US Resident - The United States on the Net http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/texas/ Sat, 19 May 2012 19:17:35 +0000 43200 <![CDATA[Austin's Natural Oasis: Hamilton Pool]]> http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/texas/austins-natural-oasis-hamilton-pool-r163
Most of the visitors to Hamilton Pool make the scenic, quarter mile hike down to the natural pool to enjoy a refreshing swim in the fresh waters and enjoy the amazing beauty of the 45- foot waterfall cascading down into the sunken grotto. The pool was formed thousands of years ago when erosion on Hamilton Creek caused a natural rock dome over an underground river to collapse, creating the cascading waterfall and pool that today are a picture-perfect vision of natural beauty. Visitors to the pool area are also rewarded with breathtaking views of the waterfall from all angles, as the hiking trail takes you around the grotto and behind the waterfall, making a full loop back to the beach area.

Visitors to Hamilton Pool can also take a 0.80 mile hike on a scenic trail that winds naturally with the contour of the land next to the Hamilton Creek. This lovely trail takes you to the point where the Hamilton Creek feeds into the Pedernales River. There are several benches located along this trail that are strategically located to provide you with excellent views while you rest. You can also take short jaunts down to the creek on several side trails. This section of the Hamilton Preserve is often less-visited than the pool area, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this natural area.

With just 75 parking spaces available, the number of people visiting the park at any one time is kept down and ensures it is never overcrowded. While the small beach area at the pool can get busy, it's not hard to find a quiet area to yourself along the hiking trails. When the parking lot is full, entrance to the park is permitted only as parking spaces become available. On warm spring and summer days, it is not uncommon to see a long line of cars waiting to enter the park. To avoid the line, plan to arrive at the park earlier in the day.

The park is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and ecosystem for future generations, and enforces strict rules to ensure this goal is met. In addition to limiting entrants to the park to 75 cars at a time, the park also does not allow glass containers, alcoholic beverages, or pets. The park has chemical toilets in the parking area and along the trail, but the park is not equipped with picnic tables or running water.

Before you visit the park, plan to call the park's information line to get information about trail and water conditions. Because of the steep grade of the trails and the relatively enclosed space of the pool, the park closes in times of drought or after heavy rains when trail or water conditions are deemed unsafe.

Hamilton Pool is one of Austin's best kept secrets, and is truly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Texas Hill Country!]]> Sun, 06 Mar 2011 11:16:06 +0000 6e7d2da6d3953058db75714ac400b584 Kid Friendly Activities in Austin, TX http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/texas/kid-friendly-activities-in-austin-tx-r150
Barton Springs Pool, in Zilker Park, is Austin's most popular family swimming hole in the city. This unique attraction is spring fed and stretches over 900 feet long. Because it was formed from the damming of Barton Creek, this pool has a natural rock and gravel bottom. Within its dwellings are a variety of water depths, challenging diving boards, and safe stairs and ladders for entering and exiting the area. Throughout the spring-like pool eager explorers can observe the subtle, but varied water temperatures from one spot to the next. The spring’s average temperature is 68 degrees F year round, so be prepared for an exhilarating entry. Check online for current costs and park operation hours.

The famous Austin Zoo is always a great place to spend the day with family. This animal sanctuary, located in the beautiful hill country just outside the hub of the city, houses more than 300 animals across over 100 different species. Visited by thousands of guests each year, the Austin Zoo offers an exciting venue for animal exploration and a safe haven for many homeless or neglected creatures. The zoo is open year round and the fees for admission are reasonable.

For the non-stop action lovers, Austin is home to Blazer’s Laser Tag Center. Held in a 3-story 10,000 square foot arena, participants dressed in vests and carrying laser guns set out on a quest to shoot opponents and score points. Each shot that hits an opponent’s vest earns points for the shooter, and at the end of the session the player with the most points earned wins. Each session runs for approximately 20 minutes during which up to 45 people can participate. The games are exciting and very fast-paced. Costs may vary.

