Sixty Trips Within Sixty Miles Vacation time is rapidly coming to a close. With triple digit heat occurring in double digit days, cabin fever is likely to be setting in. Maybe it’s time to plan a few last minute get-a-ways that will reunite the family, cool off the spirits and add a few more memories to the summer of 2009. Each of the destinations listed are within 60 miles of Robinson. Pick one for a fun day trip or combine a few for a fabulous weekend.
Cameron Milam County Historical Museum - Housed in restored county jail, c. 1895, complete with cells, shackles, and gallows tower. Exhibits of pioneer farm and ranch equipment, rustic household furnishings, and Spartan “fashions” of the frontier. Also Indian artifacts, ranch and trail-driving tack, cowboy gear, and weapons.
Carl’s Corner Willie Nelson Theater at Carl’s Corner Truckstop - In the back of Carl’s Corner Truck Stop in Carl’s Corner, Texas, sits a 1,000 seat theater where there used to be an indoor swimming pool. The pool is now covered over with the theater floor and the seating is banked to make viewing the stage much easier. Willie Nelson opened the music hall with a big party on July 3, 2005. For information on the theater, contact the truckstop at 254-582-8433 or stop by at I-35N, exit 374.
Clifton Bosque Museum - A history museum of Bosque County Life and culture. The museum highlights the county’s unique ethnic groups and early pioneer life. The museum
8
BIG BLUE
contains the largest collection of Norwegian artifacts in the South and Southwest, a significant collection of Indian artifacts, and an important collection of early Texas furniture and textiles. The museum was founded in 1924 and is the recipient of numerous awards. It is one of the oldest museums in the State of Texas.
Corsicana Pioneer Village – reconstructed and restored log buildings from typical mid-1800’s village. Homes, blacksmith shop, trading post, and Doctor’s office. Authentic furniture and artifacts.
Hillsboro Harold B. Simpson History Center - Texas Heritage Museum - One of the best museums of its kind in the nation, the Texas Heritage Museum, located on the campus of Hill College in Hillsboro, commemorates the experiences of Texans during war times. The museum features Civil War, World War II & Audie Murphy (right), and Vietnam exhibits and includes a Weapons Gallery. The newly remodeled museum offers a
Glen Rose Dinosaur Valley State Park – fossil footprints of Sauropod (four-legged vegetarian) and Carnosaur (two-legged meat eater) preserved in bed of Paluxey river. Tracks deeply impressed over 100 million years ago in limey mud. Depressions preserved when sediment filled tracks and hardened to rock.
Groesbeck Old Fort Parker Historical Preservation is a 37.5-acre park between Groesbeck and Mexia in Limestone County, was deeded by private owners in 1936 and was rebuilt again in 1967. The original construction of the park was by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It is now managed by the City of Groesbeck. It was the site of the abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker (mother of Quanah Parker) on May 19, 1836, by Comanche Indians. Activities: Activities include historical study and picnicking. Visitors can explore cabins, climb the blockhouse, and recapture the atmosphere of that fateful spring day in 1836.
state-of-the-art theatre featuring films highlighting the contents of the museum. Hill County Cell Block Museum - Built in 1893 by architect W. C. Dodson, the museum served as the county jail until 1983. Awarded a Texas Historical Marker in 1981, the building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits include a tribute to Hill County native Willie Nelson, a Native American Artifact Room, Vintage Clothing Exhibit, and an actual Cell Block that was used until the 80’s. Admission to the museum is free, with a suggested donation of $2 for adults. The hours of operation are Saturdays, from April thru October from 10am to 4pm. For more information, call us at 254-582-8912 or e-mail us.
Marlin Highland’s Mansion – restored late 19th century mansion noted for stained glass dome and windows and built in glass china cabinet. Typifies elegant homes built during prosperous period in late 1800’s. Some original furnishings. Guided tours.
Meridian Meridian State Park – Bosque trail, two mile route. Mostly shady, following shore line of
lake Meridian through stands of Oak, Pecan and Cottonwood.
Mexia Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site – Reunion site for Confederate States of America veterans until late 1940’s. Features 1870 Heritage House, 1893 Dance Pavilion and two story log cabin built by popular Methodist Circuit preacher Mordecai Yell.
Salado 43rd Annual Art Fair – August 1st and 2nd on the beautiful Salado Creek. Tablerock Festival of Salado is named for a large limestone monolith by Salado Creek. Tablerock, once level, was first a meeting place for Native Americans. In the 1800’s it attracted young Salado College students. Today Tablerock Amphitheater serves as a Salado meeting place and an outdoor venue for beautiful original plays and musical presentations.
