Tour Texas

My brother and his wife are expecting their first baby soon, so when he told me he wanted to take her on a short getaway before the baby arrives, I thought it was a great idea.  “Do you have any good recommendations for a babymoon?”, he asked me.  “A baby – what?”, I replied.  Turns out he was asking me about a fairly new travel trend for expectant parents and, as the family travel expert, I was a bit embarrassed to tell him I hadn’t heard about it.

After a bit of research, here’s what I’ve learned:  a “babymoon” is a sort of “last chance” trip for couples who are about to enter (or re-enter) parenthood. It’s an opportunity for them to take a break from reading baby books, preparing the nursery and visiting doctor’s offices, and to spend some romantic time together, to be pampered, and to indulge themselves a bit before life as they know it changes completely. A USA Today article reports that as many as 59 percent of parents-to-be plan a last hurrah vacation during pregnancy. Seems like this trend is here to stay!

As I checked online for some good places to recommend to my brother, I found that there are many hotels, spas, and B&B’s that are offering Babymoon packages tailored to the needs of expectant couples. Some focus on the romance aspect and reconnection for the parents-to-be.  They include a candlelit dinner for two, in-room massage and treats like sparkling cider served in crystal champagne flutes or chocolate covered strawberries. Other packages focus on fun and activities, like prenatal yoga classes and shopping for baby clothes, even an ice cream sundae greeting upon arrival. Some additional very creative offerings created just for moms-to-be include:

• A late-night "cravings" room service menu
• Lymphatic massage designed to relieve swelling and discomfort
• Golf cart service around the hotel grounds to minimize walking
• A mini-bar filled with non-alcoholic healthy drinks and snacks

What are you making for the big Easter meal?   How about reservations!   If you're looking for a delicious and memorable Easter brunch, you can't do much better than Brennan's of Houston.

The Brennan's legacy started in New Orleans and in 1967, they ventured into Texas with Brennan’s of Houston.  In the early years, the Houston restaurant was a copy of its New Orleans big brother, but it soon started to absorb some of the local cuisine flavors and available fresh foods. Today, the menu reflects a perfect fusion of southern Louisiana Creole cooking blended with the Mexican flavors so prevalent in Texas cuisine.  For example, you'll find crawfish enchilada, wrapped in a tortilla and topped with pico de gallo sauce.

Easter is a family event at Brennan's.  Children love the table-side visits by the Easter Bunny and the bunny garden in the courtyard where real rabbits can be held and cuddled.  Adults love the special Easter brunch menu which features a wide variety of delicious options, including many of the restaurant's classic Texas-Creole selections.  Starters include Texas Wild Shrimp Remoulade and BBQ Breaux Bridge Crawfish Shortcake.  Entrées may include Eggs "Brennan", Pecan-crusted Redfish or Texas Bobwhite Quail.

No holiday feast  is complete without dessert and here at Brennans' you don't want to miss out on the famous sweet treat that began with this family -- bananas foster, flambéed right at your table.  It's as dramatic as it is delicious.  

Whatever you're eating and wherever you may be, I'd like to wish all my readers a very Happy Easter!

Brennan's of Houston
3300 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-9711
www.brennanshouston.com

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Would y'all be surprised to learn that Texas is the number ONE horse state in the U.S.?  We’ve got over 1 million horses within our borders, and the primary breeding and ranching areas are in Denton County, north of Fort Worth almost to the Oklahoma border. The area is a national equine breeding and training area with over 300 large farms and ranches.  Best known for the Quarter Horse, the area also turns out superior Thoroughbreds, Paints, Arabians, Appaloosas and more.  Many disciplines are practiced here, including cutting, halter, roping, western pleasure, dressage and reining. 

Until recently, this gem of Texas landscape was unknown to most people, but growing awareness of the area’s beauty, educational value and pure Western American heritage is making a visit to North Texas Horse Country a must-do for many travelers.  And now that springtime is here, you’re bound to see a few newborn foals.

There are two great ways to experience Horse Country.

