Cowboy Capital of the World

"Cowboy Capital of the World" is the handle given to Bandera, Texas many years ago. The rugged landscape, rustic architecture, huge ranches, and friendly atmosphere ensures the town lives up to that reputation. Bandera, Texas is a small town located in what's called the Hill Country, about 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio.

11th Street Cowboy Saloon

Old buildings turned into boutiques

Gunslingers sells western wears, clothing, blankets, boots, etc

In 1874 Bandera became the staging point for large cattle drives travelling to Dodge City. It has been said that six million cattle have moved through Bandera back in the day.

It might be metal but it's the first longhorn we've seen

Well known people such as Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie worked at the Bandera County Courthouse and Jail while filming The Simple Life 2. Personally can't say as I've ever watched an episode nor wanted to.

Bandera County Court built in 1890

Beautiful mural painted on visitors center

In 1855 Polish families arrived in Bandera. They were given large parcels of land and put to work in the local sawmill. The St. Stanislaus Catholic Church which is still present today was built by these first Polish families. It is the second oldest Polish Parrish in the United States built in 1876

St Stanislaus Catholic Church

As we walked around the Catholic Parrish premises we came across this headstone that took Susan and myself both by surprise. I'm going to post it but not comment on it.

Reads "Dedicated to the innocent victims of abortion"  Knights of Columbus Council



The town of Bandera sits on the beautiful Medina River also known as the Catfish River. The river was named after the Spanish explorer Pedro Medina in 1689. The Bandera Community Park sits on the bank of this beautiful river and hosts many town events.

Medina River

Clear but very cold, no polar plunge here

Bandera is a popular destination on Sunday mornings by motorcyclists from San Antonio. It's known as the Bandera Breakfast Run. My friends George and Patti would love that. It's a little far from SW Florida but the food it worth it. We decided to eat at OST which stands for Old Spanish Trail. The diner has been serving food since 1921 so I figured they must have gotten something right.

Great atmosphere

Mosey on up and straddle a saddle

Interesting décor

Susan wanted Tex-Mex food she said it was good

I had a Swiss mushroom burger, it was the best

We truly did enjoy our day in Bandera. The people were fantastic, the scenery amazing, and the food well what can I say there was nothing left on my plate. That says everything if you know me. As we were leaving town I couldn't help but stop to take one last picture. I couldn't get it all in the picture but a little boy was outside playing by this house. He had a cowboy hat and boots on. How fitting for the "Cowboy Capital of the World".

Gruene, Texas

After spending a wonderful Christmas day in downtown San Antonio, we decided to spread our wings and venture outside the city. Our decision was pretty easy as we had heard a lot about the small town of Gruene (pronounced Green), Tx. Excellent a town with German heritage means German food, yum. Off we go a beautiful day, the sun is finally shining, and a new place to discover. About 40 miles later we arrive in the town with cameras in hand and bellies to be filled.

Gruene was first settled by German farmers in the mid 1840's. A German immigrant named Ernst Gruene purchased 6000 acres of farmland on the Guadeloupe River.

Beautiful Guadeloupe River

He built a house and planted the fields with cotton. Cotton being the number one cash crop at the time, brought many other German families to the area.

Original homestead built by Ernst Gruene in 1872 

The first mercantile store was built in 1878. Soon after came a cotton gin which was powered by the river.

First mercantile store built in 1878

Equipment used back in the day

The original cotton gin burned down in 1922 and was replaced by a new electric gin. Since 1977 it's been home of the Gristmill Restaurant.

The cotton gin now the Gristmill Restaurant

Since we were here anyway we decided to take a break from sightseeing. It was after lunch and my belly was talking to me. To our surprise there was NO German food on the menu so we went with ribs and fries. Check it out.

Full rack of ribs and slice fries



Continuing on but first the restroom was calling. In keeping with the town theme they were outhouses. Don't worry they had running water and flush toilets.

Ladies

Men's

As the town prospered, construction of a dance hall and saloon soon became the focal point of community social life.

Gruene Hall built in 1878

As history has it, economic destruction by the boll weevil and the depression caused many of the business to go under, but not Gruene Hall. With a 6000 square foot dance floor and a high pitched tin roof, Gruene Hall has not changed from the original layout.

A small lite rear stage

Original bench style seating

A front bar which still allows smoking 

Now on the National Register of Historic Places many of today's entertainers got their start at Gruene Hall. Names such as Garth Brooks, Lyle Lovett, The Dixie Chicks, George Strait and many more. Dance scenes from the movie "Michael" with John Travolta were filmed in Gruene Hall.

There are many other unique building as you walk through the town.

