Top 6 Texas Corn Mazes 2014

Who would have ever thought running through a corn maze in Texas would be considered Fall Fun??  But it is, especially with as much thought & effort that go into the themes of these cron mazes.  Take one look at any of the below 6 corn mazes - all found here in Texas - and you will see just how serious a business corn mazes can be!

Here are the Top 6 Texas Corn Mazes in 2014:

Photo Credit: Barton Hill Farms

Barton Hills Farms (Bastrop):  Open Weekends September 27th - November 9th

On the banks of the Colorado River outside of Bastrop lies a 5 acre Corn Maze - this year, they have an incredible Texas Longhorns themed maze.  Open on weekends, this maze is designed for you to get lost in!  It has interactive clues (a Passport) to help you get through and generally takes 45 minutes to complete. General admission (Adults $11; Children $8) covers the pumpkin patch, maze, frontier games, live bands, and more.

photo credit: Rocky Creek Maze

Rocky Creek Maze (Moulton): Open Friday, Saturdays, & Sundays October 3rd - November 23rd Chaloupka Farms features this 8 acre maze that leads you down 2.5 miles of twisting paths.  Choose to navigate yourself through the maze, use the passport clues or use their texting feature to find your way out.  Text a code number you find on a sign to receive a clue to make your way through the maze! So cool! Admission is $10 (3 & under are free) and includes unlimited admission to the maze, hayrides, barrel train, butterfly garden and more.

photo credit: South Texas MAiZE

South Texas MAiZE (Hondo): Open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays September 27th- November 30

This corn maze is 7-acres big, dedicated America's Heroes.  Located on the Groff Family Farm in Hondo, this maze is known for elaborate, twisty, mind-bending fun.  Taking more than an hour to complete, everyone comes back year after year, as this maze continues to out-do itself.  Admission is $10 (adults & children 2 & up) and includes hayrides, bouncing pillows, pick your own pumpkins, and more (additional fees may apply).

photo credit: Sweetberry Farms

Sweet Berry Farms (Marble Falls): Open September 27th - November 2nd

Sweet Berry Farms always has an "A-Mazing Texas" Maze.  In the shape of Texas, this year's theme is on Texas Towns that have an "O".  Start with a map, find each of the twelve towns and receive a "punch" for each town.  Find them all to win a free soda or water. This is a complex maze that takes a bit of work and time to complete, but fun nonetheless. Admission is $7 for each person ages 6 and up. There is a ton of additional Fall Fun (hayrides, train rides, pick your own pumpkins, etc.), so make a day of it.

photo credit: Yesterland Farms

Yesterland Farms (Canton): Open Weekends September 27th - November 9th 

This farm features a fun fall festival that has a 3 acre corn maze.  This year's maze features Mallory’s Heart Foundation. Mallory had a heart for Christ, for children and for the people of Central America. This foundation focuses on all that she loved.  The farm features 30+ fall activities for the whole family including a farm zoo, hayrides, and barrel train.  Yesterland Farms also has an amusement park.  Admission is $11.95 for 3 and up and includes the fall activities.  The amusement rides are additional.

photo credit: Brazos Valley MAiZE

Brazos Valley MAiZE (Brenham): Open Weekends October 11th - November 16th 

This farm features a fun fall pumpkin patch & corn maze  The farm also features a cow train, corn cannon, color maze, and more.  Admission is $10 for 3 and up and includes the fall activities.  

A few reminders before you go:

• Dress appropriately - wear pants and closed-toe shows.
• Sunscreen/Hat or Bug spray might be a good idea.
• Take water - just in case you get lost.....
• Weather is a big factor on availability of a maze - most farm owners will not be open if the fields are too muddy.
• Check the websites for all the below mazes - most have status updates on the mazes.

So plan a fun fall afternoon and go get lost in a maze! 

