TexasTripper Travel Blog

Update on South Padre Island

Work is underway getting electrical power back to South Padre Island and accessing the damage. If you have a vacation planned for the coming weeks, check in with your accommodation for an update.

You'll also find information on the current status of the island on these websites:

The Town of South Padre Island, http://www.townspi.com/
South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://www.sopadre.com
South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, http://www.spichamber.com/

Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly

posted by Paris & John @ 3:45 PM 3 comments links to this post

South Padre Closed to Visitors At This Time

Due to damage from Hurricane Dolly, South Padre Island is presently closed to non-residents and those without a business on the island. The South Padre Island CVB has posted a note on its website updating the present conditions on the island. As of today (Saturday), the island has no electricity, and there is a curfew in place as well. Cars are stopped at the causeway, and visitors are not being admitted onto the island until the condition improves. Hopefully electricity will be restored later this week, and repairs can move along quickly.

We'll keep you posted as specific reopening dates are announced. We all look forward to South Padre Island returning to the Texas travel scene as a great year-around destination!

Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly

posted by Paris & John @ 9:39 PM 0 comments links to this post

Post-Dolly Update on Valley State Parks

We just received a post-Hurricane Dolly update from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about parks in the Rio Grande Valley. The parks are looking good with most storm debris rather than damage. According to TPWD State Parks Division Director Walt Dabney. “Hurricane Rita caused severe damage to some of our upper coast parks in 2005. This week we only have to tidy-up a bit.”

On Friday, three state parks – Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande and Resaca de la Palma State Parks (all part of the World Birding Center) - remain closed. The beach at Mustang Island State Park in Corpus Christi also remains closed today due to high water.

Today game wardens deployed to help during the storm also headed home. Some 72 game wardens and supervisors, along with seven boat mechanics and two communications specialists, were deployed to South Texas in preparation for Hurricane Dolly, bringing with them 70 boats. By Thursday, game wardens in Cameron County had performed four separate high-water rescues and answered several calls to check on the welfare of stranded residents.

As deployed officers return home today, South Texas game wardens will continue to assist local first responders as needed.

This week, unaffected state parks hosted about 30 evacuees at no cost in campsites and screen shelters.

To find out the status of Rio Grande Valley state parks affected by the storm, call 512-389-8900, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mon.-Fri. or visit the World Birding Center Web site, http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/ .

Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly, South Texas Plains

posted by Paris & John @ 4:55 PM 0 comments links to this post

Renewable Energy Festival Set for Fredericksburg

With the price of gas these days, renewable energy is on the minds of many Texans, and it will take center stage at the 9th Annual Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair from September 26-28 in Fredericksburg.

The event is coordinated by Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) and Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES). Both organizations have worked to support the growth and development of renewable energy industries in Texas for over 20 years.

Price: Tickets are $10 Friday or Sunday and $12 Saturday while the 3-day pass is $20. Children under 12 are free.

For More Information:
• see the Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair page on TexasTripper

Labels: Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 2:20 PM 0 comments links to this post

South Padre Island Receives Hit from Dolly

We've been following the news report covering Hurricane Dolly and the damage it has caused in South Padre Island, Brownsville, and the Rio Grande Valley. We haven't received specific damage reports yet but will pass those along to you in the coming days as we receive news. Presently the hurricane has moved inland and we're feeling the wind gusts and occasional drops of (much needed) rain from its outer bands even up here in Central Texas.

Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly

posted by Paris & John @ 8:41 PM 0 comments links to this post

Austin's The Driskill Announces Pie Bake-off Contest

Bakers, start your ovens! The historic Driskill Hotel in Austin is looking for a winning pie recipe to feature on the 1886 Café & Bakery’s menu as the restaurant’s signature pie for the next year. Finalists will be presented to a panel of judges during “A Taste of The Driskill” festivities on August 30.

The Driskill’s Executive Chef Jonathan Gelman says this contest is an ideal way to showcase the award-winning desserts and food traditions long associated with the hotel. “Our Executive Pastry Chef Tony Sansalone is well-known for his incredible talent, so we thought it would be fun to involve the community in creating a signature dessert for the Café,” adds Chef Gelman.

Community involvement in The Driskill’s food outlets dates back to the days when volunteers with the Heritage Society of Austin operated a tea room at the hotel. One of the most frequently ordered desserts then was the 1886 Chocolate Cake, which still appears on the menu.

