Texas attractions

Unique Texas roadside souvenir opportunity

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On one of our trips to Austin, Texas to see our oldest son and his family we all took a day trip to Bastrop, an historic town East of Austin. On our way back we spotted a big Texas flag, a big trailer and a couple of longhorn steers that had been saddled.

Then on second look, things became clear. One of the steers was munching on a flake of hay. The second, next to the trailer and flag had a folding step ladder set next to the saddle. Finally you see the sign: “$10 Photo”. It’ll be easy to climb the ladder, set in the saddle, and get a souvenir photo of you riding a real Texas longhorn. This cowboy has a unique side hustle.

Bascilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle is a National Shrine in Texas

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The Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle is a remarkable place in the Rio Grande Valley of Southern Texas. The Basilica has a fascinating history that traces back to the 1600’s in Mexico with a reported miracle. The current location has been the goal for pilgrimages for decades.

The bell tower

The Sanctuary

 

 

 

 

 

While we were staying at an RV resort near by Sher and I decided to go to the Basilica on a Sunday for mass. The Sunday schedule has masses all day, with Spanish, English and bi-lingual. There is a mariachi band providing the music on Saturday and Sunday masses. We opted for the 3 o’clock English mass. The mass was very inspiring.

The sculpture on the sanctuary wall

First Station of the Cross

Free Holy Water fountain

When we arrived, the 1 o’clock mass had not yet let out, and the parking lots were very full. I was able to find a handicapped spot. The complex has lots of support facilities. There is a hotel for pilgrims and a very large gift shop. We went to the gift shop as we had time before the 3 o’clock mass. The gift shop was filled with about any kind of religious item you can imagine. The stations of the cross are set up along a beautiful path that winds through the grounds.

When in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas you should consider a visit to the Basilica. Read up on the history and other information before you go. This is the website link.

Texas Hill Country Olive Company

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We had just finished checking out the town of Dripping Springs in the Hill Country outside of Austin and were waiting for a restaurant to open. I spotted a sign for an olive company the opposite direction from the eatery, so off we went.

Striking architecture of the Olive Company

About five miles later we saw what looked like some kind of Italian mountain villa. Yep, that turned out to be the Texas Hill Country  Olive Company. We had no idea what to expect, except that it would involve olives. Well, what a nice surprise when the hostess showed us to the free tasting stations. Yes, we were invited to taste different olive oils. I sure got an education.

Olive oils on the left, balsamic vinegars on the right

Fun signage

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had no idea that there were so many different kinds of olive oils, all of which were made by this family owned and operated business. Sher and I both enjoyed tasting the different olive oils. You taste them by putting a few drops in a small cup and either tasting it directly by mouth or dipped on a small piece of bread.

In the showroom in front of one of the tasting stations.

In addition to the oils, there were several varieties of balsamic vinegar as well set out for tasting. These were all imported from Italy, and there was an amazing range of flavors. The balsamic vinegar we bought was a blackberry flavor, which will be perfect to mix with the olive oil we bought to make a great salad dressing. Yum! The showroom also has a wide variety of gift boxes and other goodies.

Olive trees at the Olive Company

Olive tree beginning to flower

 

 

 

 

 

This place should be on everyone’s list of must visit places in the Hill Country. The site has lots of olive trees in their on site orchard. Our hostess explained that the company also has many more orchards in south Texas as well. Yes, olive trees grow in places other than Southern Europe and the Mid East. You can experience them at the Texas Hill Country Olive Co..

Austin’s Lady Bird Lake from the water after dark

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The Colorado River runs through Austin’s vibrant downtown. Flanked by parks, bike and hiking trails and entertainment venues, the river also widens and slows, prompting the name Lady Bird Lake after LBJ’s First Lady.

Striking view at dusk

Groupon led us to Lone Star Riverboat cruises, offering a chance to enjoy a sunset cruise and beautiful views of the remarkable and interesting architecture of Austin’s skyline. Lone Star has both a double deck “paddle wheeler” style boat and large open air pontoon style boats. Sher and I and our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter chose  the pontoon boat for our sunset cruise.

Center building is either an owl or a nose hair clipper: locals laugh about it

Curved building is the new Google Headquarters, far right is one that looks like a thumb drive

We thoroughly enjoyed our slow paced tour up and down the waters. Our Captain of the craft gave a most interesting running commentary of the sights seen from the vantage point of the water. One interesting anecdote concerned the heights of the buildings. Formerly no Austin building could be taller than the State Capitol. However, one rich Texan donated a building that would be taller. Money talked, and the impressive skyline continues to grow in height.

Our cruise was slightly over and hour, and was reasonably priced with special kid’s rates and a nice Senior discount as well.

Blue Corn Harvest uses local sourcing

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One thing we enjoy about traveling is the wide variety of dining experiences available. Georgetown is north of Austin and is a favorite destination for us when we’re in he Austin area. It is one of the locations for the Blue Corn Harvest restaurants.

Inviting entrance

Welcoming dining room

 

 

 

 

 

One thing that we like about Blue Corn Harvest is their use of local sourcing for their supplies. These places always have extra fresh ingredients for their offerings. Blue Corn also has a wonderful menu with something for everyone.

Sher’s Veggie Sandwich

Maj’s BBQ Burger

We were served warm sweet cornbread before the meal

We certainly enjoyed our lunch today. Sher had the Roasted Veggie Sandwich, stuffed with farm fresh veggies and topped with a bun sized mushroom. I enjoyed the 8 ounce BBQ burger with jack cheddar, onions and pickles and house made BBQ Sauce. Both came with hand cut fries.

