POTD: Cedar Park Heritage Festival
Saturday marked the second annual Cedar Park Heritage Festival, held beneath the Heritage Oak tree in town (which thankfully provided some much-needed shade on that 100 degree day.) The event showcased the heritage of this area that was formerly populated by cedar choppers who made their living cutting cedar posts on the acres of juniper trees that surround the community.
The one-day event included local arts and crafts:
blackpowder demonstrations:
performances by the Austin band, Duck Soup:
a demonstration by the K-9 division of the Cedar Park Police Department:
and squaredancing demonstrations:
Labels: Festivals, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 12:25 PM
POTD: Dime Box Museum
This sign pointing to the Dime Box Museum just might be one of our favorite directional signs in Texas. The museum showcases the history of tiny Dime Box, located southeast of Austin. The town is named for the box where residents could once mail a letter, dropping a dime inside to cover postage.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 5:34 PM
POTD: "Welcome Home," Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
This sculpture, titled "Welcome Home," by L. Heather MCMahan is on display at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The boots are clay reproductions of desert issue combat boots. The artist says, "It is my way of saying 'Thank you'; "Welcome Home' and 'Godspeed' to our men and women in the armed forces..."
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:24 PM
POTD: Austin Fountain, Bicentennial Time Capsule
This fountain provides a quiet backdrop just across the street from Austin's new Long Performing Arts Center.
Near the fountain, you'll see a plaque for the Bicentennial Time Capsule, housing the story of how Austin celebrated the 1976 Bicentennial. The marker calls for the reopening of the capsule on July 4, 2075.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 9:07 AM
POTD: Cedar Chopper Barbecue Cookoff
More photos from this weekend's first annual Cedar Chopper Barbecue Cook-Off in Cedar Park, northwest of Austin.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:23 AM
POTD: Barbecue Cookoff
Did you know that May is National Barbecue Month? Texas doesn't really need designated month since barbecue's definitely a year-around activity here but May does kick off the barbecue cookoff season. Look for competitions throughout the state as cooks compete for cash prizes in categories including brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, beans and sometimes wild game. This shot was taken at the first Cedar Chopper Barbecue Cookoff in Cedar Park last weekend.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:27 AM
POTD: Cedar Park's First Annual BBQ Cookoff
Saturday was a hot, windy day in Cedar Park but numerous attendees showed up to same the 'que from the first annual AT&T and Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce Cedar Chopper Barbecue Cookoff.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:17 AM
POTD: First Cedar Chopper BBQ Cookoff
This weekend marked the first AT&T and Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce Cedar Chopper Barbecue Cook-Off. The event was held near the new Cedar Park hospital just east of 183A. Although the temperatures approached 100 degrees (and that's without the extra heat from the smokers!), attendance was good. We'll run a series of photos from this first-time event in our Photo of the Day feature this week.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:10 AM
POTD: Easter Island Statues, Hunt
Inspiration for this and one other statue near Hunt, Texas are located on one of the most isolated places on the planet: Easter Island. These stone icons known as
moai total 887 and were created between 1400 and 1600 AD, constructed to represent the spirits of island ancestors.
At Stonehenge II outside of Hunt, however, you won't find 887
moai but just two. They're located on the opposite sides of the Stonehenge II creation.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:59 PM
POTD: Stonehenge II, Hunt
This replica of England's Stonehenge, called Stonehenge II, is located on private land just out of Hunt on FM 1340. You'll find a sign with more information on the structure; two Easter Island
moai are also found here and make great photos.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 4:22 PM
POTD: Helium Time Columns, Amarillo
The Helium Time Columns Monument and Museum, located in Amarillo just outside the Don Harrington Discovery Center, definitely ranks as an unusual Texas sight. The four columns are filled with books and memorabilia about life in 1968. Why 1968? Why, that was the 100th anniversary of the year when helium was discovered.
To make things a little more unusual, the books are sealed in a helium-filled atmosphere, one that's not to be opened until the year 2550.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 5:24 PM
POTD: Route 66
The historic Route 66, sometimes called the Mother Road, traveled right through Amarillo, Today the stretch of that famous former route is lined with antiques shops and an attraction in its own right.