The one of a kind Inner Space Caverns is conveniently found just 24 miles north of Austin, Texas. Formed millions of years ago, the original cavern is filled with history. It is currently a living cave with wondrous sites to explore. Inside adventurers will find brilliant stalactites, stalagmites, helectites, soda straws, and beautiful cave draperies. A newer dwelling, having formed over the last 80,000 years, features fascinating rock formations that bring forth all sorts of science related questions. Moderate temperatures of 72 degrees year round make for a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. The caverns are open 7 days a week throughout most of each day. Pricing is available online and at the cavern entrance.

For an adventurous afternoon, bring the family aboard the Hill Country Flyer, Austin’s own passenger train service. The ride begins in Austin’s Cedar Park where patrons board the train. Once the conductor gives the call, the train departs and winds its way down Short Creek Canyon. Next it crosses Timber Bridge, heads through the pasturelands and into the town of Liberty Hill, and finally climbs back up into Hill Country. For a delightful afternoon, bring along a picnic, a camera, and the readiness to have a relaxing but awe-inspiring day.]]> Wed, 19 Jan 2011 23:31:36 +0000 2b38c2df6a49b97f706ec9148ce48d86 Visiting the Huntsville State Park in Texas http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/texas/visiting-the-huntsville-state-park-in-texas-r147
The park sits amid the beautiful pinewoods in the Sam Houston National Forest. Visitors can discover tons of wonderful things to do at the park from camping and picnicking to bird watching and boating. You can hike or bike, or even ride on horseback along many of the trails.

Keep a sharp eye out for wildlife while walking or riding through the park. The animal life is abundant, and you never know just what you might see. Some of the common animals found in the Huntsville State Park are white-tailed deer, coyotes, and even the occasional alligator at the lake.

At Raven Lake, visitors will be able to go fishing for a variety of fish, including crappie, bass, catfish, and perch. It is an angler's paradise. Those who have a boat will certainly want to bring it so they can get out to some of the "sweet spots" where the fish like to go. Rentals of paddleboats and canoes are also available.

Many visitors also choose to tour the nearby town of Huntsville and see all of the different and wonderful sites it has to offer. Some of the most popular places to visit in Huntsville are the Steamboat House, the Prison Museum, and the Sam Houston Museum. Visitors will also enjoy all of the wonderful food they will be able to find in town!

The park is open seven days a week, all year long. The only time that the park closes is during Public Hunts. Before heading out to the park, visitors may wish to contact the park administrators to find out if there are hunts or other activities taking place.

The entrance fee to the Huntsville State Park is $4 for those 13 years old and over. Those under 13 are free.

Everyone who comes to Huntsville State Park will find something to love. The land is beautiful, the lake water is clean, and there is plenty to do. Anyone looking for a great place to spend a few days camping and fishing, or just relaxing for the day, should take some time to visit the park.]]> Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:28:08 +0000 a1d50185e7426cbb0acad1e6ca74b9aa Texas Hill Country’s Enchanted Rock http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/texas/texas-hill-country%e2%80%99s-enchanted-rock-r99
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area of Texas is about eighteen miles north of the city of Fredericksburg. The annual visitation to this park has exceeded 300,000 each year for the last five years. There must be something worthwhile for visitors with those numbers.

The Texas Hill Country is best known for its springtime wildflowers, particularly the bluebonnets. But Enchanted Rock is popular year round. The huge granite formation is the second largest in size only to Georgia’s Stone Mountain. The park covers 1643 acres and has many features attractive to visitors. The dome covers about 70 acres and rises three hundred twenty-five feet above the bed of Sandy Creek, which flows past the mountain.

There is much history associated with this large granite dome. Archaeological remains are common in the park and indicate that Enchanted Rock was attractive to a variety of prehistoric groups of people over a long period of time. The first documented explorations of the area did not occur until the early 1700s when the Spanish were attempting to settle Texas. During the mid-1700s Spaniards made several trips north to what is now the Hill Country to establish a mission and to mine for silver and gold. Discovery of Enchanted Rock is attributed to Captain Henry S. Brown, who was leading a group of new Texans pursuing a party of fleeing Indians.

