Texas road trip !

[athenamg]

Texas is as rich in history and as scenically diversified , as it is big.
I hope your vacation begins not in San Antonio but as soon as you get to Texas, I've lived all over the world (England included) and some of my greatest memories are from Galveston. Also, I think you'll find that Texas is burgeoning with so much charm -if you're into rustic, that even for a beach town Galveston is old-timey and certainly unique.
If you're looking for pharmacies that still double as shake shops and real salon towns that aren't tourist sites, or even pit stops where people speak Texas German to this day (Fredricksburg, Luckenbach) then Texas is the spot. Hill Country is a big part of the state, I recommend Marble Falls.
And don't forget all the natural hot springs!
Traveling around the Big Bend, and boy are you in for a mind blowing experience, you'll find little Mexican boarder towns (the Jalapeno's will knock your socks off), and even tiny islands you can reach by paddle boats for hire, where you'll end up in the local restaurant which also happens to be someone's kitchen.
Big Bend has a lot of different facets from basins to peaks, a river rafting trip alone takes a whole day. You'll need a minimum of 4 days to even get a scope of it.
Good call on Marfa and Alpine, if rural is what you wanted then that's what you're going to get around there.
You'll see more sand dunes and road runners than you will people, once you find a town with an antique store and a train track you've hit civilization.
I wouldn't overlook the South East, you could spend three weeks in that area alone.
I think you would much prefer Padre Island to Corpus Christie, one's virtually untouched the other is a pretty well trafficked beach city.
The Texas Almanac will be indispensable for this trip.

[Steve_USA]

Hi athenamg, I can only apologize about the slow reply. Thanks for the infos though I'd love more on Big Bend from you. I've done lots of research over the months but haven't had chance to do anything over the last couple. It's just been too hectic here with a few things, so Texas was put on hold. Once Christmas holls and New Year are out of the way then i'll continue on..!

So how long did you spend in Big Bend? I'd love some details and what you recommend! :-) We're probably thinking a 3/4 night stay around this area, also want to get some walks in. Bought a book that shows various hikes, what they're like, how busy (in terms of walkers) they are, strenuous level, etc,etc,etc

Camcorder bought and ready to record! :-)

Thanks again
Steve.

[Cornbread]

I've lived in Texas for 12 years and still haven't made it out to Big Bend. Since I can't help you with details about the Big Bend area, I will let you know about the abandoned forts in the vicinity of Abilene and San Angelo.

These forts were built to help combat the Comanche Indians.

Fort Phantom

Fort Concho

[Steve_USA]

Hi, those places aren't really going to be on our route tbh. San Angelo, maybe, on the way back to San Antonio...
The path is cleared from the start of the road trip. We're heading west on hwy90, from San Antonio to Del Rio. I've planned this and there's much to see on the way. Buuuut, like i say, San Angelo is a possibility at the end of the rt. Thanks :-)

[Javaliese]

When I was a kid my parents and I went on this really great canoe trip down the Rio Grande. It was WONDERFUL and it only takes a couple days, two, maybe three nights. If you're really looking for a cool way to traverse the Big Bend National Park you should check out some of the canoe tours.

Alternativly, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country have some really interesting/cool/ very Texas-ey areas. I always make a point of stopping in Gruene on my way through the hill country. It's just a great slice of small town Texas. I don't really think you can go wrong with anywhere you decide to go. It's just the deciding...
Have Fun!

[Lifemagician]

I am just gobsmacked!!

All the planning you are doing.

Maybe I am a little queer, but when I arrive in LA, I hop in a car and hit the road, stopping to look at anything which interests me, stopping to chat to locals wherever I see them for their advice and opinions.

From one day to the next I rarely know where I will be the next night. My only commitment is to be at my grandchildren's birthday parties.

Lifey who goes wherever the wind blows

[Steve_USA]

hey guys, thought I'd reply to both in one go :-)

I am just gobsmacked!!

All the planning you are doing.

Maybe I am a little queer, but when I arrive in LA, I hop in a car and hit the road, stopping to look at anything which interests me, stopping to chat to locals wherever I see them for their advice and opinions.

From one day to the next I rarely know where I will be the next night. My only commitment is to be at my grandchildren's birthday parties.

