If so, you are not alone.

Many Texans over 50 have spent decades focused on careers, raising families, paying mortgages, building businesses, and managing the endless responsibilities of everyday life. Vacations were squeezed into corners of busy schedules. Interesting ideas were filed away for “someday.”

Then something changes.

Your old Texan curiosity begins to resurface. Places you’ve always wanted to visit, experiences you’ve always meant to try, and roads you’ve always wanted to take suddenly seem more important than they did before.

And while there are countless ways to spend this newfound freedom, Texans have a unique advantage. Some of the most memorable experiences in the country are sitting right in their own backyard.

Texas offers plenty of opportunities to finally say yes to the things that have been waiting patiently on the someday list.

Gruene Hall

Have you ever noticed that a favorite song can make you feel twenty years younger in less than thirty seconds?

Music has a way of transforming time. Suddenly you’re remembering old friends, first dates, road trips, weddings, heartbreaks, and all the moments that helped shape your life.

The older we get, the more powerful that feeling can become.

Perhaps that is why old Texas dance halls still hold such appeal. They connect us to something that remains remarkably unchanged by age: the simple joy of music, movement, and human connection.

For well over a century, dance halls have been part of the social heartbeat of Texas. In many German and Czech communities, they served as far more than entertainment venues. Long before smartphones, streaming services, and even television, dance halls were gathering places where neighbors met, courtships began, weddings were celebrated, and communities stayed connected.

They are living traditions where people still gather to dance, laugh, celebrate, and lose track of time.

And if there is one thing many Texans discover after 50, it is that joy never really gets old. Sometimes it is just waiting for the right song.

If that sounds like you, Gruene Hall is waiting. As it has been since 1878.

Built by German settlers in the small community of Gruene, not far from San Antonio, the weathered building remains the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. The structure itself feels refreshingly uncomplicated and has remained remarkably unchanged for nearly 150 years. Worn wooden floors, a simple stage, open-air ventilation, and walls that have absorbed generations of music and conversation.

The only real change at Gruene Hall has been its performers.

Over the decades, the hall has hosted everyone from Willie Nelson and George Strait to local musicians whose names never appeared on national stages. Yet the spirit of the place has remained remarkably consistent.

Make no mistake: this isn’t a venue built for spectators. If you have been meaning to work on your two-step, you have arrived at your destination.

That spirit is especially apparent during the Friday Afternoon Club. What began as an informal local gathering in the 1970s evolved into one of the most beloved traditions in the Hill Country. Music starts while the sun is still high. Couples dance before dinner. Friends linger over conversations. Nobody seems particularly concerned about what time it is, but somehow everyone, well, mostly everyone, still makes it home at a decent hour.

A living Texas icon, Gruene Hall has earned countless accolades for preserving an authentic piece of Texas culture. Here, feel free to let your hair down — Gruene Hall has always been that kind of place.

The experience feels uniquely Texan because it combines music, history, community, and authenticity in a way that cannot be manufactured. You’ll arrive expecting a historic building and leave remembering how you felt while standing inside it.

A Historic West Texas Ranch

Most Texans over 50 grew up with two versions of Texas.

There is the Texas they know from everyday life. And then there is the Texas that lives in their imagination.

That is the Texas of dusty ranch roads disappearing toward distant mountains. The Texas of horseback riders silhouetted against a sunset. The Texas of mesquite smoke drifting from a campfire. The Texas of rodeos, cattle drives, and weathered ranch gates opening onto land that seems to stretch forever.

It is the Texas found in family stories, western movies, country songs, and history lessons.

For many Texans, a question lingers quietly in the background:

Does that Texas still exist?

Then they arrive somewhere like Cibolo Creek Ranch.

Located near the Chinati Mountains between Marfa and the Mexican border, the historic 30,000-acre property traces its roots to the nineteenth century, when survival in this remote landscape required grit, resilience, and a willingness to live far from almost everything.

This is not glamping. It is not a themed resort built to resemble ranch life. It is a real piece of Texas history that now allows visitors to experience a landscape that has changed surprisingly little over generations.

You feel that history almost immediately.

Morning arrives cool and quiet. Coffee steams in the crisp desert air while sunlight slowly works its way across distant peaks. Somewhere in the distance, a horse nickers. A gate clangs shut. Boots crunch across gravel. The scent of sagebrush and dry earth hangs lightly in the morning air.

As the day unfolds, something you haven’t felt in a long time begins to stir.

You might try your hand at skeet shooting. You might discover that mounting a horse looks much easier in western movies than it does in real life. You might simply spend an afternoon watching the landscape change color as clouds drift across the mountains.

The sensory details are what stay with you.

The creak of saddle leather. The rhythmic sound of hooves on a trail. Wind brushing across open grassland. The smell of mesquite smoke drifting from an evening fire.

As the desert cools, conversations linger a little longer. Ice clinks in a glass. The day’s adventures become stories shared over dinner. One by one, stars begin appearing overhead.

Fortunately, modern ranch life comes with a few advantages. The stars may be the same ones early settlers saw overhead, but tonight you’ll be enjoying a comfortable bed and a good meal rather than a bedroll on the ground.

By evening, the distractions of everyday life feel very far away. There are no notifications competing for your attention. No schedule demanding anything from you. Just the vastness of West Texas settling in around you.

And that may be the greatest surprise of all.

You arrive wondering whether the Texas of your imagination still exists.

You leave knowing that it does.

Marfa

Imagine driving down a lonely stretch of West Texas highway and suddenly spotting what appears to be a Prada boutique sitting alone in the desert.

Not near a city.

Not attached to a shopping center.

Just – there.

Luxury handbags displayed in a storefront window. Designer shoes carefully arranged on shelves. Nothing but scrub brush, open land, and distant mountains in every direction.

Welcome to Marfa.

Population: roughly 1,700. Global reputation: considerably larger.

If Gruene Hall reconnects Texans with joy and a West Texas ranch reconnects them with the Texas of their imagination, Marfa does something entirely different.

It reminds us that Texas can still surprise us.

By the time many Texans reach 50, they have a pretty good idea of what they think Texas is. Cowboys. Oil. Football. Barbecue. Maybe Austin’s tech scene.

But Texas has always been more complicated than its stereotypes.

Not every Texan dreams of owning a horse. Not every Texan wants to work in tech. Some are drawn to art, architecture, photography, design, literature, and ideas. Marfa has quietly become a destination for exactly those people.

A community of fewer than 2,000 residents tucked into one of the most remote corners of Texas has somehow become one of the world’s most talked-about small-town cultural destinations. Visitors journey from New York, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, and Berlin to experience a place that appears, at first glance, to be little more than a tiny desert town.

The transformation began in the 1970s when minimalist artist Donald Judd arrived searching for something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: space. Not gallery space. Actual space. Big skies. Open land. Silence. Light.

Over time, Marfa evolved into a place where contemporary art, world-class dining, and West Texas desert culture exist side by side in a way that feels completely unexpected.

It is a curious thing. And Marfa seems determined to challenge your curiosity at every turn.

One moment you might be admiring a neon sign from a hotel that no longer exists. The next, you’re viewing artwork created by World War II prisoners of war or discussing an installation that leaves you with more questions than answers. Later, you may find yourself playing bocce at your hotel while debating what you’ve seen all day.

Then there is Prada Marfa.

Perhaps the most photographed art installation in Texas, it is not a functioning store at all. It is a permanent work of art sitting improbably in the desert, challenging visitors to decide for themselves what it means.

Nothing about Marfa feels expected.

That is exactly why people become so attached to it.

For travelers over 50, Marfa offers something increasingly valuable: the chance to be surprised. To discover a side of Texas that has little to do with familiar myths and everything to do with creativity, reinvention, and possibility.

A reminder that there are still places capable of expanding the way you see the world.

And perhaps the most surprising thing about Marfa is this:

It proves Texas still has secrets.

Welcome to Santa Elena Canyon in the Lone Star State’s Big Bend National Park.

This summer, Santa Elena Canyon is waiting to show you some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Southwest.

Cliffs to rival The Princess Bride. Rapids rushing by.

Adventure beckons in Santa Elena Canyon.

Downstream

The National Park Service manages Santa Elena Canyon, part of the larger Big Bend National Park system.

Paddling downstream through this canyon is one of the park’s most popular overnight or multi-day trips.

Part of this is because of the put-in and take-out, easily accessible by car.

Another part is that this canyon is thought of as one of the most beautiful sites to visit.

I think what I like most are the towering cliffs in Santa Elena. These cliffs, forming the canyon’s walls, rise up to 1,500 feet high!

The first 13 miles from the put-in at Lajitas treat you to unique views of the riparian and desert ecosystem, contrasting one another.

Those first miles aren’t too rigorous. They meander. It’s more of a relaxing ride.

The next 7 miles get technical once you enter the canyon proper. Be prepared to use those skills you’ve worked hard to get.

Two miles into the canyon, you’ll encounter the largest rapids at Santa Elena. They’re called the Rock Slide — and the name says it all. You’ve been warned.

The Rock Slide is classified as Class IV rapids at some water levels. Know what to expect before you launch.

If the water levels are 300 to 600 CFS, that’s perfectly fine for open boats. Anything above 600 CFS is only okay for rafts. Beginners shouldn’t go out when the rapids are above 600 CFS. Take care of yourself and others.

