TexasTripper Travel Blog

Driskill Celebrates Open House on August 30

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:03:00 +0000

Austin's 122-year-old Driskill Hotel is is celebrating the completion of a $4 million renovation of its 189 guest rooms with A Taste of The Driskill from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 30. The event will include:

live music
samplings from the Driskill Grill and 1886 Café & Bakery menus
wine tasting
children’s activities
ghost tours of the hotel
exhibits of “Driskill Love Stories” and of original artwork of the iconic hotel
a Texas Tailgate party at the Driskill Bar to celebrate opening game day for the UT Longhorns
the Driskill Pie Bake-off as local food journalists and chefs select a winning recipe to feature on the 1886 Café & Bakery’s menu as the restaurant’s signature pie for the next year
proclamation of “Driskill Day in Austin” at 10am
a birthday cake honoring the 100th birthday of President Lyndon Johnson, one of many celebrity guests that graced the hotel's roster through the years. LBJ and Lady Bird had their first date at The Driskill. Over the years, he awaited the returns from all his campaigns, including historic wins on the ticket with John Kennedy and then as the presidential nominee himself, at the hotel.

Buying Football and Other Texas Sports Tickets?

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:04:00 +0000

If we all don't melt first, it will soon be football season and, as you know, that's a big subject in Texas.

We've just launched a new page on TexasTripper with links to purchase sports tickets to NFL and college games (as well as baseball, basketball, hockey, NASCAR, and even concert tickets).

Please help support TexasTripper--and find tickets for events you might think are already sold out--by checking our Texas Sports Tickets page.

81008: Taylor BBQ Cookoff Set for Next Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:07:00 +0000

It's almost time again for the Annual Taylor International Barbeque cookoff, now in its 31st year. This year's event is scheduled for August 15 and 16, 2008 at Murphy Park in Taylor. Along with the cookoff, look for an arts and crafts show and carnival.

Gates open Saturday with judging of the meats and showmanship at noon with results announced around at 5:00 p.m.

Check out our online photo gallery for shots from last year's event as well as a video with photos from the very popular cookoff.

8808: View Perseid Meteor Shower at the George Observatory

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:03:00 +0000

If you'll be in the Houston area next week, here's a unique chance to view the annual Perseid meteor shower. The George Observatory, a satellite facility of the Houston Museum of Natural Science that's located at Brazos Bend State Park, will be hosting an all-night meteor viewing party on its observatory deck. Held from 9 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 through dawn on Tuesday, Aug 12, the meteors will start to come into view about 10pm on Monday but later in the night, they'll appear more frequently.

Admission: Brazos Bend State Park will allow entrance on the evening of Aug. 11 and the morning of Aug. 12 for the meteor shower. There is a $5 per person charge to enter the park; admission is free for children under the age of 12. Don't forget to bring a lawn chair, mosquito repellant, snacks and a blanket.

Viewing through volunteer telescopes on the observatory’s observation deck is free. You can also purchase a ticket to view the night sky through the 36-inch Gueymard Telescope (photo, left) – one of the largest in the country available for public viewing; tickets will be available from 9 p.m. through midnight for $5 per person.

Location: To reach the park, take U.S. 59 South pas Sugar Land, to the Crabb River Road exit. Turn left and follow the brown signs to the park.

For more information:
• call 281-242-3055
• visit the George Observatory website

Photos courtesy Houston Museum of Natural Science

80508: Hacky-Sack Promotion at Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Dallas

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:30:00 +0000

We see a lot of hotel promotions but this just might be the most unique. Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Dallas is offering 50 percent off their best available room rate to anyone who can Hacky Sack for one minute. It's time to relive those junior high days and brush up on those “around the world kicks."

According to Tracie Houston, Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Hotel Palomar Dallas, “The entire hotel is eager to witness the Hacky Sack skills of our guests. The world record holder for consecutive kicks is eight hours, fifty minutes and forty two seconds, and who knows, maybe we’ll reach a new world record in Dallas.”

How It Works: Upon arrival, you will be allowed one practice round. Anyone who achieves this formidable “feat” will score half-off every night of their stay!

Dates: The Hacky Sack rate will be available through December 31, 2008, and reservations must be secured by September 30, 2008. There is a seven-night maximum stay and black-out dates do apply. The rate is not applicable for existing reservations and cannot be combined with a group or other offers.

About the Hotel: Hotel Palomar Dallas is located in the heart of Dallas’ thriving Park Cities neighborhood, at 5300 East Mockingbird Lane. A member of the San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Palomar Dallas originally opening in 1967 as a Hilton Inn and was completely transformed by award-winning designer Cheryl Rowley, reopening as the Hotel Palomar Dallas in 2006. This eco and pet-friendly hotel has been named to the coveted 2007 Conde Nast Traveler’s ‘Hot List.’ The hotel has also been awarded the Four Diamond rating by AAA Travel and has been named the Best Boutique Hotel in Dallas by CitySearch.

