Texas Living History Week

 As part of the upcoming National Travel and Tourism Week, Texas Historical ommCission (THC) is hosting Texas Living History Week to encourage people to travel back in time at any of the 36 state historic sites operated by the agency. 

At these historic sites across the state, travelers can step back into history. During Texas Living History Week, May 7-13, tours and hands-on activities will demonstrate how earlyTexans spent their daily lives. 

From ornate Victorian mansions to everyday inns, frontier forts to 20th-century leaders’ homes, there’s a state historic site to fit every interest. See the full range of programs on the THC’s Texas Time Travel website: texastimetravel.com/livinghistoryweek. Anyone planning a day trip is encouraged to call in advance.  

Kreische house

On May 6, plan a visit to Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Site for “In the Kreische Kitchen,” a tasty event dedicated to cooking traditional German Texas recipes of the 19th century directly from the site’s historic wood-burning stove. Guided house tours will also be available. 

On May 6-7, Barrington Plantation State Historic Site, located at Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, will host an event focusing on a woman’s daily duties in the 1800s. Follow our educators and lend a hand watering, planting, or weeding to help prepare the gardens for summer.  

National Museum of the Pacific War
Fredricksburg, Texas

The National Museum of the Pacific War is hosting a free living-history event on May 6 called “Outpost: Tales from the Home Front.” This short program will allow visitors to get up close and personal with details about life during the Pacific War and have the opportunity to interact with (and possibly handle) a few artifacts.  

Goodnight house

Visit Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site during the entire week where interpreters will provide an in-depth look at the Goodnights’ true personalities and particularities. Take a dive into larger-than-life insights of these legendary figures in Texas history.  

Fulton House

If you’re along the Gulf Coast, you can’t miss the opportunity to explore "Oakhurst,” the Fulton home at Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, May 9-13. The home was considered incredibly advanced during the 1880s due to its innovative features like central heating, gas lighting, and indoor plumbing.  

Fort McKavett

Fort McKavett State Historic Site is hosting living history days from May 11 to 13. Visitors can explore the remains of a 150-year-old West Texas fort, which is now considered one of the best preserved and most intact examples of a Texas military post of the era.  

Visit Starr Family Home State Historic Site on May 13 to experience historic food being prepared in a period kitchen. Starr Family Home staff will prepare homemade strawberry ice cream using a recipe from the 1887 White House cookbook. 

THC preserves and operates 36 state historic sites including American Indian sites, frontier forts and the homes of leaders and statesmen who lived in them. Many state historic sites and other heritage travel destinations are near historic downtown districts, where visitors can dine or shop at local businesses that make their communities unique.  

Information courtesy of Justin Minsker justin.minsker@thc.texas.gov

Photos from free sites

 

 

44 nights of holiday magic in Marble Falls, Texas

Community partners in Marble Falls have announced the lineup for 44 nights of events, which will take place from November 18 to December 31, 2022 in celebration of the Christmas season.

Perched on the banks of the Colorado River, Marble Falls, Texas is a gateway to the Highland Lakes region of the Texas Hill Country. Marble Falls is a premier Hill Country destination, offering gorgeous scenery, appealing attractions and surprising amenities to keep travelers returning again and again, while also remaining uniquely situated as a hub to the surrounding region’s natural beauty and connection to neighboring towns.

The City of Marble Falls, along with Visit Marble Falls, will kick off Christmas celebrations with the annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting on November 11 at 6 p.m. The Walkway of Lights, celebrating its 32nd year, will feature more than two million lights. Along with the family favorite Winter Ice Skating Rink, these attractions will be open to the public from Nov. 18 through Dec. 31st from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. This year, the annual Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, December 2 at 6 p.m. Additional holiday activities this year include Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Market on Main, Downtown Sip N’ Shops, Music on Main, and more. 

“We are so excited for the upcoming season full of holiday magic,” said Mike Hodge, City Manager of Marble Falls. “This annual celebration represents the ongoing joint effort between the City’s community, Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers who continue to make Marble Falls a wonderful place to enjoy the holiday season.”

