According to the census, the small Kendall County town of Comfort holds claim to 2,358 permanent residents. However, each May through October the Hill Country community welcomes more than 3 million temporary Texans-- Mexican free-tailed bats. Following close behind are flocks of tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the migrating mammals.
Since 1942, these nocturnal inhabitants have considered an abandoned railroad tunnel in the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area their summertime sanctuary. Winged wonders against a twilight backdrop, the bats emerge each evening for flights which will take them 25 to 30 miles in their search for sustenance before returning to their roost by daybreak.
One of the best places for checking out these "children of the night" is the deck at Alamo Springs General Store & Cafe, located next to the back cave. Serving traditional Lone Star cuisine seven days a week from 10 AM until 10 PM, folks dining on Friday nights can enjoy live music as they watch the bats fly by.
Horseshoe Bay Resort offers Families Value-Added Package
We're all looking for good value these days so this package at Horseshoe Bay Resort really caught our eye. The Summer Family Fun package at this Hill Country resort is offering over $500 in perks and savings as well as golf and spa discounts. Families have their choice of accommodations from hotel rooms to one-, two-, and three-bedroom Paseo villas or lakefront condominiums at The Waters.
When booking this package, a family of four can stay for under $100 per person, per night with weekday rates from $375 per room, and $461 on Friday and Saturday nights. (There's a two-night minimum stay, and advance reservations required for Kids' Club, spa and golf. The price is based on two adults and two children. Rates at the Paseo villas and The Waters at Horseshoe Bay Resort vary according number of bedrooms.) Room-only rates are also available from $199 per night.
The Package: The Summer Family Fun package features:
$200 resort credit per bedroom, per stay towards golf, Whitewater putting, spa, dining, watercraft rentals, retail or Kids' Club (i.e., a three-bedroom unit receives a $600 credit)
20% golf discount on midweek fees (10% discount Friday-Sunday) on all of the resort's three championship Robert Trent Jones, Sr. golf courses
20% spa discount on all midweek services (10% discount Friday-Sunday)
One "Fun Pack" per child ages three to 12, including canvas tote bag, full size beach towel, resort-designed Rubik's cube, box of pick-up sticks, Magnetic Magic Slate, tattoos, bottle of bubbles, and crayon carousel (valued at over $70)
Complimentary soda wristbands for free-flowing pop at all food and beverage outlets for kids
50% Kids' Club discount (ages four to 12)
Daily breakfast buffet at the Lantana Grill
Families looking for an action-packed summer getaway can leave their passports at home and stay stateside for a budget-friendly escape at Horseshoe Bay Resort. The Texas Hill Country resort's Summer Family Fun package offers over $500 in built-in perks and savings, plus golf and spa discounts.
Dates: This package is valid May 22 - September 6, 2009.
Why Families Love It: The 7,000-acre resort is located along Lake LBJ, a constant-level lake, so guests can enjoy fishing trips, boat tours, and jet ski rides all summer. The property is dotted with palm trees and offers four pools and a white sand beach, giving a tropical feel and plentiful opportunities for fun in the sun.
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, there's no place like Kerrville to celebrate a week of Valentine's events with your sweetheart.
On February 9 and 10, the fleet feet of Buenos Aires dance troupe Tango Fire! move in time to the rhythm of romance in two performances held at the Cailloux Theatre. Tickets are now on sale for $35 and $45.
Enjoy two days of taste bud temptation at the Kerrville Arts & Cultural Center. Friday the 13th will be a lucky day for those with tickets to an evening of dinner and dancing, topped with a live auction of a chocolate diamond pendant. On February 15th, plunge into pooling layers of white, milk and dark chocolate flowing from three chocolate fountains during a "Chocolate Extravaganza" bonbon buffet.
Tickets for Friday night's fete are available for $100, while presale tickets to Sunday's soiree are on sale for $15 ($20 the evening of the event.)
For more information about the Tango Fire! performance:
Today marks the 100th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson's birth, an event that's been celebrated by the opening of the "Texas White House" to the public for the very first time.
Johnson's office has been restored to its 1960s look and now visitors can step into the office on the west side of the home for a look at this room that served as a power center during Johnson's administration. Ranger-led tours also include the LBJ Ranch airplane hangar where the President once held news conferences.
Also, the park is also allowing private vehicles on the ranch for the first time. You'll first need to get a vehicle permit at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site visitor center.
We're going to do this in September because the test is only lasting through September 30. After that time, the National Park Service will evaluate how the experiment went and decide if they'll continue to allow visitors to drive. During this test period, the park will not be operating the ranger bus tours.
Balcones Canyonlands Refuge Part of Three-Nation Focus on Monarchs
Last month, Canada, the United States and Mexico joined together to work on the North American Monarch Conservation Plan that outlines a collaborative agenda of nearly 60 specific actions including education about the monarch butterfly. Five national wildlife refuges including one in Texas are part of the trilateral Monarch Butterfly Sister Protected Area Network.
At the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Austin, work started back in 2000 to tag monarchs when they came through central Texas. The refuge has also worked to educate children in grades 3-5 with its "Going Buggy" program. In the past year, the refuge has invited school science labs to let monarchs emerge in schools by providing chrysalis from caterpillars attracted to the milkweed planted in flowerbeds around the new refuge headquarters.
The milkweed has attracted monarchs by the score, according to Balcones Canyonlands Refuge Manager Deborah Holle. “We didn't really appreciate how much people are fascinated by monarchs. We have had a tremendous response to 'Going Buggy'.”
October's National Wildlife Refuge Week
During this year's National Wildlife Refuge Week, the refuge will invite people to watch butterflies at their leisure in a tent set up for the celebration October 11. Kids and families will be able to look at butterflies - including monarchs - to their hearts' content and, in the process, and learn to distinguish monarchs from other butterflies.
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.
The San Antonio Express-News has released the results of their 10th annual Reader's Choice poll conducted to select the best coastal and Hill Country destinations.
And the results?
The best coastal destination (for the past seven years) was once again Corpus Christi. Fredericksburg was named the best Hill Country destination.
Barbecue and the Hill Country go hand in hand and the LBJ Ranch was known to host many international barbecues during the President's years in office. On May 17, part of a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the President's birthday, the Friends of the LBJ National Park hosts a 1960s Bar-B-Que on the banks of the Pedernales River at the LBJ Ranch, an event that celebrates the BBQ for the Organization of American State held here in 1967.
The events begin at 3PM with special tours followed by a welcoming by LBJ Library Actor Michael Stuart, who portrays President Johnson. Entertainment will be provided by the Fort Griffin Fandangle at 5:30PM. The barbecue starts at 6:30.
Today the home of the Oatmeal Church of Christ, this historic building has long served the community of Oatmeal in Burnet County. Built in 1869, the stone structure was once a combined church and school.
