New Zipline Opens March 1 in Wimberley
Ever imagine zipping through the trees? It's the closest thing to being Tarzan...but a whole lot easier thanks to zipline technology. We've enjoyed ziplining in Cancun and it's great fun...and now there's a new zipline a lot closer to home.
Wimberley Zipline Adventures is launching March 1. This walking tour and thrill ride takes place between two Hill Country peaks. You'll glide on a series of five wire cables that stretch from 250 all the way to 875 feet long...and rise up as high as 100 feet above the ground. It all offers a spectacular view of up to 15 miles.
Owner Michael Robinson said, "My wife and business partner Kristy and I went on vacation to Belize last year and rode on a zip line canopy tour there. It was so much fun, and showed so much of the diverse ecology of Belize, that we decided to start a zipline of our own here in Wimberley Texas." The couple teamed up with Jim and Cheryl Turner of Wimberley who brought their extensive construction background and their sensitivity to local environmental issues. Jim Turner told the local city council last spring, "I am very impressed that the tour has very low impact on the land and the business uses no electricity, (other than batteries), and has no running water or septic system." The property borders Pierce Creek which is a wet weather creek on a solid limestone bottom.
The Tour: The tour starts with flight school; visitors are outfitted with the proper gear of a mountaineering harness, lanyard, and pulley system to teach you the techniques for safe high flying fun. After flight school its off to an Eco walking tour that explains the local geography and tells of the plant and animal life and a short history of the Wimberley area.
When: Wimberley Zipline Adventures is by appointment only and starts March 1st, 2008. From Monday through Saturday, appointment times start at 9 A.M. and are scheduled every two hours with the last starting at 3 P.M. Sunday hours begin at 11A.M.
Price: The cost is $60.00 per person.
Restrictions: Visitors must be at least 10 years old. Participants must be able to walk unassisted for 1/2 mile over uneven uphill terrain. Weight limits are 90 to 275 pounds.
For more information:• visit
www.wimberleyzipline.comLabels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 4:51 PM
POTD: Caddo Lake
The beauty of East Texas bayou country really shines at Caddo Lake, the only natural lake in the state of Texas (until it was artifically dammed for more control in the early 1900s). You'll find steamboat tours on the lake, plenty of fishing, and places for quiet reflection.
Labels: East TX Piney Woods, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 3:12 PM
POTD: Cutting Horse Capital of the World
Weatherford is known as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World...so it's only natural that this city 20 minutes from the DFW Metroplex would feature a cutting horse sculpture in front of the Chamber office.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 4:54 PM
Grapevine Plans Valentine's Train Excursion
Looking for something unique...and uniquely Texan...to do on Valentine's Day? Check out the Grapevine
Vintage Railroad’s Sweetheart Express. Starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, couples will board the historic train at the Cotton Belt Depot in Grapevine, located at 705 South Main Street.
Even before the trip, the romance is in the air thanks to strolling violinists on the train platform.
The special train excursion also features hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by a romantic dinner and dancing at River Ranch in Fort Worth Stockyards. During the return trip from the Stockyards to Grapevine, passengers will receive special gifts of chocolates and a rose.
When: Feb. 14, 2008, departing at 6 p.m. and returning at 11:45 p.m.
Price: Tickets are $65 per person and $125 per couple and may be purchased in advance online or by phone.
For More Information:• visit
www.gvrr.com• call (817) 410-3123
Labels: Festivals, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 4:24 PM
POTD: Caldwell County Courthouse
If the Caldwell County Courthouse, seen here in a shot we took this Christmas, looks a little familiar to you, it just might be. This 19th century structure, notable for its Muldoon Blue sandstone facade, has played a starring role alongside Johnny Depp in a scene from the 1993 drama
What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, and the 19th century structure can also be viewed by movie buffs in the cult comedy favorite,
Waiting For Guffman.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 4:51 PM
Easter Events Planned for Dallas Blooms
Spring flowers and Easter go hand in hand and there's no better place for flowers than
Dallas Blooms, the Dallas Arboretum event featuring over 400,000 blooming bulbs plus 100,000 pansies, 3,000 azaleas and lots more.
This year, Dallas Blooms has planned some special Easter events. On March 22, part of Easter weekend, the Parachute Express Children’s Concert is planned for noon. The day will also include visits with the Easter Bunny and pictures with a live bunny with James French Children’s Photography.
For more information:• visit
www.dallasarboretum.org • call (214) 515-6500
Labels: Dallas, Festivals
posted by Paris and John @ 4:34 PM
POTD: Fort Mason
Fort Mason, which overlooks Mason from its hilltop perch, was abandoned in 1869 after serving its role to defend the region. Little by little, the dark stone used in the construction of the fort was carted off and used to build area buildings. Today you'll still see the foundations of many of the old buildings up here on Post Hill and this officers' quarters has been reconstructed on its original foundations. The fort makes a great lookout at the region.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 3:33 PM
Getting Those Special Valentine's Postmarks
Just last week we sent out a Valentine's card to Valentine, Texas so it would receive a special postmark for the occasion. (Read all about
how to get a Valentine's postmark--and why it's so special--in our article on Valentine's cards from Valentine.)