Presented by the Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Walkway of Lights will be open nightly from Nov. 18 to Dec. 31. The walkway gates open at 6 p.m. and while there is no cost to attend, visitors are encouraged to give monetary donations to help support the event and local nonprofits. The paved path is dog-friendly and ADA compliant as well as offering ease to those with strollers. On Dec. 3 and Dec. 21, the Walkway of Lights and Winter Ice Skating Rink will open at 5 p.m. for accessibility hour, which is reserved for members of the disabled community and their families. 

Complimentary street parking will be available in downtown Marble Falls, and a trolley will run from Main & 5^th Street to the Walkway of Lights. The Winter Ice Skating Rink will be located at Harmony Park in downtown Marble Falls, a new location this year. Ice skating is $10 in advance and $12 for an hour on the rink, with skate rentals included in the price of admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance at VisitMarbleFalls.org/Christmas. Private parties are also available.

With so many activities on the schedule, visitors should consider a weekend trip this holiday season. After the official lighting of the downtown Christmas tree on Nov. 11^th has taken place., stick around for a post-sunset screening of The Grinch on the lawn at Harmony Park. Music on Main with The Jesse Stratton Band will entertain guests in Old Oak Square from 6-9 p.m. on November 17.

Christmas Market on Main, a yearly favorite tradition, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3rd from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Shop more than 50 local vendors to grab the perfect holiday gifts and stroll downtown where boutiques, breweries, and sugary treats are all within walking distance.

To extend the holiday fun, reserve a room at the McKenzie Guest House or the La Quinta Inn & Suites for an overnight stay.  Learn more about Christmas in Marble Falls at VisitMarbleFalls.org/Christmas. Full event listings of all 44 nights of Christmas events with details and dates can be found here.

Information courtesy of Lauren Fritz, publicist of LookThinkMake publicity. www.lookthinkmake.com

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Reasons to love Lake Travis

Summer is approaching rapidly. Central Texas is likely to hit a scorching 100 degrees in mid-May. So what is the best antidote to the heat? The cooling waters of Lake Travis!

Located on the western edge of Austin, Lake Travis is a reservoir formed in 1942 when the Lower Colorado River Authority constructed Mansfield Dam to contain floodwaters in a flash-flood prone region. Although the average depth is 62 feet, the deepest part of the lake extends to 210 feet. Today, the lake is popular for various recreational opportunities. And there’s a special magic in watching the sun set over glistening water.

Boating is the first activity that comes to mind, primarily because it doesn’t require any special athletic skills. Of course, knowledge of safe boating practices and lake terrain are imperative. That said, everyone can enjoy a ride on the winding 64-mile long lake. If you add in the myriad coves, the coastline stretches to 271 miles of peaceful spaces to explore or just drop anchor and enjoy a relaxing swim.

If you have a boat, there are about two dozen ramps where you can put in. If you don’t have a boat, check at any of more than 20 marinas and businesses for rentals. While you’re at it, rent a large tube and take the youngsters for a ride behind the boat. It’s a little bouncy, but they love the challenge of hanging on when the boat driver spins a few figure eights in the water.

Water sports. Once you have a boat to access Lake Travis, there are numerous water sports to try. Start with water skiing, which is probably the basis for newer sports like wakeboarding, knee boarding, or wake surfing. Water skiing is fairly easy to learn, especially with two skis. It’s such a thrill when you learn to cross the wake of the boat, then jump the wake, or just hang on for a multi-mile ride. If you become proficient you can advance to slalom skiing (one ski). 

Lake Travis is well suited for great wakeboarding since the water is generally smooth and traffic light, especially early in the morning or towards evening. There are plenty of open stretches for learning and practicing tricks, if you’re so inclined. If balance is an issue, consider knee boarding, since there’s a lower center of gravity and a tow rope to hang on to--great sport for kids who are still testing their water bravery.

Once these sports are mastered, it’s time to catch a wave. With the right boat and board, you can actually surf a wave on this inland lake, no rope needed. Yes, it takes good balance, but it’s a premier sport for those with access to the right equipment and no fear.

