From Shiner to Brenham and beyond, enjoy some Lone Star State road trips
Many people have been staying at home, and if cabin fever is getting to you, maybe it is time to get away in Texas for the weekend — or just take a road trip for the day.
The Lone Star State is a great place for either, for there is a lot to do, from Hill Country winery escapes to romantic getaways, unique castles, relaxing Gulf Coast beaches, and lakes. Texas has a lot of wineries to choose from
— more than you might imagine.
Most have heard of some great places to visit such as Austin, Dallas, Galveston, Fredericksburg, Brenham, Corpus Christi and San Antonio, but there are some great hidden gems all along the back roads not to be missed. Such excursions can fill a day, weekend or more.
For example, Marfa is growing into a trip destination and a cultural landmark with all kinds of visitors, including celebrities. Marfa is in the middle of nowhere in West Texas and its population is less than 2,000. It has a lot to offer in the way of art museums, and this tiny town is becoming known as an artists’ hub.
Just walking through this town and visiting the shops is worth the time, but there are interesting places to stay, such as the 105 Lincoln, a historic boutique hotel; Cibolo Creek Ranch, one of the oldest ranches in Texas; El Cosmico where accommodations include renovated vintage trailers, safari tents, Sioux-style tipis and Mongolian yurts; authentic ranch lodging at the Marfa Haus; or step back in time to the Wild West at the Riata Inn.
For more, go to visitmarfa.com.
Some have made plans to visit all the “castles” in Texas. Yes, that is right, the state has castles.
There are many of these impressive buildings, such as the Old Red Museum Castle and Bishop’s Palace. Texas castles are not like the in Europe. They have their own unique architecture and historic flair.
Visit https://vacationidea.com/ideas/ best-castles-in-texas.html.
For a day trip, historic Richmond is a great place to visit at just 30 minutes from Houston, especially if you like Texas history. It is one of the oldest towns in Texas.
Just walking down Morton Street and visiting the shops, gazing at the historic buildings makes a good day,
and take time to walk over to the Fort Bend Museum’s buildings, an easy and interesting walk.
Also, the historic courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses in Texas, and it has been seen in many movies.
Be sure to visit the Morton Cemetery, where many famous Texans are buried such as Jane Long, the Mother of Texas; Mirabeau B. Lamar, the first vice president and second president of the Republic of Texas, and others.
For more information, visit http:// www.richmondecodev.com/page/HistoricDowntown.
When most people think of Texas, they do not think of it having German and Czech heritage. However, in the 1800s, German and Czech immigrants settled in areas around Austin, and their influence and ways of life remain.
In fact, some of their church services are still held in German.
And, if you enjoy everything German and Czech, including food, gifts, and architecture, then plan a road trip west toWada, Giddings, Weimar, Schulenburg, LaGrange, Flatonia, and Shiner. Shiner is the home of the famous Shiner Beer, and you can tour the Spoetzl Brewery, where they still produce it. And along the way, stop and see the “painted churches.”
The Painted Churches of Texas are definitely a sight to be seen. Entering a plain steeple church, you will find a European-style painted church of high Gothic windows, tall spires, and elaborately painted interiors with brilliant colors and friezes created by the German and Czech settlers in America. For more information visit https://traveladdicts.net/paintedchurches-of-texas.
Or if you just want to get away for a quiet, romantic and relaxed weekend for two, you can explore one of the many Texas bed and breakfasts. Here is a place to start some research of those options: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g28964-c2-TexasHotels.html.
It might be time to grab the keys and face mask, gas up and hit the road to see the state, blowing the “cobwebs” of the pandemic away.