The Grove Country Life Museum and Cocklebur Saloon – This unique museum includes the entire downtown business district (minus one building) of the Grove, a turn-ofthe-nineteenth-century agricultural town, complete with an authentically furnished bank, post office, general store, saloon, blacksmith’s shop, doctor’s office and more. Area musicians gather to play country music at the Cocklebur Saloon on the third Saturday of the month.
Waco
Cameron Park Zoo – A great place for the entire family. If you haven’t been lately, you haven’t seen the new Brazos River Country Exhibit. Visitors enter the hull of a sunken Spanish galleon, which rests, submerged in a 50,000-gallon saltwater coral reef aquarium stocked with fish native to the Flower Garden Reef in the Gulf of Mexico. A boardwalk extends from the ship to a sandy beach, home to pelicans, gulls, and other coastal birds. From the Brazos River Exhibit, guests meander through swamplands, the East Texas Forest, Blackland Prairie/Post Oak Savannah, cross timbers, Edwards Plateau, and the High Plains Caprock. A great way to visit the entire state on a 52-acre recreation, complete with native wildlife. The Earle-Harrison House and Pape Gardens – Experience mannerly life on the Waco frontier at the elegantly restored southern home and grounds. 1901 N. 5th, Waco. Governor Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village – Tour a turn of the century western village replication located at the University Parks Drive off of Interstate 35 behind the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Hippodrome Theatre – restored to capture the aura of a 1914 classic downtown theatre. The Hippodrome is showing movies on Friday nights, a great way to escape the Texas heat. Movies are at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Babe is playing August 7, The Secret of Nimh August 14, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory August 21, and the Princess Bride on August 28. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for
children, students, seniors and military. Enjoy two free movie tickets on Thursday by presenting a receipt from any Waco restaurant from that date. The East Terrace Historic Home – A classic example of Italian villa architecture. Built in 1872, it is located on MLK and Lake Brazos Drive at Mill Street. Tours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. The McCulloch House – a Greek Revival structure completed in 1872. It is located at 407 Columbus Avenue. Tours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. The Fort House – a Greek Revival home built during the reconstruction after the Civil War in 1868. It is located at 503 South 4th. Tours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. Lake Waco – a man-made lake completed in 1964. It covers 7,240 acres with 60 miles of shoreline and has six lake parks. Camp, fish, golf, row, sail or swim at the lake. Lions Park – enjoy miniature golf, bumper boats, kiddie land and a miniature train. Located at 1716 N. 42nd Street in Waco. Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas – modeled after the character of King Solomon’s Temple, the Masonic Grand Lodge displays artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Freemasonry in Texas under leaders such as Sam Houston. It is located at 715 Columbus Avenue. The Dr. Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute – The museum building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is an example of a unique style of turn-of-the-century architecture. Visitors can see the effects of the 1953 Waco tornado in a specially produced video, explore the depths of an abandoned will, and investigate other secret places in the Museum. It is open Monday through BIG BLUE
9
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and $2 for students. Ollie Mae Moen Discovery Center – curious minds can explore everything from tee-pees to electricity. It is located at 220 South 4th with the entrance on 3rd Street. Red Men Museum and Library – view artifacts of historical significance from a water color by Adolf Hitler to a Colt 45 belonging to the notorious Bonnie and Clyde. It is located at 4521 Speight Avenue. Spirit of the Rivers – an authentic sternwheeler that provides cruises daily through downtown Waco, Baylor University, Cameron Park and more of the scenic parts of Waco. Narrated daily excursions usually last about two hours. They also offer weekend brunch cruises and sunset dinner cruises.
sports legendary greats. Waco Civic Theatre – a community theatre featuring seven shows per season. It is located at 1517 Lake Air Drive. Waco Symphony Orchestra – features world renowned classical artists, chamber music and ballet. The orchestra performs at Waco Hall located at 624 Speight Avenue. Waco Water Park – a state-of-the-art water center with two pools, water-shooting playscapes, a 22 foot slide, zero depth pool and more. The park offers water aerobics for adults and other fitness activities. It also includes lounge areas, locker rooms, showers, restrooms and a concession stand.
Waxahachie
listed in the top 100 most photographed structures in the State of Texas, featuring Richardson Romanesque architectural style. The Courthouse is also celebrating its recent $15 million restoration. Visit the Courthouse downtown on the square. Ellis County Museum includes the Heritage Visitor Center of Waxahachie. The museum rekindles the past as it highlights the rich history of Ellis County. Located at 201 S. College, 972-937-0681. Museum hours are: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm. Getzendaner Memorial Park is a peaceful place for your next family picnic. The Chautauqua Auditorium is also part of the grounds. Located 2 blocks south of Business 287 (W. Main Street) and Grand Avenue.