POTD: National Museum of the Pacific War to Expand
The National Museum of the Pacific War, part of the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site in Fredericksburg, will soon be undergoing the ground breaking ceremony for a 40,000-square-foot expansion. The event will take place on May 9 when Governor Rick Perry will speak at the event. General Michael W. Hagee, the Former Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a Director of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation (and a Fredericksburg native) will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
The Event: May 9, 2008. Ceremony is scheduled for 11am followed by a free barbecue in the adjacent parking lot.
The Georgetown Festival of the Arts, in its fourth year, is offering an schedule of artists and cultural activities beginning the weekend of May 31 and ending on Sunday, June 8.
May 31-June 1: Art in the Park on May 31 & June 1, a juried art show along the river in San Gabriel Park, will bring in over 200 artists from around the country to participate.
May 31: On the evening of May 31 the popular Symphony in the Park will provide fireworks along with a Mendelssohn concert.
June 5-8: Mendelssohn in Georgetown, Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, features the music of Felix Mendelssohn in concerts and lectures in a number of venues. The Shanghai and Miro Quartets will be playing Thursday, June 5 as part of the series. A complete event schedule is online at www.georgetowntexassymphony.org .
Price: Tickets are $20 for concerts, $5 for all symposia and $5 for entrance to Art in the Park. Student tickets are $5 for all events.
Saturday, April 12 marks Cave Day in Cedar Park, an event hosted by the Texas Cave Conservancy. It offers a chance to look at the many caves in the region as well as a rare cave beetle, the Rhadine persephone beetle, only found in the Cedar Park area.
The event takes place at four sites in the area, starting at Kay Redden Park, located at the corner of Lake Creek Boulevard and Buttercup Creek Boulevard. Nearby, visitors will see the seven caves in the Buttercup Cave Preserve (although there’s no cave entry here). Cave expert Bill Larson will talk about the discovery and history of each cave. Tours will be offered at 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M
The next stop is the Twin Creeks Historical Area, a new park that’s home to an historical log cabin, springs, and even an Indian Shelter Cave available for visitation.
The third site is the Texas Cave Conservancy owned Educational Show Cave. Visitors first need to pick up a cave entry pass at Kay Redden Park. Allow a fifteen -minute drive to the cave.
The last stop will be a tour of the new City of Cedar Park- Discovery Well Cave Preserve. This tour will start at 3:00 P.M.
We plan to attend Cave Day and hope to come back with some good photos of the facilities to share next week!
For additional information: • call the City of Cedar Park-Parks & Recreation Department, 512-401-5500
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels has announced a new ride scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. The Dragon's Revenge will feature eight uphill blasts, six creepy caverns, a two-story freefall and, of course, an angry dragon!
This is the first heavily themed ride the park has opened in its nearly three decade history. The ride will include spinning tunnels, theatrical lighting, fiber optics, fog and fake fire.
To ride Dragon's Revenge, riders need to be 42 inches or taller.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort will open weekends starting Saturday, April 26. The park is one of our favorites and it has a great budget saver: you are welcome to bring a picnic basket into the park (just no alcohol or glass containers.)
Bluebonnets are really coming out after some rains last week in the Hill Country. Although it might not be as spectacular as last year's crop, the roadways are lined with the state flower and the coming days promise more blooms. This shot was taken along FM 1431 west of Cedar Park.
We just received word of a trio of good events planned in Kerrville for April 12...three good reasons to visit this Hill Country town!
Wild4Art
“Wild4Art,” an outdoor celebration of art, will sprawl along the 800 block of Water Street downtown and feature the work of 10-15 gifted Texas artists who will demonstrate their talents in oils, pastel, pen and ink, screen printing, woodcarving, flint knapping, beading, and pottery making. Children can gain an appreciation of art as they have fun dressing up, playing in a teepee, and beading. Wear your own authentic Western garb and smile for the camera…a professional photographer can create a work on canvas you can buy as a great keepsake. You'll also have the chance to meet the friendly crew from 94.3 Revolution Radio, who will be live on site from 11-1. Pick up a free hot dog and lemonade, plus register for some Norman Rockwell prints.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Rivers Edge Gallery, 832 Water St., Kerrville (830) 895-5184 www.riversedgegallery.net Admission: free
Western Heritage Day
Western Heritage Day” will be hosted by Museum of Western Art. Internationally known trick roper Kevin Fitzpatrick will entertain with amazing rope stunts, and Mountain Man Roy Neal will demonstrate axe and knife throwing…and Clifton Fifer will be on hand to relate tales of the Black Cowboy.
You can also have fun with a washer toss game, watch rope making, cotton gin and beading demonstrations, check out some chuck wagon vittles, crawl into a teepee or climb up into a chuck wagon, and much more.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Museum of Western Art, 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville (830) 896-2553 www.museumofwesternart.org Admission: Admission 12 and under - free; 13 and up - $5.
2nd Saturday Art Trail
Taking place in both Kerrville and Ingram, this event features 12 art galleries. Pick up a passport at any participating gallery, visit at least 7 galleries and collect a “stamp” at each, then be eligible for the drawing of a magnificent three-piece Travis 1831 silver buckle set, handcrafted by Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths and valued at $930!
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Good starting point: Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, 228 Earl Garrett, Kerrville. For more information, visit Art in the Hills (830)895-5184 Admission: free admission to all locations except the Museum of Western Art
This massive oak tree dates back about 400 years and is listed as one of the most famous trees in Texas. Called Wedding Oak, the tree is located about a mile north of San Saba on China Creek Road.
Texas Bed and Breakfasts Offering Free Gas Promotions
With today's rising gas rates it can get harder to get away...but some creative B&Bs in Texas are offering unique promotions to help with those gas prices. We received word from Austin-based BedandBreakfast.com that some of their TX members are offering some good promotions:
Biscuit Hill Bed & Breakfast, Canyon Lake. From May through September, this B&B will offer a discount of $25 per night (up to $50) to help with gas costs.
Inn on the Riverwalk, San Antonio. Through December 25, spend two nights or more (Sunday through Thursday only) and get $25 off your room rate.
Utopia on the River, Utopia. Through the end of June, take $30 off your bill with a two-night minimum.
It's still a little bit early but the coming weeks will bring plenty of travelers to Willow City Loop, one of the top wildflower drives in the state. The loop is located between Fredericksburg and Llano off TX 16; from TX 16, turn onto FM 1323 and enjoy the slow, winding drive.
ARTS Encounters at Johnson City's Benini Sculpture Ranch
Next weekend, The Benini Foundation Galleries and Sculpture Ranch will be celebrating ARTS Encounters with two days of speakers. The event will feature the new monumental limestone and steel sculptures by Austin's Patrick Lysaght. The sculptures being installed on the Benini Sculpture Ranch include two carved heads; one weighs 8700 pounds, the other 7800 pounds, and they will sit atop steel poles.
