Whoever thought the middle of a Texas desert was hiding THIS much blue?! I recently spent a morning exploring Lake Amistad National Recreation Area, where the rocky white coast meeting brilliant blue water reminded me a bit of Greece.
We parked at Governor’s Landing Day Use Area, which was a great spot to enjoy the views of the shoreline and the double, tall bridges. I only hiked for about two miles because it was such a pretty day to just sit and enjoy the view. (Special bonus of parking here was that there are restrooms available, by the way…always a plus.)
The 65,000+ acre lake was created by a joint dam project between the U.S. and Mexico near Del Rio, Texas and its sister city Ciudad Acuna, Mexico. The reservoir collects water from three rivers: the Rio Grande, the Devils, and the Pecos Rivers! “Amistad” is Spanish for “friendship.” And the water is so blue because of the clear water and limestone surroundings…no loose soils to muddy the waters!
My hike was serenaded by the soundtrack of so many birds, and it was fun using the Merlin Bird ID app to see which ones were singing which songs, including the sweet little song of a flock of Carolina Wrens.
I didn’t spot any of the black bears or bobcats that also call this area home, but I did come across one little surprise— walk out to the tips of the peninsulas and you’ll find them covered in tiny shells, the leftovers from shorebird buffets! Nature’s little mystery prize for those who explore a bit further. Watch your step on those loose rocks though.
Now I just need to figure out how to time a fall visit, because apparently thousands of Monarch butterflies stop here to rest on their way to Mexico. I need to see that in person!
Have you ever been somewhere that completely surprised you?
Weekend one of Galveston Mardi Gras was an absolute blast!
Did you know that Galveston hosts the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the U.S.? And it’s so family-friendly.
The music was incredible, the friends were the best, and the beads…oh the beads were EVERYWHERE!
A huge thanks to Tremont House for inviting us to ride in one of their float again this year! There’s nothing quite like tossing beads to all of the smiling faces lining the streets to make it feel like Mardi Gras.
Can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store.
Stop #1 on the Texas BBQ Trail: Luling City Market
October is one of my busiest seasons as a speaker and tour guide, so as a reward to my husband for being so patient during my constant absence… I promised him a little getaway to explore part of the legendary Texas BBQ Trail.
Now, the trail itself would take more days than we wanted to be away, and… honestly… even the most devoted lovers of barbecue wouldn’t want to eat the same thing for lunch and dinner every day for a week! So we chose three days to try out some of the most recommended stops on the southern end of the trail, winding through Luling and Lockhart.
First Stop: Luling City Market in Luling, Texas
Luling is known for its delicious watermelons, but don’t pay so much attention to those delicious beauties that you miss the chance to sink your teeth into some of the best barbecue I’ve ever tasted!
If you’re looking for a fancy or trendy spot to eat… this isn’t it. What it IS is a good old-fashioned barbecue joint, complete with wood-paneled walls covered with years of memorabilia that tell the story of over half a century of smoke and tradition. This place has been perfecting ribs, sausage, and brisket with the indirect smoking method since 1958, when two brothers decided to share their passion with the world.
The Experience
Here’s how it works: Go directly to the back of the dining area and order in the smoke-filled pit room. There’s no wait staff, but the friendly folks behind the counter more than make up for it with their warm Texas hospitality.
The meat cutter stands in front of the wood-fired brick pit (fueled by Post Oak, naturally) and a gas-fired rotisserie smoker. As you call out your order, they pull the pieces right off the smoker and cut them in front of you while oak smoke swirls around like delicious fog.
Your feast gets served up on brown butcher paper that you grab by the corners to tote your prize to the table of your choice. You’ll get a plastic fork with your sides like beans or potato salad, but here’s the secret: you’re supposed to eat the meat with your hands, so dig in! Their in-house sauce can be found in shaker bottles on the tables, and it’s oooooh so good.
The Star of the Show
The brisket. Oh, the brisket! The outside had a wonderful, almost imperceptible salt crust—just enough to make your mouth start watering before you even take that first bite.
SPOILER ALERT: This was by far the tastiest barbecue we had during this trip! No contest.