Indian legends contribute largely to the tales about the Rock. According to Texas' leading authority on Enchanted Rock, Ira Kennedy, the sacred mountain of Central Texas had as its earliest recorded inhabitants the Tonkawa dating back to the sixteenth century. The Apache displaced the Tonkawa in the early 1700s and the Comanche followed the Apache in the late 1700’s. All Native American tribes felt the same way about Enchanted Rock. It was sacred and revered as a place favored by the Great Spirit.

Indian lore tells of groans emanating from the Rock on cool nights and of seeing flames on the surface following a rain. These mysteries have been explained by geologists as natural events. The flames probably were caused by reflections from the wet mica on the Rock’s surface. The changing temperature of the rock could cause the groans.

German immigrants helped found communities like Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country. Groups of Germans left their homeland because of political unrest and overcrowding. They were looking for opportunities and a new start. The first settlements were begun in the 1840’s. There are many evidences of that heritage in towns of the Hill Country. The German settlers named Fredericksburg for Prince Frederick of Prussia. When the Germans arrived in Texas, they encountered many unexpected hardships. The Texas war with Mexico broke out as the Germans were attempting to get to their new settlements. Trouble with the Indians caused obvious problems until a treaty was made.

Rock climbing and rappelling, hiking, primitive camping, and picnicking are the major activities for visitors to Enchanted Rock. The activities on the rock are obviously the main attractions for visitors. Rock climbers must check in at park headquarters. There are route maps and climbing rules available. Pitons are prohibited on the Rock. Leather-soled shoes are recommended for climbing and hiking due to the slippery nature of the rock surfaces.

There are several trails in the park. A four-mile Loop Trail circles the Rock and winds around granite formations. Enchanted Rock Summit Trail climbs 425 feet in six tenths of a mile to the top of the dome. There are no water and electricity hookups for RVers and trailer campers. Only primitive and tent camping is allowed at the park. It is “walk-in” tent camping. Tenters must carry their equipment a short distance from the parking area. The forty-six campsites have tent pads, picnic tables, a fire ring and a nearby water faucet. Restrooms with showers are nearby. Backpackers have three twenty-acre areas with sixty sites for primitive camping. They must also carry their water in and their trash out. Most of the primitive sites are located behind Enchanted Rock and can only be reached by trail and no vehicular traffic is permitted.

Fees are $5.00 per person per day for entry into the park. Children twelve and under are admitted free of charge. Tent camping sites are $9.00 per night and primitive camping sites are $7.00. Only four people are allowed in each primitive camping site and up to eight people can camp in the tent area. The camping fees are in addition to the entrance fees.

Enchanted Rock is a very popular destination on weekends. Visitors from Austin (about seventy miles to the east) come to enjoy the distinctiveness of the State Natural Area. The park gets so crowded during the summer months that rangers must close the parking area temporarily. Arrive before ten in the morning to avoid the crowds.

The Texas Hill Country is a beautiful part of the country to visit. The scenery is distinctive and its attractions are unique. Enchanted Rock is a definite stop while in the area. Visit the homes and museums of the Hill Country’s two most notable residents – Chester Nimitz and Lyndon Johnson.

For more information:

Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau

106 N. Adams Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Phone 830-997-6523; Fax 830-997-8588

http://www.fredericksburg-texas.com


Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

16710 Ranch Road 965

Fredericksburg, TX 78624-6554

1-915-247-3903]]> Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:14:59 +0000 84d9ee44e457ddef7f2c4f25dc8fa865 Star of India – A Shining Star of Indian Cuisine in Austin, TX http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/texas/star-of-india-%e2%80%93-a-shining-star-of-indian-cuisine-in-austin-tx-r98
The Tandoori Chicken is very good as is the Tikka Chicken. I love me some naan; and the Star of India doesn’t disappoint. It’s not greasy and it’s cooked tandoori-style (in the oven). The Keema Naan is stuffed with spiced, ground lamb. So yummy! It’s almost a meal in and of itself. The rice is to die for – at least, my 3 year old thinks so. She’s quite the rice connoisseur.

If you’re ready to splurge, why not try the Maharaja Dinner? It’s thus named because it’s fit for royalty. This enormous meal includes Chicken Pakora, spicy Prawn Bhuna, Saag Gosht, Boti Kebab and much more.

The staff is friendly; and, the ambience is pretty eclectic and very Austin! I highly recommend that you check out the Star of India as often as you can.]]> Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:12:24 +0000 0e65972dce68dad4d52d063967f0a705 Free Family Summer Fun at Traders Village in Houston http://www.usresident.com/content/articles/us-travel-guides/texas/free-family-summer-fun-at-traders-village-in-houston-r97
What is it?
Traders Village in Houston is the largest open-air market on the Texas Gulf Coast. Open only on weekends, they have over 1,000 vendors with items such as handcrafted horse saddles, new and used books, used clothing, toys and antique furniture. They also have carnival rides for the kids and food vendors with everything from the great American hot dog to Thai food. It is simply a great way to spend very little money for a full day of fun. This place is huge, with a capital H! The even have special weekends with themed sales, live bands and car shows. And it is FREE!

How do I get there?
Traders Village in Houston is located northwest of the city. Travel west on highway 290, just past the West Sam Houston Toll Road. Take the Eldridge exit. After you exit the freeway, Eldridge is the second intersection. Turn left on Eldridge. The market is about half a mile up on your right.

Quick Tip:Just before you reach the market is a Chevron gas station to your right. If you need gas, get it now. Traffic can be quite hectic when everyone is leaving.

Is there a landmark?
A huge red sign that is approximately three stories high and hard to miss marks the entrance to Traders Village. There is also a high school directly across the street from the market, so keep an eye out for school buses during school season. It may be the weekend, but the school has traffic from football games. Turn right into the parking lot. You will pull up to a row of tollbooths where you will pay $2.00 per vehicle for parking. They do give change, but having two singles ready to pay will speed you through faster.

Quick Tip:
This place means business when they say they will tow any unauthorized vehicle. Place the parking ticket in your windshield. Also, lock your car.

What is the address and phone number?
7979 North Eldridge Road Houston, Texas 77041
Phone: 281-890-5500
Fax: 281-890-6568
tradersvillage.com

Who should go?
The whole family! Just about anyone will find unique items that suit their taste. You may even find items you never knew existed. There are small rides for the children, and arcade for the older kids, plenty of sitting space for those with walking problems, and a family friendly atmosphere. Some people split up into small groups. One family, who visits often, splits up by gender. The men take the boys and the women take the girls. While the men and boys shop for electronics and western saddles, the women and girls shop for clothing, toys and books. They all meet in the middle for food, drinks and the carnival rides!

What to wear?
Traders Village similar to an amusement park. There is lots of concrete, sun and walking. So dress appropriately for comfort and ease. Because this is Houston, expect extreme climate conditions. In the spring, summer and fall seasons, it can get quite humid and hot. Showers can come on suddenly, only to end just as quickly, leaving the air very humid. If the weather is relatively mild, expect larger crowds. All forms of walking aids are permitted, including motorized personal wheelchair style scooters. No golf carts, bikes or motorcycles! If you can ride it in a grocery store, you can probably ride it here. Casual shoes and a sun hat are must haves!

Quick Tip:
Hit the uncovered spaces around the outside and to the south side of the market first. As the temps get higher, head for the covered spaces.

What to take with you?
Take as little as possible. The drinks and food prices are very reasonable, and there will be less for you to carry. Although you can rent a stroller or a wagon for $3.00, a better idea is to save the money and bring your own! The larger the stroller, the better. Strollers and or wagons are perfect for hauling your children and your great finds in the hot sun. Plus, if the stroller is yours, you get to use it to carry your stuff all the way to your car. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen for you and the children as well as an umbrella and some cash.