Self-Guided Driving Tour –  I’m a guy who likes to get behind the wheel and hit the road, so my first time through Horse Country, I opted for the driving tour.  I like the idea of deciding my own agenda, visiting the ranches that interested me and making spontaneous stops along the way.  Maps are available (contact the Denton Convention & Visitor’s Bureau) showing the ranches along the way.  Ranch owners try to accommodate visitors and ask for a “heads up” phone call if you’re planning on stopping by.  However, these are real, working ranches and sometimes the owners are unable to take time to entertain guests.  For example, one ranch I stopped at was experiencing a medical emergency with one of their prized stallions.  The owners, ranch hands and several veterinarians were understandably more concerned with the horse than with showing me around. They apologized and invited me back another time. Other facilities did have some spare time for me and I enjoyed watching the ranchers and horses at work.

Guided Tours -  The following year, I opted for the guided tour.   We met in Denton and settled onto a comfortable bus.  A really knowledgeable guide made the trip both educational and entertaining as we visited 3 different ranches, all of which were expecting us and had made time to show us their horses, demonstrate the work they do and divulged the inner workings of the ranch.  Midway through, a nice “cowboy lunch” was served and I got to chat with folks from all over the U.S. All this for $40!  It was definitely worth it.  Reserve your spot through the Denton Convention & Visitor's Bureau.

If you’re traveling in and around the Denton area and want to experience the history and heritage of the American West, be sure to include North Texas Horse Country on your agenda. 

New England has its fall foliage, Washington DC is known for its cherry blossoms, but in my opinion, nothing compares to the strikingly beautiful Texas Bluebonnet.

Standing just over 12 inches, the Bluebonnet is a mighty big flower in the hearts of Texans. We don't need a calendar to tell us when winter is over -- it's the bluebonnets, poking their heads through the earth, blanketing roadsides and fields with their rich blue plumes, that let us know spring is really here.

All over the state, especially along highways, wildflower seeds are spread for beautification by the Texas Department of Transportation, but you'll often see civic organizations and volunteers pitching in to sow the bluebonnet love wherever a seed will take root.  Peak season for blooms is usually during the first two weeks of April in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, earlier in warmer areas, and later in areas with cooler weather.

And, where there's a bluebonnet, there's a festival or special event to celebrate the blue beauties. For example:

• Burnet, TX Bluebonnet Festival - Burnet is considered one of the best places in Texas for viewing wildflowers. The town officially gained recognition to the well-known fact in 1981, when the Texas State Legislature officially designated Burnet the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.”
   
• Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival - The Ennis festival takes place in April, but at the time of this writing (March 2012), the blooms are trending early and are already putting on a great show.  Check out their website for great up-to-the-minute information on driving trails for great bluebonnet spotting.  (For free brochures and more information on what to do in Ennis, visit Tour Texas.)
   
• Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail -  Experience the "Red, White and Bluebonnets" events along the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail,  offering visitors spectacular views and award-winning wines in Southeast Texas (Located between I-45 and U.S. Highway 290).

 

This Dallas News article (published in 2011) gives a great list of where to see bluebonnets, but since conditions vary each year, use the websites and phone numbers provided in the article to check on current blooms. And, the Texas highway department (TXDOT) operates a wildflower hotline at 1-800-452-9292 and posts online updates at www.txdot.gov/travel/flora_conditions.htm.

 

Hit the road and view the blue!

Today's post is perhaps less about Texas travel, and more about Texas pride.  

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When your town is called Shamrock, you almost don’t have a choice.  You just have to throw a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and the folks here in Shamrock, Texas don’t disappoint.

East of Amarillo and a Blarney Stone’s throw from the Oklahoma border, Shamrock was given its name in the late 1800s by an Irish immigrant who wanted to pay tribute to his heritage.  And speaking of that particular piece of Irish rock, Shamrock is home to a piece of the genuine Blarney Stone from the ruins of Blarney Castle in Cork County, Ireland.