Planning Your Visit
Luling City Market
633 East Davis Street, Luling
Closed on Sundays
It’s about 2½ hours from our house, and we’re already talking about going again for lunch soon. Yes, we’re from Texas… a 2½-hour drive is nothing, especially with such a delicious destination! It’s only about an hour from San Antonio and 45 minutes from New Braunfels, so if either of those is on your driving route soon, I highly recommend this stop (or detour—it’s worth it!).
I’ll be sharing the next stops of our BBQ Trail trip soon!
Where is your favorite spot for BBQ in Texas? Drop your recommendations in the comments below!
If the warm weather lately has been making it hard to get into the mood for the holidays, I have the solution for you: Moody Gardens’ holiday show, Ice Land: Christmas Around the World.
It officially opens on November 22nd, and today I got a sneak peak at the frosty finished product. This is the show’s 11th year, and I have to say…it’s their best one yet.
The theme this year incorporates iconic sights fro around the world, including their Christmas traditions. Eiffel Tower? Check. Egyptian pyramids? Check. North Pole igloo, Arc de Triomphe, Japanese cherry blossom, Trevi Fountain? Check, check, check. And so much more!
The sculptures are lit within to help create an ethereal scene. I don’t think I have to tell you that photos don’t do it justice. It has to be seen to be believed.
After roaming through tunnels and walkways to take in all the amazing sculptures, you’ll find everyone’s favorite feature: the giant ice slide! And yes, it’s exactly as fun as you imagine, whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart.
To preserve the carvings, the tent is kept at a brisk (did I say “brisk?”…FRIGID!) 9 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. NINE . . . DEGREES . . . FAHRENHEIT!
Once you’re thoroughly chilled (which you will be!), stop by Shiver’s Ice Bar— made entirely of ice, right down to the tables, bar and seats – where you can grab a quick alcoholic beer or cocktail. The make-your-own hot cocoa bar just outside the exhibit did the trick for me, though!
The Ice Facts Are Wild (Get a Load of This!)
The sculptures were using a mind-blowing two million pounds of ice -over 7,000 , 300-pound blocks! A team of 30 world-class carvers from Harbin, China (the place famous for one of the world’s biggest ice festivals) spent 37 intense days turning those blocks into incredible sculptures, some of which stand a whopping 30 feet tall.
The inital teams stacked the immense blocks of colored ice and rough-carved the shapes, then finishing artists used hand tools to create the finer features and details. Imagine spending all those hours in a freezing tent to create something that will eventually melt away.
Just one of the reasons to see it while we can!
Why Should You Go?
Because there is nothing else like this. The 18,000 square foot exhibit is the biggest indoor holiday ice sculpture attraction in the entire country! Whether you make the outing with family, friends or as a solo adventure…it will be a highlight of your holiday season that will give you something to talk about.
Hot Tip: Moody Gardens provides the parkas (thank goodness!), but wear your own gloves, knit cap and fuzzy socks beneath your shoes! Otherwise, at 9 degrees, you won’t feel your fingertips enough to hold on to that steaming cup of hot cocoa. You’ll thank me later.
ICE LAND opens November 22 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.
This past weekend, my husband and I attended the Galveston Railroad Museum’s Annual Harvey House Dinner. The experience, inspired by the legendary Harvey House Diner that was once located in the 1932 Train Depot, invited guests to journey back in time and enjoy railroad dining in a series of historic rail cars.
What made the evening even more special was that the railcars actually departed from the station to journey down Harborside and back during the evening. It was truly a not-to-be-missed experience!
The dress recommendation for guests was “1950s railcar dining,” and it was so much fun to see what everyone wore.
We checked in at 6:15 p.m. to board the train and were invited to order cocktails from the bar, then explore all the rail cars. I couldn’t resist ordering a classic “Sidecar,” which seemed appropriate for the evening.
Following the sound of delightful live music, I wandered one car past the bar car into The Arthur R. Carmody, Jr. Memorial Library car, which was created from a repurposed Amtrak luggage car. Musicians played as guests enjoyed their cocktails, surrounded by a collection of rare and collectible books on the history of railroads.
With refreshments in hand, my husband and I returned to the dining car, where we joined friends to enjoy delicious appetizers and conversation.
After a few minutes, dinner was announced, and attendees were invited to elegantly set tables in the next dining car to enjoy a five-course meal. The dishes, created by Riondo’s Restaurant, were incredible! A guitarist entertained during dinner with enchanting music – just the ticket to enhance the atmosphere.
