on I-35 at Centerpoint Road. The city is home to San Marcos Baptist Academy and Texas State University.
BELVIN STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT—Superb examples of 19th-century homes sit along tree-shaded streets. Drive or stroll the streets. All are private residences but open to the public for the Tour of Homes in May. 700-800 blocks of Belvin Street and 227 Mitchell St.
COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE CENTRAL TEXAS WING—Housed in a 1943 vintage wooden hangar, the Centex Wing is home to 12 airworthy vintage military aircraft. A Japanese “Kate” torpedo bomber replica— built for the movie Tora, Tora, Tora—is displayed with other vintage aircraft. Donation recommended. At the San Marcos Municipal Airport, follow the Perimeter Road along the fence to the Centex hangar. 512/396-1943.
www.cafcentex.com.
DICK’S CLASSIC GARAGE CAR MUSEUM—The collec- tion of more than 80 classics includes many of the finest cars made in the United States, with models dating to 1929. Admission charge. 120 Stagecoach Trail. 512/878-2406.
www.dicksclassicgarage.com.
LBJ MUSEUM OF SAN MARCOS—This museum focuses on this U.S. president’s formative years and how his early experiences as a college student and schoolteacher influ- enced San Marcos and the nation. 131 N. Guadalupe St. West side of the courthouse square. 512/353-3300.
www.lbjmuseum.com.
LAKE—Canyon Lake, see CANYON LAKE AREA.
THE MEADOWS CENTER—(Formerly Aquarena Center) Take a glass-bottom boat or kayak ride to view the bub- bling springs. The Endangered Species Ex hibit provides an up-close look at species that live only in the San Marcos River. Just outside the park, the Wetlands Boardwalk of- fers birding opportunities. No admission charge to the center, but there is a fee for the boat ride. 951 Aquarena Springs Drive. 512/245-7570.
www.aquarena.txstate.edu.
Bigtooth maples turn vivid colors in the fall at Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool.
Evening bat emergence tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday evening. Tours launch from the Rock- springs Visitor Center. Reservations required. Contact the Devil’s Sinkhole Society. Free. 101 N. Sweeten St. 830/683-2287 or 830/562-2342.
www.devilssinkhole.org.
SCENIC DRIVES—Most highways from Rocksprings are scenic routes through the rugged Hill Country, especially R.M. 674 south, U.S. 377 southwest and U.S. 377 northeast.
ROUND ROCK POP. 108,468
ALT. 720 MAP P-17/EE-14
ROUND ROCK CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 231 E. Main St., Ste. 150. 512/218-7023.
www.sportscapitaloftexas.com.
The city was named for a large round rock in the bed of Brushy Creek. Today, Round Rock is one of the fast- est-growing cities in the nation. Several historic buildings here are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Old Settlers Park features more than 480 acres for
events and festivals. Events include the Daffodil Days Festival and the Three-Legged Willie 13K in March, Fiesta Amistad in May, Frontier Days in July and the Texas Out- law 100 Cycling Tour in October.
DELL DIAMOND—This field is home to the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. The team is owned by the legendary Nolan Ryan; his son, Reid Ryan; and former Houston Astros’ owner Don Sanders. Dell Diamond is 3.5 miles east of I-35 on U.S. 79, adjacent to Old Settler’s Park.
www.roundrockexpress.com.
LAKES—Lake Travis see AUSTIN. Lake Georgetown, see GEORGETOWN.
148
PALM HOUSE MUSEUM—The restored home of Andrew and Caroline Palm sits on land purchased from a Swedish immigration agent. The house has authentic furnishings, an elegant parlor and Swedish kitchen. 212 E. Main St. East of Round Rock in the Palm Valley settlement.
SAN MARCOS POP. 50,661
ALT. 581 MAP Q-16
SAN MARCOS CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER: Exit 205 if travel- ing northbound or Exit 204B if traveling southbound. 617 I-35 N. 512/393-5930 or 888/200-5620.
www.toursanmarcos.com.