Other Great Texas Fall Articles you may be interested in:

7 Oktoberfest Celebrations in Texas

Best Pumpkin Patches in Austin

Top 11 Halloween Events in Austin

Barton Hill Farms in Bastrop, TX (Coupon)

Hawaiian Falls Pflugerville Pfall Pfestival

Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, TX

Top 7 Oktoberfest Celebrations in Texas ~ 2014

It always truly feels like Fall when Oktoberfest celebrations begin in Texas.  We may not actually cool down to true Oktoberfest weather, but Texans do know how to throw a good party.  So no matter where you are win Texas, here are a few Oktoberfest celebrations you won't want to miss.

Top 7 Oktoberfest Celebration in Texas ~ 2014

Addison Oktoberfest - September 18-21, 2014

For over 25 years, the most authentic Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich has been held in Addison, Texas. This year, over 70,000 fans will come together September 18-21, 2014 to share a love of polka, German food and, of course, the same Paulaner Bier that will be served at Bavaria’s favorite festival. As a part of its award- winning tradition, Addison has timed their festival to coincide with the famed Munich Oktoberfest, and Addison Oktoberfest will also feature much of the same music, folk dancing, sing-a-longs plus great German food and entertainment.
Addison Oktoberfest website

Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K - September 27, 2014

This 5K Run is held in Fort Worth and features German Polka and a Beer Garden after party.  All proceeds benefits the No Brother Fights Alone Foundation.

Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5K website

Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg ~ October 3-5, 2014

Oktoberfest is a colorful, festive celebration of Fredericksburg, Texas' German heritage & is a community event of family entertainment featuring four stages of continuous oompah music, local artisans, children's fun area ~ KinderPark, German Bier Tent, Oktoberfest Bier Tent and Oktoberfest Vineyard, OkTUBAfest, Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance , 42 (Domino) Tournament, delicious food and lots of cold drinks ... all weekend long!

Fredericksburg Oktoberfest website

Southlake Oktoberfest ~ October 3-5, 2014

The 13th anniversary of the Southlake Oktoberfest expects nearly 50,000 people to visit throughout the weekend festival! Attendance is completely free.  There will, however, be a wide range of food, beverages, and booth items available for sale! The kids will have a great time in the excitement-packed children's area!

Southlake Oktoberfest website

Oktoberfest in Kemah ~ October 4 & 5, 2014

The 2nd annual Oktoberfest in Kemah boasts an 8,000 Sq. Foot Beer Tent for all to enjoy.  Hand crafted beers from Germany, Holland, Austria, and many more will be available.  The Kemah Oktoberfest will be held in the heart of Kemah, Texas, in the Lighthouse District  with great food, and terrific beer. Bring the family out for a great time in the beautiful Autumn weather.

Oktoberfest in Kemah website

Texas Renaissance Festival Oktoberfest Weekend ~ October 11 & 12, 2014

The first weekend of the Texas Ren Festival just happens to be Oktoberfest-themed weekend.   Journey to Bavaria and the Black Forest as the air echoes with traditional German music and dancing.  Dance a polka, feast on Bratwurst and sauerkraut, quench your thirst with a stein of beer and join in the fun by entering into one of the three German themed contests. 

Texas Renaissance Festival website

Wurstfest ~ November 7-16, 2014

A 10 day sausage festival that has been around since the 1960's? Yes! Wurstfest in New Braunfels has to be the most unique Oktoberfest Texas has ever seen. This unique annual celebration is rich in German culture and full of Texas fun. Enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German, Texan and domestic beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment.

Wurstfest website

Texas ~ Palo Duro Canyon, TX

If you live in Texas, on of the must do items you need to put on your list is to see the production "Texas" in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.  On it's 49th season, this show is as good as it was when I saw it as a 10 year old.  My parents took me as a young girl, so when creating our Texas Road Trip this summer, I knew this had to be a "must-do".

What makes this show so good?  Good enough to last 49 seasons?

Location

The show is in an outdoor amphitheater, that actually incorporates the beautiful bluff  backdrop into the show.  From the lone cowboy with the Texas flag that starts the show, to the fireworks, hillside fire, and projected images, the bluff is a central part of the show.