Proceeds from the evening will support the renovation of the current exhibit “The History of Railroading in Texas,” a comprehensive exhibit that documents the growth of the railroad and its impact on economic development throughout the state from circa 1830 to 1980. Future plans for the exhibition include upgrades to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with improvements to the air system and electrical systems, enhanced signage, and touch screens to facilitate a learning experience. Now that’s a worthy cause!
The three-hour experience seemed to fly by (guess we lost “track” of time), and by the time we reached the end of the line, we were already discussing inviting more friends to join us for next year’s event! Now, I definitely want to encourage you to be there too, but be sure to save a spot for me, as tickets to this special evening are limited.
When I’m traveling, I often seek out local farmer’s markets – not only for affordable, fresh food, but also to get a taste of local culture. Especially when visiting other countries, travelers can find adventures-for-the-tastebuds they won’t find at home.
But when you live in the fourth largest city in the U.S., there are a lot of markets to explore even when you aren’t on vacation! So this morning I set out on a local food adventure.
I guarantee you that I didn’t come home from my visit to the Houston Farmer’s Market this morning empty-handed! It had its beginnings in 1942 and is the city’s oldest and largest farmers market.
There’s no shortage of herbs and spices…and more types of mole than you can shake an enchildada at!
Tropical fruit lovers are going to be in heaven the minute they step foot in the market…and that group includes me! One sample bite of the sweet pineapples and I was “sold!”
Be a bit adventurous when you visit local markets, and try something new! If you come across a fruit (or anything else) that you can’t identify, ask questions. Vendors are happy to explain what things are, how to prepare them, and sometimes even offer a free taste.
Every trip should send you home with at least one “never had this before” item.
Removing needles from prickly pear cactus.
A handful of permanent shops are in the complex as well, including Shop Local, The Egg House, RC Ranch Craft Meats and Crawfish and Noodles restaurant. Shop Local is a group of vendors that sell a variety of items from vintage clothes to stickers. The Egg House sells everything breakfast-related, including country sausage, bacon jams, local honey, and …of course…fresh eggs. RC Ranch Craft Meats butcher shop deals in Texas-raised Wagya beef and Heritage pork as well as other meats from partner ranchers.
There are definitely more vendors on the weekends than during the week, but there’s always something fresh and delicious to find.
You can even purchase cookware, pottery, plants, candy, piñatas and toys from south of the border.
And if you just don’t think you can wait to get home to enjoy something yummy, there are cute tables and chairs in shaded spots where you can enjoy freshly prepared offerings. It’s a fun place to go with friends, your spouse, or a great outing for the kids.
LOCATION: 2520 Airline Drive, Houston, Texas
HOURS: Open every day year-round except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
GOOD TO KNOW: Bring cash, as it is the only form of payment many vendors accept.
PARKING: Free parking. Enter the lot enter off of Airline Drive or two entrances off Service Street. Lots are interconnected for ease of access.
WHAT TO BRING: Lightweight shopping totes or small cart, and a cooler in your car for items that will need to stay cool on the way home.
WHAT TO WEAR: The shopping area is covered and has, which are big advantages in the Texas summer, but the market is still technically outdoors. Dress comfortably for whatever the outside temperature is during summer or winter. Walking shoes.
Train developer Jay Gould was riding the rails in style in this special train car he named “Atlanta.” It has four state rooms, a lounge, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry and even a ballroom. (Yes, really!)
Today the luxurious car sits across from the Excelsior Hotel on Austin Street in Jefferson, the town that rejected Gould’s bid to allow his railroad to pass through its town. Gould was so incensed by the refusal that when he checked out of the hotel, he wrote “The end of Jefferson” in the register, wishing the demise of the town.
It didn’t work, as Jefferson is still a charming town often visited for its beautiful architecture and nature spots. And ironically…even Gould’s own rail car.
The car is owned by the Excelsior Foundation. Call the hotel at 903-665-2513 for tour tickets and times.
Kathleen Maca’s application for Galveston’s Broadway Cemetery District to participate in Atlas Preservation’s 48 State Tour has been accepted!
This tour will include a free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration by Atlas Preservation, which is open to the public.
This is knowledge you can take for use in your own family cemeteries, wherever they may be!
You may choose whether to observe or participate, as supplies allow.