Legend says Franciscan monks paddling up the Guadalupe River discovered the San Marcos River and chose the name because the discovery was made on St. Mark’s day. The town also was a resting point on a three-day stagecoach trip from Austin to San Antonio. The San Marcos River rises from mammoth springs in
the town. Scuba, snorkel, fish, kayak or tube the crystal clear San Marcos River. On the river, Rio Vista Falls, a transformed dam, offers white water. The historic downtown, listed in the National Register
of Historic Places, features art, gift shops and restaurants. The restored Hays County Courthouse, and the Hays County Veterans Memorial is at Hopkins Street and River- side Drive. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations are of- fered in the historic district. The 1867 Charles S. Cock House is in the Tour of Homes event in May. At C.M. Allen Parkway and East Hopkins Street. Shoppers find bargains on name brands daily at San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center south
SAN MARCOS RIVER WALKWAY—Connects five city parks along the picturesque river, accented by lush land- scaping. Access from Juan Veramendi Plaza. C.M. Allen Parkway at Hopkins Street.
SCENIC DRIVES—R.M. 12 northwest to R.M. 32, the wind- ing ridge called the “Devil’s Backbone” offers exceptional views of the Hill Country. It also is a great place for wild- flower viewing March-April.
WINERY—Three Dudes Winery. See WINERIES listing.
WITTLIFF COLLECTIONS—The center has exhibitions related to Southwestern writers and photography of the Southwest and Mexico. Also on permanent display are costumes, props and memorabilia from the movie Lone- some Dove. Free. Albert B. Alkek Library, 7th floor, at Texas State University-San Marcos. 512/245-2313.
www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu.
WONDER WORLD—This earthquake-formed cave is unique in that it is not harmed by touch or light, so visitors are free to take photos and touch the cave. Get an aerial view of the Balcones fault line from the Tejas Observation Tower. There also is a wildlife petting area, train ride, anti- gravity house and gift shop. Admission charge. Exit 202 off I-35 to Wonder World Drive. 512/392-3760.
www.wonderworldpark.com.
SAN SABA POP. 3,262
ALT. 1,210 MAP N-15 SAN SABA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 325/372-5141.
San Saba was named for the scenic river on which it is located. It is in an agricultural area that produces wool, mohair and livestock. The city also is known for its pecan crops. The San Saba and Colorado rivers are popular with campers and anglers. During autumn-winter seasons, hunters take white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel and native game birds.
PHOTO: KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180 |
Page 181 |
Page 182 |
Page 183 |
Page 184 |
Page 185 |
Page 186 |
Page 187 |
Page 188 |
Page 189 |
Page 190 |
Page 191 |
Page 192 |
Page 193 |
Page 194 |
Page 195 |
Page 196 |
Page 197 |
Page 198 |
Page 199 |
Page 200 |
Page 201 |
Page 202 |
Page 203 |
Page 204 |
Page 205 |
Page 206 |
Page 207 |
Page 208 |
Page 209 |
Page 210 |
Page 211 |
Page 212 |
Page 213 |
Page 214 |
Page 215 |
Page 216 |
Page 217 |
Page 218 |
Page 219 |
Page 220 |
Page 221 |
Page 222 |
Page 223 |
Page 224 |
Page 225 |
Page 226 |
Page 227 |
Page 228 |
Page 229 |
Page 230 |
Page 231 |
Page 232 |
Page 233 |
Page 234 |
Page 235 |
Page 236 |
Page 237 |
Page 238 |
Page 239 |
Page 240 |
Page 241 |
Page 242 |
Page 243 |
Page 244 |
Page 245 |
Page 246 |
Page 247 |
Page 248 |
Page 249 |
Page 250 |
Page 251 |
Page 252 |
Page 253 |
Page 254 |
Page 255 |
Page 256 |
Page 257 |
Page 258 |
Page 259 |
Page 260