The amphitheater is in the actual canyon within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and runs only in the summertime.  But we all wore sweatshirts to the evening show, so it wasn't as hot as you'd think it would be.  There was always a nice breeze.

Talent

Though the story doesn't change much year after year, the cast of talented actors do an amazing job. You can tell the actors enjoy telling the story as many of them return year after year to perform in it.  And when you read the bios, many come from all over the state (and even out-of-state) to be in the play.

Special Effects

The special effects in Texas were terrific, with thunderstorms, a mountain fire, fireworks, water show and more. The night we saw the show, thunderstorms were moving into the area and we thought it was a part of the show they do such a good job with the show lightening.  I think the special effects really add to the excitement of the show and keep the kids entertained.

Finale

Once the show ended, the cast of Texas performs a special tribute to Texas and America that gives you goose bumps.  With patriotic music, dancing, water show, fireworks, and more, this was better than a 4th of July fireworks display in terms of evoking emotion.  I was surprised to find out how choked up I was.

Tradition 

I think the most important part of what makes this show so special is the tradition of Texas.  The show itself is a sweet story about the settling of the Texas panhandle in the 1800s - ranchers versus farmers and the railroad coming into the area and of course it's a love story. I keep going back to the bluff, but it's as much of the show as the actors are.  It's just so cool how they can incorporate it into the story as well.

This show is a tradition that all Texans should see.  It tells a story of the hard-working, persevering Texans that created our great state and it will make your very proud of the amazing state we live in.   

The show itself starts at dusk (8:30 pm), but there is great preshow entertainment in the courtyard, and a chuck wagon BBQ dinner too. You can also take a backstage tour before the show.

The show only runs throughout the summer - May - August.  Tickets to the show are reasonable - its a good deal for this broadway-quality show.

The show is good for all ages, the story is easy to follow and fun - both my 11 & 5 year old watched the entire show entranced. It is a long show, so be prepared for sleepy car riders on the way home.  We were camping in the park, so we had a 10 minute walk to the camper and didn't get home until close to 10:45 pm.

Again, seeing Texas should be on every Texan's list.  There is actually a great deal of fun to be had at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, so make a trip out of it.

Disclosure - My family and I were invited to see Texas! while visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Parkview Riverside RV Park: Why a Private Campground Worked for Us

Private campground versus Public campground – which do you do?  As relatively new  “campers” we had heard all the pros and cons as to which to choose.  And in planning our trip RV Camping trip this summer, we wanted to try both.

So when it came to our time at Garner State Park, we opted to stay in an RV Park versus the park itself.  Here’s why:

In researching the area, we had talked to several people who had stayed at Parkview Riverside RV Park.  Located directly across the river from Garner State Park, you have the main amenity of the park, the Frio River, right at your doorstep – ok, maybe a few minutes walk from your doorstep.

We stayed 2 nights at Parkview Riverside RV Park and enjoyed the quiet, peaceful, and clean facility.  It had lots of trees and almost every spot had some sort of shade.  The park is well-maintained and is gated, as to deter a great deal of traffic.  And we found it to be quiet.  We camped near the front entrance and didn’t find it to be noisy at all.  It was the perfect first stop of our week-long RV roadtrip.

Here are a few more things we really enjoyed about Parkview Riverside RV Park:

Location

Since our main goal of traveling down to this area was to visit Garner State Park and play in the Frio River,  we liked having the river so close to us.  There were 2 entrances down to the river and it was very easy to haul our tubes and cooler down with us when we wanted to go.  If we had stayed over at Garner, we would have encountered a long walk to the river – with 3 kids, that might not have been fun.

Full Hook-ups

Garner State Park does not have sewer hook-ups, and for this new RV-camping family, it was nice to have “full hookups” available to us.

