text and images by Rebecca Marrs

If you are dreaming of white sand beaches, sub-tropical weather, blue skies and heavenly ocean waves, South Padre Island, Texas, is the place to be sitting under your beach umbrella.  Situated at the most southern tip of Texas, Padre Island is the longest island in the world with the most undeveloped beach in North America.   South Padre is located on the south end of the island and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay.  The island is accessible to the mainland by the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway rising over the Laguna Madre.   

This barrier reef, initially named Isla Blanca for its white sand by the early Spanish explorer Alonzo de Pineda in 1519, is 34 miles long and about one-half mile wide at its widest point.  After the first Spanish Land Grant from King Charles IV, the settlement was established in 1804 by a missionary priest, Jose Nicholas Balli.  The City was incorporated in 1973 and the bridge from the mainland was completed a year later.   Currently, the population is around 5,000 with about one million visitors per year.

South Padre Island is a vacation destination year round because of its sub-tropical climate.  There are an average of 253 days of sunshine per year with average temperatures in the summer of 82 degrees and warm winters with an average of 65 degrees.

You can walk to your heart’s content, bask in the sun, read a book or just soak in the warm Gulf of Mexico if you are looking for relaxation.  If you are looking for more activity, adventure awaits for those who like surfing, skiing, kite boarding, windsurfing or horseback riding along the beautiful white sand of the beach.  And if you want a breathtaking view from the sky, there is parasailing.

The islanders take conservation seriously and The Dolphin and Nature Research Center is dedicated to the preservation of wild dolphins, birds and marine life.  Children can get a hands-on marine life experience at their Touch Tanks and view creatures native to South Padre Island.  It is great entertainment to watch the dolphins jump and play on dolphin watch excursions available on the island where you can learn how dolphins interact in their natural surroundings.  With over 300 species of birds visiting the area, birding has become one of the most popular activities on South Padre.  Visit the visitor center at the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Center during the months of October through April and weekends in May.  Some of the best birding exists in the area around the visitor center. 

Another eco-tour favorite is available at Sea Turtle, Inc. which is dedicated to the preservation of sea turtles.  It is a great place to get out of the sun and learn about the big sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles.  The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is next to the Whaling Wall No. 53 at the Convention Centre.  The trail is a 1500-ft. boardwalk through four acres of wetlands that is the natural habitat of many visiting bird species and other wildlife.  There are signs along the way that contain information about the birds, animals and the dune system.   You don’t want to miss a close up view of the Great White Herons and Brown Pelicans taking off through the marsh with their huge wingspan.

At the end of the day, you are in store for spectacular sunsets over the bay.  You can see the view from the lookout deck with live music at Louie’s Backyard serving an array of seafood, steak, pasta dishes, ribs, and barbecue or Mexican dishes.  For an impressive view and casual fine dining there is Amberjack’s Bayside Bar and Grill with seafood, steaks, pasta, hamburgers and sandwiches.  Or you may want to end the day with a voyage to see the dolphins on board a sunset cruise available at Isla Tours next door to Louie’s Backyard.  For an amazing end to a beautiful day, you can take a Friday night fireworks tour and watch the dolphins, observe the sunset, then the disco lights and music are turned on while fireworks light up the nighttime sky. 

These are some of the things to go do and see in a place where adventure awaits.  Take off your watch and your tie and put on your flip flops for an escape to the white sand beaches along the Gulf known as South Padre Island.

Museums of San Antonio, Texas, Volume I:  story by Rebecca Marrs

If you have ever been to San Antonio, Texas, you have seen that it is one of the most beautiful, lively cities in the nation.  The famous Riverwalk, with its ancient cypress trees, blooming bougainvillea and mariachis is one of a kind.  Perhaps El Mercado with its unique shopping opportunities and fabulous Mexican restaurants comes to mind.  But if you are really trying to get to know the City, get immersed  in San Antonio’s culture, history and artistic beauty by visiting its museums.  They are world class originals that contain artifacts from the pre-Columbian period  to Renoir, Picasso and O’Keefe.   Many of the museums, in fact, most of the museums are child and family friendly.  And many of the museums have Free Admission days or hours. 