Note that a backcountry permit is required for all overnight river trips. Be prepared!

The National Park Service offers a handy resource on their website: a River Guide to the Rio Grande covering the Colorado and Santa Elena Canyons.

It’s available through the National Park Service’s online store.

It’s a full-color, laminated trip log of sorts that you can use as you plan a trip this summer.

Inside you’ll find detailed maps of the route, along with historical context and natural history notes.

For anyone who likes to have a map handy, as well as fun facts about what you’ll find or experience, grab a copy of this river guide.

It covers everything from the Tapado Canyon to the Santa Elena Canyon take-out, and it includes specific notes about the Colorado Canyon and the Santa Elena Canyon.

You can buy it through the Big Bend Natural History Association online store.

There are quite a few river guides in the Big Bend Natural History Association’s online store, so look for the one that says “Santa Elena Canyon.” That’s the one!

It costs $17.95 (listing price). They have a lot of these river guides in stock, more than 1,000 copies, so you should be able to get a copy, no problem.

The guide is designed for anyone who’d like to plan a multi-day float trip through a canyon like the Santa Elena Canyon.

You’ll find information about launching near Lajitas and other put-ins and how to navigate your way through dramatic 1,500-feet-deep cliffs.

There’s a mix of calm paddling and technical rapids information, including the Class IV Rock Slide.

The guide also includes insights into the historical context, geology, and navigation of the canyon, which makes it challenging but also rewarding as you traverse this canyon along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Keep in mind that permits are required for the trip. And always be aware of ideal water flow rates between 300-600 CFS for a great summer trip.

The guide gives you not only detailed maps, but also campsite information and critical safety tips you’ll need as you’re planning ahead.

What’s cool is that the river guide also features moments in history of the first river trip to survey the Rio Grande in 1852. If you’re a history buff, check out these historical snippets in the river guide.

Upstream

It’s fun to explore Santa Elena going upstream, too.

You can have a lovely day trip by paddling upstream, from the Santa Elena Canyon Trailhead. This trailhead is a few miles inside the canyon.

You’d return back downstream (known as a boomerang trip).

This trip should only be taken when flow rates are under 200 CFS. Really, 100 CFS is more ideal. Be careful, and don’t take any unnecessary risks to yourself or others.

If it’s below 100 CFS, the water may be too shallow to paddle and you may end up dragging your boat through sections of the river.

You can check the current CFS rates on the National Park Service’s website. Know before you go!

A lower water level means a gentler current, making the upstream paddle more manageable and relaxing.

If you’d rather skip the shuttle fee, this is a great trip to plan with just one vehicle — no return logistics needed.

Note that you’ll need a backcountry permit for any river trips you take.

Day-use trips are free, which makes it a nice, free activity to do this summer.

Planning Tips

One of the most amazing sights to experience at this canyon is the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook.

It’s a great spot to pause and enjoy the landscape around you.

Santa Elena Canyon is 8 miles long and 1,500 feet deep. In some spots, the canyon’s walls are only 30 feet wide.

Many people like to go on two- or three-day river rafting trips through Santa Elena, starting out in the town of Lajitas. Note that this town is actually outside of Big Bend National Park.

Last summer, part of the route at Santa Elena was closed due to flooding. Always check the proper channels and websites to make sure the route is fully operational and accessible.

Big Bend National Park has some fees it charges, so be aware of any extra fees you’ll need to pay.

Hikers like to go on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. It’s 1.7 miles long, and it’ll take you about half an hour to an hour to hike.

It’s an out-and-back trail, meaning you return the same way you came. The elevation gain is 232 feet, so keep that in mind as you plan your hike.

This trail starts at the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. This is a paved parking area.

Though this trail is not very long, it’s one of the most scenic hikes.

After crossing Terlingua Creek, the trail climbs through several short switchbacks before gradually descending along the banks of the Rio Grande.

I can’t pass up a view of the river as I’m hiking. There’s something so peaceful about its sound.

You’ll be surrounded by riparian vegetation and deep cliffs of solid limestone.

The trail will drop you off where the canyon walls meet the river. Stop there for lunch, and look around at the views.

Be aware that Terlingua Creek can be impassable after heavy rains, flash floods, or any high water. The trail is closed during those times to keep everyone safe and well.

For many travelers, the Santa Elena Canyon is a popular natural feature to go explore in Big Bend National Park.

Its short nature trail winds into shady depths beneath towering cliff shadows, with the sound of the rushing river below.

It’s 8 miles west of Castolon, and it’s accessible by either Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or Old Maverick Road.

Note that the trail climbs up several flights of ramps and stairs, so make sure you’re prepared for that type of hike.

Many people love to see the canyon not through hiking, but by raft or canoe. Local outfitters even offer trip packages anywhere from 1 to 3 days when conditions are good.

Some river runners who have intermediate or advanced skills go on their own, through the canyon’s waters.

You’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife, hike in shady side canyons (a fun discovery!), and camp on spacious sandbars.

There are a couple of rapids, including the Rock Slide, so watch out for those. Even if you have intermediate or advanced skills, be careful on the rapids.

Check current conditions, talk to a local outfitter, and consider buying a guidebook before you head out.

Heading off into the wilderness this summer is exciting. But you also need a good plan to make the most out of your trip.

The Santa Elena Canyon borders the western edge of Big Bend National Park. There’s plenty to explore and discover about Big Bend, while you’re also contemplating a trip to Santa Elena.

Don’t forget to check out all the different types of adventures West Texas holds in store for you this summer.

Where: Big Bend National Park

Find them online at nps.gov/bibe and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because canyon walls 1,500 feet deep and Class IV rapids deserve a well-planned summer adventure.

Stop by the Fort Worth Water Gardens in Fort Worth, Texas, for cascading water features, lush tree shade, and a surprisingly refreshing escape from the summer heat.

Water activities don’t always have to include a day at the beach or an afternoon out on the lake.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding an urban park in the city. That’s Texas summers done right.

What Is It?

Admission is free at the Fort Worth Water Gardens.

That’s the best kind of summer activity. It doesn’t break the bank, and it gets you and the kids or a group of your friends out and about on a summer day.

These gardens are right next to the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The Water Gardens were built by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee.

Their design philosophy centers on bold geometric shapes, deliberate landscaping, and striking water features.

In this way, it’s more than a garden or even a water park. It’s a tourist attraction, with sensory elements for kids and families to enjoy.

The Water Gardens are divided into a few different sections or areas.

You have a Quiet Pool, which is intended for still, calm waters to facilitate contemplation and peaceful moments.

There’s an Aerating Pool with playful fountains. This one is designed to spark a sense of playfulness, with water sculpted into dynamic, eye-catching forms. It also features gentle currents — perfect for playing and unwinding at the same time.

The central area is the Active Pool. This spot features thundering cascades of roaring water, designed to stop you in your tracks.

The Active Pool is incredible whether viewed from up above or after you’ve made your way down the gardens’ walkway.

How to Rent It?

The Water Gardens are a rental venue, too, managed by the City of Fort Worth.

Hours are generally from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, though times may vary — check ahead before visiting.

Something cool to know about this space is that the Water Gardens are currently involved in a capital project through the city.

The capital project is called Water Gardens Improvements. It’s in its final design phase, with project completion expected in 2027.

It was funded with $6.5 million from a 2022 Bond Program. In this project, the City of Fort Worth Parks and Recreation Department is taking care of mechanical equipment upgrades for the gardens’ 50-year-old fountains and making updates to existing pedestrian lights.

So, by 2027, the gardens will have improved lighting for pedestrians, as well as upgraded equipment in the fountains area.

These Water Gardens are situated in the heart of downtown Fort Worth.

The Amon G. Carter Foundation gave these gardens as a gift to the City of Fort Worth and its residents and tourists.

The main entrance to the park is in the northwest corner. This entrance has cascading waters that empty into a serene pool nearby.

Close by, the Wet Wall and Quiet Pool are spots designed for deep reflection.

The Aerated Pool has 40 nozzles that shoot water jets high into the air. The Active Pool has rushing waters that funnel into a basin 38 feet below.

This basin is accessible only by wide, flat-topped steps that descend into the pool.

At the center of this urban park is Central Square, surrounded by Bradford pear trees.

On the south side is a tiered concrete structure that’s referred to as the Mountain. It rises up 20 feet from the square and leads into the Stage and Lawn, the park’s only grass-covered area.

At night, there’s special lighting that creates enchanting, magical views throughout the park’s many different areas. It’s a spectacle that rivals any ticketed attraction — and it’s free.

You can reserve this park on the city’s portal, ActiveNet.

This is the city’s portal for online facility rentals and requests across the city’s properties.

The City of Fort Worth offers reservations for parks, community centers, libraries, and the Nature Center in Fort Worth.

Note that all rental requests are first-come, first-served, and they’re subject to department or staff member approval first.

Department events and programming get first priority for any scheduling, so some facilities managed by the city may be unavailable for renting beyond the typical business hours.

You’ll create a username and password to get into their reservation system. Be sure to save this information for future reference!

At the Water Gardens, you can reserve 4 different facilities: the Aerated Pool, the Amphitheater/Lawn, the Central Plaza, or the Quiet Pool/Reflection.