Hot & Clean Showers

Parkview Riverside RV Park has a nice bathroom complex that was always sparkling clean when we used it.  It was so nice to have steaming hot showers after spending the day in the river.  I did not have a chance to see the Garner bathrooms, but I hear during the summer, they are usually busy.

Cocktail Time


Look, let’s be honest, we are on vacation, so Mom & Dad might want to enjoy a cocktail while floating in the river or sitting around the campfire at night. Open consumption of alcohol is not permitted in Texas State Parks. But it is allowed at private parks. Enough said.

General Store

Once again, let me remind you that I am NEW to this camping thing and I “may” have forgotten a few key items  - butter, ketchup, bandaids , whatevers…… Parkview Riverside RV park has a really nice general store on property.  One night, we took a walk up to it to grab a few Blue Bell ice cream treats.

Great for Families

The park had every age represented while we were there.  It was summer, so there were a lot of kids on bikes, but we saw a few older couples as well.  Each campsite has plenty of room for horseshoes, lots of chairs to circle the fire pit and an area for a nice outdoor kitchen set up.  One group of campers watched a movie one night on the side of their RV with a projector.  Fancy!

No Access to Garner State Park

Just beware that when you are booking your reservation, the only way to get over to Garner State Park is by crossing the Frio River.  You can do it, but it’s not legal, unless you hike up to the entrance and pay your daily fee.  So if you are wanting to hike in the park or go to one of the nightly summer dances, you will need a vehicle to drive around to the entrance of the park.

There are many choices of places to stay and camp along the Frio River, so what set Parkview Riverside RV park apart?  The people.  From making the reservations over the phone with the owner, to chatting about the area with one of the staff when we checked in, everyone we encountered here was so friendly and helpful. Even as we were leaving, they helped us out big time.  We accidently left our 5 year old’s bike behind and they came running to the front of the park to catch us with it!

Maybe it’s because they are living in one of the prettiest little pockets in South Texas that I have ever seen.  Maybe it’s cause they get to deal with happy people on vacation.  Or maybe they are just friendly people - Whatever it is, they welcome the weary traveler with welcome arms, eager to help you have an awesome vacation.

Parkview Riverside RV Park rents by the week and you can make your reservations a full year in advance.  Or if your last minute (like me, ahem…) give them a call to see if they have any openings for a few days.  I know from personal experience, they are more than happy to accommodate you.

While on our #darlingroadtrip, we are camping in a 2013 Jayco Redhawk Class C RV.  Woody RV Rentals in Georgetown, Texas provided us with our home on wheels.  They specialize in renting RVs of every size to help you have a memorable RV vacation.

Disclosure: Parkview Riverside RV Park invited us to stay for 2 nights. I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.

Don't miss our other Camping Articles:

50 Tips for Beginning Campers 

5 Myths about Camping

How Comfortable is Camping in a RV?
7 Day Camping Menu
10 Tips for First Time RV Campers
Garner State Park

5 Fun Things to do in Bryan-College Station, Texas

Just  short day trip from Austin, Bryan-College Station offers more to see than just the Texas A&M University.  We recently spent the day there as we were driving home from East Texas and had such a good time getting to know this great area.  If you are looking for a fun place to visit one weekend, check out all that Bryan-College Station, aka “Aggieland” has to offer.

5 Fun things to do in Bryan-College Station with Kids

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Sitting on the Texas A&M campus is one of Texas’s Presidential Libraries.  Only 10 years old, this museum does a great job in telling the life story of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush.  With actual artifacts, like his Presidential Limousine, campaign memorabilia, Presidential Gifts of State, and a piece of the Berlin Wall, the museum does a great job of showing us who he was as a boy, a husband, a politiatin, a father, and as a President.  My 13 year old was very interested in the modern displays and the 5 year old had a fun treasure hunt through the museum.

Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley
This fun 2-story children’s museum is located in downtown Bryan.  It features climbable space ship, a H-E-B store, a tv station, and a big construction “site” to learn how to use “tools”.  Though it was a bit young for my older 2 kids (11 & 13), they still had a fun time playing with their younger brother.  And we all played a great game of checkers on a giant checkerboard.  This is a fun stop for kids 7 and younger.

Brazos Valley Natural History Museum
This is a great natural history museum that features animals, plants, minerals, and human activity in the Brazos Valley.  Some of the key exhibits that kids will enjoy the most are the Observation bee hive, butterfly exhibit, and live animals.

Dixie Chicken
We had to make a stop for lunch at the famous Dixie Chicken.  Aggies will tell you that this is the home of dominos, pool, country music and beer – in fact, it once held the record for the most beer consumed in one location in the United States.  So why am I telling you to go there? Cause it’s also home of a really good burger and these incredible cheese fries. Lunchtime is full of families checking out this local legend.  So, it’s kinda a “must do” in these parts.

Bonfire Memorial on TAMU Campus
The Aggie Bonfire was a longstanding tradition before the football team played their biggest rival, the University of Texas, dating back to 1909.  A tragic accident at the 1999 bonfire construction killed 12 Aggies and a beautiful memorial stands in it’s place.   Each of the 12 stones points towards the hometown of the lost Aggie and tells their story.  I found it to be a touching tribute, as I remembered the accident.  The kids didn’t mind the walk and the pretty memorial, but I am sure it didn’t have the same effect as it did me on them.

While we were there, we took a quick drive around campus and popped into Aggie Outfitters to pick up a t-shirt from my daughter.  It was a great way to show her a picture of campus life – since she will be going to college in less than 5 years (gulp).

Here are a few more fun things to do in Bryan-College Station:
Grand Station Entertainment
Santa’s Wonderland
Lone Star Trapeze Academy
Royal Oaks Alpacas
Kingsbury Blueberry Farm

And real close by, my favorite ice cream maker, Blue Bell is located in Brenham – and you can have a tour of the creamery and get a free scoop of ice cream.

Disclosure: My family & I were guests of the Bryan/College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau and they provided us with passes to various museums.  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own.

10 Tips to Enjoy Garner State Park ~ Concan, Texas

For years, I have heard how great Garner State Park & the Frio River were.  My mom went as a child, my aunt goes each year for a family reunion, and I have countless friends who flock to the cold waters of the Frio.  It was time for us to check it out.

So as we planned our #darlingroadtrip in an RV this summer, we knew that Garner State Park was a must.

Garner State Park and the Frio River area that surrounds it are beautiful.  Stuck out where the Hill Country stops and West Texas begins, this oasis pops up and surprises you.  The lush trees, green grass, and cold waters of the Frio River completely take you by surprise.  It’s no wonder it gets called “a little slice of heaven”.

We headed to Garner with one plan – to sit in the cold waters of the Frio River.  We packed a few tubes, some water shoes, and a cooler full of beverages.  That was all we needed, right? Nope.

Garner State Park has a large access to the Frio River, but it’s not a rapidly flowing river, like you may picture. This is like a big, natural pool to float around in, let the kids swim and play on the beach, or if they are brave enough, jump from one of the many rope swings.  This is a place you spend the whole day relaxing, laughing, and having great family time.

Here are 10 Tips to Enjoy Garner State Park:

1. Bring a Tube for each person: The Frio River at Garner State Park is deep and at times I wasn’t touching the bottom.  Each of us wanted to float in our own tube. You will pay a quarter of the price for a tube if you just buy your own and bring them rather than buy or rent them there.

2. Personal Floatation Devices for Little Ones: As it can be deep, it’s best to put non-swimmers in a life vest or some form of floaties.  Even in a tube or float that has a bottom,  they will feel much more comfortable with one on.  Mom will too.

3. Water Shoes are a MUST!: Unless you like the squishy mud/leafy bottom feeling, buy an inexpensive pair of water shoes.  These will come in handy when you are trying to climb out of the river to get to a rope swing too.

