Friday, August 28, 2009

Chappell Hill, The Birthplace of Texas!!!



One scorching hot Sunday, the boy and I decided to take his nieces and nephew on an adventure just down the road from us on 290, to a little place called Chappell Hill. For those of you born and bred in TX, you most likely know the town for their tasty sausage, but were you also aware of Chappell Hill being one of the first settlements in TX?



The Chappell Hill Museum offers detailed displays on the Texas Civil War era, with photos, descriptions and stories told of soldiers and how their families coped. The museum is in what used to be the Chappell Hill College for Women. You can actually sit in a replica of an old school room, which is fun for kids and adults alike! They even have old clothes and artifacts from the 1900s for people to try on and handle. It's free admission, with donations welcome. http://www.chappellhillmuseum.org/.


Main St. in Chappell Hill is reminiscent of the Old West, charming and provincial. You can find the Visitor's Center, the Old Rock Store, Providence Baptist Church and the 1907 Historic Bank. It's fun just to walk down Main St. and view the old buildings.

Chappell Hill is rich in culture, known for it's history of higher education, cotton and Polish immigration. It's also close to the Brazos River, where you can go just off of 290 when heading back east, and take in the wonderful views of the river that was once used to ship cotton from Chappell Hill to Galveston Island.


A historic getaway that is educational and free? Now that's what I call a perfect family sunday!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Events to Check Out in August!!


Texas is known for it's plethora of state fairs and harvest events as we slowly ease into the Fall season. Here are some of my pics for fun (and let's keep it cheap, people) attractions in August:



Blues Fest, Navasota

Aug. 7-8th

Located on the Grimes County Fairgrounds, the event features local, regional and international musicians.



Lavender Fest, Chappell Hill

Aug. 8th

Immerse yourself in the aromas of fresh cut lavender as you enjoy arts and crafts and tour the local vendors. http://www.chappellhilllavender.com/


22nd Annual Lions Club Balloon Festival & Fair, Highland Village

Aug. 14-16th

Float in a hot air balloon and take in all the scenery of the beautiful Texas landscape! Enjoy live entertainment and arts & crafts for the kids. A food court and vendors will be available.



The Texas Testosterone Festival, Austin

Aug. 15-16th

Try saying that three times in a row! This event is a total man fest, a barrage of all things men love: Sports, bikes, trucks, ultimate fighting, tattoos, poker and more! As Beyonce would say, "All the single ladies, put your hands up!!" http://www.texastestosteronefestival.com/



81st Annual North Texas State Fair, Denton

Aug. 21-29th

Rodeo, Carnival, Fiddling Contest, Barbecue Cook-offs!--Need I say more? Games, music, petting zoos and fun for the whole family. http://www.ntfair.com/


Gartenfest, San Antonio

Aug. 21st

A German Festival held by The Beethoven Maennerchor in Garten & Halle. Enjoy German food and the sounds of live choral and band music. http://www.beethovenmaennerchor.com/


Fourth Annual Bluegrass Festival, Wichita Falls

Aug. 21-22nd

Experience music from local bluegrass bands such as Star Canyon, Southbound Mule and Salt Grass. http://www.cwftx.net/


Bat Fest, Austin

Aug. 22nd

Watch out for those bats!! Also, includes children's activities and over 30 bands performing on two stages. http://www.roadwayevents.com/


14th Annual Margarita & Salsa Festival, Waco

Aug. 29th

This fest includes some of the best country music in Texas and has a contest for many local restaurants and individuals on who has the best margarita's and salsa! Care to be a judge? http://www.arthritis.org/


Be safe and have fun while playing it cheap, Texans!!