Each facility fits up to 500 people, and they’re reserved by the minute.

Reservations can be made at least 14 days in advance but no more than 365 days ahead.

What I like about their portal is that, when you select a facility, there’s a calendar view that pops up to show you when it’s available or unavailable. Have your dates and times ready beside you!

You’ll need to put in the number of attendees and the date you’ll reserve it for, before clicking on “Proceed.”

One thing the city notes is that the park is all about quiet meditation. This isn’t the place to host loud parties or dance the night away to your favorite song.

It’s for quiet moments, deep thoughts, and peaceful respites.

The water features are quite beautiful and spark a thought about getting closer to inspect them and how they really work. But be careful, with the same caution you’d take at a lake or stream. Watch all kids closely, and take care around the steps and water features.

Swimming and wading aren’t allowed at the Water Gardens. Be sure to make that clear to anyone attending your event as well. Safety comes first!

Various animal, plant, and insect species call these gardens their home. If you or anyone you know loves to observe animal and plant life, take them to the gardens for a fun day out.

A couple fun facts about the Water Gardens put its special nature into perspective.

Since it first opened, major motion-picture movie scenes, as well as several music videos that went viral, have been shot on site. Stage your own with one of your kids or a group of your friends for a bit of fun this summer.

How about by-the-numbers? The Water Gardens circulate about 19,000 gallons of water per minute through the park!

The Active Pool alone takes up about 10,500 gallons of that.

Water isn’t only at the Gulf Coast or the lakes this summer. It’s right there in the city where you live! An urban water oasis.

The Water Gardens were first dedicated in 1974. That’s a while back, but over the years, it hasn’t been as well known to locals or visitors to Fort Worth. Check it out for something not a lot of people know about or have been to.

The Water Gardens span 5.4 acres in downtown Fort Worth.

Amenities include a drinking fountain, park lighting, and, of course, the water features themselves.

Tell Us About Its History …

There’s a little bit of mystery here … before the Fort Worth Water Gardens became official in the 1970s in downtown Fort Worth.

No documents survive to record the history or plans of what once stood on the land where the Water Gardens now sit.

That’s lost to time.

But there’s still history tied to the land around the present-day gardens.

In the 1870s to the early 1900s, this land was known as Hell’s Half Acre. Not the most friendly of names, but there you have it in history.

Why was it called that?

Well, this piece of land was a rest stop for tired, bone-weary cowboys driving their cattle from Texas to Kansas.

It was also a hub for saloons, gambling halls, and other frontier enterprises — and a known haunt of legendary figures like Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Sam Bass, Doc Holliday, and Wyatt Earp.

It’s a fascinating piece of Texas lore worth sharing with friends and family on your visit.

Unfortunately, Hell’s Half Acre was considered one of the most dangerous areas in Fort Worth back then.

However, all that flipped on its head at the turn of the 20th century.

Why’s that?

City leaders and law enforcement officers in Fort Worth made it a priority to improve the safety of the area for residents and travelers. By 1900, they’d made significant changes.

Now, the Fort Worth Water Gardens rank number 8 on the U.S. News and World Report list of Best Things to Do in Fort Worth.

It’s open 24/7, year-round, to the public. Most people spend about 1 to 2 hours here. It’d make for a great day trip with a couple other activities tagged on in Fort Worth or nearby Dallas.

Philip Johnson, one of the architects, was famous for his designs. If you have any engineers or architects in the family (or up-and-coming ones), treat them to a visit to something they’ll marvel at and possibly try to analyze.

Enjoy a moment under the Quiet Pool’s bald cypress trees. Or stop and stare at the striking image of the Active Pool’s canyon of concrete terraces over which water flows down to the basin below.

Where is this urban park located? Type Fort Worth Water Gardens into your Maps app.

Where: Fort Worth Water Gardens, 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102

The Fort Worth Water Gardens immerse you in a world where the sound of rushing water, rustling leaves, and birdsong drown out the noise of the city — a free, quiet retreat hiding in plain sight.

Find them online at fortworth.com, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because 19,000 gallons of water per minute is worth seeing for yourself.

You’ve now arrived at Mustang Island State Park, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Gentle dune slopes. Shrubs dotting the landscape. Blue water stretching all the way to where the sky meets the Gulf.

You’re in your happy place.

Dive into the Details

The park fills up fast in spring and summer, so make reservations online or by phone well ahead of your visit.

The busy seasons are spring and summer. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The entrance fee is $7 every day for adults. It’s free for any kids who are 12 years old or younger.

They often reach capacity at the park, so it’s recommended to get reservations for both camping and if you’re going for the day.

The July average high here is 94 degrees Fahrenheit. The average rainfall, year-round, is 30.2 inches.

The elevation is 8 feet — fitting for a flat, coastal barrier island.

Nearby state parks are the Lake Corpus Christi State Park and the Goose Island State Park.

If you want to pair Mustang Island State Park with other area attractions, look for the following: the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington, Port Aransas, and the Copano Fishing Pier.

Have fun on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail (Central Texas Coast) or at Padre Island National Seashore or the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

At Mustang Island, they have 5 miles of coastline. It’s not a lot, but that’s plenty for a day with your family or a few friends at the Gulf Coast.

Relax on the beach at the state park, go fishing in the bay, photograph the coastal birds, and hike out on the barrier island park.

One great thing about this barrier island is that it’s a little ways removed from the regular beachgoers on the coast that’s tied into the dining, shopping, hotels, and tourist crowds.

Out here, you’re able to let loose and enjoy a day under the sun and in the waves.

It’s laid-back, so you can choose what you’d most like to do.

Popular activities include playing on the beach, swimming, surfing, and building sandcastles.

You can also go camping, bring a picnic, kayak, and geocache. Bird watching is particularly exciting during spring and fall migrations.

Love to go camping? Stay on one of the island’s 48 water and electric campsites or 50 drive-up primitive sites. Note that the water and electric campsites are about a third of a mile down from the beach.

There are portable toilets along 2 miles of the beach at this state park. If you’d rather use full restrooms and showers with hot water, head over to the water-electric campground for those.

The Mustang Island Paddling Trail runs along the western shore of Corpus Christi Bay in three segments.

In total, the trail covers 20 miles of paddling. These trails take you through some of the best shallow-water fishing spots in Texas, too, if you like to go fishing.

Or if you’re more into birds, paddling this trail brings you up-close views of many coastal birds.

Mustang Island State Park has a park store where they sell a few supplies and gift shop items.

Two beach wheelchairs are available to loan out, free of charge. Ask the park staff members when you arrive at the park.

How about Ranger Programs?

They have programs on birding, stargazing, beach combing, nature walks, and other topics. Check out their Events page for the most up-to-date information on programs and more.

Let’s talk about camping at Mustang Island.

The cheaper option is a primitive, drive-up campsite. These are $13 per night, plus the entrance fee.

You can have up to 8 people per site at the primitive campsites. They have 50 of these campsites on the island.

Since they’re primitive campsites, they aren’t designated sites. But they take up about a 1.5-mile stretch of the beach at the state park.

These sites are closed periodically because of weather conditions. Always monitor for the latest storms, alerts, and so on.

Call the park before you come to camp to check up on beach conditions and whether the sites are available or not.

You’re allowed to have small beach campfires in the primitive campsites area.

Restrooms are about one and a half miles away from these primitive campsites. Keep that in mind as you plan for a trip.

A beach bathhouse with full restrooms is located near the park’s headquarters.

Swimming? You’re permitted to go swimming, but know that there are no lifeguards stationed here. You’ll need to be alert and watchful for both yourself and others as you swim.

These primitive campsites are non-reservable, so try to go at off-peak times if you’re worried about campsites filling up quickly.

Your other option for camping are the campsites with electricity. These cost $25 per night, a bit more than the primitive campsites.

That cost is in addition to the entrance fee you pay. Budget accordingly!

You can have up to 8 people at these campsites, too. They have 48 of these campsites with electricity at Mustang Island.

These sites aren’t on the beach, exactly. That’s a bit of a bummer, but if you’re there multiple days, you’ll get plenty of time in the sun, waves, and sand.

The campsites with electricity are separated from the water by sand dunes. They’re about 400 yards from the water.

These campsites don’t have any fire rings. You’re allowed to have campfires on the beach, just not at the campsite.

You’re permitted to cook outside in the grills at the campsites.

Amenities at these sites include a picnic table, a water hookup, a 50-amp hookup, a shaded shelter, and close by, restrooms with showers.

While they don’t have state park events coming up at the moment, be sure to check back on Mustang Island’s Events tab for events they’ll host.

A Whole New World

What I love most about Mustang Island is that it’s a barrier island, home to an ecosystem of so many plants and animals.

Geology is more than just rocks — it’s the story of how the world around us was shaped, how it shifts, and how it all fits together.

Mustang Island is 18 miles long. It varies from a mere 3,000 feet wide on the south side to more than 2 miles wide on the north end.

It’s part of a longer chain of barrier islands. This chain runs along Texas’ Gulf Coast.

Barrier islands like this one help protect our bays and the mainland from waves, wind, tides, and storms that blow in off the Gulf of Mexico.

Where did these islands come from?

About 18,000 years ago, as an ice age came to a close, the sea level was lower than it is today. Rivers carried sediment from the sand and soil out to the Gulf, making sandbars.