1.  The Alamo, the first museum on our list, is without a doubt the most famous spot in Texas, where on March 6, 1836, 189 defenders fell after repeated attacks by General Santa Ana’s Mexican Army.  Alamo Plaza contains a monument dedicated to the heroes of the Alamo.  The Alamo’s given name is Mision San Antonio de Valero and is the most famous one of five missions on the city’s Mission Trail.  The missions date to the 1700s and Mass is still held daily in some of these more than 200 year old churches.   While many of us Texans have been to “The Alamo” it never hurts to go back to see what new discoveries have been made and what artifacts are on display.   The Long Barracks and the outside walls are all that remain of the original fort.  In the Long Barracks you will find many historic artifacts that help tell the story of “The Alamo.”  After your tour, you may want to visit the gift shop on the grounds for souvenirs.  And for those interested in studying the history and ancestry of Texas, the Republic of Texas archives are also located on the grounds of the Alamo.

While there are plainly marked signs and markers on the Mission Trail, they can be a little tricky to get to, so you may want to bring a map of the city along.  It will be well worth the adventure.

2.  Mission Concepcion was closed to tourists but open for church through the end of 2009 for extensive preservation to the interior.   The mission looks much like it did in 1731.  Some of the original frescos are preserved in the remaining parts of the convento. 

3.  Mission San Francisco de la Espada is best known for its acequias or irrigation systems designed to provide crops with water.  The Espada Aqueduct and Dam, which were built between 1731 and 1740 are still working.  The Espada Aqueduct carries water from The San Antonio River across Piedras Creek and is still used for the original irrigation system at the mission. 

4.  Mission San Jose is known as “The Queen of the Missions.”  It is the largest mission built in Texas and eventually sustained 300 people with its farming and herds of livestock.  It is also famous for its carvings, most notably the Rose Window considered one of the best examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the country.  There are also defensive walls containing quarters where the inhabitants lived so many years ago.  Also within the walls of the mission lie a granary and a working grist mill.

5.  Mission San Juan Capistrano was established in 1731 along the San Antonio River.  It became the region’s supplier of agricultural produce which helped supply the local missions, settlements, and presidio garrisons.  The chapel which has an open bell tower is still in use today.  An elaborate church was never completed.  There is also a self-guided nature trail on the grounds.

6.  The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum is located two blocks from the Alamo.  Be on the lookout for the cowboys in front of the Saloon.  Inside the Saloon, where rare horns decorate the walls, you will find food and drinks for the whole family.  The Museum contains two stories of exotic game exhibits.  Included are some very rare and unusual animals.   There are fish from the Seven Seas along with cowboy memorabilia and the Wax Museum of Texas History.  You may want to try your hand at the shooting gallery before you leave.  And the Buckhorn Curio Store is a must see with Texas collectibles and souvenirs for all.

7.  The San Antonio Children’s Museum is educational for children and adults as well.  It provides hands on activities with more than 80 exhibits.  There are also weekly activities for children ages 2-10. You won’t want to miss this if you have young children.

8.  The Fort Sam Houston Museum traces the history of the U.S. Army post from 1845 to the present.  This on-base museum is a living landmark with more than 900 structures.  Included in the museum is the Quadrangle where Geronimo once was held.  The Pershing House and the Eisenhower House, named after the famous Generals who once lived there, are also located on the museum grounds.

9.  Hangar 9/Edward H. White Museum is the oldest museum of the Air Force and stands in this hangar on the grounds of Brooks Air Force Base.  The exhibits tell the history of the base and of manned flight.  It also shows how aerospace medicine is developing.

10.  The Institute of Texan Cultures is located on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus which is a short walk from the Alamo and The Riverwalk.  The museum features 65,000 feet of interactive exhibits that showcase how native Texas inhabitants lived and leads up to the lives of present day citizens.  Viewers are encouraged to bring their cameras and participate in the culture and history of Texas.  Docents share stories at each exhibit and actors bring many of the people you learn about to life.

11.  Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum was built by the artist and educator in the 1920s.  The Spanish-Colonial Revival style home was the first museum of modern art open in Texas in 1954.  The grounds are quite picturesque.  Visitors will find modern masters such as Paul Gauguin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe and others.  The McNay is famous for its education programs, arts reference library and interpretive information about the museum’s collection and exhibits.  There is a new extension of 45,000 square feet with more room for its grand collections.  In the extension there is a sculpture garden with an innovative glass roof designed by French architect, John-Paul Viguier. 