Labels: Panhandle Plains, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 5:18 PM
POTD: Long Center for the Performing Arts
The
Long Center for the Performing Arts is Austin's newest venue, located on the south shores of Lady Bird Lake across from Auditorium Shores. The center is home to a studio theater as well as the 2400-seat Michael & Susan Dell Hall, a grand concert hall.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:50 PM
POTD: Cascarones, San Antonio
Fiesta San Antonio just wrapped up last weekend but you can bet that the remains of cascarones like these still dot the San Antonio streets. These confetti-filled eggshells, topped with tissue paper to hold in their sparkling bounty, are intended to be broken over the heads of fiesta goers. The tradition first started in Mexico and, even though it might be messy, is said to bring you good luck.
Labels: Photo of the Day, San Antonio
posted by Paris & John @ 2:46 PM
POTD: Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport
This weekend we passed through the Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport, seen here. Just this month, the Houston Airport System (in partnership with Continental Airlines) announced that it will be spending $1.2 billion on a renovation and expansion of the airport. The project will expand Terminal B from 360,000 square feet to 1.7 million square feet, bigger than the city's Minute Maid Park. Look for work to start later this year and continue for the next seven to ten years.
Labels: Houston, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:37 PM
POTD: Austin's Pennybacker Bridge
This scenic bridge is located on Loop 360 or Capital of Texas Highway on the west side of Austin. This bridge spans Lake Austin and is made of weathered steel.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:24 PM
POTD: Texas Tombstone
As we travel the roads and backroads of Texas, we're always on the lookout for Texas shaped objects. Through the years we've seen everything from Texas-shaped mailboxes to a drive-thru burger joint in the shape of the Lone Star State. Last month we spotted this Texas shaped tombstone located in a cemetery in Burnet.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 10:15 AM
POTD: Oatmeal School and Church
Today the home of the Oatmeal Church of Christ, this historic building has long served the community of Oatmeal in Burnet County. Built in 1869, the stone structure was once a combined church and school.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 12:30 PM
POTD: Wild Basin, Austin
For a close look at the terrain, flora, and fauna of the Hill Country, step out of the city at Wild Basin, a wilderness preserve located just minutes from downtown Austin. The 227-acre sanctuary includes three miles of trails that wind through the brush; an easy-access trail is also available.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:19 PM
POTD: Oatmeal Water Tower
Texas has some pretty unique watertowers (Luling's watermelon water tower comes to mind first!) but this water stand pipe in Oatmeal ranks right up there. Painted like a box of oatmeal, the tower promotes the annual Oatmeal Festival which actually outgrew the community of Oatmeal and had to be moved to nearby Bertram. The festival takes place every Labor Day weekend.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:24 PM
POTD: Hippie Hollow, Austin
Located northwest of Austin on the shores of Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow (officially McGregor/Hippie Hollow Park) is best known for one thing...or lack of one thing: clothes. This clothing-optional park is for adults only and is Texas's only public clothing-optional park. A day use fee is charged per car.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 1:18 PM
POTD: National Museum of the Pacific War to Expand
The National Museum of the Pacific War, part of the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site in Fredericksburg, will soon be undergoing the ground breaking ceremony for a 40,000-square-foot expansion. The event will take place on May 9 when Governor Rick Perry will speak at the event. General Michael W. Hagee, the Former Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a Director of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation (and a Fredericksburg native) will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.
The Event: May 9, 2008. Ceremony is scheduled for 11am followed by a free barbecue in the adjacent parking lot.