So, aside from kissing the Blarney Stone, how do folks in Shamrock, TX party on St. Patty’s? Friday, March 16^th starts the festivities with the opening of the Shamrock Carnival, followed by the Kick-Off banquet featuring great food and live music.  St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year so a great turn-out is expected for the full day of scheduled events featuring, naturally, a grand parade.  Other highlights include a Motorcycle Rally, an Antique and Classic car viewing, an arts and crafts show and the Crowning of Miss Irish Rose.  Another anticipated event is the Donegal Beard contest. (What’s a Donegal beard?  One that grows along the jawline and covers the chin.  Think: “Abe Lincoln”)  The men competing in this competition must have registered on January 1^st with a clean-shaven face. The St. Pat’s carnival continues Saturday evening into Sunday afternoon.  There’s a full schedule of events listed on Shamrock’s St. Patrick’s Day website.

Come shake your shillelagh in Shamrock, TX for a St. Patrick’s Day to remember.

Just for fun, take a listen to the The Donegal Beard song, by The Gourds:  "I"m goin', I"m goin', to Shamrock, I am bound..."

You won't find it in most travel guides and the locals are glad about that.  They would prefer that not too many people find out about the Texas Junk Company.

I decided to pick up some boots for myself and I figured I'd walk out with one of the $30 pairs.  Then I saw this pair of alligator boots for a little over $200, which I couldn't resist.  A friend who is a boot aficionado told me I got a steal.  I think I saw a gleam of envy in his eye.

I’m sitting at an outdoor café, enjoying my beer and watching the sun set as a pair of ducks paddle by, and I can’t think of a nicer place to be right now than San Antonio’s River Walk.  I’ve got a prime spot for viewing the boats as they float by, for people-watching and relaxing after a day of sight-seeing and shopping.  I can hear the sounds of a strolling mariachi band and it’s the perfect ending to a great day.

I’ve been to San Antonio several times before and seen many of the major sights (you can read about my last visits in May and August of last year).  I’ve perused the handiworks at Market Square’s El Mercado and I’ve “remembered the Alamo”.  Today’s visit was all about exploring what the River Walk has to offer.

The River Walk consists of two parallel pedestrian walkways along the banks of the winding San Antonio River. The trails connect major tourist attractions in San Antonio, from the Alamo to Rivercenter Mall, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery, but the River Walk is actually a pretty big attraction in itself.  Lined by restaurants with colorful café umbrellas, hotels and shops, the walkways are always full of activity and there are often planned activities and events going on.   You can spend the day walking along the 5 miles of walkways, stopping for lunch or a snack and checking out the distinctive gift shops along the way.  Or, do what I did – take a tour on a Segway for a fun way to maneuver among the pedestrians.  Boat rides along the river are also a popular way to relax and see the sights.  Some of the boats offer meals.  I haven’t tried any of the floating restaurants yet, but I’ll make that part of my next visit.  And, don’t forget your camera – the walkways are beautifully landscaped, with colorful gardens, waterfalls and picturesque bridges.

With Saint Patrick's Day approaching, the River Walk is preparing for their big, two-day festival when they dye the river emerald green, the barges ride down the river in a floating parade and you're more likely to hear bagpipes than mariachi music.  

At first glance, the River Walk’s winding canals may conjure up images of Venice, but you’ll soon realize there is an unmistakable Texan flavor here, with plenty of Mexican flair sprinkled around.  There’s no place else like it. 

I'm here on the far left edge of Texas state in El Paso and I've just walked through the door of Rocketbuster Boots. The unassuming appearance of the building's exterior does not prepare me for the sensory overload that hits just inside the threshold.  I'm bombarded with an explosion of color, the earthy, sensual smell of leather and...**sniff** is that popcorn?