4. Rope the Tubes together: Most people kept their tubes together with ropes and a few carabineers.  This makes it easy to float around in one group.

5. Be Brave & Try a Rope Swing: Along the river in Garner State Park are several rope swings to play on.  They are on the other side of the bank from the park, and are constantly in action. My 11 year old son immediately hopped on them, but it took a day or two for mom & dad to brave it.  I’m so glad we did – it was such a rush to swing out over the river and drop into the cold water.  What an experience!

6. Take a Ball or Frisbee to Throw Around: I didn’t think we would actually play with it, but ended up playing hot potato and catch for a few hours.  I’m so glad we brought it.

7. Consider a Floating Cooler: It’s not a necessity, but it was nice to have our cooler with us at all times as we moved up and down the river.

8. Get there early and claim your spot on the water’s edge: Depending on the day, most people arrive early and set up “camp” for the day.  They brought a canopy, tables, chairs, coolers, and food.  And again, had all they needed to spend the entire day relaxing in the water.

9. Take a walk past the spillway to play in the rapids: My 5 year old really enjoyed this area.  We played in the low water rapids and then floated/walked down to a pool that was about waist deep. Because he was able to walk around in the water and play while touching, he felt more comfortable here.  We threw the ball around and sat in the sun with the cool water rushing over us.  Make sure you check this area out.

10. Get up early to Hike one morning: I am so thankful that my husband & I got up early on the last day we were there to hike up Baldy – the tallest bluff that overlooks the park.  Since we were there in July, we got up early for the half-hour hike and I’m glad we did.  If you hike up to right side of the bluff, it’s a pretty steep climb, but so worth it.  The view from several vistas and the top are breathtaking.  It reminds you just how gorgeous Texas is!

This was our view from the first vista:

And this was our view from the top:

Our family really enjoyed our time at the Frio River. We put away the electronics, our phones, our cameras, and spent quality time together.  We laughed and talked and did some family bonding.  Every Texan needs to spend atleast one day floating in the Frio, relaxing and appreciating this little “Slice of Texas Heaven”.

While on our #darlingroadtrip, we camped in a 2013 Jayco Redhawk Class C RV.  Woody RV Rentals in Georgetown, Texas provided us with our home on wheels.  They specialize in renting RVs of every size to help you have a memorable RV vacation. 

We also camped at the Parkview Riverside RV Park, which we loved.  Find out more about this great park here. 

Find out more about Woody RV Rentals and some tips for camping in an RV here. 

Don't miss our other Camping Articles:

50 Tips for Beginning Campers 

5 Myths about Camping

How Comfortable is Camping in a RV?
7 Day Camping Menu
10 Tips for First Time RV Campers
Parkview Riverside RV Park

10 Tips to a Great Time at Schlitterbahn ~ New Braunfels, TX

Schlitterbahn is unlike any other waterpark out there. That said, to make it an awesome day at Schlitterbahn, it's good to be prepared with a few helpful tips.

We went last week, and though I have been many times, I still was able to pick up some tips I wanted to share with you for your next trip!

10 Schlitterbahn Tips

Schlitterbahn Tip #1: Get to the parks right when they open and start at Schlitterbahn East. We arrived a little before 10:00 am and pulled right into the parking lot.  They had not opened the gates so we had a chance to apply sunblock.  We like to go to Surfenburg to start to catch lines when they are small - especially for the Master Blaster & WolfPack, which tend to become hour-long waits later in the day. 

Schlitterbahn Tip #2: Grab a table in the shade when you first arrive and set up base camp. Great thing is there's lots of shade all over Schlitterbahn! There are lockers available, but we tend to just leave our stuff out - no one has ever messed with it. A base camp makes it easier to find everyone and have a meeting place. 

Schlitterbahn Tip #3: Don't leave your little ones at home! There are so many fun kid-sized slides for them all over the park! I have taken my youngest to Schlitterbahn since he was 2 and I have always found something for him to play on.  From Pirate Ships with soft slides to water structures that spray, it has helped build his confidence to try the bigger stuff with his siblings.  Take a look at an article I wrote last year about why you should take toddlers to Schlitterbahn.