When: March 29 and 30 beginning at 1:30pm Admission: Free Where: 377 Shiloh Road, Johnson City
You'll no longer see any marble waterfalls in Marble Falls but you will see a beautiful, constant level lake: Lake Marble Falls. The small lake is one in the series of Highland Lakes that begins with the massive Lake Buchanan and winds its way through the Hill Country and into Austin.
It won't be long until bluebonnet season; we should start seeing the first of the bluebonnets toward the end of March. This shot was taken along RM 1431 last year (which was a big bluebonnet year). It's hard to say if this year will boast a good crop of bluebonnets but we're not expecting one since it was such a dry winter. Even if the bluebonnet fields are sparser this year, however, expect to see some pretty scenes in the coming weeks.
Camp Verde was the site of one of the most unusual experiments in the Texas Hill Country: an attempt to create a Camel Corp at Fort Verde in 1856. The camels didn't last but the store did; today the General Store is a fun place to shop or grab a Coke.
On our Texas travels, we've seen a lot of historical markers but this one is definitely unique thanks to its grindstone. This marker for Chadwick's Mill, located on US 190 about nine miles west of Lometa, remembers Chadwick's Mill. This mill, used as a sawmill, flour mill and cotton gin, was built here in 1874 by Henry Chadwick and his son, Milam, and powered by a dam across the river. For a while the site was so popular it became a resort with a hotel and dance platform but a change in the river course in 1915 caused the mill to be abandoned.
This weekend we made a trip up to Lampasas, Lometa, San Saba, and Goldthwaite. Along the way, we had the chance to drive across the Regency Bridge, one of the last suspension bridges open for vehicular traffic in Texas. Hop aboard for a drive across this grand bridge located miles down a dirt road:
Spring means the perfect time for a climb up Enchanted Rock, located between Fredericksburg and Llano. (Don't wait for summer...it's a griddle up there!) This is the second largest stone monolith outside of Georgia's Stone Mountain. If you plan a visit here on the weekend, be sure to arrive early; the number of visitors daily is limited.
It won't be long until summer (and with the 90+ degree temperatures earlier this week it doesn't seem like long at all!) One of the top ways to celebrate summer in central Texas is an afternoon of inner tubing...better known as "toobin'" ... in San Marcos or New Braunfels. This shot was taken in San Marcos; during the season, the Lion's Club rents tubes for use on the San Marcos River and provides pickup service.
Springtime means a return to Market Days across the state, especially in small towns. This shot was taken at Kerrville's Kerr County Market Days, a family-friendly market that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month from April through November and the third Saturday in December. Held on the courthouse square, the free event features handcrafts and artwork as well as greenery and plenty of barbecue.
There's probably no town in Texas more associated with cowboys than Bandera thanks to its many dude ranches, rodeos, honky tonks, and Western atmosphere.
So it's fitting that Bandera's Frontier Times Museum plans to celebrate the American cowboy in March with music and poetry. The event will feature:
• Don Hedgpeth, a well-known local musician, poet and author • Steve Smith, a practicing modern day cowboy and poet, accompanied by local musician Ruben Darnell • a campfire for chuckwagon coffee • a lesson in Cowboyology through music and poetry
Date and Time: Saturday, March 22, 4 P.M.
Location: Frontier Times Museum, 510 Thirteenth Street, Bandera
Spring means spring cleaning...and in some Texas towns that means city-wide garage sales, too. This year Georgetown will host its first City-Wide Garage & Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
At the event, you'll find downtown merchants selling discounted wares on the sidewalk. Local organizations and individuals will be selling used and new items at the Festival Parking Lot on Main Street.
For More Information: • call 800 436-8696 • email cvb@georgetowntx.org
Located between Fredericksburg and Comfort, this former railroad tunnel is home to over three million bats from April through October. You'll find an observation deck here above the tunnel or walk down the stairs for this view. The site is part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife system; you'll find educational displays here about the bats that can be seen before sunrise and after sunset each day during the season.
This statue of Old Yeller stands in front of the Mason Public Library in Mason, Texas. The famous story, which became a Disney movie, was written by Mason native Fred Gipson.
The San Gabriel River flows through Georgetown and provides numerous swimming holes as well as the backdrop for a hike and bike trail and the San Gabriel Park.
If you're looking for a romantic getaway (remember, Valentine's is next week!), check out the Wine Lovers Trail in the Hill Country both this Friday through Sunday and Feb. 15-17 as well. The event encompasses 22 wineries; with the $35 ticket you can visit as many wineries for tastings as you'd like.
Many of the wineries are also have separate Valentine's events. For example, near Fredericksburg, Becker Vineyards will host a four-course Valentine Dinner in their Lavender Haus Reception Hall on February 9; they'll also have a four-course Valentine's luncheon on Feb. 16. Check the Wine Lovers Trail site for all the details on both the trail and the special events.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enchanted Springs Ranch to Celebrate Cowboy Christmas
If you're looking for a Christmas activity with a real Texas theme, don't miss the annual "Cowboy Christmas" at Enchanted Springs Ranch near Boerne.
Dates: December 22 and 23, 10am-5pm
Activities: The holiday event will include tractor wagon rides, a saddled Longhorn steer, decorated Old West town, horseback rides for kids, photos with Cowboy Santa, and more.
Admission: $10 for adults, $5 ages 3-12, under 3 free
Christmas lights are just around the corner (and already lit in some locations like Marble Falls). Here's a shot from last year on the courthouse square in Burnet. Burnet's big Christmas event, Main St. Bethlehem, will take place December 7, 8, 9 & 14, 15, 16 as Washington Street is transformed into the old town of Bethlehem, complete with costumed townspeople. TexasTripper tip: Get here early for this very popular event scheduled from 6pm-9pm nightly; lines can stretch for blocks.
The Texas diner is more than a place to stop for a meal, it's a Lone Star State institution. Since 1929, the Blue Bonnet Cafe has been drawing in diners in Marble Falls; chicken fried steak is always a top choice. The cafe is especially known for its pieces and does record business at Thanksgiving when they'll prepare as many as 250 pies!
A biking club pulls over at Stonehenge II near Hunt to see the replica of England's famous Stonehenge as well as two heads reminiscent of Easter Island maoia.
The Treue Der Union Monument located in Comfort honors the men and boys from this region who were killed when they remained true to the Union during Civil War days.
Think you have a lot of dishes to wash? Don't miss Po-Po Family Restaurant in Boerne; a collection of over 2,000 plates from around the world decorates the walls of this excellent restaurant. We recommend both the catfish and the chicken fried steak!
