up, and an oil boom in the 1930s financed a legacy of handsome Depression-era public facilities. Max Starcke Park offers a golf course, pool, walking
trails and a paddling trail on the Guadalupe River. Annual events include ArtsFest in March, and both
the Guadalupe County Fair and Rodeo and Pecan Fest in October.
"TRUE WOMEN” TOUR—Pioneer women come alive in Janice Woods Windle’s popular novel that became a CBS mini-series filmed in Texas. For tours that visit sites in the book, contact the Tourist Information Center. 830/401-0810.
www.visitseguin.com.
DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT—Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 26-square- block downtown historic district features notable early 1900s architecture surrounding the art deco courthouse. A concrete statue on the courthouse lawn pays homage to Seguin’s status as the “Pecan Capital of Texas.” Central Park, ringed by reproductions of vintage street lamps, is home to a bronze statue of Tejano patriot Juan Seguin.
FIEDLER MEMORIAL MUSEUM—In Texas Lutheran University’s Langner Hall, the museum has geological displays. An adjoining rock garden is open at all times and includes trail guides just outside the gate. On Prexy Drive.
www.tlu.edu.
HERITAGE VILLAGE—Some of Seguin’s first homes and buildings are preserved here, including the state’s oldest Protestant church, an 1800s log cabin, a calaboose (jail), a German adobe house and a life- size Victorian doll house. 830/401-0810.
JUAN SEGUIN BURIAL SITE—Dispatched by Sam Houston to urge settlers to flee from Santa Anna in the Runaway Scrape, Juan Seguin came to be called “the Paul Revere of Texas.” He also fought alongside the other Texans at San Jacinto and went on to serve as a Senator of the Republic of Texas and as Mayor of San Antonio. An inscription recounts Seguin’s life. 810 S. Guadalupe St. Across from the coliseum.
PAPE’S PECAN HOUSE AND NUTCRACKER MUSEUM—More than 8,000 nutcrackers from all over the world mimic famous movie characters, presidents, cowboys, animals and more. Free. 5440 Texas 123 S. 830/372-2850.
www.papepecan.com.
SEBASTOPOL HOUSE HISTORIC SITE—This 1856 Greek Revival mansion-turned-museum is considered one of the finest surviving 19th-century “limecrete”
structures in America. Exhibits feature unusual construction technology, a dungeon, historic inhabitants and rare Wilson Pottery artifacts. Free. 704 Zorn St. 830/379-4833.
www.visitseguin.com.
SEGUIN HERITAGE MUSEUM—This museum features the history of Guadalupe County, local artifacts, early settlers and photographic exhibits. Free. 114 N. River St. 830/372-0965.
www.theheritagemuseum.org.
WALNUT SPRINGS MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN— Stagecoach route down to the crossing on Walnut Branch is marked by fieldstone walls lined with roses. 317 W. Court St. In Walnut Springs Park.
WINERIES—Blue Lotus Winery and Texas Mead Works. See WINERIES listing.
ZDT’S AMUSEMENT PARK—Includes go-kart racing, climbing walls, games, rides and water activities. Admission charge. 299 W. Kingsbury. 830/386-0151.
SHERMAN POP. 39,464
ALT. 728 MAP G-18/QQ-1
SHERMAN VISITOR CENTER: 307 W. Washington 903/893-1184.
www.shermantx.org.
The city takes its name from Gen. Sidney Sherman, the Republic of Texas cavalry officer credited with the famous slogan, “Remember the Alamo!” Several colleges, as well as a drama club, earned Sherman the title of “The Athens of Texas.” Cultural offerings include the Sherman Symphony Orchestra and the Sherman Community Players. The city is home to Austin College. Live music abounds, especially in the summer, with the Hot Summer Nights free concert series. Kelly Square offers shopping in a restored turn-of-the-century building at 115 S. Travis.
BREWERY—903 Brewers. See BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES listing.
C.S. ROBERTS HOUSE—This Eastlake-style house was built in 1886. It is part of Heritage Row, an area of elegant Victorian homes along South Crockett Street. Maps are available from the chamber of commerce. 915 S. Crockett St. 903/893-4067.
HARBER WILDLIFE MUSEUM—This museum displays examples of big-game animals hunted around the world, along with an extensive collection of African artifacts. Admission charge. 4703 Texoma Parkway. 903/771-1134.
www.harberwildlifemuseum.com.
THE SHERMAN MUSEUM—Features the history of Grayson County through pictures and artifacts. Museum is in an old Carnegie Library, which is in the National Register of Historic Places, with preserved 1933 WPA murals. Free. 301 S. Walnut St. 903/893-7623.
www.theshermanmuseum.org.
SHINER POP. 2,061
ALT. 350 MAP R-18
SHINER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: In the historic Ehlers Cigar Factory. 817 Avenue E. 361/594-4180.
www.shinertx.com.
Shiner was named for the town-site donor, H.B. Shiner. The town grew as a trade center for Czech and German farmers.
EDWIN WOLTERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM—Displays include natural history and memorabilia of early Shiner history. Also see a farm shed, the 1870s Herder House, Old General Store and Shiner Jail on site. 306 S. Avenue I. 361/594-3774.
GASLIGHT DINNER THEATRE—Shiner’s 1895 opera house reopened in 1975 as a dinner theater. Three plays are presented each year in the spring, summer and fall. 207 E. Seventh St. 361/594-4180.
www.shinergaslight.org.
SPOETZL BREWERY—Home of Shiner beers, this is the oldest independent brewery in Texas, making beer since 1909. Even with a recent expansion that tripled brewing capacity, it is still one of the smallest breweries in the state. Gift shop. 603 E. Brewery St. (Texas 95). 361/594-3383.
www.shiner.com.
SMITHVILLE POP. 4,125
ALT. 324
MAP Q-17
SMITHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: At Main and NW First streets. 512/237-2313.
www.smithvilletx.org.
This city is on the eastern edge of the “Lost Pines of Texas.” The historic downtown is home to antique shops, boutiques and restaurants. Smithville’s pictur- esque small-town character has made it a location for several movies, including Hope Floats and Tree of Life. Smithville is the location of a large Gingerbread
Man. The giant cookie is still the largest of its kind in the country and is a popular photo subject. Located near the chamber of commerce. Annual events include Thunder on the Colorado
biker rally in March, Smithville Jamboree in April, Texas Photo Festival in October and Festival of Lights in December.
BUESCHER STATE PARK—This scenic park in the “Lost Pines” is connected to Bastrop State Park by a 12-mile road perfect for biking or a leisurely drive. Because of 2015 wildfire damage, call ahead for trail information. Also enjoy camping and fishing in a small woodland lake stocked for anglers. Three cabins and a group facility are available for rent. Admission charge. Three miles north via Texas 71/95, F.M. 2104. 512/237-2241.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/buescher.
JAMES H. LONG RAILROAD PARK AND MUSEUM— This museum depicts the history of the railroad in Smithville with photographs, memorabilia, real cabooses and a vintage motor car. Katy Depot is constructed from materials salvaged from the former 1890s station. The park has a gazebo, picnic tables and a playground. Admission charge. 100 NW First St. At the chamber of commerce building. 512/237-2313.
RIVERBEND PARK—The Lower Colorado River Authority’s park on the Colorado River has camping facilities, a fishing pier, picnic areas, disc golf course, and a playground. Free. Park entrance is off U.S. 71. 512/237-3282 x7.
The Harber Wildlife Museum in Sherman displays big game from all over the world. 148
SMITHVILLE VETERANS’ MEMORIAL AND SPLASH PARK—Memorial honors veterans of war and peacetime, while the splash park area reflects
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