A quick scan around the store and I can see some pillows, belts and even dog collars for sale here, but the stars of the show are, without a doubt, the rows and rows of beautiful, colorful hand-made boots.  I'm greeted by a friendly blonde gal, Rocketbuster's owner Nevena Christi, who is busy measuring some lucky guy for his new custom boots. As I stroll around, looking at styles of boots, I can't help but pick up each one to feel the leather and run my hands over the detailing.  I've seen plenty of boots in my time, but these are special.  Styles range from classic "cowboy boot" designs, to intricate lacy cut-out styles. There's a line inspired by tattoo art.  If you're into a particular theme -- wine, chili peppers, music, fly fishing, Dia de la Muerte -- there's a boot here for you.

Rocketbuster boots are handmade on the premises using the finest leathers and exotic skins like crocodile and python.  They've cobbled hand-sewn custom boots for celebrities like Tom Cruise, Sharon Stone, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Oprah and even current GOP hopeful Mitt Romney.  Ranging from $800 to $5,000, these one-of-a-kind boots are all stitched and assembled by hand.  Each pair of boots takes so much time to make that Rocketbuster only produces 500 per year. 

As I continue walking the aisles, I spot a large popcorn maker.  Ah, that explains the smell. And there's one other thing you can't miss as you walk through the store: the world's largest pair of boots, as designated by a Guinness World Record certificate of authenticity, bestowed in 1999.  According to info on Rocketbuster's website, the boots are 5 feet tall and a size 328D.

While I didn't order myself a new pair of boots, I didn't leave empty handed either.  I treated myself to a really nice belt, black with a python inlay, which I know I will enjoy for a long time to come.

There are so many things to do in the fun town of El Paso and I will spend some time on those in a later blog entry.  You can read more about it here and order yourself some free brochures too.  If you do make plans to come, I'd urge you to call Rocketbuster and set up an appointment for a tour with Nevena.  It will be one of the highlights of your trip.

About 30 minutes south of Houston, right off I-45, is the small, coastal town of Kemah, part of the grouping of towns called Bay Area Houston.  Kemah is known for its bustling boardwalk, nestled along Clear Creek Channel which opens up into Galveston Bay.  The area is a charming Gulf Coast destination that gets millions of visitors each year.

Back in earlier days, Kemah used to be a rustic shrimping port on Galveston Bay where you could buy some fresh shrimp and a beer and sit by the dock on an afternoon to watch the boats come in.  During the 90s, a developer built the boardwalk and brought in amusement rides, restaurants, shops and carnival games and turned it into a tourist attraction.  I do have to admit, it is somewhat "touristy", but to me, that's not a bad thing.  On a recent sunny day in early February, I was one of those tourists enjoying a stroll along the Kemah Boardwalk.

The Kemah boardwalk is essentially an amusement park featuring some great rides, such as The Boardwalk Bullet, a 96' wooden roller coaster.  It reaches speeds of 51 mph and gets so close to the water's edge, it feels like it will fling you into the bay! You'll also find midway games, theme shops and souvenir stores.  There are plenty of restaurants along the boardwalk, and most have seats overlooking the water.  All of the restaurants are good and of course, they all offer plenty of seafood dishes.  You won't get a fresher catch anywhere else.  In addition to the rides and midway games, there are often events or festivals going on at the Boardwalk.  Check the Kemah Boardwalk website for up-to-date information.

I started my afternoon in Kemah with lunch at the Aquarium Restaurant.  This restaurant offers many attractions beyond its good food - they feature a 50,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling aquarium housing more than 100 species of tropical fish and sharks, and Stingray Reef, where you can touch and feed live stingrays. They've also added a Rainforest themed exhibit with piranhas, snakes, scorpions, tarantulas.  Under the blue glow of the huge aquarium, I enjoyed a New Orleans Po-Boy with shrimp which was really fresh and tasty.   If you don't feel like a sit-down lunch, another great option is to check out the food vendors along the boardwalk.  You'll find the expected carnival type fare along with some unique items worth trying.  Just "graze" your way through and sample a few items from different carts.

After lunch, I thought about going on the Bullet, but decided that wasn't best done right after a big meal, so instead, I meandered along the boardwalk, enjoying the relaxing sight of boats floating slowly by.  I checked out some of the shops, which are what you'd typically expect to find in a touristy area - souvenirs, Kemah T-shirts, beach wear.

