As we head into the holidays there is lots to do, and Christmas lights begin to twinkle on the horizon.
On Nov. 23, 1936, Mississippi bluesman Robert Johnson recorded a landmark album at the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio. The San Antonio Blues Society marks the anniversary by showcasing the music from the Mississippi Delta. This year’s show features Texas Johnny Boy, the Mighty Orq, and the S.A. Blue Cats.
Nov. 19, Sam’s Burger Joint, San Antonio, www.samsburgerjoint.com/calendar
Each year eagles and other migratory birds spend the winter around Lake Buchanan outside of Burnet. Vanishing Texas River Cruises offers trips around the lake to see the high-flying winter Texans November through March. The tours provide a heated deck, lunch, and knowledgeable guides. They also offer kayaking tours of the lake’s hidden coves.
Begins Nov. 19, Vanishing Texas River Cruises, Burnet, www.vtrc.com
Travel Notes:
Water is a scarce resource with the drought to flood cycles in the Hill Country. Discover how you can make a difference at the 2016 Rainwater Revival at Dripping Springs Ranch on Nov. 5. The free festival mixes education with art, music, and fun.
www.hillcountryalliance.org/rainwaterrevival
Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel will be the headlining act at the Round Up Pavilion Hall in LaGrange at a fundraiser for the Texas Dance Hall Preservation. The elite polka band the Ennis Czech Boys will open the show that starts at 8pm in the historic dance hall at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. Funds raised help support historic dance halls around the state.
Nov. 12, Round Up Pavilion Hall, LaGrange, www.texasdancehall.org/special-events
Get ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love in San Francisco. In 1967, the hippie generation descended on the Bay Area to wear flowers in their hair and groove to the music and art. The San Francisco Travel Association has put together a list of happenings at www.summeroflove2017.com.
Other November Events:
CASI Terlingua Chili Championship
Nov. 1-5, Terlingua, www.casichili.net
Wurstfest
Nov. 4-13, New Braunfels, www.wurstfest.com
Turkish Festival
Nov. 5-6, Houston, www.houstonturkishfest.com
Wimberley Alive! Music and Arts Festival
Nov. 10-13, Wimberley, www.wimberleyalive.org
Scottish Festival/Highland Games
Nov. 11-13, Salado, www.salado.com
Heritage Syrup Festival
Nov. 12, Henderson, www.visithendersontx.com
Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow
Nov. 12-13, Houston, www.tradersvillage.com
Night in Old Pearl City
Nov. 19, Turner Hall, Pearl City, www.pearlcitydanceclub.com
Walkway of Lights
Nov. 18-Jan. 1, Marble Falls, www.walkwayoflightstx.com
City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade
Nov. 24, Houston, www.houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade
Bastrop River of Lights
Nov. 25-Dec. 31, Bastrop, www.bastroptx.usachamber.com
Festival of Lights
Nov. 26, Hallettsville, www.hallettsville.com
Gerald McLeod has been traveling around Texas and beyond for his “Day Trips” column for the past 24 years. Keep up to date with his journeys on his archive page. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips,” is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 40312, South Austin, TX 78704.
This article appears in Trump-kin.
