LONGHORN CAVERN STATE PARK —See BURNET.
SCENIC DRIVES —R.M. 1431 offers breathtaking scenery over winding curves and hills, with frequent glimpses of the Highland Lakes. Spring is exceptionally beautiful. Both R.M. 2147 (not shown on most maps), along the
western shore of Lake Marble Falls, and Texas 71 through the Hill Country are memorable routes.
SWEET BERRY FARM —Pick your own strawberries and blackberries, and enjoy hayrides, petting zoo, hay mazes, the fall pumpkin and gourd patch, and picnic area. Call ahead for seasonal hours and directions. Take R.M. 1431 west to F.M. 1980, then north about two miles. 830/798-1462.
www.sweetberryfarm.com.
VANISHING TEXAS RIVER CRUISE —See BURNET.
MASON POP. 2,234
ALT. 1,550 MAP O-14
MASON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 108 Fort McKavitt Street 325/347-5758.
www.masontxcoc.com.
The town grew under the protection of Fort Mason— one of a series of Texas frontier forts. Many homes and businesses are constructed of original-cut sandstone blocks from old Fort Mason. A walking tour brochure of the historic town square is available at the chamber. It includes the Historic Odeon Theater, the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Texas. The area is noted for camping, hunting and fishing.
Fishing in the Llano River is a year-round sport. Bluebonnets blanket the landscape in spring. Roundup Rodeo Weekend is held in July. Picturesque rock fences add to the scenic country-
side. Topaz, the state gem, is found in the area’s granite outcroppings. For information about topaz hunts, contact the chamber of commerce.
ECKERT JAMES RIVER BAT CAVE —One of the largest Mexican free-tailed bat colonies is found here. Watch for cattle and wildlife on road after dark. Free. Take U.S. 87 south to R.M. 1723. Go two miles and turn right on R.M. 2389. Follow signs to cave. 325/347-5758.
www.masontxcoc.com.
FORT MASON —The fort includes reconstructed officers’ quarters. Foundations show the sites of 23 original buildings. Fort Mason was Robert E. Lee’s last command in the U.S. Army before the Civil War. Briefly activated after that war, it was abandoned in 1869. Fort is on the Texas Forts Trail. Free. 204 West Spruce Street. About five blocks south of courthouse. 325/347-5758.
http://texasfortstrail.com/plan-your- adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/fort-mason.
MASON COUNTY M. BEVEN ECKERT MEMORIAL LIBRARY —Special areas highlight local literary celebrities such as Fred Gipson, author of Old Yeller and Savage Sam. An “Old Yeller” statue is outside. Exhibits also spotlight the Eckert James River Bat Cave and information about early Mason families. 410 Post Hill. 325/347-5446.
MASON COUNTY MUSEUM —Mason County historical items are housed in an 1870s schoolhouse, built of material from Fort Mason buildings. For hours, call Mason County Chamber of Commerce. 300 Moody St. 325/347-5758.
www.masonchc.org/museum.html.
MASON COUNTY VETERANS’ MEMORIAL —This granite memorial on Courthouse Square is inscribed with the names of Mason County veterans. The project was created by Mason High School’s Class of 2001.
www.masonchc.org/veteransmemorial.html.
MENARD POP. 1,461
ALT. 1,960 MAP O-12
MENARD COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 100 San Saba St. 325/396-2365.
Established near the ruins of the ancient Spanish mission Santa Cruz de San Saba, which had been abandoned a century before, this town later served as a trading post and stop on cattle trails. A historical marker is on F.M. 2092.
P L AY
FORT MCKAVETT STATE HISTORIC SITE —This Texas Historical Commission property beckons visitors to one of the best-preserved and most-intact examples of a Texas Indian Wars (1850-75) military post. Experience early West Texas life through the real stories of the infantrymen, Buffalo Soldiers, women and children. Admission charge. 7066 F.M. 864. From Menard, travel west 17 miles and six miles south on F.M. 864. 325/396-2358.
www.visitfortmckavett.com.
HISTORIC DITCH WALK —The Menard Irrigation Canal is locally referred to as “The Ditch.” First dug in 1756 for irrigation to the mission, it continues to be used with modifications made over the years to supply water to members of the irrigation company. Shopping and sightseeing opportunities are available along the walk. 325/396-2365.
MENARD COUNTY MUSEUM —Local history exhibits and frontier artifacts are housed in the small, vintage railroad depot. 100 Frisco Ave. U.S. 83/U.S. 190. 325/396-2365.
RUINS OF REAL PRESIDIO DE SAN SABA —This Spanish fort was established in 1751 to protect Mission Santa Cruz de San Saba. In 1758, Comanche and other tribes overran the mission. The presidio, was abandoned in 1769. One mile west of Menard on U.S. 190. 325/396-4682.
www.presidiodesansaba.com.
NEW BRAUNFELS POP. 63,675
ALT. 720 MAP Q-16
NEW BRAUNFELS VISITOR CENTER: At the corner of I-35 and Seguin Avenue at Exit 187 on the north side of the city. 800/572-2626.
www.playinnewbraunfels.com.
German influence is prominent in this city famous for sausages, breads and popular river resorts. The Guadalupe and Comal rivers provide excellent water
recreation. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations are offered in historic buildings. Wurstfest, in November, salutes the “best of the
wurst” with traditional German bands, dancers, histori- cal exhibits and, of course, sausages. www.wurstfest. com. Other events include Folkfest in April, Americana Music Jam in May, Comal County Fair in September and the Gruene Music & Wine Fest in October.
ANIMAL WORLD AND SNAKE FARM ZOO —Features more than 500 reptiles, as well as a variety of monkeys, birds, llamas and Texas longhorns. Admission charge. 5640 I-35 S. Exit 182 on I-35 south of town. 830/608-9270.
www.exoticanimalworld.com.
BREWERIES —Faust Hotel & Brewing Co., Guadalupe Brewing Company, New Braunfels Brewing Company. See BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES listing.
CONSERVATION PLAZA —Owned by the New Braunfels Conservation Society, several of these priceless structures have been preserved. The Baetge House is a good example of fachwerk construction. Originally built 26 miles northwest of the city, the house was dismantled and rebuilt on the plaza. Furnished in Texas and German period pieces. Other structures include the Rose Conservatory and the Star Exchange, the Lohse-Fischer Home, the Haelbig Music Studio, the Church Hill School, the Jahn Cabinet Shop and the Jahn Home. Admission charge. 1300 Church Hill Drive.
www.nbconservation.org.
GRUENE HISTORIC DISTRICT —(Pronounced “green”) German immigrants established this village before 1850. Now, it is part of New Braunfels. Historic structures have been restored and operate as shops, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, river outfitters, art gallery and winery. Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is Texas’ oldest continually operating dancehall. Located 1.5 miles west of I-35, Exit 191. 830/629-5077.
www.gruenetexas.com.
LANDA PARK —This city park on crystal springs at the head of the Comal River, features towering trees, spring-fed swimming pools, tubing, picnicking, boating,
WIDE NET
in New Braunfels. From idyllic outdoor escapes to
the honky-tonk hardwood floor, and everything in between, your time here will be well spent.
Visit
PlayInNewBraunfels.com to find out exactly what’s in store ... in New Braunfels.
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