Tips on great sites (and eateries) for a near-by adventure all your own
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Looking for a quick, but exciting weekend getaway — or even a great day trip? Try one — or all three — of these near-by adventures. They don’t take much planning — you can leave at a moment’s notice with just a few essentials.
Kayaks, Canoes and... Gingerbread?
Pack picnic supplies, snacks and lots of water. You’ll also need sunscreen, hats, visors, insect repellant, water-friendly shoes, an extra set of dry clothes and a trusty (perhaps disposable) camera. You’re headed north on I-35 for a wet and wild adventure.
Skip breakfast, start early and stay hungry until you reach West. There, take the FM 2114 exit off of northbound I-35. Turn right and head to the Little Czech Bakery for a delicious breakfast of tasty pastries and sausages. West is recognized by the Texas Legislature as the “home of the official Kolache of the Texas Legislature.” And while sweet is a treat, those freshly-baked kolaches filled with spicy ground sausage are a good start to any day. Be sure to buy a selection to go and stash them in the picnic basket.
Next, head out to Dick’s Canoes for a scenic trip on the Brazos River. Take Hwy. 2114 west, approximately 12 miles toward Lake Whitney. Dick’s Canoes is at the intersection of Hwy. 2114 and the Brazos River. Reservations are required, 254-622-8364. The 5-hour trip starts at the Lake Whitney dam and ends at Dick’s Place. Kayak rentals and special trips are available, as well. At lunchtime, pull the canoe onto the bank and enjoy a shady, secluded picnic.
After the river ride, head north on I-35 to the Waxahachie Historic district. This vibrant city is known as the Gingerbread City for the ornate woodwork found on many of its historic homes and also claims the title, Movie Capital of Texas. With more than 30 motion pictures (including three Academy Award-winning films) shot in town, Waxahachie is recognized as ‘picture perfect’ by the movie industry.
While strolling through the historic district, check out the quaint shops, the historic ‘shotgun’ houses (circa 1918) on Wyatt Street, the Ellis County Courthouse (built in 1895) and dine at Oma’s Jiffy Burger or the FiveTwelve College Tea House.
Last but not least, be sure to get a picture of your loved ones in front of Munster Mansion, located at 3636 FM 813. This private residence is a recreation of the popular 60s TV sitcom, The Munsters. Creepy, funky and retro, the home is complete with signature ascending staircase, coffin phone, suit of armor and Grandpa’s electric chair.
At the day’s end, take I-35 back to Waco, exit at Valley Mills Drive and make the last stop at Katie’s Frozen Custard near Floyd Casey Stadium. Because any day that begins with warm kolaches and ends with decadent ice cream is a good day.
Check it out!
Blue Bell and the Birthplace of a Republic
The next destination is Brenham, a designated National Main Street City. Pack your tennis shoes, swimwear, sunscreen, hats and cameras. Load your picnic supplies and take Hwy 6 toward Texas A&M University. Enjoy an early lunch or late breakfast at Ama’s Mexican Restaurant in Hearne on Hwy. 6 near the intersection of Highway 79.
Continue on Hwy. 6 toward Navasota, then take Highway 105 West about 20 miles to Brenham for lodging. Two miles from the city center, and one mile from the Blue Bell Creamery, is a family/pet friendly Best Western Inn on Highway 290. Standard rooms and suites are offered. Call 1-800-780-7234.
For a romantic getaway (sans kids), try the gloriously self-indulgent Ant Street Inn — a registered historic landmark/bed and breakfast on W. Commerce Street (1-800-481-1951).
Grab towels and swimsuits and head south of downtown onto F. M. 577 where you’ll find the Little Creamery in Brenham — birthplace of Blue Bell Ice Cream. After your tour, stop at the Blue Bell Aquatic Center and let the kids swim before taking Texas Highway 105 nine miles northeast to the Monastery of St. Clare Miniature Horse Farm. Open from Tues. to Sat. 1:30 — 4 p.m., the farm lets children pet the horses which the nuns raise to support themselves. The adjacent Art Barn Store sells handmade ceramics and you can also paint your own souvenir.
Located on Hwy 290 (behind K-Bob’s Steakhouse) is the Horse Shoe Junction Family Fun Park which offers miniature golf, bumper boats, go karts, laser tag, a rock wall and mini-bowling. For dinner, sample the fare at one of the many local eateries — Wing Heaven on W. Alamo Street, the Country Inn on Blue Bell Rd. or Mo’s BBQ on S. Main.
On day two, it’s time to drive 14 miles back toward Navasota (Hwy 105) and take FM 1155 into Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park. Here, on March 2, 1836, the Republic of Texas was born as the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed. Walk through history in the footsteps of Davy Crockett and explore Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum, Ferry Street and the Barrington Living History Farm.
The History Farm is a reconstructed farmstead that illustrates the lifestyle of Republic of Texas President Anson Jones, his family and slaves. It is an interactive exhibit that encourages visitors to participate in the daily chores of old — planting and harvesting crops, spinning or making soap and more. When finished at the History Farm, stroll to the end of historic Ferry Street and enjoy the scenic views overlooking the Brazos and Navasota Rivers.
Check it out!
Rivers, Lakes, Wildlife and Stars
The year-round tourist destination of Burnet is found 60 miles northwest of Austin on Highways 29 and 281. Named the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas by the 67th Texas Legislature, Burnet is also the site of the Annual Bluebonnet Festival held the second week each April.
Since bluebonnet season has long past, visit the Canyon of the Eagles — a 900-acre joint nature park located amid the Highland Lakes — featuring miles of sandy beaches and hiking trails, including the ‘Bird and Butterfly Trail.’
Also located here is one of the few public access observatories in the country. The Eagle Eye Observatory features several large 22-inch telescopes in addition to pedestals and decks for visitors to set up their own scopes.
From Texas Hwy. 29, take R. R. 2341, (800-977-0081). Located in a designated dark-sky site, it offers spectacular views of the stars and planets.
The Vanishing Texas River Cruise Tours also depart from here. As the premier, ecological cruise of Texas, the Texas Eagle II is a 70-foot vessel with three enclosed decks plus outdoor all-weather decks. Passenger limit is 200. Bring your camera, along with extra batteries/power supply, as photo opportunities abound in nature.
The current Scenic Wilderness Cruise covers a 22-mile trek of Lake Buchanan with breathtaking vistas of waterfalls, towering cliffs, native Texas wildlife, world-class birding and lush foliage. From November to March, the American Bald Eagle Cruise is dominated by the colony of American Bald Eagles that migrate to the Texas Colorado River Canyon and Lake Buchanan. Reservations are required, call 1-800-474-8374. Tickets are less than $20 and a box lunch is available for purchase.
The perfect finale for this day trip is a meal at Storm’s Restaurant (700 N. Water Street) in Burnet. This noted drive-in restaurant features an extensive menu and was voted Best Hamburger in the Hill Country by the Austin Chronicle newspaper. Established in 1950, Storm’s has several other locations — Lampasas, Hamilton and Marble Falls — and offers seating on outdoor patios or patrons can eat in their car.
Check it out!