Pflugerville (pronounced Flugerville) sits just north of Austin. While much of the city is now subdivisions and strip centers, the historic downtown still retains its small town atmosphere.
Saturday marks the annual Hairy Man Festival in Round Rock so we decided to take some photos and shoot a little video of the scenic road today. (If you're not familiar with Hairy Man Road, it's one that involves a Bigfoot-type legend and even a ghost story.)
We left the office, grabbing the camera which had fresh batteries. Drove over to Round Rock and, after a little bit of searching, found the elusive Hairy Man Road. Took a couple of photos and a quick video.
Then the camera batteries went dead. Pulled over, got out a new set of batteries we just bought in Flatonia last week. Put them in, turned the camera back on in case we could find a street sign to photograph and continued on. About ten minutes later, pulled over to take a pix and the camera was dead again.
Had another set (not new) batteries. Put them in. They instantly went dead.
We had one more set of (again, not new) batteries. Again, they instantly went dead.
OK, we know it’s our fault for not grabbing new, photo quality batteries to take along. But maybe the Hairy Man Road really is haunted...and the hairy man just doesn’t want his picture taken...
For a look at the photos we did manage to grab this afternoon, take a look at our Hairy Man legend page.
Belly up to the bar at Texas's oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall. Located in what was once a former ghost town (now part of New Braunfels), Gruene Hall has a bar in the front and a dance hall in the back. You'll find lots of activity here in the evenings and on weekends but pop in any time for a look around and a chance to sit awhile.
We think the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg just might be one of the most creative accommodations in the state. It looks like a historic aircraft hangar...but this is a modern construction at the Fredericksburg Airport. Inside, the hotel harks back to the days of World War II with period decor (even boasting chairs in the guest rooms covered in bomber jacket leather), dining, and nightlife. Outside, grab a chair on the upstairs porch and watch planes come and go at the airport.
Today we're launching an all-new section on TexasTripper.com: Photo of the Day (POTD). We'll be sharing some of the 50,000+ photos we've taken around the Lone Star State in this column!
Today's photo is a shot of the Post Office in Luckenbach (pronouced loo-kin-bok), the town made famous by the country and western song. Today there's still plenty of boot scootin' in Luckenbach, located just a short distance from Fredericksburg. The post office (and bar and general store...all in one) is adjacent to the dance hall which stays busy just about every weekend.
I am planning a weekend in Fredericksburg for my husband and myself; I'm really looking forward to shopping at least part of the time. My husband's OK about doing some things on his own while I'm shopping (he's definitely not going to shop!) and I wondered if you had some suggestions? Many thanks, June D., La Grange
Dear June,
Thanks for your email. We think you'll both find plenty (actually more than enough) to keep you busy during your Fredericksburg stay. While you're shopping, here are some suggestions for your husband, depending on his interests and the weather:
• golfing at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Course (it's just minutes from town) • visiting local wineries. There are now numerous wineries that offer tastings and and tours. There's also a downtown brewery plus plenty of local biergartens. • fly fishing. The Fredericksburg CVB can hook him up with a local outfitter for an afternoon of casting. • visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War. This newly-renovated museum will keep even casual visitors busy for several hours; the museum includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits. • Climbing Enchated Rock. Located northwest of town, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the second largest stone formation outside Georgia's Stone Mountain.
We've just received word that Enchanted Springs Ranch, located outside Boerne, will be the setting for a movie production titled "Palo Pinto Gold." Written by Anthony Henslee, production of the movie will begin in the fall and wrap up in early February. They're inviting anyone with period clothing who would like to be considered for a part as an extra to email becky@enchantedspringsranch.com.
Johnson City's Sculpture Ranch Hosts ARTS Encounters
Headed to Johnson City this weekend? Be sure to check out the ARTS Encounters at The Benini Foundation Galleries and Sculpture Ranch. The event takes place Saturday, July 28th and Sunday, July 29th; events both days begin at 1:30 p.m. The event is free of charge.
Following ARTS Encounters the Black Spur Emporium & Gallery and the Kirchman Gallery in Johnson City invite visitors to their respective receptions. For directions to the Benini Foundation Galleries and Sculpture Ranch, see www.Benini.com.
There are less than two weeks left for the Chuckwagon Dinner at Enchanted Springs Ranch near Boerne. The dinner runs through August 4th from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The event includes barbecue, live music (Drug Store Cowboys), Western entertainment and more Western fun. Reservations are required and seating is limited.
If you've got a trip to the Hill Country planned for the coming days, be sure to check the latest on road and weather conditions. Twenty inches of rain on Wednesday morning in Marble Falls brought about a catastrophic flood in that community; other areas have experienced road closures and detours. Flooding on the Highland Lakes goes from Lake Buchanan all the way to Lake Austin.
Check lake conditions on the LCRA website. Local news stations such as KVUE, News8Austin, and KXAN have information on road closures and conditions plus area forecasts.
Fredericksburg's Hangar Hotel Plans USO Style Dance
Fredericksburg's Hangar Hotel is planning a USO-style dance on January 27 in its new Pacific Showroom, a South Pacific themed facility located behind the 40s style diner. The event includes music by The Flash Backs, a big band, as well as a swing dance contest. Wear your military gear or period clothes if you have them!
When: 8-11:30 p.m.
Where: Hangar Hotel, 155 Airport (south of town), Fredericksburg
Overnight Accommodations: If you're coming in from out of town, we'd recommend booking a room at the Hangar Hotel. We had the pleasure of staying there in September; it's a new construction that's designed to look like a 1940s aircraft hangar, down to guest room chairs covered in bomber jacket leather.
Looking for a romantic Texas getaway for Valentine's Day? The answer just might be Castroville's Landmark Inn, one of only two two Texas Parks & Wildlife properties that operates as a bed and breakfast establishment. (And what's the other, you ask? The Starr Mansion Historical Site in Marshall.)
The 150+ year-old inn is offering a deluxe romantic package throughout the month of February. You'll be pampered with breakfast in bed one morning and enjoy the serenity of antique-furnished rooms with no telephones, television sets or other distractions.
The Package: The package includes a two-night stay at the inn on the banks of the Medina River, one evening of fine French dining at La Normandie Restaurant and lunch at the Castroville Café. Guests will arrive to find in their room a fresh flower arrangement and gift basket.
Breakfast in bed will be served one morning, with the other breakfast being offered in the parlor of the riverside Vance House, one of several historic structures on the five-acre site operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Guests booking the special package for the weekends of Feb. 10 and 17 also will receive free entry to an exhibit featuring handmade quilts from a handful of Castroville collections. The quilts will be on display in the Landmark Inn's new 800-square-foot reception/banquet hall that occupies the former location of the inn's museum.