Fly boarding is gaining popularity with young people. Wearing a pair of boots attached to a board, the fly boarder is propelled into the air via power from thousands of gallons of water exploding through a tube. It’s like being on stilts above the water. Expert fly boarders get propelled high in the air to do amazing flips and tricks. It does take practice, but after a few lessons you may decide fly boarding is an incredible experience.

Scuba diving. Because Lake Travis is very deep, there are many hidden treasures below the surface. Grottoes, shipwrecks, old cars, even underwater trees attract scuba divers to the lake’s depths. Submerged areas such as Oasis Wall, Fiesta Haus Wall, Wreck Alley, and Starnes Island intrigue scuba divers, but you can also dive from shore at Mansfield Dam Park and Windy Point Park.

Although the lake is buttressed by tall limestone walls, if the water level is low, you might find a few spots of sandy beach at Pace Bend Park. The important thing to remember when in the water is that land can drop off suddenly, so you should wear a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer (required at all times for children under age 14). 

Always practice caution and common sense and you'll have hours of fun on beautiful Lake Travis.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

Lights Spectacular spreads holiday cheer in Texas

You don’t have to go into space to see the best holiday light display in central Texas. But if you happened to be circling the earth that way, NASA reports that the Lights Spectacular show in Johnson City, Texas, would still catch your attention.

More than two million lights glimmer during the 32^nd year of this stunning Christmas display. Families are taking advantage of this winter’s mild evenings to bring excited children to the Lights Spectacular display, which is centered around the Blanco County Courthouse.

Additionally, the Pedernales Electric Co-op’s Headquarters boasts a lighted forest. Every inch of bark and limbs is covered with white and blue lights, with larger bulbs gleaming through the branches. Businesses around the historic downtown square are also shining brightly.

Johnson City (named for the family of former president Lyndon B. Johnson) is located in central Texas, 48 miles west of Austin and 60 miles north of San Antonio.  Lights Spectacular is an extraordinary exhibit worth the hour’s drive from Austin. Have dinner at a local eatery, and then enjoy this extraordinary free display of lighted figures and buildings.

Lights shine each night through January 2, 2022. Most of the special events associated with Lights Spectacular have already occurred this season, but carriage rides and hayrides are still available, and live music is scheduled for certain dates. Check the Chamber of Commerce calendar for exact times. Additionally, some local businesses have extended hours for holiday shopping or browsing through galleries.

People from all across the United States have visited the “Twinkliest Town in the Hill Country” in its transformation from small town into a Christmas wonderland. Bed and breakfast cottages and down-home cooking at local restaurants entice visitors to stay overnight.  Several art galleries, nearby wineries, antique shopping, and Pedernales State Park are local attractions for those who can stay longer. 

Together with holiday lighting on local homes, parks and street corners, Johnson City’s Christmas presentation makes a glowing gift to the community, a testament to the history and culture that lives in many rural American towns.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I love Big Bend National Park

The dessert landscape has many surprises.

As you approach Big Bend National Park in far west Texas, your first view might be of the desert. It is brown and dry with prickly plants everywhere. Heat and seasonal winds can bring scorching temperatures at midday. Or visit in winter when northern storms cause temperatures to plummet below freezing.

Big Bend is a unique park.

Even cacti have lovely 
blooms after rain.

If that’s your introduction to Big Bend National Park, you might stop short of actually going in the park. After all, the entrance is 80 miles from the nearest town, so you might think getting there from Marathon means you’ll likely be stuck all day in this unfriendly environment. If first impressions like this are lasting, people either lover Big Bend or hate it.

But, if you don’t venture further into the park you won’t discover the wonders of the three ecologies that define Big Bend.

There's wildlife, too!

Beyond the Chihuahuan Desert (one of North America’s four major deserts) are the Chisos Mountains. A green island in this desert sea, the mountains are responsible in part for the desert since they block rain from reaching the prairie. 

But within this green oasis are a variety of plants and animals that you might not expect to see there. White-tailed deer, bears, and coyotes range here, and leathery succulent plants of the arid landscape give way to green leafy shrubs and trees and spring wildflowers. 

