|
Castroville, Texas: Where the Old Meets
the New
Imagine a place where the 19th century
joins modern times, treating visitors to modern conveniences and
comforts in an Old World atmosphere. Add to this a gazpacho of cultures,
a blend of French, German, English and Spanish with a heavy dose
of Alsatian heritage.
What you have is Castroville, located
only 20 miles west of San Antonio. This town, nicknamed "The
Little Alsace of Texas," may be nearby the Alamo City but in
terms of mood and atmosphere it is in another world. The community
was founded by Frenchman Henri Castro, who contracted with the Republic
of Texas to bring settlers from Europe. These pioneers came from
the French province of Alsace in 1844, bringing with them the Alsatian
language, a Germanic dialect. Today only the oldest residents of
Castroville carry on the mother tongue.
Traditional Alsatian houses sport
European-style, nonsymmetrical, steeply sloping roofs. To have a
look at this distinctive architecture, take a self-guided tour of
Old Castroville. Pick up a free map from the Castroville Chamber
of Commerce (802 London Street). This town boasts 97 historic homes
and buildings, including Henri Castro's homestead, a 1910 meat market,
an 1854 gristmill, and homes dating back to the earliest pioneers.
The entire section known as Old Castroville is now a National Historic
District.
But perhaps the best way to absorb the
atmosphere of Castroville is with a stay in one of its bed-and-breakfast
inns. The most famous is the Landmark Inn, operated by the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This inn was first a home and
general store before becoming the Vance Hotel. Robert E. Lee and
Bigfoot Wallace, the famous Texas Ranger, were said to have stayed
at the hotel that was renamed the Landmark Inn during World War
II.
Today's guests select from ten historic
rooms decorated with antique furnishings. The absence of telephones
and televisions helps transport visitors back to the previous century,
when visitors to the hotel enjoyed a welcome rest from the stagecoaches
traveling the Old San Antonio El Paso Road. All rooms including
air-conditioning and heating; four rooms including a private bath.
Guests enjoy a continental breakfast served in the 1849 kitchen.
The Landmark inn is just one
of many bed-and-breakfasts in Castroville. You'll also find historic
accommodations at the charming Henri Castro Guesthouse Bed and Breakfast,
located on the grounds of the Henri Castro Homestead. Visitors can
also call Castroville's First Bed and Breakfast Registry (800-329-9622)
for information on accommodations.
With Castroville's rich history, it's
not surprising that the community is a magnet for antiques dealers.
Antiques shops dot the downtown area. Park and walk the historic
streets with names like Paris, London, Madrid, and Petersburg where
you'll find shops offering furniture, glassware, china, pottery,
and collectibles of all kinds.
If all that walking works up your appetite,
then head to a local restaurant. One of the most popular is The
Alsatian (403 Angelo Street), open daily for lunch and Thursday
through Sunday for dinner. Housed in a historic 19th century cottage
typical of the provincial homes of Castroville, this restaurant
specializes in Alsatian and German food, including spicy Alsatian
sausage, Jagerschnitzel, and German Style Pork Chops. For something
lighter, try Haby's Alsatian Bakery (207 US 290 E.) Try to choose
from apple strudel, molasses cookies, and fresh baked breads.
Castroville hosts many special events
through the year. Every September, antiques dealers from around
the country come to town for an antique show. Shoppers should also
mark on their calendars the second Saturday from March through December,
when Castroville hosts the Market Trail Days, a shopping extravaganza
with everything from arts and crafts to antiques to food.
Whether you come to shop, tour, or dine,
the local residents have one bit of Alsatian advice: "Kum Sah
Castroville" or "Come See Castroville!"
For more information:
|
Corpus Christi