Strecker Museum – located on the Baylor University campus in the Sid Richardson Building, it is the oldest, continuously operated natural history and cultural museum in Texas. Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk – Now for foot traffic only, this historic suspension bridge spans the Brazos River. The bridge was the first to cross the river, making the wagon and rail travel across the river possible. It was built beginning in 1866. Visitors can taking a walking tour of the bridge and enjoy the views, or take advantage of the Riverwalk below, a network of walking and jogging trails that meander along the banks of the Brazos River. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum – has an exceptional collection of guns, Indian artifacts and early Texas memorabilia. It is located on I 35 and University Parks Drive and is dedicated to preserving the history of the legendary Texas law enforcement group. Texas Scottish Rite Library and Museum – built in 1967 to commemorate the centennial of Scottish Rite Masonry in Texas. Visitors will find artifacts relating to Texas, the United States and freemasonry. It is located at 2801 West Waco Drive. Texas Sports Hall of Fame – located at 1108 University Parks Drive, is a tribute to the pursuit of excellence and showcases 10
BIG BLUE
The Breeze Waterpark and Paintball at Lakeview offers water slides, boating and paintball course. Located at 5128 FM 66, 972-923-3812.
Historic Rogers Street Bridge is perhaps the most unique engineering feature in the historic district. Manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company in Canton, Ohio, it was shipped by rail to Waxahachie and assembled on the site. Today, it is a connected piece of the Waxahachie Creek Bike and Hike Trail.
Chautauqua Auditoriam, located in Getzendaner Park, is one of the few octagonal auditoriums in America. The Chautauqua is open during special events and during the Gingerbread Trail.
Joshua Chapel AME Church, located at 110 Aiken, is a prominent architectural, social and religious landmark. This building was designed in 1917 by noted black architect William Sidney Pittman.
Ellis Country Art Museum showcases art from area residents. Located at 501 W. Main Street, (972) 937-3414.
Lake Waxahachie is located 2 miles south of Waxahachie off FM 877. Bring your family, boat and jet skis. Excellent source of fishing for crappie, white bass, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
After Hours Improv performs hilarious, family-friendly improvisational comedy shows.
Ellis County Courthouse, built in 1895, is
Movies at Buffalo Creek offers fun for the whole family. Located in the Northgate Plaza at 507 North Highway 77, 972-938-5463. Munster Mansion, private residence located at 3636 FM 813, is a recreation of the 60’s TV sitcom The Munsters. The Victorian Style Mansion is complete with the ascending signature staircase, coffin phone, suit of armor, and Grandpa’s electric chair. Scarborough Renaissance Festival, a recreated 16th century English Village in the time of King Henry VIII. Thrill to the thunder of hooves and the crash of lance on shield at the joust. Watch in amazement as birds of prey swoop and dive to the command of the Royal Falconer only inches above your head. 20 stages of entertainment, 200 shops featuring handcrafted, one-of-a-kind merchandise, games of skill and human powered rides, and a wide variety of food and beverage. Open Saturdays and Sundays starting the second Saturday of April through Memorial Day, 10 am-7pm. Located at I-35E South, exit 399A, 972-938-3247. Sims Library is an excellent example of Neoclassical Building and is a popular stop on the Waxahachie driving tour. Located at
515 W. Main, 972-937-2671.33 Southwestern Assemblies of God University is located in historic buildings once occupied by Trinity University, and an example of the Jacobean Revival architectural style. Located at 1200 Sycamore, 972-937-4010. Texas Motorplex is a world renowned NHRA Drag Racing facility and multi-purpose venue hosting racing events, concerts, and more. Located on U.S. 287 between Waxahachie and Ennis, 972-878-2641. Texas Theatre is located on the town square, celebrating 115 years of entertainment. From vaudeville and burlesques in 1895 to the singing cowboy movies of the 40’s to today, where musical theater, live bands, movies and more are on the menu. For more information, call 972-937-1993. Waxahachie Creek Bike and Hike Trail, Walk or ride along the beautiful, curvy path of the Waxahachie Creek and scenic woods. The linear trail stretches from Getzendaner Park, through the city’s historic cemetery to Lions Park for 4 miles.
Fresh produce available on the historic courthouse square every Saturday starting May - October. Waxahachie Historic Cemeteries, Many with Historic Markers, are located throughout the area. Waxahachie Symphony Association brings high caliber classical and jazz performances to Waxahachie throughout the year, 972923-9766. Webb Gallery is located at 209-211 W. Franklin. The gallery houses a huge collection of self-taught art, old fraternal lodge objects, and vintage-anonymous art. Events are also hosted, including films, special exhibits, musical performances, speakers, and socials. Open Saturday-Sunday from 1 pm - 5pm. 972-938-8085. Wyatt Street Shotgun House Historic District, located on the east side of the 300 block of Wyatt Street, this district contains a row of small, single-family shotgun dwellings built around 1918
Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market,
BIG BLUE
11