Travel Guide: Top Activities and Attractions in San Antonio and Austin, Texas

 Texas, one of my favorite states, is loaded with so many awesome places to see and things to do. San Antonio and Austin, a little over an hour’s drive apart, have some of the most popular tourist attraction in the state. 

Along with the most popular, I have found some amazing secret spots!

The Alamo

The Alamo, originally the Misión San Antonio de Valero, is best known for the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during Texas’ war for independence from Mexico. It has played a role in many historic events for over 300 years. 

Hours:

Open daily 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

 

Admission:

Free General admission with different cost for tours

 

Address:

300 Alamo Plaza

San Antonio, TX 78205

San Antonio River Walk (Paseo del Rio)

San Antonio River Walk, Texas’ #1 attraction, is 15 miles of beautifully landscaped walkways along the San Antonio River. 

Along the walk you will find unique architecture, shops, restaurants, hotels, apartments, and waterfalls.  

Riverboats tours are another way to experience the area without walking. 

Sea world

This popular marine park offers animal interactions, shows, and is even a theme park with rides.

 

Hours:

Monday - Friday 10:30 am to 9 pm

Saturday  10:30 am to 10 pm 

Admission:

$80.99 at door

$49.99 if preordered online

 

Address:

10500 SeaWorld Drive San Antonio, TX 78251

Cross Mountain Park

Historic Cross Mountain, a marl and limestone hill with an elevation of 1951 feet, was once a popular lookout spot for Indian tribes. 

Walk the trail to the top to see the cross and enjoy an amazing sunset. 

Hours:

dawn to dusk

Admission:

Free

Address:

1510 N Milam St, Fredericksburg

Hamilton Pool

A short hike will lead you to this jaw dropping sunken grotto with a 50-foot waterfall. This is one of Texas’ most unique swimming spots. 

Hours:

Daily

9:00am - 12:30pm

2:00pm - 5:30pm

Admission:

Reservation Fee - PAID ONLINE (Required Daily) $12 ($11 + $1 credit card service charge) per Vehicle

Day Use - PAID UPON ARRIVAL  $8 per Person

Day Use for Seniors (62 years and older) - PAID UPON ARRIVAL   $3 per Person

Day Use for Children (12 years and younger)       No Charge

Day Use for Disabled Veteran (50%+ disabled)    No Charge

 

Address:

24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Jacobs well

Jacobs Well is 140 feet deep under water cave system that is a popular swimming spot in Texas. Swimming is permitted May – September. 

Hours:

8am to 6pm daily

Admission:

Entry is free but swimming is $5 - $9 depending on age

Address:

1699 Mt Sharp Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676

Krause Springs

Krause Springs is a 115-acre Historical Sites popular for camping and swimming. Stroll through the garden or take a swim in a natural or manmade pool. 

Hours:

Daily 9am to 8pm

Closed November 1st and February 15th

Admission:

Adult (12+ years) $9

Child (4-11 years) $5

Camping is extra

Address:

 424 County Road 404 | Spicewood, TX 78669

Lake Travis

https://laketravis.com/

Lake Travis is 30 square-miles of beautiful clear water to explore and enjoy.

Watersports, lodging, restaurants, and ziplining are some of the things you can find around the lake.  

Muleshoe Bend

Muleshoe Bend is a 654-acre park with 9.8 miles of trails and scenic lake views. My favorite time to visit is during bluebonnet season. The bluebonnets usually bloom in April.

Hours:

Daily 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission:

Free

Address:

2820 County Road 414, Spicewood, TX 78669-1468

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is a 325 feet pink granite mountain National Natural Landmark. It has

eleven miles of hiking trails surround the mountain.

Hours:

Daily 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission:

Adult: $8 Daily

Child 12 Years and Under: Free

Address:

16710 Ranch Rd. 965

Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Pederanels Falls

Pederanels Falls is an area of the Pedernales River where the water flows over descending boulders of layered limestone. 

Hours:

Daily 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Admission:

Adults $6

Child (12 & under) Free

Address:

2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

Inks Lake State Park

Inks Lake State Park is a beautiful park where you can hike trails through colorful pink granite hills, enjoy watersports on the sparkling blue water lake, or lounge at a camp site. It was raining on and off the day we were there, but we were still able to hike and appreciate the beautiful scenery. 

  

Hours:

Daily 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Admission:

Adults $7

Child (12 & under) Free

Address:

3630 Park Road 4 West

Burnet, TX 78611

Hope you are inspired now to check out the many awesome places in Texas!

Happy Travels!

Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Louisiana's Coastal Region: Top Places to Visit

 

Louisiana's coastal region is a destination like no other. From the bustling city of New Orleans to the serene beaches and natural parks, this area has something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, you will find plenty of attractions to enjoy. Here are some of the top places to visit in the Louisiana coastal region:

Beaches

Louisiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about beaches, but this southern state has a unique coastline that offers visitors a different kind of beach experience. From the wild and rugged stretches of sand to the calm and serene beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has a lot to offer beach-goers.