There's no entry fee for the boardwalk, but the rides cost $4-5 each.  If you think you will be going on several rides, your best bet is to get an all-day pass.  The cost is $20, but with a little pre-planning, you can sometimes get discount coupons.  In fact, right now in February, there's a Wintertime Blues promotion on the Kemah Boardwalk website which offers an all-day pass at $5 when you buy one at regular price. During other times of the year, check the Houston Chronicle for discounts coupons or search online.

Still in the neighborhood at dinner time?  You can certainly try one of the other many restaurants along the boardwalk, but what I'd recommend is walking a few blocks over to Highway 146 and eating at T-Bone Tom's, a down-home, family style restaurant where the food is really good and really plentiful.  You can get seafood here, but when a place has "T-Bone" in the title, your best bet is usually the meat and that's for sure true here.  I started with an appetizer of "Armadillo Eggs", which aren’t eggs and they're not from armadillos, either. These are large jalapeños, stuffed with brisket and deep fried.  Served with a creamy dipping sauce, they are really fantastic.  I could have made a whole dinner of these, but I also had to try their ribeye steak.  This was 14 ounces of choice, tender beef, bathed in some sort of magic marinade with a pineapple tang to it.  It was truly a memorable dinner. (we covered T-Bone Tom's a few years back during our quest for the best chicken-fried steak.  Read about it here.)

Overall, Kemah is the perfect family getaway. It's a paradise for children and a romantic date for couples.  There’s lots to do during the cooler months and it’s a great destination during the warm months when the water activities and refreshing Gulf breezes keep you cool.  Make a day of it!

>> more travel information about Kemah 

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Be a part of history on February 28th, as movie theaters nationwide will debut the first-ever US showing of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Love Never Dies", the highly anticipated sequel to "The Phantom of the Opera".  

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For many people, when they think about a Mardi Gras celebration, they think New Orleans is the only place to be.  But I know there are a lot of Texans who would challenge that opinion. Especially down in Galveston.

While you can find Mardi Gras parties and events all over the state, Galveston is host to the biggest and most authentic celebration in Texas. This year marks the 101st carnival in this Gulf Coast locale and they do it up BIG!  The good times have been rolling there since February 10th, leading up to some big events this weekend and climaxing on the 21st, Fat Tuesday. 

The fun-filled events include concerts, multiple parades, balcony parties and several fancy, formal balls. Mardi Gras revelers will be dressed in costume as they wander the streets, listening to bands which will perform on the two stages set up in the Entertainment District. Attendees will also be treated to several parades and processions, concluding with the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius parade on “Fat Tuesday” in the historic Strand District.

First off, a quick primer for anyone who isn't quite sure what all the hoopla is about.  The phrase "Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday." For those who follow Catholic traditions, it is the last day to indulge before Ash Wednesday kicks off the solemn weeks of fasting and restraint of Lent.  Also referred to as "Carnival", this fun celebration is recognized around the world and throughout the U.S.

The main event of any Mardi Gras celebration is a parade featuring floats, musicians, and costumed

marchers.  Many of the festivities that are taking place in Galveston benefit local organizations within the island.  For example, the Royal Krewe of Barkus & Meoux hold a pets parade that benefits the Galveston Island Humane Society and the Krewe d'Esprit Rosaire raises money for the Holy Family Parish with their Youth Pageant and a Parade.

If you haven’t already made plans to party it up in Galveston this weekend, you’ll need to act quickly because events are filling up quickly and selling out.  However, there are lots of activities still available.

For more information, visit www.MardiGrasGalveston.com.

Today's post is about romantic getaways on a budget and, whaddya know, it just so happens to be Valentine's Day!  But this subject is not only relevant on February 14th. Texas has so many romantic places and I believe that anytime is a good time to get away with your sweetie, to take a break from the texts and tweets for awhile and focus on each other.  Having said that, here's a list of a few fun and romantic things to do on Valentine's Day--or any day--to reconnect with the one you love.

Dallas Vicinity: The smaller towns surrounding big cities are great travel spots that can be easy on the wallet.  About 30 minutes north of Dallas is McKinney, known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse antique shops and historic downtown. This city’s tree-lined streets and restored antique houses are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing couples-weekend. Northwest of Dallas is Denton.  From the century-old courthouse and quaint town-square to world-class shopping and internationally acclaimed musical talent, Denton has an ambiance that lends itself to hand-in-hand strolls, leisurely lunches, and a relaxing getaway for two.

Jefferson, East Texas: East of Dallas and not far from the Louisiana border, Jefferson is a step back in time to an era of antebellum homes, horse-drawn carriages and steam locomotives.  This once-booming river-port town went bust in the 1870s but still retains the architecture and heritage of a 19th century town. Considered the Bed & Breakfast capital of East Texas, Jefferson has approximately 60 B&Bs.  Amp up the romance with a horse-drawn carriage ride.  The cost for 2 people is $100, but includes dinner so it seems like reasonable price. 
 

Big Bend: Some people feel that one of the best romantic attractions in Texas is Big Bend National Park. At the center of the park is the Chisos Mountain Basin. There is a 7-mile paved road that runs through this mountain region. If hiking and camping are your idea of romance, you'll find it here. The Big Bend area offers some of the most breathtaking views in Texas. The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is in nearby Panther Junction, Texas. This half mile trail runs near an oasis in Big Bend National Park. Other nature trails include the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail and the Boquillas Canyon trail.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and this time of year, there’s a lot of pressure on guys like me  to be “romantic”.  Romance doesn't come naturally to me, but my lady is worth my best effort so, every February, I make sure to remember the flowers, the chocolates and the fancy restaurant reservation.  A bit predictable, I know, but she always appreciates it. Last year, though, I kicked it up a notch.  I surprised my wife with a weekend in Texas Wine Country.  She is a real wine-lover and it had been many years since we had done a winery trip so it seemed like the perfect Valentine's getaway.

There is a reason why wineries are often chosen for proposals, weddings and honeymoons: the romance quotient is over the top!  The grounds are always beautiful, overlooking acres of grapes, with secluded spots along the walkways and secret gardens.  The air smells earthy and fruity.  Each winery has its own look - rustic, modern, European – its own mood and its own story.   Many of them have B&Bs on the premises, adding another layer to the romantic atmosphere.  My wife and I have great memories of strolling hand in hand among  the vines, dancing to the music of a guitar duo and clinking our wine glasses together making a secret toast to each other. 

There are two ways to experience a winery tour: a self-guided driving trip or a professional tour company.   We were staying in Fredricksburg so, on our first day, we got a map (like this one) and decided to just drive east along Rt. 290.  We started out at Chisolm Trail Winery and had a great lunch, followed by a tasting of their wonderful reds and whites (tastings are usually priced at about $5 for 5 samples).  If you decide to drive in your own car, you need to have a plan.  Either select a designated driver or do what I did: spit!   First, you inhale the scent of the wine from the glass, then take a sip and swish it around your palette. Then, you *ahem* spit it out.  The first time, I admit I felt a bit self-conscious and wondered how this was fitting into my romance plan. But soon, you realize everyone else is doing it and you don't think twice about politely spitting out your sip of wine into the buckets provided.  We sipped and spat our way through about three more wineries that afternoon and really enjoyed exploring at our own pace, being spontaneous and taking as long as we liked at each location.

On the second day, we decided to try a tour company that specialized in the area's wineries. Heart of Texas Wine Country offers a choice of three routes leaving out of Marble Falls (about an hour northeast of Fredricksburg).  This is a full day trip and you will spend time at around 5 different wineries. Our tour guide, Dale, was friendly and really knowledgeable about the area, the grapes that are growing there and the history of each of the wineries we visited.  We enjoyed all the stops on our tour, but our favorites were Stone House Vineyard, which overlooks Lake Travis and provides breathtaking scenery and Bella Vista Ranch, a Tuscan-style farmstead which not only produces grapes and wine but also grows olives and produces their own olive oil. Although we enjoyed the previous day’s driving tour, it was nice leaving the keys to someone else and feeling free to taste – and swallow – the wine without worrying about unsafe driving.

