This issue of Texas Hill Country Magazine is available to read with an online subscription. See the same pages as in the print edition with all the stories, photos, and more.
Despite the proverbial jokes, fruitcake remains a holiday favorite and in Texas of course, the pecan pie reigns king of desserts at any time of year. And although homemade is wonderful, for most of us, it’s simply too time-consuming or it doesn’t turn out like Grandma’s.
Fortunately, there are bakeries right here in the Hill Country that replicate the old-fashioned goodness that we crave, particularly during the holiday season.
In Texas homes, you’re just as likely to have a cedar tree cut from the pasture, a barbed-wire tree and wreath, or an old cowboy boot as a table centerpiece, rather than the more traditional forms of Christmas decoration. Cactus pads strung together with rope and red ribbon are a fine garland if hung well-away from kids and pets.
Since 1967, the sleepy communities around Warrenton, Round Top, Carmine and Burton have sprung to life for the bi-annual Antiques Week, filling giant tents, pavilions, and roadside parks with all sorts of antiques, apparel, arts and crafts, collectibles, fine art, furnishings, jewelry, yard art, and thingamabobs.
Camp Eagle is on the tipping edge of the far western Hill Country, encompassing rugged terrain with sheer limestone cliffs and deep gorges and traversed by the pristine Nueces River.
Located at 6424 Hackberry Road, off Hwy 41 in Real county, near the Edwards county line, its diverse 1,400 acres offer a wide range of outdoor recreation designed to accommodate visitors of all ages, with all levels of skill sets.
When Texans want relaxing fun in the sun they head for the Coastal Bend of Aransas Pass, Mustang Island, North Padre Island, Port Aransas, and Rockport. Especially Port A and Rockport.
Just say the name "Port A" and watch their eyes light up. Everyone who's ever been there can't wait to tell you a story about the place.
You can have so much fun visiting Canyon Lake's Jellystone Park that you might have to take a vacation in order to recover from this vacation.
Think that's an exaggeration? Well, just consider a sample day's activities: Saying the pledges with none other than Yogi Bear himself, going on a Hey Hey Ride.
A few Texas towns are proud to have drive-in outdoor theaters, but how many have walk-in outdoor theaters? Just Wimberley.
The Corral Theatre provides a few chairs and a small set of bleachers that patrons may sit on, or bring your own folding chairs to watch first-run movies in true comfort.
It's hard not to gawk gazing at the gears, gadgets, gizmos and whiz bang's at the new Hill Country Science Mill in Johnson City. The regional science center's February grand opening left a packed house singing the praises of the world-class facility.
The first step into the scientific universe when entering the Science Mill is meeting your avatar, an animated tour guide who will help you through the various twists and turns as you interface with the various and varied displays.
Want to learn to snowboard or snow ski before booking a pricey vacation and hitting the mountain slopes? Be ready for ski lifts, snow drifts and powdery trails with expert training at Texas Ski Ranch just off IH-35 near New Braunfels. The snow park is the newest addition at this 70-acre sports complex.
NO SNOW?
If you're an angler who lives in Austin you're lucky — very lucky indeed! You live in the eleventh largest city in the United States, an exciting metropolitan area famous for its live music, exotic food carts, and fine universities, not to mention the occasional national champion football team. And here's the kicker — you can find excellent fishing in at least three venues without even leaving the city limits!
Ladybird Lake offers world-class carp fishing.