The Prize: In addition to being featured on the dessert menu, the winner also receives a $500 gift certificate from The Driskill Hotel, monogrammed 1886 Café & Bakery chef’s apron, and other personalized mementoes.

Deadline: The deadline for entries is August 15, 2008.

The Rules & Application: The contest is open to any non-food professional (chef, food writer or anyone who creates recipes for pay), who is 18 years or older. Culinary students are encouraged to enter the contest. The application form and guidelines are available on the hotel’s website, www.driskillhotel.com.

Labels: Austin

posted by Paris & John @ 8:34 PM 0 comments links to this post

Dolly Eyes Brownsville

As Dolly becomes a hurricane and builds strength in the Gulf, residents and visitors of South Padre Island head to the mainland ahead of the approaching storm. Currently the forecast calls for landfall near Brownsville. Here's tonight's NBC broadcast from South Padre Island showing the departure from the island of many visitors. All our best wishes to our neighbors in South Texas as the storm approaches tomorrow morning.

Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly

posted by Paris & John @ 8:43 PM 0 comments links to this post

Dallas's Hotel Lumen Offers Tax Free Summer Rate

If you're like us, you're definitely looking for ways to make your travel dollars stretch a little this summer. Here's a new offer we just received from Dallas's Hotel Lumen, located in the affluent Highland Park area, just steps away from Southern Methodist University. The hotel will pay the taxes for your stay...which can mean a nice savings for every night.

“With the growing price of fuel and other daily expenses, people need a break from daily life more than ever before,” said Duncan Clements, general manager of Hotel Lumen. “Now guests can experience a premium getaway right in their hometown at Dallas’s most unique boutique hotel. Our inclusive rate includes all amenities, but we’ll take care of the taxes for the duration of the stay.”

Price: Rates at Hotel Lumen begin at $136 per night. All rates are based on availability.

What It Includes: With the tax-free offer, all Hotel Lumen amenities apply, including complimentary wine hour, complimentary wireless networking, morning tea and coffee and valet parking.

Dates: The Hotel Lumen Tax-Free Summer Rate offer ends September 1, 2008.

How to Book: To take advantage of this Hotel Lumen package, visit www.hotellumen.com or call 214.219.2400 and use the rate code PTAX.

Photo courtesy Hotel Lumen

Labels: Dallas

posted by Paris & John @ 3:29 PM 0 comments links to this post

Hello Dolly? Texas Prepares for Hurricane

Although right now it looks like landfall might be in northern Mexico, South Texas is preparing for the possibility of Hurricane Dolly later this week.

If your travel plans this week include South Padre Island, Brownsville or the Rio Grande Valley, be sure to stay up with the latest weather in region. If the hurricane hits South Texas, look for rain inland as well.

Labels: Gulf Coast, Hurricane Dolly

posted by Paris & John @ 10:22 AM 0 comments links to this post

Book Signings Planned for Amazing Texas

Recently we told you about the signing planned for the new Amazing Texas book at the Great Texas Mosquito Festival in Clute on June 24 and 25. If you miss the author there, you'll find T. Jensen Lacey signing copies of her new book at several other places in the Lone Star State:

7/24 & F, 7/25, 4-7 p.m.
Center for Arts & Sciences, Clute

7/26, 1p.m.
Clute Library, Clute

7/30, 7 p.m.
Barnes & Noble / Sunset Valley, Austin

8/1, 5 p.m.
The Twig, San Antonio

8/2, 6-8 p.m.
Midsummer Books, Galveston

8/4, 7 p.m.
Barnes & Noble / Southlake, Dallas

Labels: Books

posted by Paris & John @ 11:35 AM 0 comments links to this post

Four Seasons Hotel Austin Offers Daycation

With this summer's soaring gas prices, we've all heard of the staycation--vacationing in or near your own hometown--but how about a daycation? Four Seasons Hotel Austin, located on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake), is now offering a day package for those who can just squeeze in a day of luxury...but, oh, what luxury it is. For $150, you can pamper yourself with:

• breakfast or lunch in the hotel's TRIO restaurant
• your choice of a 50-minute massage, facial or body treatment
• the Spa's relaxation lounge, eucalyptus steam rooms, locker and fitness facilities and heated outdoor pool
  

The daycation package is offered on weekdays only.

