Tour of the Texas HIll Country - Part 4

We are going to leave Burnet, Texas and travel south on Hwy. 29 to Marble Falls, Texas. Marble Falls sits on beautiful Lake Marble Falls. The shopping in Marble Falls is great. Be sure to visit the downtown area for specialty shops and restuarants. Marble Falls is a plethora of special events. You should really check out the Chamber of Commerce website for events and plan accordingly. There is always something going on in the area.
A unique place to visit is the strawberry farms. You can pick your own fruit! They also sell many custom items. They do grow other things besides strawberries.
While in the area, drive out to Horseshoe Bay. You can get a beautiful view of Lake LBJ and enjoy a drink at the yatch club. You might even catch a performance at the Hill Country Community Theatre.
Winery tours are great in the Marble Falls area. Whether it’s the wild grapes that naturally thrive in the area or the influence of European immigrants who planted cuttings from their homeland, today’s vintners take advantage of the ideal climate for producing award-winning wines. Area wine connoisseurs can visit several different and unique vineyards: Spicewood Vineyards, Fall Creek Vineyards, Stone House Vineyard, Flat Creek Estate, and Lost Creek Vineyard. Some of the local vineyards have been established for decades, while others were only conceived a few years ago. Not surprisingly, however, all our local wineries have received awards and praise in local, national and international competitions, as well as well-known magazines and publications. Combine that with the genuine Texas hospitality you will receive, the beautiful Hill Country setting, and a genuine passion for producing and sharing truly great wines, and it’s easy to see why many people plan their vacations around wine-tasting tours in the area.
There are several RV parks in the area. However, Sunset Point RV Park on Lake LBJ is a good park to try. Continue having fun in the Texas Hill Country and keep traveling!

Tour of the Texas Hill Country - Part 3

Our next stop will be Burnet, Texas, the Bluebonnet Capital of the World. Burnet, Texas is a great little town. As you continue on Hwy 29, you might want to move your RV to the Big Chief RV park. The Big Chief RV park is located right off Hwy 29 on Ranch Road 690. The park sits on Lake Buchanan. It's a great spot to use as a home base.
While in Burnet, Texas, you must check out the town square. There are several antique and gift shops. During December, Burnet sponsors "Old Town Bethlehem". This is a reenactment of the actual Bethlehem during Jesus's birth. This is an awesome event! Also, during the second weekend of December, Christmas around the square will happen in conjunction with Old Town Bethlehem.
April bring the famous Bluebonnet Festival. This is 3 days of parades, vendors, live music. There is something for everyone.
While you are in the area, you must visit the Vanishing Texas River Cruise. This cruise will take you up the Colorado River on Lake Buchanan. It is a fabulous 2 hour adventure. Be sure to stop and visit Longhorn Caverns while you are in the area.
There is so much to do in the wonderful Texas Hill Country that you may have to plan more than one trip. Keep traveling!

Tour of the Texas Hill Country - Part 2

Next, we are going to leave Mason, Texas, and drive east on Hwy 29 toward Llano, Texas. Llano is another German settlement in the Texas Hill Country.

Llano is located deep in the heartland of Texas. Llano is one of the most unique and picturesque cities in the entire state. To visit Llano is to see history close-up. You should consider doing the walking historic tour of Llano. You can pick up a map at the Chamber of Commerce.

For decades the clock on the courthouse tower has chimed the hours and is the unifying heartbeat of the town. As each day darkens, the sounds from the tower, the river and nestling birds intermingle into a single chorus that is commonplace in the hearts and minds of the townsfolk. With an art gallery, museum, historic buildings, gift and antique shops, clothing stores and restaurants all close at hand, visitors are certain to find their stay a pleasant one. Some are so captivated by their experience they choose to remain here permanently.

Considered by the U.S. Census Bureau to be one of the healthiest cities in the nation, Llano is to many hunters the unrivaled Deer Capital of Texas. In fact, the density of deer in the Llano Basin is greater than any other area in the United States.

After exploring Llano, Texas, continue on Hwy 29 towards Buchanan Dam. Stop and explore the wonders of Buchanan Dam. Tour the museum and read about the building of Buchanan Dam. After visiting the dam, continue on Hwy 29 to Inks Lake State Park. This is a beautiful camping area. Reservations are recommended. Enjoy!

Texas Hill Country Tour - Part I

We are going to start our Texas Hill Country tour in the town of Mason, Texas. Mason is the "Gem of the Texas Hill Country" because the beautiful blue topaz can be found in Mason. Mason is a community with lots of history... Settled from the south by German immigrants and from the north and east by English, Irish and Americans. From the west, the Mexicans. The cultural influences are still visible today of all those groups and more. Expect to hear German spoken as you walk around the square.
Agriculture was the lifeblood of the community in the early days, and for many, it still remains vital. Ranching and farming are the primary industries, but now deer hunting and viticulture (wine grape production) have joined the landscape of cattle, peanuts, watermelons, sheep and goats.
Mason still has the "old town" square which is surrounding by antique shops and gift stores. The original Odean theatre is still working, so you might stop in for a show. In addition to shopping around the square, a tour of old Fort Mason is interesting. Another claim to fame for Mason, Texas is the book Old Yeller. The author, Fred Gibson, was from Mason.
The best RV campground is the Mason County Park. Fees are by donation only, and they provide full hookups. The park is located adjacent to an 18 hole public golf course.
So, get your RV rolling and explore Mason, Texas.

The Best Kept Secret in Texas - Smithville

Smithville, Texas is probably one of the best kept secrets of Texas. Smithville was founded in 1890. Smithville is located about 35 miles southeast of Austin, Texas and about 90 miles northwest of Houston, Texas. The community of Smithville is located on the mighty Colorado River. The Colorado River is wide enough at Smithville for boat traffic.
Smithville's current claim to fame is that the movie "Hope Floats" starring Sandra Bullock was filmed there. In January 2008, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie filmed "The Tree of Life" in Smithville. There are 2 more movies scheduled for filming in the near future.
Smithville has a 6 block by 4 block square of historical homes. Most of the homes are occupied but some are available for viewing. There are other historical buildings in town such as the Post Office, School Administration Building, and the old gazebo in the park. The small downtown area is 2 blocks by 2 blocks. Smithville's downtown is composed of antique stores, gift shops, and an old drugstore.
Smithville, Texas would be a great weekend escape. There are 2 campgrounds: Toad Hollow and the Bueschler State Park. Either campground would be fine. So, take a weekend trip to Smithville, Texas. Who knows? You might meet a movie star!

Beginning tips for RVing

RV travel can be one of the most enjoyable activities a family can do. My family has been RVing for 20+ years, and we still enjoy every trip we take. RV travel will be more fun if some preparation is done prior to the trip. Selecting routes and campgrounds before the trip can alleviate a lot of confusion on the trip.
A necessary essential to RV travel is to purchase a good US map. You can save yourself many headaches and fights while navigating through cities and the countryside if you have a good map. We once crossed the Mississippi River on every bridge in St. Louis because our map did not mark exits. Things got a little tense.
The second important tip is to purchase a good campground guide book. We prefer Woodall's and Trailer Life. These books are necessary for finding places to stay. Every campground in these books is rated as to facilities and recreational activities.
The last tip is to consider purchasing membership cards to Good Sam and KOA (Campgrounds of America). The purchase price for one year is cheap, and the discounts you receive will pay for the card in no time.
Well, get that trip planned and have fun traveling.