An original building now a pottery place

Cottage style Tea Room

Another cottage style shop

H.D. Gruene Jr's Office in 1923

This waterfall siding style was distinctive of the early 1920's architecture. HD Gruene conducted much of his cotton business in this small office.

 

Christmas and The Alamo

So where do you want to spend Christmas this year? Many moons ago that was the precise question I asked Susan. Her answer was somewhere that's warm, there's a pool so I can swim, and there's something neat to do on Christmas Day. Fast forward six months and I'm batting one for three.

We arrived in San Antonio on Christmas Eve Day at the Admiralty RV Resort. It was sunny and 45 F. The first words I said upon arrival was "look they have a heated pool & look steam is coming off it". If looks could kill I wouldn't be writing this right now. Everyone knows how much Susan hates the cold. Two strikes already and I haven't even got out of the truck. Oh well Princess!

Our Site #206

As we got all set up our one Christmas decoration hanging off the cabinet door, I planned our Christmas Day in downtown San Antonio.

Finding a parking spot on Christmas Day was pretty easy. We made our way toward the river walk. Everyone one we met indicated we had to check out the river walk. It did not disappoint. It was cool but refreshing.

River Barge along the river, how cool is that 

The river walk is a series of connecting walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River. It can be accessed from many areas in downtown.

Water is pretty clear about 2-3 feet

As you walk along the river there are no rails to prevent you from falling in. I think that adds to the beauty of it all. Back in the day, I'm talking 1921 the worst flood occurred in San Antonio causing widespread destruction of property and loss of life. There was talk of paving over the river and turning it into a storm drain. In 1929 a San Antonio native and architect, Robert Hugman developed plans  that later became known as the 2.5 mile long river walk.


Old looking bridges adds character to the river walk

Several indoor & outdoor restaurants along the river walk add to the atmosphere

As we walked most of the river walk we couldn't help but look around at the beauty and almost falling in a couple of time. The abundance of water, the lush greenery, and the huge towering trees made it beautiful. Several ducks would float by waiting for a handout. Workers on Christmas Day were picking up garbage with smiles on their faces. It was a festive atmosphere.


Store below apartment above, how sweet

The biggest decision of the day was inside or outside for lunch. Susan opted for inside as it was a little cool. We decided on Dick's Last Resort as everyone looked to be in the festive spirit.



Believe it or not the place was pretty full. The fun started at the door. The atmosphere was great, the music fantastic, the staff were having a great time, and everyone got a personalized hat.

Susan's reads "Hi I'm peaches"

Mine reads "I love eating peaches"



I'm not going to comment on any of that but we had a great laugh and so did everyone else. The food was great, sorry no pictures this time. 

As we left the restaurant we took one last look around and what do we see but a crash. Yes even on the river there are crashes.

No damage done, no one hurt

We ventured to the Alamo not thinking that being Christmas Day it would be closed, but it was. We'll come back another time to see inside. However, we were able to look around at the outside façade.

The Alamo

Susan saw a horse and buggy coming toward us and wanted to ride instead of walking around downtowwn. Okay!

Horses name is Suzy. Go figure!

We went on a narrated ride around the city that was very informative. Suzy was moving a little slow (the horse) not to be confused with Susan. That's okay it's Christmas, the trip took 35 minutes instead of the scheduled 20 minutes. It was all fun.


Merry Christmas to all

Hidden Lake RV Resort

Just off the I-10 in Beaumont, TX is a nice little campground called Hidden Lake RV Resort. Not sure about the resort aspect but it has everything you need for an overnight stay. Easy off/on, 30/50 amp electric, water that smells great, sewer connections close by, cable TV to watch Sunday football, and free WiFi. What else could you ask for. Oh, did I forget to mention free coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and snacks. Yes snacks like muffins, crackers & cheese, trail mix, I could keep going. The really nice woman that checked us in sounded just like Dolly Parton. So we already had that warm and fuzzy feeling. We were escorted to our site which took all of 2 minutes. The offer was great even though we couldn't get lost. After we got all set up I went for a walk around the park. Again being small it didn't take long.


They had tons of rain in the last few days

There's a nice lake for catch and release fishing if you feel the calling. No license required. Swimming is allowed however I noticed a picture in the office of an alligator lurking in these waters. No thanks besides it's only 55 degrees out.

Where's that gator

Sun going down on Lake Taylor

Waking up to temperatures in the mid 30's is all good for me as long as it's sunny which it is. Not so for Susan as she looks at the Bonita Springs forecast and sees sunny, hot, a high of 85. She's dreaming of lying by the pool with a nice cool beverage in her hand. I tell her only in her dreams. Onward we go as today is another day of travelling.

Our site #34