Rainfall in the Chisos Basin nourishes oak and juniper trees, even becoming home to bird species that only nest in these mountains.

And then there’s the Rio Grande River, whose distinctive curve gives the park its name. The life-giving waters of this green ribbon cut across the desert and carve deep canyons.  For 118 miles the Rio Grande forms the boundary between the United States and Mexico. In fact, one of the park’s best-known features, Santa Elena Canyon, is shared by the two countries—its rugged south wall towers above Mexico while the smoother north wall lies on U. S. soil.

Sunset at The Window. 

Elevation contrasts and multiple ecologies formed by a trio of river, desert, and mountains create microclimates that enhance the diversity of plant and animal life within the park’s boundaries. Birding is a popular endeavor because many species of birds include Big Ben on their migratory routes between South, Central, and North America.

Early morning, the moon shines while the sun glows
on the mountains. 

Big Bend must be explored to be appreciated. You can find interpretive displays and easy walks to scenic or historic points on paved roads. In addition to being a spectator, hike trails (easy or challenging), raft amazing canyons, go off road on a jeep tour, ride bikes on back country roads. or inhale spectacular vistas from horseback.

Go for a hike.

Not to be overlooked is the peace and serenity that this remote area offers. Many visitors return year after year when to revel in solitude in their own happy place.

I’ve visited Big Bend National Park several times and have fallen in love with its distinctive character. Every time I go there, I discover more dimensions of its natural beauty. If you visit the park, give yourself enough time to indulge and savor all it has to offer—river, mountains, and desert. You, too, will come to love this iconic place.

Enjoy the multitude of colors.

 Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Best places for a family reunion

YMCA of the Rockies is an excellent place to set up a
 family reunion. Plenty of activities in neighboring Estes Park.

Time to get the clan together? It’s not always easy to find a place that’s suitable for a variety of ages and interests. If you’re planning a reunion that encompasses several generations, one of these locations might be just what you’re looking for.

Branson truly has something for 
everyone.

Branson, Missouri                                        

Known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” Branson can provide world-class entertainment (it’s not all music) for the whole family. With 52 live performance theaters, the hardest part will be choosing which shows to attend. 

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, this all-American vacation destination also has three pristine lakes for fishing and relaxing, 12 championship golf courses, an award-winning theme park (Silver Dollar City), and dozens of attractions and museums including the acclaimed Titanic Museum. 

Nightly light shows of the river are pure delight.

There’s a full range of shopping on The Branson Landing in the heart of downtown on Lake Taneycomo, with waterfront dining and whimsical light shows at night.

New Braunfels, Texas                                  

The wave pool is fun for all ages--with plenty of funky rides for the brave.

Home of Schlitterbahn, the largest and most creative water park in the world, New Braunfels is the perfect destination for families that crave excitement. From toddler wade pools to simple water slides inside a castle-like tower to some of the fastest, scariest, and funest (yes, that’s a word) rides, there’s something exciting for every member of the family.

Try the ropes challenge, a zipline, and cave visit when visiting New Braunfels.

When not blasting down a variety of water rides, you can visit Natural Bridge Caverns, a family-friendly experience with incredible views of underground formations plus a ropes course, zipline, and mining adventure keep kids busy for hours. Enjoy delicious German food and dance to polka bands scattered throughout New Braunfels.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee                                 

A visit to the aquarium is fun for all.

Weddings are wonderful occasions for families to get together, why not plan an extended vacation at Gatlinburg, Wedding Capital of the South? Scenic mountains, whitewater rafting, ziplining, golf, and fishing—not to mention proximity to Great Smokey Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the country—make Gatlinburg as excellent destination for special events. Its small town charm belies amenities like a world-class aquarium and a Space Needle observation tower.

Gatlinburg is a gateway to Great Smokey Mountain National Park.
 

Other destinations that multiple generations would enjoy include Gulf Shores, Alabama and Rosemary Beach, Florida—ideal places to dig your toes into soft sand. Both are located on the protected waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If your group prefers mountains, head west to Rocky Mountain National Park. YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado specializes in accommodating large family groups.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas caves worth a visit

Whether you’re feeling the cold of winter or the heat of summer, caves provide steady, comfortable temperatures year round. More than 3,000 caves are scattered throughout Texas including many “wild” or undeveloped caves.