As time went by, the sea level went up, and ocean currents pulled sand off the sandbars and brought it closer to what we know today as the shoreline.

That sand built up, turning into long, narrow barrier islands about 2,500 years ago.

Did you know these barrier islands are made up almost entirely of sand?

Be aware that barrier islands are dynamic landforms. They’re constantly changing, sculpted by the climate, wind, waves, tides, ocean currents, storms, and yes, humans.

Coastal dunes help protect barrier islands, which in turn, protect the bay and mainland. If hurricane-powered waves strike, these coastal dunes help absorb the impact.

Sand dunes along our Gulf coast are as high as 30 feet or more. The average dune is usually about 15 to 20 feet tall. On the back of the dunes, vines and coastal grasses find shelter from the wind and salty spray. They also help to stabilize the dunes.

These dunes aren’t permanent, by any means. Strong storms wash sand away, blustery winds blow the sand to a new location, and walking and driving on the dunes damages them, too. Just one day’s damage takes years to heal and restore.

What kind of animals will you find on the barrier island? That’d be anything from pocket gophers to spotted ground squirrels to grasshopper mice to rice and cotton rats. You’ll also spot opossums, raccoons, coyotes, and white-tailed deer.

About 600 species of saltwater fish call these coastal waters home. The bay side of the island is like a nursery for sea creatures. Shrimp, crabs, and fish make their way through these protected waters before heading out to the open Gulf.

Where’s the park located? Plug “Mustang Island State Park” into your Maps app.

Where: Mustang Island State Park, 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, Texas 78418

Mustang Island State Park is your summer haven — teeming with wildlife, wrapped in warm Gulf sunshine, and covered in miles of open sand.

Find them online at tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because five miles of Gulf Coast barrier island are best enjoyed when you’ve got a plan.

Whether you’re exploring Moody Gardens or scouting locations around town, Galveston has no shortage of stunning backdrops this summer.

Let’s dive into the locales!

Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens actually includes much more than gardens. It’s home to a hotel, a golf course, and a variety of attractions and rides.

It’s open year-round, with free parking always available.

Moody Gardens has a reputation as a top family attraction in Galveston.

Explore the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Museum, and more.

Even as you’re immersed in beautiful surroundings, know that it’s part of a larger focus on conservation, education, research, and rehabilitation for the creatures and life that inhabit our world.

Palm Beach is open on weekends. Get your $55 early bird special on a 2026 Season Pass by May 22. It’s $20 off its usual price!

You’ll get unlimited visits to Palm Beach all season long. You also get access to the Ropes Course and Zipline.

Want a pickleball action shot? Galveston Island Pickleball is now open at the Moody Gardens Golf Course.

It’s easy for both a seasoned pickleball player or a beginner.

They have outdoor courts, near the beach, waves, and sunshine this summer.

Be sure to make a reservation if you’re hoping to play pickleball and get some good photos.

In late summer, there’s a Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens.

It’s September 4-6. This festival is one of the region’s largest food and wine events.

Labor Day Weekend will be full of 3 days of celebrity chefs and opportunities to try pairings and wine-related activities.

All hosted within the Moody Gardens setting! If you book early for Moody Gardens’ hotel, you’ll save 15% off your hotel package, with the early bird discount.

Did you know Moody Gardens has custom cakes? If you want the perfect photo of a cake for your son’s birthday party or your parents’ anniversary, work with their bakery team to whip up the right cake for you.

They’ll make a custom cake that fits your style, theme, and the occasion. Each cake is made to order. Pricing varies based on the customization you’d like.

Give the bakery team at least 3 days’ notice to create a cake, along with a payment or deposit to confirm your order.

Wishing for a beautiful setting in which to have a spa day? Look no further than Moody Gardens in Galveston.

The Spa at Moody Gardens offers daily specials — check their schedule to find one that fits your visit.

If you’re looking for a place to host your family reunion or group trip, Moody Gardens has group discounts if you have 20 people or more. You’ll get exclusive discounts on your tickets.

Here’s a closer look at what awaits inside.

In the Rainforest Pyramid, step into a recreation of the world’s vanishing rainforests and its wildlife and plants.

You’ll enter through a treetop canopy doorway. Now, you’re on your way to the rainforests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

It’s an immersive experience, so get ready to be up close and interact with the rainforest’s environment.

This pyramid represents more than 1,700 plants and endangered animals, including river otters, ocelots, Komodo dragons, and more.

Marvel at the Saki monkeys, cotton-top tamarins, and sloths swinging between trees, while overhead, birds soar over the trails you meander.

Look up and discover the beauty of tropical plants, stretching up, up, up into canopies.

Something cool to check out is the waterfall and the bat cave on the Forest Floor section. Look for fish that make their way through the rainforest’s waterways.

The Aquarium Pyramid represents the Gulf of America, the South Atlantic, the North Pacific, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.

In this pyramid, you’ll discover one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest.

There are more than 1.5 million gallons of water here!

Find creatures of all sorts, from penguins to seals to sharks to jellyfish and more.

The Jellyfish Gallery is mesmerizing — hypnotic creatures drifting just inches away, safely behind the glass.

The aquarium is home to thousands of tropical fish, too.

What I think is amazing is the aquarium’s Coral Reef Lab. This lab is part of a partnership with NOAA’s Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, intended to protect the coral that’s in this sanctuary.

If you’d rather be part of the story than watch it, you can go behind the scenes with the team at Moody Gardens to get up close and learn about several different animals.

They offer penguin encounters, a jelly lab tour (for the brave!), a penguin and seal experience, a chance to feed sting rays, or a Caribbean feeding opportunity.

The Private Penguin Encounter is hosted by one of Moody Gardens’ biologists. You’ll get to meet a penguin in a 45-minute session.

You start at the front of the exhibit, make your way to the food prep kitchen, then head to the back of the exhibit. It’s for groups of up to 4 people.

The Public Penguin Encounter is also 45 minutes. Tickets are first-come, first-served.

The jellyfish tour takes you up close with their jelly gallery, behind the scenes with their moon jelly propagation, and into their new jelly lab with one of their Cnidarian biologists.

How about penguins and seals? This experience lets you check out what it’s like to be a keeper at the South Atlantic and North Pacific exhibits.

It’s a 4-hour experience. This is meant to replicate what a day in the life would be like caring for penguins and seals.

You’ll help support biologists who clean the penguin exhibit and prepare the penguins’ diet. You also get to watch the biologists’ training sessions and meet a seal.

You feed the penguins, and you get to eat lunch with the biologist.

Stingray enthusiasts won’t want to miss this one.

This experience takes place at the mangrove tank in the Aquarium Pyramid. You get to feed and interact with stingrays gliding past you.

This is the most budget-friendly option from the behind-the-scenes experiences, at $75 per person.

Caribbean feeding isn’t for the faint of heart — you’ll be hand-feeding sharks and some of the largest fish in the Caribbean tank.

Galveston Photo Ops

Beyond Moody Gardens, Galveston has quite a few photo locations if you’d like to capture moments as a newly engaged or married couple or as a family this summer.

Beachtown is on the eastern end of Galveston Island. This little spot of beach homes is a good place for casual coastal vibes. You’ll have quiet streets and beach access, if you’d like some island photo backdrops.

The East End Historic District, Galveston’s first residential neighborhood, covers a lot of ground from 10th to 19th streets between Broadway and Mechanic Avenue.

The streets are lined with trees, and there’s a variety of types of homes, from cottages to huge mansions. If you love architectural styles, this neighborhood has Greek Revival, Victorian, and more.

Murdoch’s is a beloved local hangout at 2215 Seawall Boulevard. It’s a few steps from Hotel Galvez to the east and Pleasure Pier to the west. The photo shot is the breezy porch between the shops.

Sit in adirondack chairs, sip a drink from the bar, and look out at the Gulf.

Of course, Pleasure Pier is an iconic place for beautiful photos. It’s at 25th and Seawall Boulevard.

You’ll find attractions and rides, games, shops, and dining on a boardwalk over the water.

It’s colorful, bright, and cheery, if you’re going for that tone.

Pier 21 has a hotel, museums, restaurants, and a marina. It’s also a great vantage point to watch cruise ships enter and leave the port.

The Strand is a commercial stretch between 20th and 25th streets. It’s got buildings that were built before 1900. On The Strand at 23rd Street, there’s a three-story building with a stone trumpet sculpture, a nod to Old Galveston Square.

Saengerfest Park is close to Old Galveston Square. It’s at 23rd and The Strand. It’s a public square with lots of photo ops, such as a red phone booth, a larger-than-life chess set, and murals and seasonal props.

The Galveston Railroad Museum is a good spot if you or your spouse or partner loves old-school travels. They have a collection of exhibits and memorabilia, including more than 40 railcars.

Murals, in general, are wonderful spots to take photos in Galveston.

Find these murals along The Strand, down side streets, and wrapping historic buildings.

Some follow the theme of the coast. Others are about local history, the community, or showcasing local island artists.

At 23rd and The Strand is a Greetings From Galveston Mural. At 22nd, there’s an Absolute Equality Mural.

There’s an I Love Galveston Mural at 24th and The Strand. At 25th and Market Street, you’ll come across a Stay Beach Box Mural. At 22nd and Post Office Street, there’s a Post Office Street Mural Collection.

Discover all the ocean-inspired art, animals, shoreline, and plants that make up these beautiful settings in Galveston.

Now grab your camera, soak up that golden hour light, and make some memories worth keeping.

Where: Galveston, Texas

Start planning at visitgalveston.com, catch their podcast Galveston Unscripted, keep up with them on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest, and grab directions on Google Maps — because this is the family reunion summer everyone will be talking about.

Clear water. Shoreline dotted by trees and piers. Roofs peeking up above the treetops.

While others pack the car for the Gulf Coast, you and your crew are headed somewhere just as rewarding — and a whole lot closer.

Lake Granbury, in Granbury, Texas, is your next favorite weekend escape.

The Short and Sweet

Where’s this lake located? It’s in north Texas, by the Brazos River.

Lake Granbury is one of three lakes formed by the damming of the Brazos River.

Grab your fishing gear, and claim your spot on one of the lake’s public fishing piers.

Or set up camp with tents, ready-made s’mores, and more at one of their camping areas.

Go out on the lake on a boat, kayak, jet ski, or paddleboard. Getting out on the water with the people you love is half the magic of a lake day.

Lake days are like nothing else.

At Granbury City Beach Park, rent kayaks or paddleboards to enjoy a lake day. Or rent bikes to take your friends on a tour of the town of Granbury.

Gone Fishing

Fishing is one of the top things to do at Lake Granbury.

The sky’s colors just hit differently as you’re patiently waiting for the fish to bite.

Striped bass fishing is good because the reservoir is so long.

Try downrigging jigs and crankbaits, or drift live shad for a more active approach.

Going down to the mid-lower lake is best for this type of fishing.

If you like largemouth bass fishing, get a spot on one of the (literally) thousands of boat docks and piers. You’ll likely make friends as you’re sitting there.

For this sort of fishing, try crankbaits, jigs, and worms.

Catfish is another strong option — and the good news is, they’re found throughout the entire reservoir. If you’re going catfishing, it’s good throughout the whole reservoir.

Lots of timber and stained waters along the Brazos River’s channel are great for trotlining.

Catch crappie by using live minnows around the docks, any submerged brush you find, and the bridge pilings.

Sunfish? Early summer is your best bet. Use live worms or crickets around the docks to catch these fish.

Check out Lake Granbury’s current fishing report for the latest trends and tips.

The maximum depth of the lake is 75 feet. Its surface area is more than 8,000 acres.

It’s located along the Brazos River in downtown Granbury, off U.S. 377, about 33 miles southwest of Fort Worth.

Golden alga blooms can pop up in this reservoir.

These blooms, as you may know, are toxic to fish and could affect your fishing. Check on the bloom status if you’re thinking about heading out to the lake.

Water conditions change, but recently, the lake was at almost 700 feet msl in operational pool elevation. It had a fluctuation of up to 30 feet, and the clarity was clear to stained.

Aquatic vegetation in the lake includes some bulrush, cattails, and water stargrass.

All of the species of fish in the lake are managed in accordance with statewide regulations. Be aware of the rules before you go fishing!

Discover great angling opportunities for largemouth bass, catfish, white and striped bass, and sunfish. It’s fair angling for crappies.

In terms of fishing cover, Lake Granbury has a small amount of timber, cattails, and bulrushes, but most of the cover would be the boat houses and piers. Fish habitats were built in this reservoir, and anglers can use GPS, along with a fish finder, to come across these habitats.

Much, Much More to Do

Boating is another popular activity at Lake Granbury, especially watersports.

The City Boat Ramp is by the Highway 277 Bridge. It’s open year-round and has no fee.

It can launch up to three boats at the same time.

The Brazos River Authority manages additional boat ramps at Thorp Spring Park, Hunter Park, Rough Creek Park, and De Cordova Bend Park.

If you’re looking to stick close to City Beach, you can launch over there at a ramp that’s managed by the city.

Rent boats or other watersports gear and equipment from Lake Granbury Marina (Stumpy’s) or Rockin’ S.

Of course, knowing where to access the lake is just as important as knowing what to do there.

Luckily, you have quite a few options for public access facilities near Lake Granbury.

Your options for public access include Thorp Spring Park, Hunter Park, City Beach Park, Rough Creek Park, and De Cordova Bend Park.

All of these facilities have public restrooms, as well as parking. Every park, except City Park, has camping available.

Rough Creek, Hunter Park, and De Cordova Bend have picnic areas. Hunter Park also has courtesy docks.

Thorp Spring Park is along the west side of the lake. If you’re on U.S. 377 in Granbury, take Business 377, then turn north on FM 4. You’ll come across the park’s signs.

At Thorp Spring park, there’s a ramp that’s good for all boat types.

There’s no fee at Thorp Spring, and this park is open all year long.

Hunter Park is further up the lake, on the east shore. If you’re on U.S. 377 in Granbury, opt for Business 377, then go north on FM 51. You’ll arrive at this park.

It’s got a boat ramp and fishing pier. There’s no fee here either, and it’s open year-round.

Granbury City Park is off Business 377. It’s got a boat ramp and a swimming area.

At City Park, there’s an ADA-accessible fishing pier in Hewlett Park across East Pearl Street.

Rough Creek Park is off Texas 144 south of Granbury. It’s got a ramp that will work for all boat types.

De Cordova Bend is near the dam. If you’re driving on U.S. 377, east of Granbury, go south on FM 4, then take a right on 167. Watch for the park’s signs.

This one has a boat ramp and a fishing pier. You’ll have access to the tailrace area.

If you can’t pass up a beach, City Beach is the park for you.

Admission is free, and the park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset.

The beach includes a splash park, kayak rentals in the summer, and picnic pavilions.

City Beach is within walking distance from Granbury’s historic downtown square. There are lots of places to stop and shop, dine, or chat in the downtown area.

Beach monitors will be the ones wearing neon vests with a city logo on the back. They’ll help if you need any assistance or have any questions while you’re strolling along the beach.

They also help make sure beach rules are enforced and alert the police to any rule-breaking at the beach.

Watch for the beach’s life jacket loaner station. This is a great idea to keep safety top of mind while you’re also enjoying all the beach has to offer.

This station doesn’t have any city employees, but it’s stocked with free life jackets you can borrow while you’re visiting the beach with your family and friends.

What can you rent while you’re at the beach?

Beachside Toys & Takeout, located in the Tiki Hut on the beach, has everything you need for a fun day on the water.

They’ve got kayaks, paddleboards, tubes, bicycles, and surreys, as well as a handful of snacks.

Note that, on the 4th of July, the beach will have limited access, to keep everyone safe.

The marina is one of the coolest spots to check out on Lake Granbury.

This marina is a central hub for boat rentals, Sea-Doo rentals, boat storage, and days out on the lake.

Beyond wet slips and boat rentals, the marina has been a fixture of the lake community since 2009 and is the home of a lot of the longtime shops and dining that visitors love.

For example, the marina houses Stumpy’s Lakeside Grill, Stumpy’s Sweet Shack, and Stumpy’s Closet.

It’s easy to fill up on fuel for your boat, while also dropping by for a bite on Stumpy’s outdoor patio or stocking up on essentials at Stumpy’s Closet.

Lake Granbury is huge. It extends through a lot of the eastern half of Hood County.

The dam dates back to the late 1950s and 1960s. It was named after De Cordova Bend, a bend in the Brazos River at the time, which was, in turn, named for a land agent and entrepreneur, Jacob De Cordova.

Into numbers? The dam was 2,200 feet long and 84 feet high, with a top width of 17 feet.

Lake Granbury has a whopping total capacity of 153,500 acre-feet and 103 miles of shoreline.

Where’s the beach located? Type Lake Granbury Beach into your Maps app.

Where: Granbury City Beach Park, 505 East Pearl Street, Granbury, Texas 76048

Granbury City Beach Park is where good weather, good company, and the open water come together — and where you’ll start counting down to your next visit before you’ve even left.

Find them online at granbury.org, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Nextdoor, and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because lake days at Granbury are the kind of summer memories worth making every year.

Welcome to Palmetto State Park in Gonzales, Texas.

If you’re left wishing for more when you’re at a park with a few trees here and there or a river that’s tastefully a good distance away, this state park is your summer getaway.

You’ll be in the middle of nature, not just observing it. The river flows by. The trees and bushes press in close.

Summer has never felt more real. Let the experience pull you in.

On the Trail to Somewhere

This state park is in Gonzales County. It’s a little outside of San Antonio.

Palmetto State Park holds more than 270 acres of land, much of it forested.

This park is nearly 90 years old, having first opened in 1936 — and its 100th birthday isn’t far off.

It’s managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The name, in fact, comes from a dwarf palmetto, a little shrub, which you’ll find all over this park.

There’s no shortage of things to do. They have picnic tables, swings, and cycling lanes.

The park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, based on 2022 figures

Weekends are the busiest, especially Saturdays. Sundays and Fridays tend to be busy as well.

People spend anywhere from 1 to 4 hours here (or more).

Being out in nature comes with its challenges, too. For example, make sure you check the state park’s website for any Park Alerts. Right now, one of their trails, the Palmetto Interpretive Trail, is closed because of a bee removal.

Reservations are recommended here.

You can make a reservation by booking online. Or call 512-389-8900 to reserve by phone.

The entrance fee is $3 daily for adults and free for kids 12 years old and younger. That’s not too expensive for a summer day trip or even a longer stay.

They’re open daily. Camping and day use sometimes reaches capacity, so remember to make reservations for the dates you plan to visit.

Summer puts you right in the middle of the park’s busy season.

This state park’s busy season is March to November. They recommend making any overnight reservations at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time, during this season.

What’s the climate like?

The July average high is 96 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

The elevation is 292 feet. If you’d like to pair it with another state park, Lockhart State Park is nearby.

If you’re kicking yourself for not booking a tropical getaway this summer, you’re in luck.

Palmetto State Park is known as the Central Texas Tropics!

While it does seem unlikely to find tropics anywhere in Texas (cue the tumbleweed across a cracked land), give this state park a shot before you make up your mind.

It’s about an hour from Austin or San Antonio.

Water’s a major part of this park. And that’s one thing I really love about it.

If you’re like me, summer is about finding water in its many forms. Waterfalls. Beaches with the bluest water you can find. Pools with floats in all shapes and colors.

At Palmetto State Park, there are multiple sources of water, most notably the San Marcos River.

Because of that, the park is home to a variety of animals and plants, which are sure to delight the animal or plant lover in your friend group, family, or road trip crew.

Under trees is where you’ll spot dwarf palmettos, the park’s namesake. Make a game out of how many you can find, with kids or preteens.

It’s considered a small park, but it’s packed with activities — both on water and on land.

You can swim, fish, and paddle at this state park. Besides the San Marcos River, the park has a lake, an artesian well, and swamps.

They don’t rent out watercraft anymore, but it gives you a good opportunity to bring your own. It’s a good excuse to invest in gear you’ll use all summer long.

They’ve posted water safety tips on their website, so be sure to give those a read before you plan a whole day out at this state park.

The main thing is to be cautious when you’re swimming in the river. If there’s a rainy spell upstream, be aware that there’s a possibility of flash flooding in the section of the river where you’re at.

Things to Do

Hike or bike along their trails. Go geocaching. Camp out, go birding, or study nature’s wonders and mysteries. There’s a lot to learn here, even on summer break, for kids and anyone who’s young at heart.

Their Palmetto Trail winds its way through a stand of dwarf palmettos, which is a fun way to connect with the park’s namesake plant.

If you’re planning any birthday parties, engagement photo shoots, or retirement send-offs, Palmetto State Park has a picnic pavilion. The best part? An air-conditioned kitchen!

Air conditioning is nothing to wag a finger at in a Texas summer. Make use of it!

It’s a great spot to go camping or pack up the RV this summer, too.

Palmetto State Park has 19 tent sites and 17 RV sites. There’s also a group site, away from the hustle and bustle of the other sites. This group site is available for parties of up to 24 people.

Don’t have a tent or RV? No problem!

There’s also an air-conditioned cabin for up to 6 people you can rent.

If you love to go fishing in the summers, pack up your gear, and head over to Oxbow Lake. Or settle into a space along the San Marcos River.

The lake has its own fishing pier, which is a bonus.

The state park has some fishing equipment they can loan out. On particularly busy days, especially holidays, get there early to secure the equipment you’d like to use.

You don’t have to have a license to fish from the shore in a state park.

Paddling is a favorite pastime at Palmetto State Park.

Take your canoe or kayak out on the San Marcos River. Note that this river has a steady, strong current, but there aren’t any rapids.

Always check river conditions at the park before you push off from shore. Safety first!

You’ll need to bring your own canoe or kayak, and any shuttles you’ll need will have to be arranged ahead of time.

Are you an experienced paddler? You can put in at Luling City Park and take out after a 6-to-7-hour trip to Palmetto State Park.

Just be aware that private lands back up to the river, so put-in and take-out points are limited. Don’t end up in someone’s backyard, when they weren’t expecting you!

There’s even a Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail, if you’d like to follow a traditional trail.

What’s there for the kids to do?

Become a Junior Ranger! This summer is the summer you’re going to earn that title.

Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at the park’s headquarters. If you complete all the tasks, you’ll earn your Junior Ranger badge.

Borrow a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack, stuffed with resources you’ll use as you explore the state park.

If you’re searching for a summer camp out in nature for the kids, Palmetto State Park has a summer day camp for 8 to 12 year olds.

It’s called the Palmetto Adventure Summer Camp — a one-week, Monday-through-Friday program that takes place the first week of June.

This is a one-week program that’s Monday through Friday. It takes place the first week of June.

Through the camp, kids learn how to be good stewards of outdoor spaces and environments. They get to participate in different outdoor activities around the state park.

If summer’s more about destinations for you, this state park is in close proximity to fun attractions for a weekend away.

There’s a lot to do in the nearby towns, if you’d like to stack your day with a variety of activities.

Luling has a Luling Oil Museum, if someone in your group loves museums. This town is also known for watermelons, barbecue, and bright, colorful pump jacks.

If you time it right, Luling hosts a Watermelon Thump the last weekend in June. I can’t pass up watermelons! To me, those just spell summer.

Texas history runs deep in Gonzales. This town is thought of as the Cradle of Texas History, because the first shots of Texas Independence were fired there.

The first weekend in October, Gonzales celebrates this historic tie with a Come and Take It Celebration. Don’t forget to make your late summer/early fall plans, as you’re mapping out the early summer weeks.

How does barbecue sound?

If more than one smile popped up in the car when you asked that, there’s a good chance your group will be heading to Lockhart. It’s known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas.

Where is the park located? Type Palmetto State Park into your Maps app.

Where: Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Road 11, Gonzales, Texas 78629

As you’re booking vacations, trips, and more this summer, the Lone Star State is more full than you’d think of hidden gems and, yes, dwarf palmettos to fill up your summer calendar.

Sometimes a weekend trip close to home is exactly the reset you and your family or group of friends need to slow down and soak up the summer.

Palmetto State Park immerses you in a forest that’s not only dense and tangled, but also beautiful, fresh, and alive.

Find them online at tpwd.texas.gov, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because the Central Texas Tropics are best enjoyed when you’ve planned ahead.

If you’re already halfway out the door, you’re ready to go shop at Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques in Fredericksburg, Texas.

Fredericksburg is known for its shopping, dining, and small-town charm. Every summer, it draws Texans and out-of-towners alike to shop, dine, and catch up with friends and family.

Now’s your chance — put Fredericksburg on the calendar, with Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques at the top of your list.

Dipping Your Toe In … 

Even the website for this store has a European style to it. The owner’s name is in a large, designer font at the top: Carol Hicks Bolton.

Then, the rest of the shop’s name is “Antiquites Laboratoire de Design.” If you suddenly pictured your latest trip abroad, the landscapes, the food, the drinks, you’re in good company.

On their About page, there’s a quote that sums up their store’s vibe: “The details are not the details. They make the design.” That’s from Charles Eames.

So when you walk through this store, slow down and look closely — the details are the whole point.

Some of those details will become the ones you love to point out to guests — the conversation pieces in every room. Something designers may not think about is that those details matter to kids just as much … possibly even more than their parents.

For a parent, they’re taking home an antique piece they couldn’t part with at an antique store like Bolton Antiques.

But for little kids, they’re growing up with those details in their direct sightline or along the tips of their fingers as they get to know furniture of what they’ll remember as their childhood home.

Those are memories that stay with you — the kind you find yourself describing decades later without even trying. Who remembers the pattern on that chest that used to sit in the dining room when we’d eat together as a family? I can feel those grooves, still.

Carol and Tim Bolton own this store. The Boltons of Bolton Antiques!

They created this store for individual decorators, collectors, and resellers. That’s you! Come one, come all.

It’s not meant to be intimidating, as a store, though it is huge.

You’ll likely think, No, this isn’t for me. I’m just looking to decorate my home.

But give it a try. Let the store surprise you!

The shop has 30,000 square feet of antiques. These antiques are sourced from Europe, and beyond.

You’ll discover unique beds, French cabinets and curiosities, giant farm tables, fabulous upholstery, and elegant bed linens. They also have industrial objects, illuminations, and lots more.

Nothing here is set in stone.

The Boltons are used to stories that change, morph, and transform over time. That’s part of what they love about this store, and antiquing in general. (That includes the people like you who love to go antiquing. You’ll find a community here!)

The furniture in their store reflects who they are, what they love, and also what they believe in. It’s not a shop that is cookie cutter or copies and pastes the latest trends.

You’re getting to know the Boltons, by wandering around their store. 

If you like to shop that way, knowing whose design eye you’re surveying, this store is your next stop on a Texas summer road trip.

The Boltons say the furniture is both old and new at the same point in time.

How’s that? Well, the furniture is deconstructed and stripped down to the bones to get to the original piece or story that’s under all those layers.

Every piece they have for sale (or coming up for sale) has been found, measured, curated, cultivated, sorted, sifted, adjusted, adapted, and can’t forget, loved.

Their brand, and their furniture as an extension of that brand, is all about authenticity. What’s real? What’s home?

They like to say you’re part of a continuing story, picking up the pen from others’ histories so you can now go and write your own.

From Rabbit Hole to Wonderland

Their hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. through 5:30 p.m.

Categories of their goods are: beds, bedding, cabinets and cases, garden, lighting, oddities, religious decor, seating, tables, textiles, trunks, and wellness and beauty.

Go for what suits you best! If you’re looking for something specific, one tip I can give you is to go to their website. Under the Goods tab, click through the photos they have for each category.

That’ll give you a good sampling of what kind of products they buy and have on sale at the store. It’ll also let you peruse some examples of their pricing.

It’s a little tricky to spot, but if you hover over a photo (or click on it to enlarge), some products have pricing listed.

Always check in store for the most up-to-date prices.

What I find fascinating is the Archives tab on their website. It’s a treasure trove, literally. (If you paid for the treasure you took out of the trove, of course!)

In this section are some similar categories, such as: beds, cabinets and cases, garden, lighting, and oddities. They also have seating, religious decor, tables, and trunks.

This antique store is described as both beautiful and funky. You’ll find a little bit of both.

If you tend to be one way more than the other (a beautiful style or more of a funky one), you’re sure to come across a piece you love.

They have everything from beds and armoires to library cabinets to tables and chairs to lighting to garden items to art from more than 15 countries.

They’ve been part of the Fredericksburg community for more than 25 years, too. The antique store has been photographed in several different magazines.

Bolton Antiques is so much of a brand that they have their own tagline: Come Wonder. Come Wander. Come Seek. Come Find.

If that spoke to you just now, make a stop on your summer road trips to visit Fredericksburg and shop at this antique store. It’ll make your summer that much more magical.

Carol and Tim have spent decades in the antiques and vintage collectibles business. They’re always busy searching for the next item or thinking about current items they have out on the floor.

The store looks like a warehouse — because it was one. The Boltons transformed it into a full-blown antique emporium.

You’ll pass through their oversized front doors and into a space that earns every bit of its scale.

Inside you’ll explore French and European antiques, vintage typewriters, vintage medical cabinets and physicians’ accessories, library and curio cabinets, and more.

Some say it’s like a museum for its size, and a treasure hunt for its mysteries. Decide for yourself.

One thing to consider is that it’s likely tough to “see it all” in one day. If you have the time and availability, and enough friends or family who’ll go antique shopping with you this summer, plan out a few days to check out all they have to offer.

One magazine called it a “wonderland.” Much of the language around this antique shop’s experience, products, and brand is spellbinding, magical, and eccentric.

It’s definitely not your run-of-the-mill antique store. This is another level. Where anything’s possible.

Round the corner, and you’re met with a piece you never knew you’d always wanted.

In fact, describing a store visit here is closest to falling down a rabbit hole. That’s right. Alice in Wonderland. You’re liable to find all kinds of bobs and bits in this rabbit hole.

It’s an adventure, but one worth a jump into the unknown.

What I love is that they play jazz as shoppers browse the sales floor. It’s a nice touch to hear the beats as you picture what a piece could do in that one space in your house. Or as you imagine where the piece came from to cross oceans just to meet you.

Sunlight pours into the huge showroom, a reminder there’s an outside world before you get too lost inside this shop.

And the love story? You’re going to want to hear this one.

After Carol Hicks’ father retired, the Hicks family opened up a furniture shop.

But they needed a consultant to help teach them how to buy, sell, and merchandise at their shop.

That’s when she met Tim Bolton! They married in 1980.

The two moved to Fredericksburg and bought various stores, from gardening to dishware to linens.

In 1992, Carol designed a collection for North Carolina-based furniture company, EJ Victor. She learned tons about making fabric and designing frames.

Fabric’s still a favorite hobby of Carol’s. You’ll notice fabric hanging from the walls in the shop.

Where’s this shop located? Type Carol Hicks Bolton Fredericksburg into your Maps app.

Where: Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques, 301 South Lincoln Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

More than anything, the store is a reflection of the Boltons’ worldly travels — beginning with a trip to London that sparked a lifelong obsession. Every piece inside carries a little of that wanderlust with it. And when you walk out with one, so will you.

Find them online at carolhicksbolton.com, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because 30,000 square feet of European antiques won’t explore itself.

You’ve made your way to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas.

Many people think of The Alamo or the Riverwalk when they hear San Antonio.

A Japanese tea garden isn’t what you’d expect in San Antonio on a summer road trip through Texas. But here’s why it should make your list of must-sees.

What to Expect

The Japanese Tea Garden is a botanical garden in San Antonio.

But there’s more to the story.

The site of the present-day tea garden in Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, was an abandoned limestone quarry in the early 20th century.

Got a geology enthusiast or a rock-obsessed kid in the family? They’ll love the history of this place.

It’s managed by the City of San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Amenities include both a garden and a pavilion. They’re open to reservations if you give them a call at 210-559-3148.

Their hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Catch them close to sunrise or sunset for stunning views of the gardens.

The best part? It’s free admission!

They’re open to the public, and it’s only a short trip from downtown San Antonio. Though you may not have heard about it before, the Japanese Tea Garden is a historic site to see in San Antonio.

It’s wheelchair accessible, too. The upper garden and pavilion areas are accessible by ramp. The lower garden level is only accessible by stairs, but the parking lot includes accessible parking spaces.

If you’d love to shoot professional photography sessions here, schedule it in advance through the San Antonio Parks Foundation.

Any amenities that aren’t available for rentals or reservations are considered first-come, first-served. Check first if you’re able to rent an area where you’d really like to take photos or visit specifically.

One thing I really like about this tea garden is that they’ve included a Little Free Library. For those of you who’ve never heard of these, or who’ve seen these funny little birdhouse boxes for books in your neighborhood or at your school, they’re a free way to share a love of reading.

Anyone can take a book or drop off a book. It’s more of a system of bringing a book you think others would enjoy and selecting a book from the tiny library to take home and read. It’s supposed to fit right in with a community who have a love for books in common.

Even better, exploring the library — like the garden itself — won’t cost you a cent.

Encourage your kids, who tend to get stir-crazy in the summer, to check out this Little Free Library at the tea garden. It’s not only a new environment in which to read — or even ‘enter’ a library in the middle of nature — but also a wonderful way to keep young minds engaged while school’s out for summer.

But it’s also a sneaky way to learn something, even when school’s out for summer break.

What’s available to rent? The tea garden has a Jingu House and patio, along with a pavilion and a waterfall area. These spots are great for hosting weddings, luncheons, or other special events you’re planning for this summer.

Call ahead to confirm your preferred dates and times are still available.

Note that the Japanese Tea Garden is in its next phase of improvements, which will include adding lighting to the lower garden level. They’ve posted a Master Plan on the city’s website to help you out with knowing what’s happening and when.

If you’re hoping to take photos or enjoy a quiet view of nature, call ahead to make sure there won’t be any construction or projects underway when you’ll be visiting.

The original renovations started back in 2007. They repaired the ponds and waterfall and installed a recirculation system to help keep the Koi and aquatic plants happy and healthy. It was a public-private partnership with the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Parks Foundation, and Friends of the Parks.

The Foundation is continuing to raise funds to help revitalize the Japanese Tea Garden. If you have any ideas on how to make it better, let them know!

Before the tea garden opened in 2008, the City underwent considerable work on infrastructure rehabilitation for several of its garden facilities, including walkways, pipes, filtration, wall repairs, and pond sealing.

After all this restoration work, the garden is now open year-round and has a beautiful floral display, with shaded paths, stone bridges, a 60-foot waterfall, and ponds teeming with Koi.

History of the Lily Pond

Something special about this place is the history.

Members of the Jingu family lived and worked in the garden in the 1920s, a sweet connection to the Jingu House on the property.

Ray Lambert, a park commissioner, first thought up the idea of turning an abandoned, old rock quarry into a “lily pond.”

The reality is that the garden’s story goes all the way to the late 1800s in Texas.

The San Antonio Water Works Company, through its then-president Brackenridge (namesake for the current park), donated nearly 200 acres to the City of San Antonio for a public park. That original park opened to the public in 1901.

At the time, there was still a rock quarry, fully operating, west of the park on city property. The City of San Antonio had been leasing the quarry to stone cutters since the mid-1800s.

In the latter part of the century, a large cement company began using the quarry, but once they established they’d need rail lines to ramp up production, they moved to another site and closed the Brackenridge Park quarry some years later.

So, how’s the quarry related to the tea garden? A kind lady, Mrs. Emma Koehler, owned 11 acres between the quarry and the San Antonio River to the east.

She donated the land to the city in 1915 for a public park.

That’s when Lambert, a public commissioner, suggested a lily pond (what later became the tea garden). 

Of course, all this “lily pond” had in terms of practicality, and not dreams, were plans from a park engineer and no budget.

Still, Lambert was able to build the garden. In the 1900s, the quarry transformed into walkways, stone arch bridges, an island, and a Japanese pagoda.

The term, lily pond, stuck with visitors. And locals even bought and donated bulbs to make the area more beautiful. They wanted to see it come about.

Everyone pitched in. The city nursery provided exotic plants. The City Public Service Company donated a lighting system. And the pagoda’s roof came from palm leaves from trees in the city’s parks.

I like that it didn’t pop up, fully formed, as a lush, relaxing botanical garden. It had an unlikely start as a quarry, which isn’t what you’d think of as a summer destination spot.

And more than a handful of people pitched in to beautify it and add personality to its environment. It’s a reminder of what a community can build when people share a common vision and show up for it.