Holly Beach

Also known as the "Cajun Riviera," Holly Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is known for its calm waters and soft white sand. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or take a stroll along the shoreline. The area is also popular for crabbing and fishing.

Rutherford Beach

Rutherford Beach is a quiet and secluded beach located in Cameron Parish. The beach is known for its calm waters, making it a popular spot for families with young children. Visitors can relax on the sandy shore or go for a swim in the clear blue waters. The beach is also a great place for fishing and crabbing.

Johnson Beach

Located in Barataria Preserve, Johnson Beach is a secluded spot that offers visitors a unique beach experience. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and visitors can take a hike along one of the many nature trails before cooling off in the water. The beach is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Rip Van Winkel Garden 

Rip Van Winkle Gardens - This botanical garden is located on Jefferson Island and features a stunning collection of exotic plants and flowers. You can also tour the Joseph Jefferson Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address:

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560

Admission:

Home Tours: 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Tickets: $12.00 Sr. & Groups $10.00

Avery Island

Avery Island - Home to the famous Tabasco sauce, Avery Island is a must-visit destination for foodies. You can tour the factory and sample some of the spicy sauce, or explore the beautiful Jungle Gardens.

 

Address:

32 Wisteria Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513

 

Tabasco factory & Jungle Garden Admission:

$12.50 Adults

$9.50 Children (4 and under are free)

Grand Isle     

This barrier island is known for its pristine beaches and excellent fishing. You can also visit the Grand Isle State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities.

New Orleans

The Big Easy is one of the most popular destinations in the region. From Bourbon Street to the French Quarter, the city is full of historic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and vibrant culture.

 Fontainebleau State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. You can also explore the ruins of a historic sugar mill and a beautiful lagoon.

Address:

62883 Hwy. 1089

Mandeville, LA 70448

Admission:

$3 per person

Free for seniors (62 & older)

Free for children (3 & under)

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

 

 

Tropical Backyard Garden 2021 Tour in Arkansas

 

  

I am late on posting a garden tour from last summer. After the hard winter, it took most of the summer for what did survive to grow.

 

In February 2021, we had ice, snow, high winds, and negative nine-degree weather for a week. This is not something that you would ever expect to experience in southern Arkansas.

While we did enjoy playing in the snow, I was concerned about the damage it was causing.

I knew that the palm and banana trees would suffer, but I was not sure about the more native plants and trees. Six out of the eight palm trees died. Most of them being over ten years old.  

I cleaned up and set back to see if anything would put back up.

Slowly, the banana trees and a few other plants started to grow.

The crape myrtles, loquat, and some bushes struggled to put out new growth in July. Normally, this would happen in April. 

 

Everything continued to struggle throughout the summer, but by August, my lush paradise had returned. Well mostly..... things were smaller than normal and some of the trees still had dead limbs mixed with the green ones. The hibiscus and sun coleus that I had wintered in the greenhouse performed extra well, making up for the lack in the rest of the garden.  

This past winter was mild as usual and the trees and plants continue to recover. We have added new hardscapes and plants to the garden this year already.  I am hoping this summer will be better since I am already seeing a lot of green and new growth from the established plants and trees.

Happy Gardening!!!

   

 

The Mysterious Black Sand Beach in Minnesota: Exploring the Unique Natural Wonder

When you think of a beach, you probably imagine white sands and turquoise waters. But did you know that Minnesota has a beach with black sand? Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the Black Sand Beach is a unique natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the country. In this blog post, we will explore what makes this beach so special and why it is worth a visit.

The Black Sand Beach is in Silver Bay, Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Superior. The beach is not entirely made up of black sand, but rather a mix of black and white sands. The black sand comes from the nearby Palisade Head, a basalt rock formation that has eroded over time.

The beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and there are many activities to enjoy. Visitors can swim in the cool waters of Lake Superior, go fishing or kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views.

Why Visit the Black Sand Beach?

 

The Black Sand Beach is a unique natural wonder that offers visitors a chance to experience something truly special. The contrast between the black and white sands is striking and makes for some stunning photo opportunities. The beach is also surrounded by beautiful scenery, including forests, cliffs, and the expansive waters of Lake Superior.

 

In addition to its beauty, the beach is also a great place to learn about geology and natural history. The basalt rocks that make up the black sand were formed over millions of years, and the beach is a living example of the powerful forces of nature.

Tips for Visiting

 

Wear sturdy shoes, as the beach is rocky and uneven.

Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as the beach is exposed to the sun and bugs.

Be careful when swimming, as the waters of Lake Superior can be cold and rough.

Respect the natural environment and leave no trace behind.

The Black Sand Beach in Minnesota is a unique and stunning destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the power and beauty of nature. Whether you are a geology buff or simply looking for a beautiful and unusual beach to visit, the Black Sand Beach is worth checking out. So, grab your camera and head on over to this amazing natural wonder!

 

Address:

Water Plant Rd, Silver Bay, MN 55614

*Watch for a sign on the main road.

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri