Archives: Daytrips
Lake Travis
Hico, TX
North Padre Island
Belton, TX
Victoria, TX
San Saba, TX
Laredo, TX
Port Aransas, TX
Mt. Pleasant, TX
Glen Rose, TX
Right in the middle of the Paluxy and Brazos Rivers, lies this old-fashioned town, and I mean really old-fashioned — it’s the Dinosaur Capital of Texas! Whether you’re exploring prehistoric footprints, walking among fake dinos or roaming around with modern beasts, you’re sure to have a roaring good time in Glen Rose.
FOOD
To eat like a local, grab a bite to eat at The Green Pickle, a local burger joint that also serves a mean breakfast. Stop in for loaded hash browns and a grilled flaky honey bun smothered in butter in the morning or a jalapeno burger and live music in the evening.
If you’re still craving something sweet, hit Pie Peddlers on the Square for a warm slice of pie. Choose between 15 freshly baked pies including Raspberry Rhubarb, chocolate and pecan, and pair your pie with a Nutella milkshake from the Shoo-Fly Soda Shop next door. A match made in dessert heaven!
After a day of trippin’, you’re sure to feel ravenous — luckily Loco Coyote is the perfect place for a hefty appetite. With moist barbecue, fried fish and burgers bigger than your face (my favorite is the Jack Daniels Burger topped with fried pickles, onion rings and brisket), you’ll be stuffed and happy in no time. There is usually a long wait for this local hot spot, but hanging out with folks is just part of the fun at this joint!
CULTURE
While Jurassic Park doesn’t actually exist, the next best thing is Dinosaur World. Throughout this theme park, you can walk in the life-sized shadows of fake dinos, and learn about the real beasts that used to roam this land. There’s even a guided “fossil dig” and saurus-themed playgrounds.
At Fossil Rim, you can get up close and personal with modern day beasts on a safari. Feed all kinds of wild animals in their natural habitat from giraffes to rhinos from your own car window! What makes this Wildlife Center even cooler is that it’s helping to reintroduce endangered species back into the wild.
Learn about a different point of view at the Creation Evidence Museum which challenges the mainstream idea that dinosaurs were extinct long before humans walked the earth. Museum Owner Karl Baugh believes that dinos and man co-existed, and has collected several artifacts that support his theory. Exhibits of interest include human footprints displaced by dinosaur footprints, human artifacts found in the totally wrong layers of stone according to science and even a Noah’s Ark recreation that shows dinosaurs on the ark.
If you’re in town on a weekend in September and October, make time to watch “the greatest story ever told” performed in a new way in The Promise. Since 1989, this musical production has been bringing the story of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection to life for thousands of folks. From an amazing set to outstanding cast, The Promise is a must-see when you’re in Glen Rose.
OUTDOORS
Walk in the footprints of actual dinosaurs at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The thousands of footprints left by Texas dinosaurs in this park tell new stories about these giant beasts and their way of life. However, the dino tracks aren’t the only awesome thing about this state park — the Paluxy River, which flows through the park, is perfect for swimming and finding even more dino-print discoveries.
Palestine, TX
This town isn’t in the Middle East (it’s actually on the edge of East Texas) but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. Whether you’re eating a greasy burger at the local diner, searching for hidden falls at the park or hunting for wild hogs in the woods, there’s always something to do in Palestine, TX ( pronounced Pales-TEEN).
CULTURE
Head to the old high school for a lesson on history at the Museum for East Texas Culture. Exhibits tell about early life in Palestine, when this small community was put on the map by the invention of the steam engine in the 1800s. There’s even a log cabin to explore in the gym!
In the woods of this East Texas town is the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility where giant 1000-foot-tall balloons are launched into space carrying important goods. Tour the facility to learn all about the awesome things these folks contribute to science!
FOOD
When you get hungry, head to the Hamburger Bar for a delicious meal at the same bar folks have been stepping up to since 1942. No need for those fancy toppings like kale, eggs and the like, these cheeseburgers are simple, old-fashioned and delicious — just as burgers were meant to be.
Hit up Pint and Barrel Drafthouse in Old Town Palestine for an extravagant meal served with craft beers and great conversation. From BBQ bacon cheese fries to a Sandwich with pulled pork, fried spam and bacon, there’s no shortage of artery-clogging, cheesy, greasy and oh-so-tasty pub grub at this local favorite.
OUTDOORS
Hidden deep in the trees surrounding Wolf Creek Lake at the Palestine Community Forest is a hidden grotto with a waterfall that’s mesmerizing when it’s flowing. But whether or not you’re lucky enough to see the falls, the land surrounding it is just as breathtaking, with multiple nature trails twisting through the tall pine trees. You’ll find the lake and forest southeast of the Palestine Municipal Airport off CR 420.
This area of Texas is a prime spot for hunting the wild hogs that roam the local farms, and nothing is more adrenaline-pumping than hunting for these giant beasts in the dark. Brian Bedre of Night Vision Hog Hunting will set you up with a rifle and thermal-imaging device, and take you out for one wild night of hunting that also benefits the local farmers by keeping their crops safe from the hogs.