12.  Museo Alameda is the newest addition to Market Square.  The hot pink exterior fits in with the historic Market Square and houses a unique combination of art, history, culture, and live performances dedicated to Latin life in America.  Museo Alameda is the first organization in the nation to become affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.  At the center of the museum is the Smithsonian Gallery which holds exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution’s numerous museums.

There are several other museums in San Antonio to be reviewed in our future article, Museums of San Antonio, Texas, Volume II.

One of the first things you notice about Austin is that it is a great place to get or stay fit.  People are outside all around the city walking, jogging or riding a bicycle.  With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year there is plenty of reason to want to be outdoors. The temperatures are pretty comfortable during the winter months with lows in the 40’s and highs in the 60’s.  Spring and fall months are nice with lows in the 50s and 60s and highs in the 70s and 80s.  Summertime mornings start out in the 70s with average highs in the 90s. 

There are events almost daily it seems for marathons, charity walks and bike races.  Check out Congress Avenue as you make your way downtown because you will soon see a host of these activities taking place.  For instance, the whole family can participate in a scenic walk at The Annual Keep Austin Weird 5K.  Another event the whole family can walk, jog or run is The Statesman Capitol 10,000K.  It is the largest 10K in Texas and 5^th largest in the nation.  Additionally, the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon provide 26 miles for 26 Central Texas non-profit charities to promote awareness of their organization.  The non-profit charities advertise by providing refreshments to participants.  And don’t forget the Moonlight Margarita Run.  This race is held to promote support for the Trail at Lady Bird Lake.  The race begins at sunset and ends up at a moonlight festival with music and Tex-Mex food. 

The City of Austin has over 50 miles of scenic hike and bike paths located all around the city making it one of the best trail systems in the United States. These trails are located in natural greenbelt areas throughout the city.

Several hike and bike trails located along the shoreline of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) are a major recreational attraction for the City.  There are over 30 miles of trails in this area with varying routes and distances.  The trails along Lady Bird Lake are located in close proximity to the Texas State Capitol, The University of Texas, public schools, parks and recreation centers.  The paths are diverse; you may choose to follow a picturesque creek or take on the challenge of a more primitive trail.  

Another very popular area is the Barton Creek Greenbelt.  At 7.9 miles long and 809 acres with lush vegetation, sheer cliffs and places to swim it is a great place to enjoy.  In the spring when the water is running in the creek it is an exceptional walk.  Get on at Loop 360 Access for gently sloping cutback trails everyone can enjoy.

For awesome biking at scenic Slaughter Creek Metropolitan Park ride The Veloway.  It is a 3.17 mile 23 feet wide paved trail in a very secluded area of the park.  You can ride without being in street traffic or noise.  Walkers and runners are prohibited so enjoy bicycling on a trail designed for bikes.  This trail is accessible from Mopar, south of Slaughter Lane.

If you have come to Austin without your own bike, there are mountain bikes, road bikes, cruiser bikes, kids’ bikes and even tandem bikes for rent at The Bicycle Sport Shop with locations in Central Austin and in North Austin.  But be sure to reserve a bike if you will be riding on a weekend or holiday because the shop typically rents every bike in their inventory on those days.   And don’t forget, wearing a helmet is a must as well as following the rules for bicycle riding safety.  One event you won’t want to miss is a scout-a-route of The Tour de Fat, a free bike festival that is also a fundraiser for the Austin Cycling Association, Austin Ridge Riders and the Yellow Bike Project.  Riders begin at Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop on the way to Tour de Fat at Fiesta Gardens to participate in the bike parade and enjoy the festivities.  Costumes are encouraged for the parade and riders return via the Town Lake Trail or by retracing the outbound route.  Another scout-a-route photo op tour is one of several rides for the LiveStrong visitors to Austin, taking place October 23, 2009, it is a 15 mile ride with stops at iconic Austin tourist sites that include Barton Springs, the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue, UT campus, the Capitol Grounds and the “Welcome to Austin” postcard mural.  This guided tour travels at a leisurely pace so everyone can enjoy Austin’s laid back atmosphere and there is an optional stop at Mellow Johnny’s near the end of the ride. 

So whether you are a visitor or a resident of Austin, enjoy the city’s famously beautiful hike and bike trail system and keep yourself and the environment healthy.  It’s great to be able to take advantage of being in such an exercise friendly city.