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Old 10-20-2016, 06:35 PM   #1
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Touring Texas

Looking to spend Jan-Mar touring Texas next year. Other then Dallas, I've not done any poking around the countryside, so the whole state is fair game, weather permitting. I know we've got more then a couple Texans in the group and would appreciate any suggestions as to favorite Federal, state, county, or even town parks for camping, we're really not into commercial parks. Do you think I'd need to bother with reservations in the winter other then maybe the RGV?
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Old 10-20-2016, 06:41 PM   #2
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Bob, most Texas state parks are quite available during the winter months, although the ones along the Gulf Coast and deep south Texas (Rio Grande Valley) might be a little fuller.

I highly recommend the Texas Hill Country. You should have little trouble finding a campsite during those months. Some parks are almost deserted, while others may be up to 50% full, even though the winter temperatures are quite mild most of the time. We like Garner, Lost Maples, Pedernales Falls, Inks Lake, Enchanted Rock, and several others. Here's a link if you don't already have it:

http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/state-parks-map.phtml
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Old 10-20-2016, 06:45 PM   #3
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Oh, and you might make a jaunt to some of the Gulf Coast parks too. Pretty easy to find a space even in the peak of the "winter Texan" period. Most winter Texans stay at RV parks which cater to them.
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Old 10-20-2016, 07:02 PM   #4
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On your way visit the salt mine in Grand Saline, take some samples and then visit all the best barbecue restaurants in Texas, your choice of the "Best Of" books.
Round Rock Donuts is also worth a visit.
Make a list of all the Central Market stores, they're like Whole Foods but with more free samples to mooch.

For some historical perspective read, "Empire of the Summer Moon" by S.C Gwynne. It's about the Comanches, Quanah Parker and how difficult that state was for early settlers. Visit the Parker's Fort.
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Old 10-20-2016, 07:04 PM   #5
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Those areas, as well as Big Bend, are in the mix so far. Will probably stop in SA too, didn't see much of it one the one day we got during basic training, many years ago.

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Old 10-20-2016, 07:10 PM   #6
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On your way visit the salt mine in Grand Saline, take some samples and then visit all the best barbecue restaurants in Texas, your choice of the "Best Of" books.
Round Rock Donuts is also worth a visit.
Make a list of all the Central Market stores, they're like Whole Foods but with more free samples to mooch.
A few years back we spent a few weeks touring NC, SC, and TN, with the soul purpose of eating BBQ. Ate it so much we burned ourselves out, we're still not over it. But it has been a long time since I had it Texas style.

Similar to the vacations spent Down East in ME eating lobster. Never got sick of it but we sure spoiled ourselves from ordering it at restaurants. Got 2 2lb lobsters every night right off the dock.
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Old 10-20-2016, 07:10 PM   #7
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Another group of nice parks to consider as well -- the ones which are operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority or LCRA. The Matagorda Rally we attend in December for example, is at an LCRA park. They're very similar to state parks, and many offer world class fishing or other water activities.

http://www.lcra.org/parks/Pages/default.aspx
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Old 10-20-2016, 07:13 PM   #8
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On your way visit the salt mine in Grand Saline, take some samples and then visit all the best barbecue restaurants in Texas, your choice of the "Best Of" books.
Round Rock Donuts is also worth a visit.
Make a list of all the Central Market stores, they're like Whole Foods but with more free samples to mooch.
As for Barbecue, you can't beat the town of Lockhart, just southeast of Austin. It's considered the BBQ capital of Texas, and many of the joints have a world championship (sometimes more than one) under their belt.
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Old 10-20-2016, 07:15 PM   #9
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Gotta stop in Amarillo, Big Texan Steakhouse- http://bigtexan.com
they send a limo to your campground to pick you up......
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Old 10-20-2016, 08:32 PM   #10
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Would have liked to go back to the Old San Francisco Steakhouse but I see it's closed. Too bad, interesting place.
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Old 10-20-2016, 08:48 PM   #11
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Would have liked to go back to the Old San Francisco Steakhouse but I see it's closed. Too bad, interesting place.
That used to be an attraction, but alas, the population centers shifted, and many folks started going to restaurants near the outer loop, 1604. While it was a nice place to visit for its uniqueness, and the girl on the velvet swing, I don't think it's steaks were up to par. Thrillist has a pretty good list of the better steakhouses in San Antonio, if you find yourself there and are so inclined. Bohannon's is my personal favorite. If you're wanting something with local charm, an outdoor setting, and a wonderful view of the Riverwalk, the Little Rhein is an institution.

http://www.thrillist.com/amphtml/eat...in-san-antonio
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Old 10-20-2016, 09:08 PM   #12
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We camped last (early) February near Huntsville, TX, and had beautiful weather. Tall pines, on the northern shore of Lake Conroe, we were at a USFS cg called Cagle Recreation Area. Good bird watching. Don't know if they always do it, but when we were there, we had a bottomless pile of firewood: whenever we burned some, the cg host brought us more. It was great.$19/night with Geezer Pass.
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Old 10-20-2016, 09:13 PM   #13
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McKinney falls state park puts you right by Austin but it doesn't feel that way. Seminole Canyon state park way down south is good and has access to some good archeological site tours. If you are crossing the state on I-20, Tyler State park is great and only 5-6 miles off of the interstate.
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Old 10-20-2016, 09:14 PM   #14
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We camped last (early) February near Huntsville, TX, and had beautiful weather. Tall pines, on the northern shore of Lake Conroe, we were at a USFS cg called Cagle Recreation Area. Good bird watching. Don't know if they always do it, but when we were there, we had a bottomless pile of firewood: whenever we burned some, the cg host brought us more. It was great.$19/night with Geezer Pass.
Good suggestion. The piney woods are great during the winter months. And, great fishing for largemouth Bass.
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Old 10-20-2016, 11:37 PM   #15
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White Buffalo Bar in Marathon. Camp at wayside south of town on Hwy 385.

Saddle Club in Alpine. Camp at State Park in Fort Davis.

Irie's Cafe in Port Aransas. Camp on the beach.
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Old 10-21-2016, 07:01 AM   #16
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Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg is pretty good. It makes a good base for exploring the area.
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Old 10-21-2016, 07:13 AM   #17
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Kerrville,Fredricksburg,Lost Maples SNA,wine tours

You get some of the best central TX has to offer from here.
Stay on Pecan Loop #213. Have fun
Kerrville TX - Official Website
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Old 10-21-2016, 07:25 AM   #18
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Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg is pretty good. It makes a good base for exploring the area.
How intrusive was the airport? can't get much closer.
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Old 10-21-2016, 07:28 AM   #19
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I recall that the airport was nearby but I don't recall being bothered by noise. I'd stay there again.
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Old 10-21-2016, 08:38 AM   #20
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When we pick up our 5.0 early next October, we plan to head south. Texas is high on the
IIst of stops for the following reasons:

1.) Marfa
2.) Brisket
3.) Shiner Bock
4.) Music (live)
5.) if I can find Bob Wills' burial site, I'll put a flower on his grave.
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