Explorers of the great state of Texas have generally discovered a cornucopia of adventures. From the breezy Gulf Coast to arid West Texas, few countries can boast as large a variety of fun things to do as Texas. When the editors asked me for a list of four or five of my favorite summer fun destinations in Central Texas, I gave them a list of 12 ideas. When I turned in my final list, it had doubled. If I hadn't run out of time and space, I could have doubled it again and still not covered everything -- that list is as big as the state itself. Use this list as a launching pad for your summer adventures exploring the cities and backroads; and don't forget to send us a post card! * Scenic Drives Willow City Loop Willow City. Willow City is 116 years old and has seen better days. But even at its peak, Willow City never lived up to expectations. The two-story, rock schoolhouse is now the civic center, the church has been turned into a private home, and the general store is Harry's on the Loop. This is Harry's home and barbecue stand. Sample what's fresh off the smoker under the shade trees in the backyard or sip a cold drink while listening to the jukebox in the small dining room. The Loop itself, however, lives up to all kudos. At any point during the wending, winding, one-lane road, it's easy to imagine a leprechaun leaping out from behind one of the many magical rock formations.
Devil's Backbone FM32 between Blanco and San Marcos west of Fischer. This aptly named section of road follows a winding ridge overlooking the Blanco River valley toward Wimberley. Stop at the rest area or at the Devil's Backbone Bar-B-Q to watch the mist rise from the valley as the sun sets. Or head into Blanco and have lemon meringue pie at the Blanco Bowling Club Cafe 210/833-4416. You are also close to three parks on the north shore of Canyon Lake.
FM337 between Leakey and Medina. Twisting through one of the most rugged and beautiful sections of the Hill Country -- from scenic views from the hilltops to shaded country roads in the valleys -- this is more than a Sunday drive. Shop the apple stores in Medina. Visit Lost Maples State Park, 210/966-3413. Eat lunch at the cafe in Leakey, then cool off in the Frio River at Garner State Park 210/232-6132. You could spend weeks to see it all, but you've got to start somewhere!
*Activities/
Attractions
Peaches Fredericksburg. From May to early August, the roadside stands
around Fredericksburg have the best vegetables in the state, not to mention
their world-famous peaches. US290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is
lined with pick-your-own orchards, weekend stands, and retail outlets for
farmers selling their fresh goods. The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce is
happy to offer a map of orchards and roadside stands. 210/997-6523.
Texas Zoo off of US87 in Riverside Park,Victoria. Here's the only zoo in the world dedicated to animals indigenous to Texas. It is amazing to see some of the unique endangered species of our state like the jaguarundi, coati, and bald eagle. The zoo is open daily 10am-5pm. 512/573-7681.
Eckert James Bat Cave Mason. This Nature Conservancy property boasts six million bats, which make their nightly emergence from what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Open Friday and Saturday evenings only. 915/347-5970.
Check out other NC preserves like Dolan Fall Ranch 915/292-4351; or Barton Creek Habitat 263-4138.
For statewide listings, check their Website: http://www.tnc.org
*Baseball Houston Astros Houston. The owner says that he is moving the Astros out of Texas unless the fans support the team this year, so go support the home-state team. AstroWorld and Wet&Wild are next door. For a schedule and daily news, check these Websites: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/mlb/teams/astros.html or http://152.52.2.152/sportserver/baseball/mlb/hou.html
Texas Rangers Arlington. The Rangers are in first place in their league in May, but wait until the All-Star Break before buying your World Series tickets. The new stadium is worth the visit, and the Rangers are exciting to watch this year. They also have the Baseball Museum and Learning Center at the stadium. 817/273-5099. Check these Websites: http://www.sportsnetwork.com/mlb/teams/rangers.htm. or http://152.52.2.152/sportserver/baseball/mlb/tex.html
Missions San Antonio. The Dodgers' AA farm team continues to set league attendance records. Nelson Wolff Stadium, which opened for the 1994 season, is very fan-friendly, with a picnic area along the outfield fence and a grandstand with great views of the field. 210/434-9311.
*Parks Landa Park west of I-35 off Seguin Ave., New Braunfels. Tubing in the Comal River (the world's shortest river) is a cold blast out of the summer heat. But for the less daring, there is also a tube chute, tube rental, spring-fed pool, 9-hole golf, picnic areas, playgrounds, and special events at Wursthalle.The park is actually three parks in one, also including Landa Hinman Island and Prince Solms.
San Marcos River southwest of city limits, following TX80. The San Marcos slices through a jungle of tropical landscapes and historic landmarks. Shady Grove Campground across the river from Martindale sponsors the Texas Water Safari and boasts the most expert canoeists on the river, 512/357-6113.
For a camping trip in a pecan grove on the river try, Leisure Camp & RV Park in Fentress 800/248-4103.
*Swimming Holes Blue Hole north of downtown off US81/Austin Ave., Georgetown. This gem has suffered at the paws of careless and rude visitors. This is a very primitive park. A small dam keeps a steady pool of water from the San Gabriel River contained. The cliff that once served as a diving board for the thick of head has been roped off.
Swimming Holes in Wimberley make the little village between Cypress Creek and
the Blanco River an ideal summertime destination. Wimberley has evolved into an
artists' colony with lots of charming shopping and eating hideaways. Blue Hole,
north of town off FM3237, has been a popular swimming hole since 1941 when it
served soldiers on R&R from San Antonio. The private park also has a
campground and is on the road past the church and cemetery.
512/847-9127.
Old FM12 Bridge east of downtown. This is the
favorite swimming spot for locals who do not have riverfront property. Park the
car on the east side of the river and walk down to the river on the old road;
beware of private property owners.
Hamilton Pool 13 miles south of Hwy71 W., on Hamilton Pool Rd./FM3238. The pool and fern-lined grotto were formed when a dome over an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago, making a 50-foot waterfall. This is a pristine nature area operated by Travis County. They do not allow pets and close the park when the 100 parking spots are taken. Drinking water and concessions are not available in the park. Two hiking trails wind through the park and swimming is allowed in the pool when water quality meets safety standards. The park is open 9am-6pm. 264-2740.
San Marcos River San Marcos. Here's the head of the natural springs that once bubbled to the surface at Aquarena Springs Resort. The water pressure doesn't make a fountain any more, and Ralph the swimming pig has been retired, but the glass-bottom boats still ply Spring Lake and the river is one of the most beautiful urban spots in Central Texas. The best place to start a floating trip is at the Lions Club tube rental; use their shuttle service or have a car waiting for you under the I-35 bridge. To get to the Lions Club parking lot from I-35 take Aquarena Springs Dr., make a left on Bugg Ln., and a right on the road just before you cross the railroad tracks. Access from the C.M. Allen Pkwy. side of the river is possible, but parking is more difficult.
Five Mile Dam on the Blanco River Yarington exit of I-35 just south of Kyle. This is a beautiful but rustic Hays County Park between San Marcos and Austin, a short distance from I-35. Follow the access road to the "Y" in the road and take the right (FM2779). The Blanco River is deep with muddy banks above the dam and ideal for wading below.
River Road/Guadalupe River New Braunfels. This is one of the most popular recreation areas in the State of Texas. Millions of visitors float down the Guadalupe River between Sattler and New Braunfels every year. Over two dozen outfitters along the river, many with campgrounds, wait to sell you anything you might need. To get to River Road, exit I-35 at Loop 337 (TX46), go west and make a right at the first stop light after you cross the river. Be reminded that no styrofoam or glass is permitted on the river and that officers patrol the waters for trespassers and drunks. Ideal canoeing is 200-400cfs release from Canyon Dam. Call 210/964-3342 for more information. *Accommodations Prince Solms Inn 295 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. This historic stagecoach inn, built in 1898, has been remodeled with modern conveniences. Variety of priced rooms, wonderful garden courtyard, first-class restaurant in the basement, and a block from Prince Solms Park and the Comal River. 800/625-9169.