Location: 311 East Austin Street, Fredericksburg
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 12:34 PM
POTD: Handblown Glasses
The blue rimmed glasses from Mexico are our favorite, and we've bought them at towns all along the Texas-Mexico border. This shot was taken at our favorite close to home import shopping area: San Antonio's El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the US.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:45 PM
POTD: Cedar Park Cave Day
On Saturday we attended Cedar Park's Cave Day, a twice-annual event that looks at some of the 800+ caves found in Williamson County. Caver Bill Larson (in the black t-shirt) points out a cave on the new Discovery Well Preserve.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 4:19 PM
POTD: Sage or Salvia Wildflowers
Sage or salvia is blooming along along the Edwards Plateau now or it can be seen at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. This shot was taken at the TexasTripper offices near Lake Travis. It's a favorite with hummingbirds.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:41 PM
POTD: Wild Turkey
We saw this wild turkey near Cedar Park the other day; it seems like spring and fall are always good months for spotting these tall birds.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 4:05 PM
POTD: Beware of Flash Flooding
This shot was taken last summer on the road to Castell, just south of TX 29 between Llano and Mason. As you can see, the Llano River is flooding the roadway. Be sure to keep an eye out for water over the roadways, especially at night. With the hilly, rocky conditions in the Hill Country, this region is especially prone to flash flooding, and deaths occur every year as drivers try to cross flooded roadways. Spring and early summer are especially dangerous times for flash flooding.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:32 PM
POTD: Dell Diamond, Round Rock
It's a definite sign of spring that baseball season is underway. This shot was taken last season at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, home of the Round Rock Express, a Minor League Baseball Class AAA affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:18 PM
POTD: Bluebonnet Closeup
Bluebonnets are really coming out after some rains last week in the Hill Country. Although it might not be as spectacular as last year's crop, the roadways are lined with the state flower and the coming days promise more blooms. This shot was taken along FM 1431 west of Cedar Park.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:50 PM
POTD: Philosphers' Rock, Austin
This statue, called "Philosopher's Rock," stands in Austin's Zilker Park at the entrance to Barton Springs and was sculpted by Glenna Goodacre. The three philosphers portrayed here are J. Frank Dobie, Roy Bedichek and Walter Prescott Webb, all Texas authors.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 3:28 PM
POTD: Dinosaur at Zilker Park
At the Hartman Prehistoric Garden in Austin's Zilker Park, don't be surprised this Ornithomimus dinosaur. This bronze statue was designed by local sculptor John Maisano and cast in Bastrop.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:53 PM
POTD: Wedding Oak, San Saba
This massive oak tree dates back about 400 years and is listed as one of the most famous trees in Texas. Called Wedding Oak, the tree is located about a mile north of San Saba on China Creek Road.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 4:11 PM
POTD: Mill Pond Park, San Saba
Quiet Mill Pond Park in San Saba is home to this springfed lake and waterfalls, a gazebo, picnic sites, and more.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 2:21 PM
POTD: Swedish Log Cabin, Austin
This historic log cabin stands in Austin's Zilker Park in the Botanical Gardens. Built in 1838, this cabin was built by a Swedish settler who encouraged immigration to the region.
Labels: Austin, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:39 PM
POTD: Willow City Loop
It's still a little bit early but the coming weeks will bring plenty of travelers to Willow City Loop, one of the top wildflower drives in the state. The loop is located between Fredericksburg and Llano off TX 16; from TX 16, turn onto FM 1323 and enjoy the slow, winding drive.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 4:02 PM
POTD: Marble Falls
You'll no longer see any marble waterfalls in Marble Falls but you will see a beautiful, constant level lake: Lake Marble Falls. The small lake is one in the series of Highland Lakes that begins with the massive Lake Buchanan and winds its way through the Hill Country and into Austin.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 9:36 AM
POTD: New Corn Hill
The Holy Trinity Catholic Church, easy to spot with its twin spires, is the most noticeable building in New Corn Hill, a small farming community located northeast of Georgetown near
Walburg and
Jarrell. And why is this NEW Corn Hill? Well, because there was once an Old Corn Hill, located to the west closer to Jarrell.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 1:30 PM
POTD: Pompeo Coppini Statue in Gonzales
This statue which commemorates the first shot fired in the fight for Texas independence stands in Gonzales, Texas. The 1910 work was sculpted by Pompeo Coppini, the Italian-born and Florence-trained sculptor who later came to Texas and today is buried in San Antonio.
Labels: Photo of the Day, Prairies and Lakes
posted by Paris & John @ 4:45 PM
POTD: Regency Bridge
The Regency Bridge, located north of San Saba or west of Goldthwaite, is one of the last suspension bridges for vehicular traffic in Texas. If you'd like to hop aboard for a ride across the bridge, check out our
video of this interesting country bridge.
Labels: Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 8:27 PM
POTD: Bluebonnet Season Approaches
It won't be long until bluebonnet season; we should start seeing the first of the bluebonnets toward the end of March. This shot was taken along RM 1431 last year (which was a big bluebonnet year). It's hard to say if this year will boast a good crop of bluebonnets but we're not expecting one since it was such a dry winter. Even if the bluebonnet fields are sparser this year, however, expect to see some pretty scenes in the coming weeks.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of the Day
posted by Paris & John @ 12:15 PM
POTD: Camp Verde General Store
Camp Verde was the site of one of the most unusual experiments in the Texas Hill Country: an attempt to create a Camel Corp at Fort Verde in 1856. The camels didn't last but the store did; today the General Store is a fun place to shop or grab a Coke.
Labels: Hill Country, Photo of th
Fredericksburg
blackpowder demonstrations:
performances by the Austin band, Duck Soup:
a demonstration by the K-9 division of the Cedar Park Police Department:
