held in the Dining Hall. 2-5 p.m.; call for more information (409) 384-5231
Dec. 15 -- Holidays with Nature -- Sheldon Lake SP -- Houston, Harris County -- Gulf Coast
Celebrate the holidays the wild(life) way! Join us in creating wildlife tree ornaments that can be taken home or put in a tree at park. Along with hot cocoa and apple cider, children can enjoy coloring and writing letters to Santa to receive a post card from Ole Saint Nick himself! 1-4 p.m. (281) 456-2800
Dec. 15 Estero Llano Grande State Park near Weslaco
One of the newest additions to the state park system, will be celebrating the Christmas season with Breakfast with the Birds and Santa Dec. 15. Texans of all ages are encouraged to enjoy breakfast on a magnificent covered deck situated right on one of their lakes and take some time to visit with Santa. Afterwards, Santa's elves -- knowledgeable park naturalists -- will be conducting a guided nature walk through the park. Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. and reservations are required. For additional information call (956) 565-3919 or visit http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org.
Dec. 16 38th Annual Tree Lighting at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
A longstanding Christmas tradition continues in the Hill Country region with the 38th Annual Tree Lighting at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. Throughout the evening refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to enjoy a live nativity, carolers and Santa Claus, as well as the tree lighting. Later, get a taste of history as the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm will provide cookies amid glowing lanterns and a traditional German Christmas tree. The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16. (830) 644-2252
Dec. 22 -- Christmas Carols -- Lake Texana SP -- Edna, Jackson County -- Gulf Coast
Celebrate Christmas as we sing carols around the campfire. 6-7 p.m. (361) 782-5718
Dec. 22 -- Santa Swingin' 40s Christmas -- Battleship TEXAS SHS -- LaPorte, Harris County -- Gulf Coast
Visit the Battleship TEXAS and enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Write and mail letters to Santa, see dancing to swing music performed live onboard, enjoy hot wassail, meet and have your picture taken with Santa and much, much more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; fees free for Texas State Parks Pass members, $10 non-members, $5 senior citizens, free for children 12 and under (281) 479-2431
Dec. 22 -- Christmas Crafts -- Lake Texana SP -- Edna, Jackson County -- Gulf Coast
Make your own Christmas crafts to give or decorate your home. Held at the Nature Center. 2-3 p.m. (361) 782-5718
Dec. 22 -- Campfire Program -- Goose Island SP -- Rockport, Aransas County -- Gulf Coast Join us at the Recreation Hall for an evening of food and fun as we get ready for Christmas with an old-fashioned campfire gathering. Bring your s'mores fixin's and enjoy hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows as we share our favorite Goose Island holiday stories. 7-8 p.m. (361) 729-2858
Dec. 29 -- Holiday Dinner -- Landmark Inn SHS -- Castroville, Medina County -- Hill Country
A special candle-lit dinner served in a festive holiday atmosphere, catered by one of Castroville's gourmet dining establishments. Seating is limited to 40 for this fundraising event, proceeds benefiting Friends of the Landmark Inn. 6:30-8:30 p.m.; fee $25 per person; reservations required, deadline December 22, 2007 (830) 931-2133
Labels: holidays, State Parks
posted by Paris & John @ 2:01 PM
POTD: Leander Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 1 marked the fifth annual Leander Christmas parade, held just a few blocks off US 183. One entry in the parade was this John Deere tractor and hay wagon, all decked out in holiday lights. It just doesn't get much more Texan than this.
Labels: holidays, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 1:31 PM
A New TexasTripper Contest!
It's time again for another TexasTripper contest! With 2008 just around the corner, we're giving away a copy of the Texas Wildflowers calendar. Check
our contest page for all the details and good luck!
And congratulations to Wayne in Harlingen, Texas; he's the winner of our November contest. Wayne wins two adult t-shirts from Lakeway Resort & Spa, an autographed copy of the 5th edition of our Day Trips from Austin guidebook, a Texas flag lapel pin, and a toy Austin bat.
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris & John @ 1:26 PM
Fredericksburg