A reader pointed out to us that there's another great Texas postmark for Valentine's Day: Loving, Texas.
To get a Valentine's card postmarked from Loving, Texas, send your addressed, stamped card inside a second envelope; address this second envelope to:
Postmaster
Valentine's Remailing
Loving, TX 76460
Get busy...Valentine's Day is just around the corner and postmasters need to receive the cards in plenty of time to turn them around to send back out!
Labels: Festivals
posted by Paris and John @ 4:38 PM
Celebrate Valentine's in Dallas...Rock Star Style
Still stuck for Valentine's ideas? Got an extra $10,000 to spend? Then get ready to celebrate Valentine's in Dallas...Rock Star Style.
The Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Solana is offering the Romantic Getaway--Rock Star Style package for $10,000 to help a lucky couple escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life...whether they're celebrities or not.
And just what does the package buy? For $10,000, the two of you can hop in the helicopter and enjoy a scenic trip around downtown Dallas; sip on a complimentary bottle of chilled champagne en route to the hotel; relax in a suite for two, based on availability, with late check-out and a rose petal bath; enjoy a gift certificate for dinner for two at Kirby’s Steakhouse in neighboring Southlake with complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant; luxuriate with a couples massage at the Corinthian Spa with Bentley transportation to and from the spa; and splurge with a $5,000 gift card to a Southlake jewelry store of your preference for your special someone to pick out exactly what their heart desires. The package price excludes tax and gratuities, natch.
For more information:• call 817.430.5000
• visit
www.marriottsolana.comLabels: Dallas
posted by Paris and John @ 4:18 PM
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Finalizes Show Lineup
The
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is just around the corner, starting up in less than a week in the Alamo City. This year we are determined to make it to at least one day of the event...although it's tough to decide which day looks best. Along with all the rodeo events (and carnival, and stock show, and special events), the rodeo always has a full lineup of country stars each night. The final lineup of performers has been released:
January 31, 2008 Randy Rogers Band with Xtreme Bulls 7:00pm show.
February 1, 2008 Miranda Lambert 7:30pm show.
February 2, 2008 Alan Jackson at the 1pm matinee.
February 2, 2008 Alan Jackson 7:30pm show.
February 3, 2008 - Football Sunday and Ronnie Milsap 1:00pm show.
February 4, 2008 Gretchen Wilson 7:00pm show.
February 5, 2008 Brooks & Dunn 7:00pm show.
February 6, 2008 Christian Youth Night with TobyMac and Jeremy Camp 7:00pm show
February 7, 2008 - Stars of Texas featuring Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed, Jack Ingram, Kevin Fowler, Stoney Larue and Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band at the 7:00pm show
February 8, 2008 Big & Rich 7:30pm show.
February 9, 2008 - Craig Morgan 1:00pm show.
February 9, 2008 Lynyrd Skynyrd 7:30pm show.
February 10, 2008 Josh Turner at the 1pm matinee.
February 10, 2008 Los Tigres Del Norte 7:30pm show.
February 11, 2008 - Sara Evans 7:00pm show.
February 12, 2008 – The Jonas Brothers 7:00pm show
February 13, 2008 – Staind 7:00pm show
February 14, 2008 - Valentine’s Day and Clay Walker 7:00pm show.
February 15, 2008 – Joe Nichols 7:00pm show
February 16, 2008 Jason Aldean and Xtreme Bulls 1pm show.
February 16, 2008 Rodeo Finals Gary Allan 7:30pm show.
Tickets: You'll need to get tickets to most shows in advance; call 1-877-63-RODEO, visit ticketmaster.com, stop by the AT&T Center SW ticket office or visit any ticketmaster location.
For more information:• visit
www.sarodeo.comLabels: Festivals, San Antonio, South Texas Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 4:02 PM
POTD: Luling Pumpjacks
The city of Luling is home to nearly 200 pumpjacks within the city limits. Some of those pumpjacks have been decorated: look for this fighter plane as well as a football player, a girl eating a watermelon, a family of ducks, and many more fanciful characters on the money-making equipment.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 2:49 PM
POTD: Kerrville statue
This statue called "Wind and Rain" stands in Kerrville. The statue was a gift by the artist William Moyers and his wife, Neva, from Albuquerque. The statue portrays a cowboy and his horse, a fitting subject for the
Museum of Western Art.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 5:03 PM
Friday Means Cowboy Breakfast in San Antonio
Guinness Book of Records called it the World's Largest Breakfast and it takes place tomorrow morning from 5am-9am (if the grub holds out that long). The annual Cowboy Breakfast, now in its 30th year, is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 25 at Bass Pro Shops on I-10 West in San Antonio, the first year at the new location. The event kicks off the
San Antonio rodeo season.