Guys, if you want to surprise your Valentine with more than just a heart-shaped box and roses -- or ladies, if you are in charge of the romance in your relationship -- there’s a “wine country” in most regions of Texas.  For starters, check this map to see if there’s a trail near where you live or plan to vacation.   There are all sorts of Valentine's Day events going on, from gourmet winery dinners, B&B "romance packages", to wine and chocolate pairings, even a special, limited edition wine called "Valentine" from Bernhardt Winery.

All the wines we tasted were fantastic.  We brought home many bottles of reds and whites, at least one from every vineyard we visited and, although I’m usually a beer guy, I have to say I have enjoyed opening each of those bottles throughout the year and revisiting the tastes, the memories and, yes, the romance of that Valentine’s Day vacation.

• Wes Gomer
• Marilyn Boulter
• Ric Johnson
• Beverly Chisnall

Vacations usually mean relaxing, shopping, dining and fun, but to a growing number of travelers, it can also mean working for a cause.  In my previous article, I talked about the growing trend of “voluntourism” – combining travel with a desire to leave a positive impact on your destination through volunteer work.  In this entry, I’d like to discuss voluntourism opportunities here in Texas.  After all, this blog is called “Tour Texas”, so while we’re touring this great state, why not see where we can lend a hand, meet some great new people and even learn something new. Here are just a few cool ideas:

Matagorda County Christmas Bird Count – Matagorda County is home to miles of glistening, sandy beaches, pristine waters, world-class fishing, and diverse wildlife. Every year, in the weeks before Christmas, avid bird-watchers from all over Texas and beyond pack up their binoculars and cameras and flock to Matagorda County to volunteer for the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count.  There they join hundreds of volunteer birders who combine their passion for birding and conservation with a few days away from home. 

Audubon Bird Counts occur in various designated spots across North America and are vital in collecting data on bird populations throughout the continent. The organization depends upon its “citizen scientists” to search out and identify the birds and record the sightings, data which help identify those species in need of conservation action.  Newbies are welcomed; accuracy is assured by always having at least one experienced bird watcher in every group. The event is often an annual Christmas family tradition, with repeat “voluntourists” who return every year.  Contact the Matagorda CVB for more information.

Texas Parks Trail Work  –   The western part of Texas state is home to two of the nation’s most impressive and beautiful parks.  400 miles west of San Antonio is Big Bend National Park and north of that, straddling the Texas-New Mexico border, is Guadalupe National Park.  Both parks cover thousands of acres and are home to more than 1,000 plant species and 400 bird species, as well as antelope, mule deer, white-tailed deer, banded gecko, rattlesnake, coyote, black bear, elk, and mountain lion.  Maintenance for such enormous land masses is an ongoing challenge, but budgets are tight and the parks do not have permanent maintenance crews.  That’s where the Sierra Club steps in: 70% of the trail maintenance that is done in the parks is by volunteers.  Work includes trail improvement, restoring grasslands, planting trees and more.  For more information, see Guadalupe project details and the Big Bend project details. Other park volunteer opportunities available on the Texas State Parks website.

Care for Animals at Wildlife Rescue & Rehab -- WRR in Kendalia, TX rescues and rehabilitates many kinds of animals, with a goal to release back to nature when possible and to provide permanent sanctuary when release is not an option.  The Wildlife Rescue & Rehab facility is home to native wildlife, farm animals, wolves, bears, big cats and primates.  They welcome volunteers who will have the opportunity to do hands-on rehab that may include bottle-feeding baby animals one day and assisting an injured animal with physical therapy the next. On your free days, spend some time in nearby San Antonio or Austin, or imbibing in the Texas wine country.