Lifey who goes wherever the wind blows

This is EXACTLY what we did in 2006, so maybe we're a little queer too. heh
We set out from Houston and hit the open texan roads not knowing what comes next. Seen some amazing places like this, however, we also realized when we go back over the months afterwards, that we also missed lots too due to the lacking research. Of course, you can't see everything but since then I've always felt it'd be nice to clue ourselves up first.

Hence the heavy research I've been doing. Google Earth helps more than I had imagined. Get to see lots within the local area for which we're traveling.

Though I do know what you mean about going were the wind blows. Just wanna make the most of Texas next year - it'll be our last American road for many years now that we've kids (and kid on the way!). Maybe in a few years time, who knows.. ;-)

When I was a kid my parents and I went on this really great canoe trip down the Rio Grande. It was WONDERFUL and it only takes a couple days, two, maybe three nights. If you're really looking for a cool way to traverse the Big Bend National Park you should check out some of the canoe tours.

Alternativly, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country have some really interesting/cool/ very Texas-ey areas. I always make a point of stopping in Gruene on my way through the hill country. It's just a great slice of small town Texas. I don't really think you can go wrong with anywhere you decide to go. It's just the deciding...

I'm going to sound a wimp now, but me and water don't go. Sure I take baths ;-) but anything more and it's a no no. I've bought a book on hiking in Big Bend, this should do us just fine. Have you done any hiking here?

We're hoping to see lots of cool texas towns along the way, esp between San Antonio and Del Rio. Castroville looks nice.. Back in 2006 we got to see lots of dusty texan towns, we were farther north then though.

Been up until around 3am with a sick baby. So forgive me if I've rushed this, little weary today :}

Steve

[RJPHarrison]

Hi Steve... I live in Houston and grew up in the HillCountry(Kerrville and Fredericksburg) so I could give you a few pointers.

1. Galveston had hurricane Ike back in Sept. so I would avoid it. Not sure what is there to really see. If you want to go then stay for a day tops! Houston however has great museums, eating places, etc.

2. Rockport/Port aransas/Corpus Christi- Not real familiar with everything there. Neat towns, a battleship, etc.

3. San Antonio- there is sooooooooo much to see around here. Missions, riverwalk, I can give you more info later.

4. Fredericksburg- again there is sooooooo much I cant even begin to tell you. The wildflowers will be out in full bloom so that will be a sight to see. And there are great wineries in the area. you should go to Austin too. Absolutly beautiful. There are roadside stands where you can get fresh fruits and veggies. Enchanted Rock too. 5-10 miles north of F'burg.

5. BIg Bend- I have never been but I have heard it is beautiful. You can even do whitewater rafting.

Let me know what else I can help you with. I love Texas and have lived here all my life.
Rebecca : )

[Southwest Dave]

Hi Rebecca,

Thanks for dropping in and offering advice on the forums, it's always good to get some local knowledge.

Welcome to R.T.A, I hope you enjoy the forums and the rest of the site.

Dave.

[Steve_USA]

Hi Rebecca!

3. San Antonio- there is sooooooooo much to see around here. Missions, riverwalk, I can give you more info later.

This is were our road trip will really begin, once the jetlagg has gone we will be here for a couple of days. It's be nice to know what to see and were to go, though we was planning on the river walk.

4. Fredericksburg

This is perhaps the last real stop we'll be making before hitting Houston for the flight back home. (it's part of our planned route). We visitied here very briefly back in '06 and it looks amazing. We don't wish to miss this place this year! I hear they have their own brewery..ahem.. ;-)

5. BIg Bend- I have never been but I have heard it is beautiful. You can even do whitewater rafting.

erm well, me and water don't really go! lol
I think i'll stick to the hiking. Bought a good book on the walks that are on offer, I'm looking for a less popular one as some are busy with people traffic. Being English we get enough of that here, so i want a quieter hike for me and my dad to attempt. Should be fun!

Let me know what else I can help you with. I love Texas and have lived here all my life.

ohhh you are so lucky! Texas is increcdible - only 8 weeks now until we go!!!! Woohoo

thanks Rebecca :-)

Steve