When you expect 30,000 for breakfast, you have to have a lot of food and this year will be no exception; they're planning for 100 gallons of gravy alone. All that food will be accompanied by live music with more to follow at the official after party, to be held starting at 9am at Leon Springs Dance Hall. Look for Gary P. Nunn to headline the all-day event.
Labels: Festivals, San Antonio
posted by Paris and John @ 1:48 PM
San Antonio's Aztec Theater Converting to Live Theater
We reported a few weeks ago that San Antonio's Aztec Theater, the wonderful historic theater that was renovated just a few years ago and sports an incredible Aztec motif, had closed for a few weeks; now we've learned why. The theater, which was showing big screen movies, is converting to a Branson-style theater with live performances.
Located next to the Watermark Hotel and Spa, the Aztec will be closed until it reopens as the live music venue (presently the shops on the lower level remain open). When it reopens its doors, the
San Antonio Express-News is reporting that the theater will feature a country music tribute show called "San Antonio Rose."
Plans call for the theater to reopen early this summer.
posted by Paris and John @ 1:35 PM
Titanic Exhibit to Dock at Moody Gardens
On Saturday, January 26,
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition will open its doors at Galveston's
Moody Gardens. We had a chance to see the exhibit when it was at Nashville's Opryland hotel several years ago and can say it is a fascinating look at this ship that, nearly a century after the collision with an iceberg on her maiden voyage, continues to fascinate.
The exhibit contains many artifacts from the ship but much of the exhibit focuses on the passengers, 1,500 of whom perished. Over 125 authentic artifacts and extensive room re-creations take visitors back to the elegant ship's 1912 voyage; have a look at a chandelier, gentleman’s jacket, china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, and perfume vials that still contain perfume, all haunting reminders of the many travelers and crew members who excitedly boarded that April voyage.
The exhibit also traces the history of the ship from its construction all the way through the rescue of the surviving passengers. The exhibit even includes an iceberg visitors can touch and imagine those chilly north Atlantic waters.
Hours:Winter Hours 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday through Friday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturdays
Spring Break and Summer Hours 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Daily
Ticket Prices:Adult (12 - 64): $11.95
Senior (65+): $10.95
Child (5-12): $7.95
School Groups: $5.00
For more information:• visit
www.moodygardens.org• call 1-800-582-4673
Labels: Gulf Coast
posted by Paris and John @ 9:04 AM
San Antonio BBQ Cookoff Planned
With the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo just around the corner starting January 31, it is time for the annual BBQ Cookoff. Now in its 12th year, the barbecue cookoff will feature over 200 teams. Judging takes place from 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM on Saturday.
The event also includes an evening concert; Zack Walther & the Cronkites will be the opening band with Jason Boland & the Stragglers headlining. (Visitors during the day will also enjoy live music. The event will also include a carnival, vendors, and, of course, plenty of barbecue!
Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Selma (just north of San Antonio on I-35)
When: Saturday, January 26, 2008. Gates will be open to the public from 10:00 am until midnight.
Admission: $12 for adults, 12 and under are admitted free. Pre-sale tickets are available for $8 at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo box office, and KJ-97 discount coupons are available at the KJ-97 studios and at KJ-97 live remote broadcasts and events. General parking is free.
For more information:
• contact bbq@sarodeo.com
• call 210-827-7988Labels: Festivals, San Antonio
posted by Paris and John @ 5:17 PM
Dallas Blooms Takes on Texas Theme
With the thermometer outside hovering just above freezing here at the TexasTripper offices, it seems like a long way until spring in Texas. Not so. Up in North Texas, bulbs patiently wait in the soil and in less than two months they will create one of the biggest floral events in the country in Dallas.
Now in its 24th year,
Dallas Blooms, the Southwest's largest outdoor floral festival, always takes on an annual theme. This year the theme of the event running March 8 - April 13 is "The Star of Texas."
Look for plenty of Texas heritage at the well-attended event...plus plenty of red, white and blue blooms.
Arts & Crafts Fair: Opening weekend will include the first Southern Artisans Market, an arts and crafts fair featuring artisans from around the South. The Southern Artisans Market is a two-day only event on March 8 and 9.
Special Texas Themed Events: Other special events are planned throughout the festival including:
• Golden Cowboy living statues
• Trick Roping
• Armadillo Racing
• Little Britches Rodeo
• Texas Hero look-a-likes (including Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and Sam Houston)
• Country Western Dancing (including square dancing, line dancing and clog dancing)
• Hoe Downs
• Chili Cook Offs
• Texas Cuisine Tasting
For More Information:• Visit
www.dallasarboretum.org• call (214) 515-6500
Photo courtesy Dallas ArboretumLabels: Dallas, Festivals
posted by Paris and John @ 4:38 PM
POTD: Hill Country by Motorcycle
With its winding roads and beautiful scenic vistas, the Hill Country is growing in popularity as a motorcycle destination. This shot was taken just north of San Antonio on US 281. Some of the top motorcycle routes travel through Kerrville, Bandera, and Fredericksburg.
Every spring, Austin hosts one of the country's largest motorcycle rallies, the
Republic of Texas (ROT) Rally, this year scheduled for June 12-15, 2008.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 12:19 PM
UFOs Turn Spotlight on Stephenville
Things are usually pretty quiet around Stephenville, a small town about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth, and Dublin, located just a short drive from Stephenville. But these communities have been jumping lately thanks to UFO sightings, the last reported about January 8. It took a few days for the news to catch on but now the word is out and the small towns are overrun with national and international press with coverage ranging from the Larry King Show to the Washington Post.
For more information on the unusual sightings in the night skies over Stephenville and Dublin, check out these articles
Dallas Morning News and
Southwest Texas LIVE!. The latter includes a podcast with the Mutual UFO Network, a group that has come to the area to research the event.
Update: CNN has now posted a
video about the Stephenville and Dublin event with witness photos.
Labels: Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 9:14 AM
POTD: Austin Mural
This often photographed mural resembling a historic postcard is located in South Austin at Roadhouse Relics at 1720 South 1st Street. Stop in the shop while you're there; they've created signage for many movies.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 9:04 PM
39th Annual Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show Approaches
Except for rodeos, boat shows, and car shows, January is a slow time for Texas festivals but there's an interesting rock show coming up in Fredericksburg this weekend. The 39th Annual Hill Country Gem and Mineral Show will be held Saturday from 10-6 and Sunday from 10-5 at the Pioneer Pavilion at Lady Bird Johnson Park on Highway 16 three miles south of Fredericksburg (near the Fredericksburg airport). Admission and parking are free.
The event is a fun place to shop for rocks, fossils, meteorites, gemstones and more including many hard to find Texas specimens. The event will also include gold panning and demonstrations by rock experts.
For more information, see the
Fredericksburg Rockhounds website.
Labels: Festivals, Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 9:47 AM
Mardi Gras, Cowboy Style
Galveston may have the biggest
Mardi Gras celebration in the state but Bandera's Cowboy Mardi Gras gives it a Texas twist. The town that's the state's dude ranch capital will celebrate Cowboy Mardi Gras Jan. 25 - 27. Don't miss the Cowboy Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, Jan. 26 starting at 11am; that night the festivities will include a wild game dinner at Grace Lutheran Church. For more information, visit the
Bandera Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
Labels: Festivals, Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 8:52 AM
Time to Volunteer for SXSW
One of Austin's biggest festivals is South by Southwest (SXSW) which takes place this year from March 7-16. They're calling for all volunteers now for both the conference and music production. If you're traveling in for the event, you'll need firm travel plans when you complete the volunteer application found at
http://sxsw.com/volunteer/.
Labels: Austin, Festivals
posted by Paris and John @ 4:44 PM
TexasTripper On BlogTalk Radio
If you're looking for some Texas travel ideas--especially some travel ideas for Valentine's Day--don't miss Paris on BlogTalk Radio this afternoon. (John has a horrible cold so Paris will be flying solo this interview!) The interview is with
Ralph's Back Porch, a two-hour Texas radio show broadcast live on BlogTalk Radio and archived on Ralph's Back Porch.
Paris will be on the show starting at 2:45pm CST until about 3:15. If you have a question, call 347-215-8849 to be on the radio.
Update: I enjoyed this afternoon's interview and hope you'll check out the of the show, available on the player below. I'm on at about the 58 minute mark and talk for about half an hour about great Texas getaways and destinations for Valentine's Day. Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 12:12 PM
POTD: Can You Name This Plant?
Here's a little bit different photo of the day today. This photo was taken just outside our office not far from Lake Travis. These weeds grow about three feet high during the summer and then, during each freeze, literally explode with a frozen "bloom" that lasts until the sun hits the icy bloom. We've heard these called freeze weeds but does any TexasTripper reader out there know their real name?
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 10:03 AM
Texas's Newest Resort Opens in Grapevine
Just a little over a week ago, the newest resort in Texas opened its doors in Grapevine. Great Wolf Lodge® sounds like it will be a real family favorite (much like the Great Wolf Lodges already are in Niagara Falls, Williamsburg, the Poconos, Kansas City, and other locations.) We haven't had the chance to visit this new property yet but look forward it. (If you have stayed at this resort, please drop us a line and let us know how you liked it or, better yet, share your experience with everyone by
submitting your travel report to our Roaming Readers section.)
The 402-suite lodge (look for another 203 suites by the end of this year) has lots of the usual resort amenities--spa, themed restaurants, a fitness room--but the real attraction here is its indoor waterpark. Bear Track Landing™ is the name of the 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, kept at a constant 84-degrees year-round. The waterpark is exclusively for guests at the resort so there are no long lines for the seven pools and 11 waterslides, including the enclosed six-story, Howlin’ Tornado™, extreme funnel ride and a 12-level interactive treehouse waterfort. And for summer guests, there's also the 84,000-square-foot Raccoon Lagoon™, featuring two tube slides, a recreation pool, family whirlpool, and patio area with private cabanas.
Grand Opening Rates: Through May 22, the resort will be offering a special grand opening rate; a Family Suite begins at $199 per night, including waterpark passes.
Location: Great Wolf Lodge is located on 52 acres along US Highway 26, seven miles from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
For more information:• call 1.800.693.WOLF (9653)
• visit
www.greatwolf.comLabels: Austin, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 3:04 PM
POTD: Stevie Ray Vaughn Statue, Austin
Located on the south banks of LadyBird Lake (formerly Town Lake) in Austin, the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue is a popular stop on the lake's jogging trail. Sculpted by Ralph Helmick, the statue was erected in 1993 to honor the musician. We took this shot just over a week ago on a pretty January day when the walking/jogging trail was filled with Austinites and visitors enjoying the winter sunshine.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 3:16 PM
POTD: Austin City Limits Store
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is home to an Austin City Limits store featuring items related to the popular television show filmed at the University of Texas at Austin.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 8:43 PM
Houston Plans Largest Public Food and Wine Event
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is just around the corner and that means it's also time for the city's largest public food and wine event. Now in its fifth year, Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition will feature over 200 wines as well as food from over 50 local restaurants, caterers, and culinary institutions.
Where: The event will take place on the floor of the Reliant Astrodome in Houston.
When: Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Price: Tickets are $100 per person in advance or $125 at the door, with limited reserved tables of 10 seats offered for $1,800. Individuals who purchase a limited reserved table of 10 will be permitted to enter Reliant Astrodome at 6:30 p.m. Individual ticket holders will be able to enter at 7 p.m.
For more information:• visit
www.rodeohouston.com• call 832.667.1128
• Tickets also are available at the Show’s Ticket Office inside Reliant Center.
Labels: Festivals, Houston
posted by Paris and John @ 8:36 PM
POTD: Aztec Theatre, San Antonio
This Aztec head greets travelers strolling the River Walk in San Antonio, an invitation to visit the restored Aztec on the River. Since 1926, the elaborately decorated theater has entertained moviegoers.
The Aztec reopened following an extensive renovation but today it's closed again for construction with reopening anticipated for Spring 2008. You'll still find the restaurant and retail shops at river level opened during the project.
Labels: Photo of the Day, San Antonio
posted by Paris and John @ 12:30 PM
POTD: El Paso's Murchison Park
El Paso's Murchison Park provides a scenic overlook over both El Paso and neighboring Juarez.
Labels: Big Bend Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 11:32 AM
San Antonio Hotels Cited as Tops
It's no surprise to us that San Antonio is receiving top accolades from two of the top travel magazines:
Travel + Leisure and
Condé Nast Traveler.
Travel + Leisure included the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, Omni La Mansion del Rio and Watermark Hotel & Spa on their 2008 list of the top 500 hotels in the world; the rankings were based on ambiance, service and amenities.
Condé Nast Traveler placed the Watermark Hotel & Spa and Westin La Cantera Resort on their 2008 Gold List which denotes the best places in the world to stay as ranked by their readers.
What They Said: Hotel Valencia•
Travel + Leisure noted that this as San Antonio’s hippest hotel with its stylish VBar. This Tuscan-style, terra-cotta-roofed property on the famed River Walk is five blocks from the Alamo and immersed in the culture of downtown San Antonio.
Omni La Mansion del Rio
• Recognized by Travel + Leisure for a high level of charm and a recent $6 million renovation to their 1852 Spanish colonial property that overlooks the River Walk.
Travel + Leisure also suggests not missing Chef Scott Cohen's deviled blue-crab cakes with roasted corn relish at the hotel’s riverside restaurant, Las Canarias.
Watermark Hotel & Spa• Both
Travel + Leisure and
Condé Nast Traveler pointed to the four-year-old River Walk hotel for its sophisticated, Texas ranch-style interior and location across the river from the opulent 1920’s-era Majestic Theatre. Both magazines recommend sampling world class tequilas at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, Pesca, and enjoying the 17,000-square-foot spa.
Westin La Cantera Resort•
Condé Nast Traveler highlighted the Westin La Cantera Resort’s unique location in an abandoned limestone rock quarry as well as its Spanish mission architecture, warm interior décor and six swimming pools--as well as "great fish tacos" at The Gantry.
Labels: San Antonio
posted by Paris and John @ 11:30 AM
POTD: The Children's Museum of Houston
There's no missing The Children's Museum of Houston: just look for the giant yellow columns! The museum is aimed at youngsters up to age 12 and features interactive exhibits that keep children entertained and learning all at once.
Labels: Houston, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 12:35 PM
LBJ Library Celebrates MLK Day
On Sunday, January 20 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the LBJ Centennial, Austin's LBJ Library will host an afternoon gospel choir performance featuring the U.T. Innervisions Choir. Following the concert, the library will host a reception.
When: The concert will begin at 2:00 p.m.
Where: LBJ Library and Museum, 2313 Red River, Austin
For more information:• visit the
LBJ Library websiteLabels: Austin
posted by Paris and John @ 4:44 PM
2008 Travel Guide Available Now
We just ordered our copy of the 2008 Travel Guide; this is the official state guide for Texas travel. The 272-page guide is illustrated and includes cities and towns all across the state...plus your guide comes with the new, official state map. Best of all: it's free! You can order a copy at:
http://www.traveltex.com/travelguide/Order.aspxIf you'll be stopping at one of the 12 Texas travel information centers across the state (most found near the borders and there's one at the State Capitol Complex Visitors Center as well), you can also pick up a copy there.
posted by Paris and John @ 8:49 AM
Reader Question: Horseback Riding Vacation?
My wife and I booked a vacation a year ago to the Flying L ranch in Bandera. Is there anything like this else where? We have a 5 and 3 year old. They really enjoyed to kids activities at the Flying L. I am in charge of planning our vacation for the Memorial Day holiday this year. I would like to go somewhere different. My wife and I like to horseback ride wherever we vacation. We would like to be able to leave the kids to do kids activities. What can you recommend?Thanks for your email! If you'd like another dude ranch, one that's very family friendly is the
Mayan Dude Ranch (pronounced MAY-an), just outside of Bandera. Starting Memorial Day weekend, they offer an extensive family program and lots of horseback riding as well.
If you're on the lookout for a destination outside the Bandera area, a resort we'd recommend is the 400-acre Hyatt Lost Pines near Bastrop, just east of Austin. The resort offers
Camp Hyatt, the Hyatt supervised kids program and a whole menu of
horseback rides as well as other activities such as kayaking and canoeing.
Happy travels!
Labels: mailbox
posted by Paris and John @ 6:07 PM
POTD: National Ranching Center, Lubbock
Early life on the plains is recalled at the National Ranching Center in Lubbock, located at Texas Tech University. The center, composed of historic buildings from throughout the region, hosts several special events throughout the year including a Christmas on the plains event which draws many visitors.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 4:34 PM
Texas Celebrity Travel, January 2008
At the start of the new year, TexasTripper takes a look back at some of the stars who celebrated part of the holiday season in the Lone Star state, and looks forward to the celebrities that Texas travelers may be lucky enough to see in the near future.
Austin
Fans of the NBC hit "Friday Night Lights" will have the chance to see their favorite stars go from the football field to the fairway when Kyle Chandler and his Lubbock-born co-star Brad Leland perform hosting duties at the first annual Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Classic on March 7, 2007. Held in support of the Spinal Cord Injury Foundation Gridiron Heroes and The Buonicondi Fund, friendly competition will be par for the course as cast members Zach Gilford, Taylor Kitsch, Connie Britton, Gaius Charles, Jesse Plemons and Dana Wheeler-Nicholson tee off at the Wolfdancer Golf Club at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, located on the outskirts of Austin near Bastrop.
"Miss Congeniality" in real life as well as on screen, the
Austin American-Statesman reported that actress Sandra Bullock provided Christmas cheer for the crew of Bess, her Austin eatery, at another capital city dining staple, the Belmont. The West Sixth Street establishment offers a number of areas for holiday parties, ranging from the intimate confines of The Carlyle room, where up to 30 guests can sample the restaurant's American cuisine beneath the glitter of crystal chandeliers, to the impressive outdoor patio, where oversized umbrellas and swaying palm trees shelter hundreds of patrons from the Lone Star sun as they enjoy their meal.
DallasThe entertainment world's latest dynamic duo, Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson, dined on delectable delicacies from several of The Big D's leading restaurants in December. According to The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys quarterback and America's sweetheart sampled fajitas during a recent repast at Cantina Laredo, a dining establishment deemed one of the 12 best restaurants in the city. The famished football star and the blonde beauty also satisfied their cravings with French-influenced fare at La Madeleine, where they mulled over a menu featuring such provencal pastries as chocolate-almond croissants and strawberry Napoleon, which offer a sweet treat for patrons after dining on such main course items as chicken crepe riviera and Mediterranean pasta.
Before belting out his biggest hits at the American Airlines Center, Grammy winner Billy Joel checked himself into the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, a five-star sanctuary ranked the top hotel in the country by Zagat. As is the case in each of the hotel's 143 guest rooms, fresh flowers decorated the Terrace Suite, where The Piano Man unpacked his luggage during his stay, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Star sightings are frequent at The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. Just days after Billy Joel checked out of the regal retreat, the members of Duran Duran dropped by. According to
The Dallas Morning News, the perennial pop group gathered at the Mansion Bar, where patrons sip on spirits as they lounge on leather chairs by a stone hearth and soak up the smooth sounds performed by jazz musicians each Wednesday through Saturday night.
A few weeks before celebrating her first Christmas as Mrs. Mike Modano, singer and former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant Willa Ford helped to ring in the holiday season at a fashion forward charity event held at Forty Five Ten's T Room, the Dallas Morning News reports. The latest collections by Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen and other doyens of the designing world hang on racks at the McKinney Avenue boutique, which also offers an eclectic array of home decor and apothecary items for the discerning denizens of Dallas.
El PasoWhen the upcoming drama The Burning Plain his theaters in 2009, Southwestern General Hospital will share screen time with actress Charlize Theron. According to El Paso Inc., the Academy Award winner shot scenes at The Sun City's health care facility from December 10 - 13, 2007.
During its three decades in business, actor Tommy Lee Jones, The Eagles' frontman Don Henley and President George W. Bush have been among the famous faces who have traveled far and wide for a taste of The Little Diner's tortillas. In December, the down home dining establishment in Canutillo became a celebrity in its own right, as The Little Diner's south of the border fare was featured as a category in the daytime game show, Jeopardy!, the
El Paso Times reported.
Labels: Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Texas celebrity travel
posted by Paris and John @ 2:26 PM
POTD: Go Spurs
San Antonio loves its Spurs and it loves basketball in general...so be prepared for some big crowds for Final Four this year! The basketball championships will be held this April in the Alamodome.
Labels: Photo of the Day, San Antonio
posted by Paris and John @ 1:49 PM
POTD: World War I Doughboy, Flatonia
This World War I Doughboy statue stands in Flatonia in front of the American Legion hall. Erected in 1989, the sculpture was the work of local sculptor Gene A. Mikulik, Sr., himself a member of this American Legion post. The doughboy portrayed is Willie J. Migl, US Army, World War I.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 5:15 PM
LBJ Centennial Kicks Off
Throughout this year, special events will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lyndon Baines Johnson.
One of the largest events planned throughout the year will occur on August 27, LBJ's birthday. The LBJ National Historic Park in Stonewall will, for the first time, open the president's office in the Texas White House for public tours.
A centennial website has been launched at
www.lbj100.org.
Labels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 4:18 PM
POTD: Go Fly a Kite!
March is just around the corner so get ready to test your kite flying skills. This shot was taken near Lubbock, Texas where spring winds can challenge the best of kite flyers!
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 2:11 PM
Say What?
It's always said that things are done just a little differently in Texas...and sometimes that extends to pronunciation as well. If you've ever wrestled with how to say Texas place name, check out our new
Say It Like a Texan pronunciation dictionary. With over 60 audio files so you can hear the pronunciation of each town name, we think this will be a unique addition to TexasTripper! We'll be adding more towns and place names in the future as well.
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 3:40 PM
POTD: Tejas Warrior Statue, Fair Park
At Fair Park in Dallas, the Hall of State is home to this "Tejas Warrior" statue which stands 11 feet and is gilded in bronze with gold leaf.
Labels: Dallas, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 2:19 PM
Cowgirl University Announces 2008 Events
Wanna be a cowgirl? Or a better cowgirl? Here's your chance. Cowgirl University, a series of programs operated by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, has announced its schedule of 2008 events. Below you'll find the events planned for Texas (check the website for additional events in California and Colorado.)
You can register by downloading a registration form at
www.cowgirl.net or calling 800/476-FAME (3263).
February 1: Rodeo ULearn how to judge rodeo events with a day at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Participants first tour the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame with National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees Ann Hanson and Jan Youren then attend educational workshops with a PRCA judge on scoring rides. Registration includes lunch at the Museum and dinner by REATATM at the Backstage Club plus an evening performance at the world’s original indoor rodeo. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.
Location: Meet at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Time: 9 a.m. to end of the Rodeo
Cost: $195 per personFeb. 16: Leather ToolingMrs. Jerry Fraser will show you how to take a small project from start to finish while learning an art form that has been an integral part of western heritage for years. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.
Location: National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: $45/$35 for museum membersMarch 1: Rope HandlingLearn how to twirl a lasso! Taught by National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Pam Minick, you will learn how to handle a rope and how to use one to tie a calf dummy. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.
Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center Front Lawn on Lancaster St., Fort Worth
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: $35/$25 for museum members
April 12: Cowgirl 101This introductory, hands-on workshop designed for the eager yet inexperienced horseman or horsewoman, teaching basic horsemanship in addition to rope handling and hat shaping. The event includes a chuck wagon lunch and time with National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree Nita Brooks Lewallen.
Location: McFarland Ranch, Aledo, Texas
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $185/$165 for museum members (includes lunch and palm leaf hat)April 13: Trail TrialThis new Cowgirl U event tests the abilities of you and your horse in a natural setting outside an arena. The event includes a trail clinic prior to the trials with an AQHA clinician on aworking cattle ranch.
Location: McFarland Ranch, Aledo, Texas
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person (includes clinic and lunch)M
ay 7-10: Kindle the Cowgirl Spirit Women’s RetreatNational Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees Kathy Daughn, Wantha Davis, Sherri Mell,
Carol Rose and Hope Varner lead this event. You can bring your own horse or use one of theirs for educational workshops on horsemanship, rope handling, cutting, poetry, music and more. Enrollment is limited to the first 30 women, 18 years old and up.
Location: Simmons Ranch, Burnet, Texas
Cost: $1,500-$2,300 per person for Ranch Accommodations
$300 per person to rent horse for the weekendJune 5-8: Photography Workshop with Barbara Van CleveNational Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree and world-renowned photographer Barbara Van Cleve teaches this workshop which also includes horse activities, sunrise, sunset, clouds, landscapes, cowboys and perhaps cattle branding. The workshop is limited to 20 participants.
Location: Sweet Grass Ranch, Big Timber, Montana
Cost: $1,200 per person (Please note that all participants should be at the intermediate riding level.)
Sept. 27: Ranching 101This introduction to ranch life is co-hosted with the Cattle Raisers Museum. The event includes a ranch tour, observing ranch hands work cattle, grass identification, roping and tying, brand identification with a Texas Southwestern Cattle Raiser Association Special Ranger, chuck wagon lunch and western music. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants.
Location: McFarland Ranch, Aledo, Texas
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $135/$125 for museum membersOct. 18: Jewelry MakingLearn the basics of bead stringing. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants.
Location: National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: $65/$55 for museum members (includes all supplies)
Dec. 6: Chuck Wagon CookingLearn how meals were prepared on the trail in Dutch ovens. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants.
Location: Will Rogers Memorial Center Front Lawn on Lancaster St., Fort WorthTime: 9 a.m. to noonCost: $45/$35 for museum members (includes lunch)Labels: Fort Worth
posted by Paris and John @ 4:05 PM
POTD: Whaling Wall, South Padre Island
The 53rd in a series of walls painted by environmental artist Wyland, this is the only such wall located in Texas. The wall of orcas (actually three walls) is located on the outside of the South Padre Convention Centre and can be viewed anytime.
Labels: Gulf Coast, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 3:51 PM
POTD: Presidential Thoughts
A visitor at the Bush Presidential Library in College Station mulls over all things presidential.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 3:47 PM
Messina Hof Planning Bridal Show
Did the holidays bring an engagement to someone in your family or one of your friends? If so, check out the bridal show being planned by Bryan's Messina Hof Winery & Resort, one of the state's top wineries. The winery has 10 different venues for ceremonies, showers, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties and other bridal events; they can host events for up to 300 guests.
The bridal show, which is being held Saturday, January 20, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will have information on everything from decorations to photography and will also include desserts, cheeses, hors d’oeuvres and, of course, plenty of Messina Hof wine tasting.
For more information:• call (800) 736-9463
• visit
www.messinahof.comLabels: Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris and John @ 3:42 PM
POTD: Austin Zoo
TexasTripper's Paris Permenter meets a friendly llama at the
Austin Zoo, a unique facility located southwest of the capital city. The Austin Zoo, a non-profit organization, is home for many rescued and abandoned animals and a great place for families to visit. It's far more low key than the big city zoos, a nice place to spend a few hours at a relaxed pace.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 12:04 PM
Share your Texas travel experiences!
One of our New Year's resolutions here at TexasTripper was to find a way to get more reader input on this site, a way for you to share your experiences about your travels across the Lone Star State.
We've come up with a way:
Roaming Readers. This new feature will showcase your experiences: the great restaurant you discovered, the pretty drive you took on Sunday afternoon, the new museum exhibit you enjoyed, a fun festival you stumbled across, the hotel you found that was just the right fit.
Send us your travel experiences across Texas! We'd love to hear about your trip and also receive a photo if you've got one! Check out our page on
becoming a Roaming Reader to find out how to send us your postings and photos!
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 11:57 AM
Where in Texas Are Paris and John?
It's time for the first TexasTripper contest of 2008! This is our first "Where in Texas are Paris and John?" contest! Check out our
contest page and test your Texas knowledge...can you identify where this photo was made?
And congratulations to Connie in Durham, North Carolina, the winner of the December contest and the 2008 Texas Wildflowers calendar!
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 9:29 AM
POTD: A Look Back at the Freeze of '07
Last January brought an incredible freeze to the Hill Country, glazing everything in so much ice and a little snow and leaving much of the area at a standstill for a few days. January is typically the time for ice and snow in this area so we'll see what this month will bring!
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris and John @ 3:37 PM
Our Texas Travel Resolutions
Well, it's that time of year again...time to resolve to do things just a little differently this year! We've been making a list of our Texas travel resolutions for 2008:
• Stay Up and Enjoy the Nightlife. OK, we admit it: we're not night owls. We resolve to get out more often and enjoy the state's nightlife, even if it keeps us up past our bedtime.
• Attend At Least One Festival Every Month. So many of the Texas festivals fall in April and October but there are festivals scheduled all year long. We're determined to get out and enjoy one or more every month, even if there are icicles hanging off the car or the tires are melting to the pavement.
• Try to Collect More Regional Recipes. As we travel, we resolve to ask for more recipes from our favorite restaurants and cookoffs. Sure, some of them are top secret, but you know what they say: it never hurts to ask.
• Carry Our Cameras Every Single Day. Maybe we won't carry the multi-lens Nikon SLR but we're going to carry at least our small digital cameras every day. Whether it's a photo of a wild turkey gazing at us from the side of the road or a new attraction under construction, we're going to be ready.
Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 9:56 AM