Schlitterbahn Tip #4: No need to bring a puddle jumper or water wings for the little ones! They provide life jackets and tubes for all sizes! 

Schlitterbahn Tip #5: Bring a cooler filled with food to eat on all day!! Eat healthy and save money by pack a cooler full of drinks and food.  Here are some ideas of what to take:

• homemade sandwichs (make them ahead of time)
• individual chips/snacks (saves wet hands getting into the chip bag)
• cut up fruit
• pre-made salad
• drinks in cans or plastic bottles (no glass or alcohol)
• homemade desserts (rice krispie treats are a favorite)
• paper plates, napkins, utensils
• rolling cooler

Schlitterbahn Tip #6: Check out the Cabanas you can rent at Surfenburg! They have private areas to relax away from the crowds at all of the parks now. So this may not be a tip- more of an FYI - Had I known about them, I would have reserved one in advance.  It's perfect for big parties or families!

Schlitterbahn Tip #7: Spend the morning at Surfenburg & Tubenbach and then head over to Schlitterbahn West in the afternoon. The Original Park has tons of shade trees and the water is cooler because it's river water. There just seems to be more space to play and longer water rides - perfect place to spend the hot afternoon.

Schlitterbahn Tip #8: Set a time to all meet back at a central location/ base camp. We learned this valuable lesson when our 2 boys didn't come back for a few hours. Make sure someone in the group wears a watch and you all set a time to meet. 

Schlitterbahn Tip #9: Sunscreen & Water Shoes are your friends. Lots of sun and lots of walking - protect your skin & your feet!

Schlitterbahn Tip #10: Make a weekend out if it by staying on property at one of the Treehouses. When you stay at the resort, admission to parks is included for both days for your family and you get the first hour of the park to yourself!

Before you go, check out my Top Ten Reasons to go to Schlitterbahn this summer post.

Other great things to check out in New Braunfels:

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Schlitterbahn

Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Natural Bridge Caverns Canopy Challenge & Zip Line

McKenna Children's Museum

Snake Farm

Landa Park Aquatics Complex

The Gristmill

Texas Travel Facts for Schlitterbahn:

Location: 305 West Austin Street, New Braunfels, TX

Hours: Summer Schedule Varies- click here 

Admission: Ticket Prices vary - online or at HEB is your best bet. There is a deal at Simon Malls - get 2 tickets for $85 and you get a $25 Simon gift card - makes the tickets on $30 each.  Call before heading to the mall - they only have a limited amount.

Recommended Time: ALL DAY!! 

Good to know: Sunscreen it up - lots of unshaded areas; bring a cooler (no glass or alcohol); lockers are available for valuables; get there early; weekdays during the summer are less crowded

Website:http://www.schlitterbahn.com/nb

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to visit the water parks and were provided admission. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of the Schlitterbahn are strictly my own based on my experience. 

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Galveston ~ Nov 2015

I was pretty excited to catch the news today that in the fall of 2015, Disney Cruise Line is returning to Galveston, Texas!  They announced they are adding a few popular destinations and home ports for limited-time engagements. Two Hawaii cruises, a return to the West Coast with departures from San Diego and a Galveston, Texas homecoming make up a season of special sailings.

Bookings open to the public on May 21, 2014.

Galveston to the Bahamas

Starting in November, Disney Cruise Line will return to Galveston for the holiday season, offering a seven-night itinerary aboard the Disney Wonder to Key West; Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. These sailings depart Nov. 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 28 (New Year’s cruise).

One seven-night western Caribbean cruise on Nov. 6 will visit Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Falmouth, Jamaica.

Two additional cruises are included in the Galveston season: a six-night sailing departing on Dec. 18 that stops at Key West and Castaway Cay and a four-night Christmas sailing that departs on Dec. 24 and stops at Cozumel.