Broadway Cemetery District
Broadway between 42nd and 40th Streets, Galveston
Tuesday, June 18th, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
ATLAS PRESERVATION
What to bring:
Yourself and a willingness to learn! Please wear closed toe fotweaar and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.
IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN SUPPLIES, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING THEM, AS SUPPLIES ARE QUITE LIMITED: WATER BUCKETS, SOFT BRISTLE BRUSHES, D2
**This is also a great opportunity to bring a trash bag and help pick up litter in the district – something younger attendees can do as well!
We recommend bringing some essentials to make the day comfortable: chair, cooler, water, snacks, etc.
There will be a brief pause during the day for lunch! Lunch is not provided.
Cleaning Demonstrations will include:
-Safe and effective removal of biological activity with approved stone cleaners is discussed, demonstrated, and performed. Gravestones can be fragile and easily damaged when cleaned with the wrong chemicals, aggressively brushed, and/or pressure washed. Safe cleaning techniques are explained with options outlined for product selection.
-Graffiti removal and graffiti prevention discussion (if time allows)
-Overview for rust and lime / calcium removal from irrigation staining (if time allows)
Repair Work:
Some of the most common repairs will be discussed and demonstrated. Participants are encouraged to join in & help!
-Join a fractured tablet
-Raise and/or level a badly leaning, sunken or fallen tablet stone
-Reset and join elements of a multiple piece monument
The city of Galveston/ Parks Department is generously supplying a water truck for supply to clean the markers, and a port-o-let for attendees (it will be the only available restroom).
Cost: Free
Note: No registration is required.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Additional information:
The Broadway Cemetery District is a historic cemetery in Galveston, Texas, located in the heart of the East End Historic District. It’s a significant cultural and historical site, with gravestones dating back to the 19th century.
Atlas Preservation, a monument building and restoration supply company from Connecticut, will be leading the free gravestone cleaning and repair demonstration. They will be using their expertise to teach participants how to properly clean and repair gravestones, taking into consideration the different types of stone and the historical significance of the markers.
UPDATES & INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED ON KATHLEEN’S FACEBOOK PAGE AT: LINK HERE
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you know that the actor who portrayed the popular character of Chewbacca in the films was Peter Mayhew. But did you know that he was a Texan?
The seven-foot-three-inch tall actor was British by birth, but after he married his Texan wife he became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 2005. He took that oath in Arlington Texas.
Boyd, Texas
The couple lived in the small town of Boyd, Texas.
Unfortunately, Mayhew passed away shortly before his 75th birthday. He is buried in Azleland Memorial Park in Reno, Texas.
Now there are actually two towns called Reno in the state, both one in Parker County and the other in Lamar County, and both are home to about 3,000 people. So there’s often some confusion between the two.
Azleland Memorial Park is in Parker County.
Mayhew’s beautiful granite marker pays tribute to the man who was often referred to as a “gentle giant,” portraying both his own portrait and that of the character he made famous.
A variety of small Chewbacca figurines have lovingly been placed at his gravesite by visitors as a tribute to his film legacy.
Mementoes left by visitors.
It’s an unexpected find for a small town, but one that has become a bucket list stop for his many fans.
The marker also includes the Isaac Newton quote, “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
I’m looking forward to sharing the stories of this amazing series of hotels with everyone. You may have heard that there have been three Tremonts on the island. Actually, there have been a couple more if you count the smaller ones who adopted the name in between – but yes, three majors.
The current beauty is housed in the historic 1879 Blum Building, which George and Cynthia Mitchell transformed into a world-class hotel.
Presidents, actors, ambassadors, foreign dignitaries, military officials and luminaries such as Sam Houston, Clara Barton, Buffalo Bill Cody, Harry Houdini, Ana Pavlova and more stayed at a Tremont House while visiting Galveston. The list is impressive – the stories are fascinating.
After three years of research in archives locally and across the nation I’ve pulled together a history of the Tremont, illustrated with over 60 photos.
I hope that you enjoy it!
You can pre-order now from your local bookstore or via amazon.com, by clicking HERE, or pick it up when it releases on May 13.
We parked at Governor’s Landing Day Use Area, which was a great spot to enjoy the views of the shoreline and the double, tall bridges. I only hiked for about two miles because it was such a pretty day to just sit and enjoy the view. (Special bonus of parking here was that there are restrooms available, by the way…always a plus.)