For more information:
• call (214) 520-7969
• visit www.hotelpalomar-dallas.com

Photo courtesy Hotel Palomar Dallas

Balcones Canyonlands Refuge Part of Three-Nation Focus on Monarchs

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:47:00 +0000

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.

Emergency Management Team Activated

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:49:00 +0000

In advance of Tropical Storm Edouard, we've received word that the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management State Operations Center has activated the Texas Forest Service Lone Star State Incident Management Team (LSSIMT). The team was mobilized Monday to the Texas Forest Service headquarters in College Station; they have the responsibility of support and possible evacuation of the University of Texas Medical Branch on Galveston Island, plus the distribution of basic commodities such as food, water and ice throughout the impacted area. The addition of the LSSIMT brings the total number of state IMT’s to five for Tropical Storm Edouard response. Four TFS-led Regional All-Hazard Incident Management teams have mobilized and will work in a coordinated effort with the LSSIMT.

“The highly trained individuals on these teams are also very dedicated,” said Paul Hannemann, LSSIMT incident commander. “Many team members have just returned from Hurricane Dolly response and others are committed to firefighting teams throughout the state, but their expertise, experience and dedication to serving the citizens of Texas will have them grabbing their gear and showing up here tonight.”

For the latest storm track:
• visit http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/tracking/at200805.html

Texas Prepares for Edouard

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:48:00 +0000

Tropical Storm Edouard is churning up the Gulf with its sights probably on the upper Texas coast tomorrow. With memories of Hurricane Dolly still fresh in the minds of Texans, we're all hoping that Edouard will bring some rain and cooler temperatures but no damage in its path.

If you're flying through Houston, be sure to check with your airline for an update. Continental Airlines has issued word that passengers ticketed for travel through August 6 to or from certain airports in the region will be allowed a one-time date or time change to their flights without penalty for rescheduled travel originating by August 13.

South Padre Open for Business

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:26:00 +0000

The lights are back on across South Padre Island after Hurricane Dolly. Many businesses are open across the island although not all accommodations so be sure to call before heading down to the island. Today's Austin American-Statesman has an excellent article by Helen Anders about what's open on South Padre Island. If you've made a visit to the island since Hurricane Dolly or you're a resident, be sure to drop us a line and share your experience about what visitors can expect!

You'll also find more details at:

• http://www.spiemergency.com/
• http://www.townspi.com/
• http://www.spichamber.com/

South Padre's Ladies Kingfish Tournament to be Held As Planned Aug. 8-10

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:17:00 +0000

In spite of damage the island sustained from Hurricane Dolly, the Ladies Kingfish Tournament (LKT) will be held as scheduled Aug. 8-10. Registration and the awards ceremony have been moved to Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark but otherwise it's business as usual for the event which will includes bay and offshore categories. For more details on next weekend's tournament, see the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce website.

Update on South Padre Island

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:45:00 +0000

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

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

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

South Padre Closed to Visitors At This Time

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 02:39:00 +0000

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

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

Post-Dolly Update on Valley State Parks

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:55:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renewable Energy Festival Set for Fredericksburg

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:20:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

South Padre Island Receives Hit from Dolly

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:41:00 +0000

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

Austin's The Driskill Announces Pie Bake-off Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:34:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dolly Eyes Brownsville

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:43:00 +0000

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

Dallas's Hotel Lumen Offers Tax Free Summer Rate

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:29:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy Hotel Lumen

Hello Dolly? Texas Prepares for Hurricane

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:22:00 +0000

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

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

Book Signings Planned for Amazing Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:35:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four Seasons Hotel Austin Offers Daycation

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:27:00 +0000

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

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

The daycation package is offered on weekdays only.

For More Information:

• visit the Four Seasons Hotel Austin

Glen Rose's Dinosaur World Adds New Exhibits

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:36:00 +0000

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

Location:

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

For More Information:
• visit www.dinoworld.net

TexasTripper Launches Cookbook Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:28:00 +0000

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

Check out our contest page for all the details!

Austin Giving Away Eight Uniquely Austin Packages

noreply@blogger.com (Paris & John) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:17:00 +0000

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

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

Here's a sampling of the contest packages:

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

For more information:
• visit www.AustinTexas.org

Photo of Driskill Lobby courtesy Driskill Hotel

Bret Michaels to Headline Gonzalez Thunder Rally

noreply@blogger.com (Grace Sydney) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:03:00 +0000

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

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

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

For more information:
• visit www.GonzalezThunderRally.com