Crystal River Inn 326 W. Hopkins, San Marcos. Three blocks from the courthouse square, this complex of three buildings is centered around the oldest Victorian home in San Marcos. With 13 nicely appointed, comfortable guest rooms, there is something for every price range. The owner, Cathy Dillon, is one of the most knowledgeable tourist guides in town. 512/396-3739.
Kuebler-Waldrip Haus & Danville School House Bed & Breakfast on Hueco Springs Loop Road off River Road, New Braunfels. This B & B incorporates two historic buildings on a 45-acre ranch to make a peaceful setting for a night or a weekend. Five minutes from tubing on the Guadalupe River, the main house is a limestone and log structure. The other building is a former one-room schoolhouse that still has the original blackboard.
800/299-8372.
Gruene Mansion Inn 1275 Gruene Rd., Gruene. H.D. Gruene founded a community on the north banks of the Guadalupe River in the 1840s and made a fortune when cotton was king. For 80 years, the Gruene family thrived running the general store, bank, lumberyard, gristmill, and dancehall for the surrounding farmers. It all ended in the 1920s, when the Depression and the boll weevil changed the agricultural landscape. In the 1970s, a new crop of entrepreneurs found success with the tourist trade. Once again you can shop at Gruene's General Store or 14 other shops, or eat in what was once the gristmill's boiler room. Gruene's three-story house next door to the "oldest dancehall in Texas" is now the Gruene Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn. Rates run $85-125 and some rooms have a deck overlooking the river. 210/629-2641. For river rafting: Follow Gruene Road across the river. Gruene River Raft Co. 210/625-2800; or Rockin' R River Rides 800/-55FLOAT.
Landmark Inn State Historic Park Castroville. This is not your usual antique, decorated bed & breakfast, but rather a genuine, 19th-century stagecoach inn that retains a frontier feel in a small town 30 minutes from downtown San Antonio. Don't go to the Landmark expecting cable TV, phones, or swimming pools. What you will get is a comfortable room with a distinctive, historic feel overlooking a small park on the Medina River. Many guests begin bicycling adventures from the inn; the park rangers at the front desk will be happy to help you map a route. Rooms are an affordable $40 for two. They're closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 210/538-2133.
*Accomodations Hotlines/Services Fredericksburg Reservation Services Save yourself some footsteps and phone calls by checking the availability of Fredericksburg accommodations by calling one of these central info numbers:
Gastehaus Schmidt 210/997-5612;
Bed & Breakfast Accommodations of Fredericksburg 210/997-3049;
Be My Guest 210/997-7227; or
Bed & Breakfast of Fredericksburg
210/997-4712.
Wimberley Overnight Association The WOA offers an excellent brochure that describes the facilities in 27 member accommodations in the Wimberley area. Not all properties are handled through the central booking number, but ask for a brochure. 800/460-3909 or Wimberley Visitors Center 512/847-2201.
Historic Accomodations of Texas This group can assist in your search for historic bed & breakfasts, country inns, hotels and guest houses around the state, including some of the most interesting. Each one meets the group's standards of comfort. 210/997-3980. Gerald McLeod is well-known as The Austin Chronicle's Captain Day Trips. The first 100 entries of his column have been compiled into Day Trips, Vol.1.
When planning excursions to any Hill Country water attractions, you may wish to call first for river and lake information. LCRA provides pre-recorded, regularly updated messages for the Highland Lakes, Colorado River, and area tributaries. Call 473-3333 or 800/776-5272, ext. 3333 for the latest info on levels and current conditions.
The LCRA also manages a number of primitive recreation parks and offers camping and boating tips. Call 473-3200, 4083 or 800/776-5272, ext. 4083.
-- Kate X Messer