But Texas has a variety of “show” caves, too. Here are four popular Central Texas caves that I encourage you to visit. Since COVID is still a factor, be sure to check availability of tours and any special requirements before heading out—or save this information to use in a couple of months post-pandemic.

Natural Bridge Caverns near New Braunfels, Texas

Natural Bridge Caverns 

Billed as Texas’s Largest Underground Adventure, Natural Bridge Caverns has been attracting visitors since it opened to the public in the 1960s.  During the  90-minute Discovery Tour visitors travel to a depth of 180 feet and walk along winding paths at a pleasant 72 degrees. See ancient formations that are still growing including stone monuments, colorful rocks, and glistening crystals. Since 2008 guides have led tours to a second cavern discovered at the site which features special lighting to showcase rare and delicate formations.

Ropes Challenge is fun for kids 
and adults.

For a day-long family excursion, check out the gardens, Canopy Ropes Challenge, four zip lines, and mining activities.  Located 30 minutes north of San Antonio near New Braunfels, Natural Bridge Caverns is open year round. www.naturalbridgecaverns.com

Inner Space Cavern  

Longhorn Cavern is near
Burnet and Inks Lake State Park.

Hidden for more than 10,000 years, Inner Space Cavern was discovered in 1963 during construction of the state’s first major highway. A drill suddenly broke through solid limestone and revealed an enormous cavern system directly below the intended path.  Located 20 miles north of Austin off I-35, it is one of the best preserved caves in Texas.

Today visitors walk 69 feet below ground to view a variety of dramatic geological formations in large, eerie caverns.  The Adventure Tour departs every 20 to 30 minutes, no reservation required. On the Hidden Passages Tour follow a guide to an undeveloped trail in a newly opened section —flashlight provided—or become a true spelunker on the Wild Cave Tour through undeveloped sections. Although humidity hovers around 98 percent, the constant 72 degree temperature makes the cave pleasant even on scorching days. https://innerspacecavern.com

Longhorn Cavern  

Unlike other Texas caves, Longhorn was created by rivers surging through cracks and holes millions of years ago. Left behind are unusual rock formations, domed ceilings, sinkholes, sparkling crystals, and petroglyphs carved in rock.

Spectacular formations are hidden in 
these caves.

Fossils dating to the Ice Age have been discovered in this prehistoric place of shelter, and evidence suggests Comanche Indians inhabited the cave at least 400 years ago. The Confederate army used bat guano to secretly manufacture gunpowder during the Civil War, while popular legends claim outlaws used the cave for a hideout.

The walking tour covers 1.25 miles round trip and takes about 90 minutes. On the Wild Cave Tour you’ll crawl through tight spaces using a headlamp. Learn about unexplained happenings on the Paranormal Tour, or book up to three hours of photography time in the cave. Located in Longhorn Cavern State Park near Burnet, cave temperature holds at a cool 68 degrees. www.longhorncavern.com

Cave Without a Name

Located in the Texas Hill Country, 12 miles from Boerne, this beautiful cavern is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave drapery, and gorgeous flowstones. Tour six major rooms in 66-degree comfort. Easy walkways and brilliant lighting add to the unforgettable adventure in this living cavern.  Tours depart throughout the day and last about an hour, entering on a stairwell that spirals down the original sinkhole opening and ending beside a clear subterranean brook. www.cavewithoutaname.com

Cave Without a Name has great acoustics for live music performances.

Other notable Texas caves

Cascade Caverns, 14 miles northwest of San Antonio, the first show cave of Texas to be discovered. www.cascasecaverns.com

Caverns of Sonora on I-10, halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend National Park, considered one of the world’s most beautiful caves. www.cavernsofsonora.com

Wonder World Cave, near San Marcos, the nation’s only true earthquake-formed cave. www.wonderworldpark.com

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier and free sources.