Rates start at $948 per person for four-night cruises, $1,116 per person for six-night cruises and $945 per person for seven-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Tower Creek at Natural Bridge Wildlife Park ~ New Braunfles, TX {A Giveaway}

Have you been to the Natural Bridge Wildlife Park recently?  I mean, who doesn’t like a big Zebra kiss like this in your car window??

Actually, the zebras are usually my family’s favorite animals to see in the park – up until now that is. With the opening of the Tower Creek, there is a whole new area of fun to discover.

Recently, my family and I were invited to tour the new Tower Creek, new home to the Ranch’s growing giraffe population.  This 50+ acre extension is home to 7 new to the ranch animal species.  You can now see Impala, Zebu, Grant’s Gazelles, Sable Antelope, and African endangered species Nile Lechwe, Arabian Oryx, Dama Gazelle, and Bongo Antelope.  Impressive right?

The Tower Creek is nestled down a steep hill that crosses over the Cibolo Creek.  Descending the hill is really fun, as you can see the 31,000 cubic feet of limestone that was milled from the bluff (that’s enough to cover a football field, 18 feet deep yall!).  The limestone was recycled & repurposed to develop the two-lane road that goes through Tower Creek, which is 2 miles long.

The day we visited, the giraffes were a little shy, as were most of the animals in Tower Creek.  They looked at us from a far, eyeing us warily.  This was in February and the trainers said it may take a few weeks for the animals to get used to the cars traveling through.

Most of the animals can freely roam the Tower Creek enclosure, but the giraffes are still surrounded by a metal fence.  Currently, there are 3 giraffes here.  There are still a few at the entrance, including the giraffe twins who were born here in May 2013.  Did you realize we had a set of giraffe twins living in Central Texas? In fact they are the ONLY living set of giraffe twins in the US!  And they are adorable.  One guy was being chased by a turkey when we saw him and he was so funny!

We love visiting the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – we love to see the different animals up close, love to feel their hide and horns when they come up to the car to lick a snack up from your palm.  It is such a cool way to interact with the animals. And remember those zebra that were giving us "kisses" I mentioned earlier - check out why in the below video:

~ GIVEAWAY ~

I can’t wait to visit the Tower Creek addition again, to see this group of 7 new species up close again. And you can too! Natural Bridge Wildlife Park has given me 4 tickets to give to one lucky person.  Use the Rafflecopter below for entries.

Contest begins on Monday, March 25, 2014 and lasts through Friday, March 28, 2014 at noon.  Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email.  Winner will have 24 hours to acknowledge or another winner will be selected. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Texas Travel Tips to visit Natural Bridge Wildlife Park:

• Buy an additional bag of food other than what they give you, you can never have too much!
• Go around at least 2 times – it’s a completely different experience each time you go
• Go in the morning – like opening time – it’s when the animals are most active
• If you wait and go in the afternoon, especially when it gets hot, chances are you will not see very many animals, as they are napping in the shae of the trees
• Have patience.  If there is a line of cars, it’s because there is something cool to see up ahead – you will get your turn.
• Take a picnic and have lunch on the grounds or eat in their on-site grill.
• The Tower Creek has a lovely picnic area and will be offering unique sweet treats to purchase
• Take hand-wipes or sanitizing gel to keep hands clean before and after feeding the animals

Location: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX

Hours: Daily: 9 am with seasonal closing times (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)

Admission: Adults (12 & up): $17.50  Children (3-11): $9.00 

Recommended Time: 2 -3 hours 

Website:http://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/

My family and I were invited to visit the ranch and were provided admission. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch are strictly my own based on my experience. 

Other great things to check out in New Braunfels:

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Schlitterbahn

Yes! You Can Take a Toddler to Schlitterbahn

Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns Canopy Challenge & Zip Line

McKenna Children's Museum

Snake Farm

Landa Park Aquatics Complex

The Gristmill