Price: The package price ranges from $330 plus tax to $404 plus tax per couple.
About the Landmark Inn: The Landmark Inn offers 10 heated and air-conditioned rooms, four with private baths. Six of the rooms are in the main, two-story inn, while two are in the old rock bathhouse and two others are located in the Vance House.
Ranked among the state's Top 10 B&Bs by Texas Highways magazine readers, the Landmark Inn has been carefully restored and maintained to provide guests with an opportunity to touch Texas' frontier past while enjoying all the modern comforts of home. The inn dates to 1849 when Swiss merchant Cesar Monod built a store on El Camino Real at the nearby Medina River crossing.
To reserve your Valentine's package, call the inn at (830) 931-2133.
Did your New Year's resolutions include taking better care of yourself...or maybe pampering yourself a little? If so, check out these monthly spa specials at Barton Creek Resort and Spa as you make your Austin travel plans for the year:
JANUARY Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit Body Scrub - This exfoliation treatment is designed to slough away dull surface skin, while cleansing and hydrating your skin--followed by a light application of the Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit body lotion. Discount: 10% off
FEBRUARY
Marine Fango Massage—This full body massage includes an application of self-heating Marine Fango mud to the back. Discount: upgrading to an 80 minute massage at the price of a 50 minute massage.
MARCH
European Facial or Gentleman's Facial – Discount: includes eye print masque enhancement at no additional charge, normally a $75 value.
APRIL
Rainforest Body Rinse - This treatment includes an exfoliating scrub with grainy jaboncillo shower gel along with a Vichy shower with an aromatic steam wrap. Discount: 10% off
MAY
Swedish Massage and European Facial - A classic 50 minute Swedish massage followed by a 50 minute traditional European facial. Discount: a special spa gift from Barton Creek and 10%off the special
JUNE
Dedicated-to-Dad Massage—Book a 50 minute or 80 minute Swedish massage and Dad gets his choice of massage enhancement at no additional charge (excluding Marine Fango).
JULY
Fabulous Feet—Includes exfoliation, shaping, buffing, and stress relief massage, cuticle maintenance and your choice of polish. Discount: the new peppermint oil pedicure enhancement or callus eliminator enhancement—their treat!
AUGUST
Mother & Daughter Two-Step Massage and Quick Cleanse Facial—A spa suite allows a parent and their teen to relax side by side awhile enjoying a full-body massage and quick cleanse facial. Discount: save 20% on these services
SEPTEMBER
Revitalizing Lymphobiology Treatment—Reduce the appearance of cellulite, swelling, bruising and water retention. Discount: 10% off this month’s spa special
OCTOBER
Glycolic Peel Facial—Refine your skin tone, smooth texture, and help minimize fine lines. Discount: 10% off this month’s spa special
NOVEMBER
Two-In-One Massage—You and yours enjoy full body massages side by side with this classic Swedish massage. Discount: 10% off this month’s spa special
DECEMBER
Cocoon Body Treatment—The treatment begins with a complete exfoliation utilizing a French gommage cream rich in seaweed and other decongestant properties. You are then wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. Discount: 20% off
For more information: • call 1-800-336-6158 or 512-329-4000 • visit bartoncreek.com
Tuesday marks the start of the 80th Texas Legislature, a time when you can visit the Capitol not only to tour the massive building but also to watch the legislative action. We've just posted a new article about visiting the Texas Legislature as part of your visit to the State Capitol.
Last night we visited Austin's Trail of Lights in Zilker Park. One thing we really like about the holiday lighting displays (as opposed to the holiday festivals) is that they generally take place every night until New Year's. However, the Trail of Lights will be ending on December 23rd so we decided we'd better go. You do have more time to visit the Zilker Tree, which will be lit until midnight on New Year's Eve.
You'll find photos (and even a video) of the Trail on TexasTripper.com now. It was a warm night (following an 80 degree day); with the shorts and t-shirts on many visitors, it looks a little more like Aruba than Austin!
Tonight we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Space Shuttle Discovery as it whizzed through the sky over the Hill Country. No easy shot to get, we did manage to a quick photo.
Mark your calendars for December 17 when the Lyndon Baines Johnson State Park and Historic Site will illuminate their Christmas tree and enjoy a community-wide event in Stonewall. The festivities include carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, a candle and lamp tour of the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, and a nighttime holiday tour of the LBJ National Historical Park and the Texas White House. For more information, call (830) 644-2252.
While you're in the Johnson City area, don't forget the special events in town. On December 16, the Christmas at the LBJ Boyhood Home is held and every night you can enjoy the holiday lights (over a million!) downtown. Check out our article on the Hill Country Lighting Trail for details.
Downtown Georgetown came alive with bands, arts and crafts, carriage rides, and more during the annual Christmas Stroll, held on the courthouse square. The event began at noon with a day of fun followed by an evening parade.
This year, the Stroll was extra fun for us; John performed as a member of one of the featured bands during the event. John and the members of SALT performed Christmas carols and popular tunes on a pretty (and pretty chilly!) afternoon. Here's a look at the day's fun:
Recently we reported on the special Christmas decorations you could have added to your guest room at Four Seasons Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd.), but you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the hotel's special decorations. Visit the Four Seasons Hotel Austin’s Gingerbread Village, on display at the hotel through Jan. 2. An electronic train winds through a sugar-crafted train station, chocolate shop, clock tower and more.
In addition, families get gussied up for the hotel’s annual Teddy Bear Teas, which include a traditional tea, holiday carols and a fireside reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Santa Claus himself. Teas take place on Dec. 9, 16, 17 and 23 from 2-4 p.m. The cost is $35 for adults, and $25 for children 6-11 (prices do not include tax and gratuity).
Austin's Pioneer Farms to Celebrate Historic Holidays
Now that Thanksgiving is just a memory, the list of Christmas events moves into high gear. For the next two weeks, a family favorite takes place in Austin at Pioneer Farms. Candlelight Christmas at Pioneer Farms, located at 1400 Pioneer Farms Drive, takes place December 1-2 and 8-9. The event, which takes visitors back to Christmas 120 years ago, includes musical performances, children’s shows and educational programs.
Port Bottling Party at Stonewall's Woodrose Winery
Sure you've taken tours of Texas wineries before but have you ever bottled your own port? Here's your chance. On Saturday, November 18, 2006 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, bottle your own port with Woodrose Winery owner and winemaker, Mike Guilette. You can call to schedule a time or stop by for a visit; there are one hour shifts available. Location: Woodrose Winery is located at 662 Woodrose Lane on the south side of Hwy. 290 just west of Stonewall or 14 miles east of Fredericksburg. Presently the winery is open Wednesday through Sunday noon until 6pm.
With its ties to Lance Armstrong and its rolling terrain, it's not surprising that Austin is a favorite with cyclists. Next summer, look for the capital city to draw not just Texas but international attention on the biking circuit.
The Austin International, scheduled for June 17, is an event that will draw some 400 cyclists for both the pro men’s and women’s races and attract as many as 100,000 cycling fans to Austin to watch some of world’s top competitors.
g4 Productions, LLC, organizers of the Austin International, 2007, announced that the inaugural event will be included in USA Cycling’s new Professional Tour and has received a 1.1 license from the International Cycling Union (UCI). The exact courses for the races are still being planned and should be announced within the next six to eight weeks.
The new USA Cycling Professional Tour recognizes the top international-caliber foreign and domestic UCI professional teams and riders over the course of the racing season in the United States. The goal of the USA Cycling Professional Tour is to acknowledge international competition in the U.S. and to spotlight events that have made the commitment to host world-class, UCI-sanctioned races that feature UCI-registered professional teams and athletes.
“Austin, Texas is a world-class cycling city, and the announcement of the Austin International race coming to town is solid confirmation of that fact,” said Hill Able, owner, Bicycle Sport Shop in Austin. “Austinites are some of the healthiest, most active people in the world, and riding bicycles is a core part of their lifestyles. The race is sure to be a huge success and we look forward to hosting some of the best cyclists in the world next June.”
The 2007 Austin International will feature a pro men’s and women’s race and will be evaluated as a potential Women’s World Cup event for 2008. Austin also hosted the World Professional Mountain Bike Championships in October 2004.
Do you have plans for next Saturday? If you'll be in the Hill Country on Saturday, September 16, 2006, check out the grand opening of Woodrose Winery from 5:30 pm -10:30 pm. The event will include live music, you'll have the opportunity to meet the new owner and winemaker, Mike Guilette, and wines will be sold at a 10% discount during the event.
The winery recently completed the construction of multi-level 3,000-square-foot decks to provide additional seating for the tasting room.
Woodrose Winery is located at 662 Woodrose Lane on the south side of Hwy. 290 just west of Stonewall or 14 miles east of Fredericksburg. The winery is open Wednesday through Sunday noon until 6pm.
On Friday night, we attended the cattle drive in downtown Georgetown, one commemorating the town's role in the Chisholm Trail. The event, which took place on Main Street, drew a huge crowd (in spite of 100+ degree heat) and featured live music, trick roping, lots of cowboys and a small herd of longhorns. Look for a photo gallery in the coming days!
If you'll be in Central Texas tonight, head to the Square in Georgetown for a cattle drive on Main Street. The event kicks off an evening celebrating the city's position on the historic Chisholm Trail. Along with the cattle drive, look for live music, a trick roping exhibition, pony rides, and, of course, plenty of barbecue. The event takes place from 6-9pm on Friday, August 25.
This weekend we headed out to Austin's Oasis, known as the Sunset Capital thanks to its great views of Lake Travis. As many of you know, last June the restaurant was struck by lightning, sparking a terrible fire that demolished many of the restaurant's famed decks.
Even as reconstruction continues, the Oasis is open as as pleasant as ever. Dining is now primarily in the Starlight section of the property where the live music stage is located. The former buffet setup in Starlight is gone with a temporary kitchen now located near that entrance. We found that the restaurant still has the great views and decks, albeit fewer right now, and they still ring the bell every night to celebrate sunset. This Saturday night featured The Eggmen, a great Beatles tribute band (if you're ever in Austin when they play, be sure to save time to see them.)
The newest outlet mall in Texas has opened its doors; Round Rock Premium Outlets is now open on I-35 north of Round Rock. The mall is home to 125 stores including Ann Taylor, Polo, Burberry, and more. The mall is located between Round Rock and Georgetown at I-35 exit 257.
This new mall is just the latest in a string of very tempting malls on I-35 including ones in Hillsboro, New Braunfels, and, of course, the two mega-malls in San Marcos (Prime Outlets and Tanger), more than just a shopping stop but also one of the state's biggest tourist attractions. Just off I-35 West, you'll also find the Texas-sized Grapevine Mills.
Sure you know that the Alamo is the top tourist attraction in the state but did you know that the outlet malls in San Marcos rank right up there as a top attraction? These malls--which can truly be described as "Texas sized"-- are an attraction in themselves and have now caught the eye of the nation, thanks to ABC's daytime talk show, The View. On Thursday, July 13, San Marcos will be featured as one of the “Best Places to Shop” on the popular show.
We're going to be sure to catch the show, which will feature not only the malls but general coverage of the city.
Can't make it to England this summer to see Stonehenge? Or to Easter Island view the giant Maoi statues?
No worries...you'll find them all in Texas. Just two miles west of Hunt, Texas on FM 1340, you'll find Stonehenge II, a replica of Britain's Stonehenge. The Texas version is 60% as tall as the original and 90% of its size in circumference. Located on a private ranch, the site is also home to replicas of two giant Moai, the mysterious statues found on Easter Island.
We've just added a photo gallery of Stonehenge II. (When you get to the gallery, click on any thumbnail for a larger vesion and hit the "fast forward" button then to see all the photos as a slide show.)
We just returned from a trip to Bandera, the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World." This Texas boast just might be accurate, though, judging from the huge number of dude ranches, western stores, rodeos, honky tonks, and cowboy events in the area. Read all about Bandera in our expanded Bandera Travel Guide and check out our new Bandera Photo Gallery.
It's almost the Fourth of July and the capital city will be celebrating in style. Here's a sampling of some area celebrations to look forward to next month:
• Heart of Texas Red, White and Blues festival: Held July 1 at Waterloo Park, this event kicks off the holiday weekend off with live music on two stages featuring legendary blues artists. GE Smith of "Saturday Night Live" fame, blues Master Hubert Sumlin and a special guest will team up for a once-in-a-lifetime 90 minute set. The lineup also includes Charlie Sexton, WC Clark and many more. Guests can also enjoy food, arts and crafts, children’s activities and misting tents. www.redwhiteandbluesfestival.com
• Austin Symphony July Fourth Concert and Fireworks : This event is Austin’s largest Independence Day celebration and this year returns to Zilker Park’s Lou Neff Point. Look for some 100,000 people at this event which includes a rousing rendition of the 1812 Overture, punctuated by booming cannons and an elaborate fireworks display over Town Lake. This free event continues from 8:30 until 10 pm, with fireworks beginning at 9:30. Capital Metro’s free shuttle service runs from 4-11pm from Waterloo Park to the Mopac footbridge over Town Lake at Stephen F. Austin Blvd. www.austinsymphony.org
• "Fire in the Sky" : Austin firefighters and Whole Foods Market join forces for “Fire in the Sky” from 6-10 pm. This party on the store’s rooftop plaza and benefits the Austin Firefighters Community Education Fund. The event features live music, good food and a great view of the fireworks at Zilker Park. Tickets are $5. www.wholefoodsmarket.com
• Georgetown’s Independence Day Celebration : Just north of Georgetown, this event at San Gabriel Park starts with a Kid's Fishing Derby at 7:30 a.m. Later look for over 80 arts and crafts booths, food vendors and a children's area with games, a petting zoo, train rides and face painting with music in the gazebo throughout the day. A “Hometown Parade” begins at 11 a.m. and a fireworks finale at dark concludes the party. www.georgetownsertoma.org
• The Round Rock Fourth of July Fireworks and Frontier Days Celebration : Also north of Austin, this event starts with a parade through downtown Round Rock at 10 a.m. After the parade, head to Old Settler's Park for a “Western Traditions” carnival. Reenactment of the Sam Bass shootout, free watermelon, arts and crafts, fireworks and more are on the agenda. www.roundrockfrontierdays.com
• Lakeway : Northwest of Austin, Lakeway celebrates American Heroes all day long with a parade down Lakeway Drive at 10 a.m., followed by a pageant, picnic, swimming and games at the Lakeway Activity Center. Fireworks light the sky over Lake Travis at Lakeway City Park starting at 8 pm. www.lakeway.org
• San Marcos SummerFest : Now in its 26th year, this riverside event on July 4 takes place from 11am to 11pm. Events at Sewell Park, on the campus of Texas State University, include food and activity booths, as well as an air-castle, parade and costume contest for kids. Live music continues throughout the day. At 9 p.m., an illuminated float parade travels down the river and is followed by a fireworks exhibition. www.sanmarcossummerfest.com
Through September 7, your family can enjoy Barton Creek Resort's activities for only $90 per person, per night, double occupancy, Sundays through Thursdays. Also, kids stay free at this AAA Four Diamond golf resort. Weekend rates are also available from $96 per person, per night, double occupancy.
The resort, located in Austin, has a full menu of summer family activities including:
• Special packages for the Fourth of July weekend with a special party on July 1 followed by a fireworks display. Kids' buffet available.
• Cool off with family movie Fridays in the hotel's amphitheater; includes free popcorn and sodas.
• On holiday weekends, the resort sets up a special indoor game room dedicated to ping pong, air hockey, video games, foosball, Pac Man, and other video arcade games.
• Kid’s Club is open 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Kid’s Club is a dedicated indoor facility that resort guests may utilize for children ages six months to 8 years. Computers were recently installed so computer-savvy children can play age-appropriate video games. Other activities are offered, such as story time, puzzles, arts and crafts and more.
• Poolside cookouts for the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends.
• Junior Tennis Day Camps and Clinics for ages 4 and up also are scheduled through August.
• Poolside fun including tic tac toe, word search, bingo blast, face painting, Chinese checkers, chess, friendship bracelets, chalk art, paper masks, story time, arts & crafts, water balloon toss, memory card games, relay races, pool ring toss, and hula hoop challenges. And family fun—Austin style: smoothie walk, 18 hole miniature golf, water checkers, kid fitness fun, family fitness camp, hair wrap fun, nature trail hike, sharks & salamanders, red light-green light-swim!, mad science, sand art, diving for golf balls, and s’mores poolside.
For more information: • call 1-800-336-6158 or 512-329-4000 • visit www.bartoncreek.com
If you're reading this in Texas, you know that the calendar may say spring but the thermometer definitely says summer. With temperatures already topping 100 degrees in many parts of the state, waterparks are in full swing now. Check out our article on watersparks where you can cool off around the state.
Hill Country's Harvest Wine Trail Events Announced
Summer hasn't yet started but it's time to mark your calendars for an end-of-summer event: the annual Harvest Wine Trail held in the Hill Country. Held the last two weekends of August, the event celebrates the grape harvest.
At Johnson City's Texas Hills Vineyard, the event will include a glass of wine paired with a selection of artisan cheeses and crackers on the patio while stomping grapes to the romantic sounds of Italian music. Guests can even footprint a t-shirt to remember the occasion. David Lewis of Bistro Blends of Texas (Spicewood, Texas) will be at the winery both weekends to sample some of the Bistro Blends vinegars and oils and share recipes and on incorporating these amazing products into your cuisine at home.
The Event: Trail events will be held August 19-20 and 26-27, 2006. Stomp hours are 10-5 on Saturdays and 12-5 on Sundays.
Summer Activities, Music at Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Summer is right around the corner and we've started receiving information on the summer activities planned throughout the state. We just received a press release with information on some special musical and even poolside entertainment at Austin's Barton Creek Resort and spa in the coming months:
Blues & Barbeque: Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 27, 6 pm – 10 pm at the Resort Pool. Dance to the tunes of Legendary Texas Blues Master, W.C. Clark, who has mentored countless young blues artists, including Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan, Lou Ann Barton, Marcia Ball, Kim Wilson, and Will Sexton. Enjoy smoked Texas brisket, St. Louis Spare Ribs, grilled Chicago style bratwurst and the blues for $25 adults, $14 children ages 6-12.
Lobster Boil Buffet: Fourth of July Weekend, Saturday, July 1, 6 pm – 10 pm at the Resort Pavilion. Austin’s Latin Salsa band, The Brew, will have you dancing the night away with its style of electrifying Latin-Jazz. Steamed whole Maine lobster is the highlight of the buffet. $48 adults, $16 children ages 6-12. Children’s buffet available.
Fireworks Display: Saturday, July 1, 9:30 pm. Enjoy the show from the Resort Pavilion, the pool, or the Hill Country Veranda. The annual fireworks display creates a magical effect on the Fazio Foothills fairways.
Summer’s End in Texas: Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, September 2, 6 pm – 10 pm at the Resort Pool. Dance to the sounds of Bob Schneider. Enjoy a lavish buffet during the party featuring grilled baby Angus Sirloin, a shrimp and oyster bar and more. $29 adults, $18 children ages 6-12.
For more information: • call 1-800-336-6158 or 512-329-4000 • visit www.bartoncreek.com
Those of you who have been to Austin lately know how much (how very, very much) the capital city is growing. We wrote last week about the opening of the new Blanton Art Museum but you can also look forward to these additions in the coming months:
Round Rock Premium Outlets (opening Aug. 2006) - The 120-outlet center along IH-35 North in nearby Round Rock will offer discount shops for apparel, shoes, fashion accessories, leather goods, home furnishings and gifts. The single level outdoor village follows the architectural scheme of the Texas Hill Country.
IKEA (Under construction - projected opening Spring 2007) - The Swedish retailer comes to Central Texas with a 250,000-square-foot store located next to the new Round Rock Premium Outlet. The mega shopping experience includes 50 different room settings, three complete homes, a children’s play area and restaurant specializing in Swedish foods.
Austin Market District (Construction begins 2006) - This project includes the redevelopment and expansion of the old Whole Foods building, which still houses the city’s largest independent bookstore, BookPeople. It also adds retailers such as Anthropologie and REI as well as restaurants and office space to the intersection of Sixth Street & Lamar Boulevard.
Mexican-American Cultural Center (Under construction - projected opening March 2007) - This 126,000-square-foot cultural center will be dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation and promotion of Mexican-American cultural arts and heritage.
Domain Shopping Center (Under construction - projected opening Spring 2007) - Texas-based Neiman Marcus anchors an upscale shopping center in northwest Austin that also features 70 other restaurants and stores, including another new Whole Foods Market. Mopac Boulevard (Loop 1) between Braker Lane and Burnet Road.
Long Center for the Performing Arts (under construction, projected opening March 2008) - This project, located at the site of the old Palmer Auditorium, is the centerpiece of a 54-acre cultural park on the shores of Town Lake. The center will provide a permanent home for performances of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Austin and Austin Lyric Opera, as well as performance space for some 200 smaller performing arts groups in Central Texas.
Fredericksburg has a fascinating story that brought pioneer life and Easter together in one tale invented by a fast-thinking frontier mother. Although the annual Easter Fires pageant ceased in 2005, read about the unique Easter story that was so special to Fredericksburg.
With all the attention paid to Austin's nightlife during the recent SXSW event, we decided to beef up our Austin nightlife section. As you know, nightlife changes as fast as the Texas weather so we by no means have comprehensive coverage but we do point out the best known and longest lasting venues for rock music, country music, blues, folk, singer-songwriter, and Tejano music, comedy clubs, brew pubs, and concert venues.
There's no doubt that the recent SXSW festival had more than one band wishing they could travel to Austin (nicknamed the "Live Music Capital of the World") and record a CD.
Well, here's your chance. The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced its new "Rock Stars Wanted" travel package available only online.
The Package: The “Rock Stars Wanted” experience gives rock star hopefuls the chance to create and record their own music with the Groove Labs band, an established professional rock band. The Austin Rock Star Package and the Austin Recording Artist Package are available through June 30, 2006.
The Rock Star Package provides a recording session for up to six people and includes one hour of pre-production time, a five-hour session with the Groove Labs band as back-up, mixing, mastering, custom artwork for a CD and a custom DVD of the entire experience. The total cost of the package is $4,455.
The Austin Recording Artist Package is available for up to three people and includes one hour of pre-production time, three hours of studio session/tracking time, mixing, mastering and basic artwork for a CD. This package costs $1,755.
Combining world class musicians with state-of-the art production facilities, engineers and producers, “Rock Stars Wanted” gives travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Live Music Capital of the World.
The Driskill and the Radisson Hotel & Suites will provide rock-star accommodations for this package. Both hotels are located in the heart of downtown Austin and within walking distance to the Sixth Street entertainment district.
Barton Creek Resort & Spa Offers Mother's Day Options
Well, it seems like a long time until Mother's Day but in terms of travel planning, it's just around the corner. We just received work from Barton Creek Resort & Spa that they're going to be offering a special Mother's Day Weekend brunch. The menu is extensive: poached egg with smoked chicken hash, banana pecan pancakes, herb roasted prime rib, sautéed farm raised striped bass, and more, accompanied by wine, champagne, chilled strawberry and ginger ale smoothies, and plenty of assorted desserts.
The Mother’s Day brunch is $45.95 per person for adults, children age six to 12 years are $16.95 per person, children 5 and under eat free. Reservations are recommended for this popular event; call (512) 329-7923.
Or you can extend your visit with a stay at the resort. There are special discounts for Mom everywhere—-the Salon, the Pro Shops, golf lessons, and green fees. If you just can’t decide what to wrap for Mom, Barton Creek also offers gift certificates to the Ladies-Only Two-Day School April 26 & 27 at the Chuck Cook Golf Academy. Special room rates are available for children ages 6 to 12 staying in the same room as adults, and children 5 and under stay free. Room rates start at $189 per person double occupancy with a minimum two-night stay.
For more information on Barton Creek Resort & Spa, call 1-800-336-6158 or 512-329-4000 or visit www.bartoncreek.com.
Dates of Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival Announced
The Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival celebrates 21 years of showcasing the best of Texas’ culinary and vine offerings, April 6-9, with a four-day festival honoring as many as 100 chefs and dozens of wineries at locations throughout the Texas Hill Country. This year’s festival pays homage to Lone Star food traditions with the theme “Texas Tables: Celebrating the Roots and Influences of Texas Wine and Food.”
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, April 6 with winery luncheons at five Hill Country vineyards and continues later that evening with a western-flavored tasting at an exotic game ranch outside of Austin. Among the most popular events are the Stars Across Texas Grand Tasting and Gala on Friday night and the popular Sunday Fair.
For a complete schedule and information about tickets, visit www.texaswineandfood.org or contact the Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival at 512-249-6300.
The Blanton Museum of Art, Austin: Grand Opening Rescheduled
The opening of this expansive museum featuring over 17,000 works of art has been rescheduled for April 30, 2006. The permanent collection includes works from Europe, the US, and Latin America. For more, visit http://www.blantonmuseum.org/ or call 512.471.7324.
It's not news that Austin is one of the capitals of the movie industry but yesterday the Austin CVB announced that MovieMaker magazine had named the city number two in its “Top 10 American Cities to be a MovieMaker” list (trailing behind New York City).
According to the magazine, “Each year, the Austin Film Commission manages to outdo itself in bringing exciting new programs and initiatives to city, from the smallest detail to the biggest."
Other cities among the “Top Ten Cities for MovieMakers” include: Portland (3), Chicago (4), Philadelphia (5), Los Angeles (6), Miami (7), Baltimore (8), Wilmington, NC (9) and Memphis (10).
Also in Texas movie news, the Texas Film Commission announced this month that for the sixth consecutive year Austin leads Texas cities in film and television total production budgets. Last year the city logged approximately $78 million in film production budgets, accounting for 56% of total film budgets in Texas.
Those of you in Texas know that we've been experiencing unseasonably warm weather (and we're not even going to talk about the drought) but today we decided to take advantage of that sunshine with a picnic in Round Rock.
We're just a short drive from Round Rock but you know how it is...sometimes it's just too easy to skip attractions close to home. (We write two day trips books: Day Trips from Austin and Day Trips from San Antonio, both from Globe Pequot, but still it's easy to get caught behind the computers and forget about fun close to home.)
Today, though, we hopped in the car and had a sunny picnic lunch in Round Rock's quiet Veteran's Park before heading downtown to take some photos then over to the round rock itself.