For More Information:

• visit the Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Labels: Austin

posted by Paris & John @ 11:27 AM 0 comments links to this post

Glen Rose's Dinosaur World Adds New Exhibits

We still haven't made it up to Glen Rose to see Dinosaur World but it has been on our travel wish list since it opened this spring. Now we've got some more good reasons to visit: the Texas location of Dinosaur World (there's also one in Kentucky and one in Florida) has added two new life-sized replica skeletons in its indoor museum. Now you can check out a Triceratops and a Stegosaurus skeleton replica on your next visit.

Location:

1058 Park Road 59
Glen Rose, Texas
Phone: 254-898-1526

For More Information:
• visit www.dinoworld.net

Labels: Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 4:36 PM 0 comments links to this post

TexasTripper Launches Cookbook Contest

Do you have a favorite Texas recipe you'd like to share? Whether you're a Texas B&B, a Texas food purveyor, a barbecue competitor, or just a good home cook, we've got a new contest for you. Enter one of your favorite Texas recipes in our new Texas Online Cookbook and you'll be eligible to win a copy of Texas Cowboy Cooking.

Check out our contest page for all the details!

Labels: TexasTripper News

posted by Paris & John @ 4:28 PM 0 comments links to this post

Austin Giving Away Eight Uniquely Austin Packages

We just received word that through August 24, the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau will be inviting Texas residents to take a “one tank trip” to Austin and visit AustinTexas.org to enter to win one of eight “uniquely Austin” vacation packages.

Each week, travelers vote on which of three featured packages they’d most like to experience. At the end of each week, one winner will be selected to enjoy the most popular package. Each week's winner will receive complimentary accommodations, as well as discounts for meals and attractions. If you don't win you can still book participating hotels at a discounted rate.

Here's a sampling of the contest packages:

• Foodies will sample local gourmet cuisine from Central Market and sip wines at Cork & Co.
• Eco-conscious travelers can stay at Austin’s premier eco-resort, The Crossings, and experience a Texas adventure with Cypress Valley Canopy Tours.
• Families can tour via land and lake with Austin Duck Adventures before staging their own musical set at the “Austin Kiddie Limits” exhibit at the Austin Children’s Museum.
• Just in time for the Lyndon Baines Johnson Centennial celebration, history buffs will enjoy accommodations at the historic Driskill Hotel and free admission to the LBJ Library and Museum.
  

For more information:
• visit www.AustinTexas.org

Photo of Driskill Lobby courtesy Driskill Hotel

Labels: Austin

posted by Paris & John @ 4:17 PM 0 comments links to this post

Bret Michaels to Headline Gonzalez Thunder Rally

Motorcycles and hard-rocking riffs are a potent combination, and revved up rockers are guaranteed to have "Nothin' But A Good Time" when Poison frontman Bret Michaels takes the stage as the headliner for the Gonzalez Thunder Rally. A three-day deluge of chrome and leather over 20,000 strong will descend October 10 - 12, 2008 at JB Wells Park for a party with a purpose, as proceeds from the festival benefit Norma's House, an organization which helps children of domestic abuse.

Tickets are already on sale for the event, and special VIP tickets are in demand for die-hard heavy metal fans. Not only will attendees with VIP tickets enjoy such velvet rope amenities as seating near the stage, VIP parking, a private restroom and bar, free food and a souvenir T-shirt, each VIP ticket holder is automatically in the running to win autographed memorabilia and a back stage meet and greet with the performers.

From "Talk Dirty To Me" and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" to songs heard on his VH1 reality series "Rock of Love," Bret Michaels will rock your world on October 11th. Other acts scheduled to take the stage over the course of the three-day events are Great White, AXE and Electric Ocean.

For more information:
• visit www.GonzalezThunderRally.com

Labels: Festivals

posted by Grace Sydney @ 11:03 AM 0 comments links to this post

San Marcos Plans Summerfest for July 4

This year marks a new location with a larger stage for Summerfest, San Marcos' Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, a free event. This year the event will be held at the City of San Marcos' San Marcos Plaza Park.

The Parade: The annual Children's Parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. Line-up will begin at 4:45 p.m. Costumed kids will be judged in "most patriotic" and "cutest divisions" with prizes awarded in each category and a "best overall" named.

Music: This year's musical lineup will feature the high-engery Austin band JUMPSTART with all types of music. Opening the musical entertainment at 4 p.m., Alton Rex and the Crabby Grass Boys will be making their fourth Summerfest appearance. Immediately after the Patriotic Program and the Children's Parade, San Marcos native David Ybarra and his LA Blues Band will take the Summerfest stage at 6:15 p.m. JUMPSTART will play its popular music mix from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., leading up to Summerfest's expanded fireworks exhibition. Closing the day for Summerfest with a performance immediately after the fireworks is the local band Trio-Faze, who plays a mix of original rock, soul and blues.

Fireworks: The fireworks show will be staged from the parking lot on the west side of Bobcat Stadium on the Texas State University-San Marcos campus.

Food & Fun: Food and activity booths will open at 4 p.m. A variety of food and other items will be available from on-site vendors. No glass containers or alcohol are allowed at San Marcos Plaza Park.

Parking: Parking for Summerfest will be available at Texas State's Bobcat Stadium and Coliseum parking lots.

For more information:
• visit www.summerfestsanmarcos.com

Labels: Festivals, Hill Country

posted by Paris & John @ 4:48 PM 0 comments links to this post

Messina Hof Plans 31st Annual Harvest Celebration

It's almost time for the 31st annual Harvest Celebration at Messina Hof in Bryan. Get ready to stomp some grapes!

This year's harvest events are:

Moonlit Harvest
Friday, July 18, 2008
Here's your chance to pick and stomp grapes, get a souvenir t-shirt to imprint with your purple feet, and enjoy a Vineyard Cuisine dinner at The Vintage House. Price: $69.95 plus tax and gratuity.

Harvest Daytime
Saturday, July 19, 2008 – Sunday, August 17, 2008 (Saturday and Sunday only)
You'll have your choice of four options at different prices:

Option 1: All day activities: including picking, stomping, t-shirt, lunch, food and wine pairing seminar
8 a.m.
Price - $69.95 plus tax and gratuity on Saturdays
$59.95 plus tax and gratuity on Sundays

Option 2: Picking, stomping plus t-shirt
8 a.m.
Price - $39.95 plus tax and gratuity

Option 3: Picking, stomping and lunch
8 a.m.
Price - $39.95 plus tax and gratuity

Option 4: Food and wine pairing seminar
1:30pm
Price - $19.95 plus tax and gratuity

Murder Mystery Dinners
Saturday, July 19, 2008 – Saturday, August 15, 2008
All Murder Mystery Dinners begin at 6:30 PM and cost $69.95 plus tax and gratuity.

Mystery Dinner themes:

July 19 - “Pirate Murder Mystery”
July 26 – “Celebrity Celebrations”
August 2 – “Storm Survivors”
August 9 – “Case of the Missing Matchmaker”
August 15 – “Murder on the Mound”

Harvest Vintner’s Dinners
Friday, July 25, 2008 – Saturday, August 16, 2008
All Vintners’ Dinners begin at 6:30 PM. Cost of the dinners range from $69.95 to $125 plus tax and gratuity.

Harvest Vintner’s Dinners:

July 25 – French Chateau Wines
August 1 – Beringer Wines
August 8 – Terlato Wines
August 16 – Grand Finale – Italian Wines

For more information or to register:
• call (800) 736-9463 ext. 34.

To reserve a Harvest Festival package:
• visit http://www.messinahof.com/docs/MH_%20Harvest_Reg_Form_08.pdf

For information or reservations for the Villa Bed & Breakfast at Messina Hof:
• call (800) 736-9463 ext. 22

Labels: Festivals, Prairies and Lakes

posted by Paris & John @ 4:13 PM 0 comments links to this post

Amazing Texas Author to be Featured at Clute's Mosquito Festival

There's a new Texas guidebook coming out this month: Amazing Texas (Jefferson Press). Recently TexasTripper caught up with the author to ask her more about this unique guide to a unique state; check out our interview just posted on TexasTripper.

Author T. Jensen Lacey will be signing books at the The Great Texas Mosquito Festival in Clute on July 24.

Labels: Festivals

posted by Paris & John @ 2:37 PM 0 comments links to this post