Improvements continued to be made to the garden. In 1920, a smattering of houses was built at the base of the old cement kilns. That little village was intended to be a tourist destination for Mexican arts and crafts vendors and an outdoor restaurant. At least, that was the vision.

Along this same line of thinking, artist Dionicio Rodriguez created a Japanese torii gate at the garden’s main entrance, with his signature style of concrete work imitating wood. While the village didn’t last, the torii gate is something worth checking out.

In 1926, a local Japanese-American artist, Kimi Eizo Jingu, moved into the garden (a real artist-in-residence) and opened up the Bamboo Room. They held light lunches and tea.

Sadly, Mr. Jingu passed away in the late 1930s, but his family continued to operate the garden lunches and tea until 1942. After many decades, the area was rededicated in 1984 as the Japanese Tea Garden, a ceremony attended by Jingu’s descendants and Japanese government representatives.

Because of the tea garden’s origin story as a rock quarry, which also played a significant role in the cement industry, as well as the later redevelopment as a garden, the area is designated as a Texas Civil Engineering Landmark and a Registered Texas Historic Landmark.

It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Where can you find this tea garden? Plug in the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio into your Maps app.

Where: Japanese Tea Garden, 853 North Saint Mary’s Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212

It’s a romantic place to bring your spouse or partner on a date that’s not the usual dinner out.

It’s open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It’s dog-friendly, as long as you keep pets on a leash.

You don’t have to have a photo permit to take photos in the tea garden. Enjoy snapping photos!

There’s no place to change clothes if you’re hosting an event. And no drones, balloons, rose petals, confetti, props, or wagons are allowed.

Check out the food at Jingu House if you decide on a summer visit to the Japanese Tea Garden.

Find them online at saparks.org, follow along on Facebook and Instagram, and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because a quiet oasis in the heart of San Antonio is always worth the visit.

You’re on a bench in a train car on the Texas State Railroad, which left its station in Palestine, Texas.

Train rides are much more than a mode of transportation. Attractions like this one prioritize the experience, the tales of nature told through the viewing windows of the train car.

Not only that, but you’ll get to sit and travel in style, depending on which seating class you select.

Cheers to a trip by train this summer!

Stay Organized

Texas State Railroad has a depot in Palestine, Texas.

According to the railroad’s website, this ride delivers a bit of everything: history, nature, and adventure.

If your kids or your group of friends are looking for just that, this summer is your opportunity to make it a reality.

The full round-trip is about 4 hours — you’ll ride for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes before stopping for a lunch break at the next depot.

Their regular season opens every March. Check out their excursions calendar for the latest events, dates, and times.

The route is called the Piney Woods Route — and the name says it all, with pine trees stretching for miles in every direction.

Their train cars are refurbished yet retain much of their original character, and the fleet includes vintage steam and diesel locomotives.

One thing I love about this railroad is that their logo is a huge Lone Star. The font follows a Western theme. In other words, this isn’t the kind of luxury train ride you’d take through the Swiss Alps — it’s proudly, unmistakably Texan.

Keep in mind that a few factors may affect your experience, including the locomotive assigned for the day, passenger car arrangements, meal and layover timing, and departure and arrival times.

Texas State Railroad was named a 2022 Travelers’ Choice by Tripadvisor.

Prices vary, so check their website for what seating classes, dates, and times are available. Find one within your budget!

The Palestine depot is their departure point. The second depot, in Rusk, is where they do layovers for their excursions.

Trains run on a strict schedule — no exceptions. There’s no one with a stopwatch chasing you down, but don’t push your luck either.

Trains leave at scheduled departure times and do not wait for any late arrivals. Try to get to the departure depot in Palestine at least 45 minutes before your train is supposed to leave.

Their excursions are round-trip between Palestine and Rusk. Trains take you from Palestine to Rusk and back to Palestine.

Always read the full description and rules of any excursion that you’re thinking about booking.

In Rusk, you’ll get off the train for about an hour and 15 minutes for most excursions. You’re free to go eat lunch, check out the grounds, or stop by the historical depot and gift shop.

I’d recommend taking this opportunity to get up, move around, and stretch — you’ll be glad you did.

Reserve your train ticket online, or call their reservations desk at 855-632-7729. You’ll get an email confirming your ticket purchase after you submit your reservation.

Be sure that you have your ticket confirmation email when you arrive at the Palestine depot. They accept mobile ticket confirmation emails. Just note that your confirmation email isn’t the same as your boarding pass.

Piney Woods Express Excursion tickets are fully refundable with a 72-hour notice. Any pre-paid lunches will also be refunded. If you miss your train, you can reschedule it within 14 days (subject to a rescheduling fee) and use the ticket credit (must be before December 31 of the same calendar year).

You can get a full refund for all other excursions, provided it’s within a 14-day notice. I’d suggest counting backwards on your calendar from the date of your train ride, so that you’re tracking the deadlines for canceling or rescheduling. It could save you from losing money on a last-minute cancellation.

If you happen to forget your confirmation email or can’t find it in your phone’s email inbox, have your photo ID ready (of whoever made the reservation), along with the credit card you used to book it.

Remember: your boarding pass and confirmation email are two separate things — make sure you have both ready on the day of your ride.

You’ll pick up your boarding passes at the Palestine depot. They’re not distributed digitally, so don’t expect an email in your inbox that’s your boarding pass.

You have to pick up your boarding passes no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. The same applies here as it did for late arrivals to boarding: Plan ahead, and allow for extra time.

It’s unfortunate, but if you do miss that 15-minute window to get your boarding passes, you’ll be automatically rescheduled for a new departure time and possibly a different date, along with applicable fees.

Save yourself and your party some troubles by getting everyone out the door on time.

Likewise, the boarding platform (doesn’t that sound so official?) closes 10 minutes before a train’s departure time.

No one is allowed on the boarding platform once that 10-minute window starts ticking. It’s for your safety!

A Ticket, Please!

Do I have to get a reservation?

Coordinating a group trip — especially with kids’ schedules and activities in the mix — isn’t easy. Getting everyone together, on the same day and time, requires significant effort, time, and coordinating.

But reservations are highly recommended here. Many of their excursions sell out in advance, which is no wonder since it’s such a cool, unique experience out in East Texas.

Walk-ins are permitted, so don’t feel like you can’t get a seat if you walk in. There’s always the possibility you’ll be able to snag a bench, but it’s a risk.

If you do purchase a walk-in ticket, everyone in your group has to read and sign the Texas State Railroad Terms of Service and Condition of Sale Agreement and Consent/Indemnity Waiver. These waivers have to be signed before they’ll process your ticket payments and issue boarding passes.

Okay, how does train seating work? That’s an important question!

Every car class has a different seating layout, so it’s worth looking into which one suits your group before booking.

Most train cars have four people at each table. If you’re a party of two, you’ll likely be seated with another party of two. Don’t worry — if you’re short on couple friends, it’s actually a great chance to meet someone new who shares your taste for a good day trip.

If you have an odd number of people in your group, some people will be seated with another group. But they do their best to seat you in the same area as long as you’re all booked under the same reservation.

It’s not uncommon for several families to want to all meet up to try out an attraction like this that kids, parents, grandparents, or in-laws will love.

They can seat you together even if you’re from different families who booked online separately.

Just be sure to book your separate reservations in the same seating class. Also, make sure someone from your group calls the reservations desk at 855-632-7729 to confirm that you’d all like to sit together in the same car.

That way, an agent from the railroad can manually link up your reservations for seating purposes. Make sure to make this request by phone at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure time.

It’s required to sign release forms to ride the train, too. Anyone who’s over the age of 18 needs to sign their own release form. If you have any minors riding the train, their legal guardian must sign the release form.

Texas summers are hot, as we know. Anyone who’s grown up in Texas is used to the heat, often playing outside, sunscreen on, throwing back water. But if you’re newer to Texas, or used to cooler climates, it can be quite the adjustment.

Not all of the train cars are climate-controlled. That’s a big deal here in Texas during the summer. Call ahead to the reservations desk, and ask one of the agents about cars or seating classes that are preferable when temps rise.

One option is to look ahead at the months and dates in your family’s schedule. When will everyone be free? What’s a cooler time to go?

They do have restrooms on the train, which is a plus.

How can I get to the depot in Palestine? Plug in Texas State Railroad Palestine into your Maps app.

Where: Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70, Palestine, Texas 75801

Smoking isn’t allowed on any of the trains. This includes e-cigarettes, vapes, or anything similar.

You can’t take any outside food or drink on the train.

Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed on board, but there is a concession car available to all passengers. Check first if it’s part of the excursions you’re planning on booking.

To save a little money, grab a snack or finish your drink before boarding and leave the rest in your car.

The concession car offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, as well as beer, wine, and premium liquor service.

Snacks such as candy bars, ice cream, and popcorn (traditional train fare, of course) are available for purchase.

All guests have access to the concession car. Note that some seating classes include complimentary appetizers, served by a train car attendant right to your seat.

With a clickety-clack, Texas State Railroad whisks you away through pine forests and past quiet ponds, with stops at historic depots along the way — a ride worth every mile.

Find them online at texasstaterailroad.net, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Flickr, and pull up directions on Google Maps before you head out — because the Piney Woods are best enjoyed from a window seat, right on time.