Quick Tip:
Bring an "Attachable" umbrella. They attach to your stroller or wagon and free your hands for other things. Who needs an extra thing to carry, right?

What kind of money do they accept?
Good old American greenbacks. Cash is pretty much the only thing accepted. If you need a receipt for your purchases, you will most likely have to ask, and it will be handwritten. The regular vendors, who have set up a permanent position at the market, may take credit cards or checks. But do not expect it. There are three ATM machines one at each of the three entrances. They are well marked with a large yellow sign above them.

Quick Tip:
The ATM machines are located inside small very cold air-conditioned glass enclosures. Unless there is a line of people waiting to use the machine, take your time to get your money.

Where are the restrooms?
The restrooms are located in the center of the market, near the carnival area. Every walkway is like a small street, with street signs at each intersection. Look for the intersection street signs with the word "Restrooms". Follow it. You can also ask just about anyone. We found that every vendor was extremely helpful and friendly when asked directions. The restrooms are housed in a gray bricked single story building with facilities for the handicapped and a baby changing station. There are water fountains with relatively cool water. There are sinks for washing your hands, however there are no paper towels. There is one air blower to dry your hands, but it was not hot enough to dry our hands.

Quick Tip:
The baby changing flip down platform in the women’s restroom blocks the entrance to the handicapped stall. If you need to change your baby, be prepared to work fast!

What kinds of rides are in the carnival area?
The carnival area has five rides to choose from. They are all designed with young children in mind. They all appear to bee from the old 70’s and 80’s carnival days. They are truly classic rides.

You will find the classic Hampton brand car and rocket rides that many of us grew up riding. They are glittery metallic silver with steering wheels. They rotate on a fixed circular track under a striped canvass canopy that spins in the opposite direction. These always made it feel like you were going twice as fast! Even the lights are still working on the vehicles!

There is a helicopter ride that spins and rises up and down. This is suitable for perhaps 7 years and up. Because it gets so hot, the vendor has gracefully placed carpet remnants on the seats to keep you from burning your tooshie.

Quick Tip:
On the helicopter ride, be careful! The lap bars pop open easily, even mid-ride!

There is a small ferris wheel that my 5 year old and even my 2 year old found to be fun. And yes, they do allow adults to ride it as well. However, your 10 year old would call it a "Baby Ride".

The classic old western style carousel is a can’t miss. It is huge! You can see it from across the market. There is rust on the underside of the canopy. The images of the old west, on the sides of the canopy are faded. Even with these faults, the horses are still beautiful and it rides smooth as silk! It also spins fast enough to blow your hair back. Great break from the heat!

Each of these five rides costs just one ticket per person. Each ticket is $0.75. Parents ride with small children for free! You must buy your tickets from the ticket booth, located next to the ferris wheel. Tickets can be purchased in any denomination, from one at a time, to however many you need.

Quick Tip:When a parent rides with a small child for free, it is "Good Form" to offer a full fare ticket for yourself, considering that the ticket cost is so low. The vendor may politely refuse your offer, but this gesture of good will seems to make the rides last longer!


When is the market open?
Traders Village is open every Saturday & Sunday from 7:00 a.m. - Dusk. This usually means that they close about 7:00 p.m., in the summer time. To get the best chance of finding the best merchandise, go early. You will get there before the crowds and beat them to that unique item you can’t live without. To find the best bargains, go later in the day. It will be hotter, but the crowds will have thinned out and the closer it is to closing time, the more likely it is that a vender will strike a deal with you on the price!

Quick Tip:Most of the merchants are regulars to this market. Chances are if they do not have what you are looking for, they will send you another merchant who may have it. So, just ask!


Jennifer Erix is a native Houstonian, a former reporter and a mother of three.]]> Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:08:51 +0000 85d8ce590ad8981ca2c8286f79f59954