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 sout
Fredericksburg
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.