Full service bar made good Margaritas

Adrian was our server and was most helpful. This was a very nice and comfortable place for a tasty lunch. The  food was delicious, service was great and the price was reasonable.

Turning Texas trees into Texas art

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There are some impressive trees along the banks of Cypress Creek in Wimberley Texas that we saw during our trip there a few days ago. Some very talented people have turned some tree trunks into quite remarkable carvings in a popular picnic area just behind one of the buildings housing restaurants and shops.

Quite the signature…

Now that’s a stare!

Pointing skyward..

For UT Longhorn football fans

By the creek bank

It is impressive to see that a chainsaw was utilized to create such detailed works of art like these.

 

Lake Travis is only 35% full

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This photo was taken today from a road to a Hudson Bend marina. the water level is very low…

Lake Travis is a huge lake in the Hill Country northwest of Austin, Texas. It normally has 29.5 square miles of water. That is when normal precipitation falls on the Colorado River basin areas. The whole world has seen lots of area under drought conditions. The Colorado basin and Central Texas is no exception.

That boater has to watch for shallow water not normally there!

As of today, 10/20/2023 Lake Travis Mean Water Level was 627.30 above sea level. One year ago today it was 640.76. Thus in one year the Mean Water Level has dropped 13.46 feet. Another parameter measured daily is the total surface area in acres of the lake. Today the Lake Travis surface area was 8,799 acres. Last year, same date, it was 10,746 acres. Nearly 2000 acres less one year later. Seeing the low level of the water today was quite a shock.

Artemis Mediterranean Grill in Bee Cave, Texas

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It was definitely time for lunch, actually past time. We were in Bee Cave, Texas, a few miles due west of the center of Austin. Our map search “food near me” led us to the Artemis Mediterranean Grill. We are glad it did.

A lovely entrance to this establishment

Gotta have a Grecian Urn at a Greek Grill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked in and at the door we were told to sit wherever we wanted. A soon as we sat down our server Chloe came to our table to take our order, and answer questions about anything. I had a couple, and she explained what Falafel was (meatless, so no thanks) and if she liked the Greek Burger (1/2 lb house-ground lamb burger). She said she did.

Sher’s Artemis salad

Maj’s Greek Lamb Burger and fries

We both had the Mediterranean Mule

Sher went with the Artemis salad, complete with onions, walnuts, sliced pears, figs and other good stuff. My Greek Burger came with feta and caramelized onions with garlic-mint aioli. Oh, the Artemis seasoned fries with their special sauce were great as well, and deserved the “highly addictive” menu label.  The adjectives “delicious” and “filling”  did not do our meals justice.

Bar, TV’s, it doesn’t get any better

Well, maybe outside patio dining is better?

 

 

 

 

 

We had a delightful, relaxed and satisfying dining experience. Chloe went above and beyond in her attentiveness to our every need. The food was marvelous, served quickly and prepared perfectly. If you are anywhere in central Texas, do yourself a favor and head to Artemis Mediterranean Grill. This is the website. It has all you need to know. Oh, by the way,  you west coast folks will find another similar establishment at Lake Tahoe.

 

 

Some sights and sounds of Wimberley

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Wimberley Texas is in the Hill Country southeast of Austin. We spent part of the day this past Saturday with our son and his family checking out the town and sites.

The boot’s size should not be a surprise here…

There are lots of restaurants and shopping places in the town. We got there about noon and finding parking within a reasonable walking distance was a challenge. But we spotted a vehicle loading up to leave, and we got their spot, which worked out well.

Plants, incense and other stuff

Everybody needs one or two of these…

Good idea with good humor too

Strange tree looking at you.

Buy a plant, get it potted here!

Oh yes, here’s MY angel, eat your heart out guys…

We enjoyed walking around the town, visiting shops, seeing the nature preserve and of course grabbing a bite to eat. Wimberley is a must visit when you are in and around the Southern Hill Country outside of Austin.

 

Wimberley, Texas beautiful bald cypress trees on Cypress Creek

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Wimberley, Texas is in the Hill Country outside of Austin in the central part of the state. It is a small town that is hugely popular for its many shops and restaurants and the natural beauty of the area. There are some famous swimming holes close by too!

The Preserve entrance

A worthy project

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cypress Creek runs right through the town, and the banks and surrounds have become popular recreational locations for locals and visitors alike. Sher and I went with our son and his family to see the town, the creek side trail and the huge bald cypress trees.

I was told this a favorite place for weddings

The cypress trees along the banks live for hundreds of years and are massive in size.  One nearby tree has been dated to be from at least as far back as the year 1426. You can stand inside one tree whose base was blown out decades ago by a lightning strike We had to get our picture in that one!

Note the creek in the background

Close up detail of photo to the left

 

 

 

 

 

 

The roots of these trees run shallow and nearly parallel the ground surface both above and below. These exposed roots are fascinating to observe.

Typical shape of the cypress at the waterline

Shadows and reflections on the water

The size of these trees is impressive!

One shop owner explained to me that yes, these are the same bald cypress trees you see in Florida in the swamps. He pointed out that in Texas they don’t do as well or are as prolific because there is not enough water in the Texas Hill Country to support massive groves of the trees. They are still fascinating to see. Wimberley is fortunate to have such a  lovely attraction as the Cypress Creek Nature Trail & Preserve .