Dig for dinosaur fossils – The Arlington Archosaur site has been the location of many amazing fossil discoveries, including dinosaurs, turtles, fish and crocodiles.  Plenty of rare fossils from the Cretaceous period (95-100 Million years old) have been uncovered here and help is needed to continue the dig.  Volunteers really do get hands-on experience: you’ll excavate in the soil and map any fossils you find, you'll clear hillside for continued digging and prepare fossils for identification.  Don't fear if you're a newbie -- orientation and a short training session will demonstrate what you need to know. If you've ever wanted to help excavate a dinosaur, while vacationing in the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth area, join the Arlington Archosaur Facebook page or contact Earthwatch Institute.

Beach clean-up – For some people, it’s just not a vacation if you don’t hit the beach.  If you love the sand and surf, there’s a volunteer opportunity for you too.  The Texas General Land Office “Adopt-A-Beach” Program is an all-volunteer organization committed to keeping trash off of Texas beaches.  Clean-ups start at 9 AM and end at noon, leaving plenty of time in your day to relax and enjoy your vacation. The work is not difficult and kids are welcomed to join in the effort too. Oh, and some nearby hotels offer discounts to volunteers.  For clean-up sites and dates, visit The Texas General Land Office website.

There are plenty of opportunities in Texas to lend a hand during your vacation. These are only a few examples, but wherever you might wish to travel, there’s a Habitat for Humanity, an animal rescue group, a soup kitchen that needs you and would sure appreciate your time. If you’re lucky enough to take a nice vacation, you just might find it feels pretty great to share your good fortune.

If your 2012 New Year’s resolutions included a commitment to travel more, to learn new things or to volunteer your time, you’re in good company—these are three of the most common resolutions people make.  Why not put a check mark next to all three with a volunteer vacation?

Volunteer vacations, or “voluntourism”, combine the best of travel – arts, culture, nature, heritage sites, and recreation – with the opportunity to enrich the people, wildlife or environment of the destination.  To put it simply, a voluntourist is someone who takes a trip with the intention of spending some or all of their time engaged in meaningful volunteer work. It’s a great way to combine your interest in travel with other passions you may have or to try something new.

When people think about volunteer vacations, they often conjure up images of helping impoverished people in third-world countries.  While those are certainly rewarding options to consider, there are plenty of organizations in the U.S., many right here in Texas, that rely heavily on volunteers and in return, offer unique and interesting experiences.  There are choices for every level of ability and most don’t require special skills since they will teach you whatever you need to know. Often, you can a find a trip that ties in with a specific interest, such as camping and hiking, wild animal care or bird-watching.  (In part 2 of this article, we’ll explore a few specific Texas opportunities.)

So, why would someone choose to spend their precious vacation time working rather than sipping margaritas on the beach, playing golf or shopping? I asked a friend who spends one week each year working to repair hiking trails in a national park why he did it.  He told me that he enjoys the rewarding feeling of accomplishing something. “It’s such worthwhile work and there is so much to do. When I leave at the end of the week, I know I made a small impact.”

Another major benefit that all voluntourists mention is the friendships that are forged. Volunteers come from all walks of life and varying backgrounds, but they join together with a common goal during their trip.  Throughout the day, you’re working side by side and in the evenings, you all relax together, feeling your well-earned exhaustion and reflecting on the day. It’s a unique bonding experience and many people report making friends that they’re still connected with years later. 

Does voluntourism mean a cheap vacation?  Depending on the organization, free or low-cost housing may be available and meals are sometimes included too, so it can be a way to explore a location without spending as much, paying in sweat rather than cash. However, in some cases, a volunteer vacation can cost about the same as a regular trip. One thing to keep in mind, though – expenses for a volunteer vacations are often tax deductible, as long as you meet certain requirements.  It’s important to do your research before making your plans.

In just a few days or weeks, volunteer vacations will give you a renewed sense of energy and purpose. You can learn new skills, gain enriching experiences, memories, and friendships that last a lifetime.  Each one leaves you with a deep connection to a place and the people you meet.

Read Part 2 – Voluntourism Opportunities in Texas