This year we stopped at Palmetto State Park for one night as we journeyed on to Falcon State Park where we were officially beginning our winter snowbirding experience. But we have fond memories of our stay there last year when we met up with some of our Wisconsin friends. Since I did not publish the blog last year, I will include both experiences simultaneously.
January 2020
After leaving the guy who repaired our trailer brakes, we had an uneventful drive and got to Palmetto State Park before dark. We got set up, and then Opa took the truck to fuel up and get some great BBQ from the Luling City Market to fuel us up too. We did a walk after dinner on the trails and headed out the next morning to Falcon State Park.
January 2019
We had a little time before our rv park reservation near our daughter’s house, so we met friends at Palmetto State Park near San Antonio.
Driving into the trailer campground is like driving into another world or at least another totally different environment. Dwarf palmetto plants surround the swamps in the park which makes you think that you are in a tropical climate. The palmettos are huge and beautiful and at times dwarfing you. It was fun to walk the trail and photograph the nature there.
We were able to get a campsite behind our friends in the campground which of course made socialization even easier. And they took us on a tour of the nearby town of Luling the next day.
Luling was a lot of fun, but being with these friends made it tons of fun. First we visited the Luling Oil Museum. This museum preserved and honored its “boom town” history. Although almost no one expected oil to be in the area, in 1922 Edgar B. Davis thought otherwise. He mortgaged his property and invested everything into oil drilling near Luling. Ultimately, he discovered an oil field 12 miles long and 2 miles wide. Luling became boom town overnight and the economy shifted from agriculture to oil.
Then we stepped out to enjoy the old-time looking store fronts. And low and behold, there was a quilt shop. The gals went in to HollyDee Quilts, while the guys stayed out for a little while by the saddle shop. Ok, I’m the quilter in the group and I was blown away by the quilts displayed and the beautiful fabrics. The owner came out and talked with me for awhile. She is clearly a very talented woman. Then the guys came in and all the while I was drawn to a two fabric bargello that really caught my attention. Although I’m not sure how to do it, I’m now committed because I bought the fabric and pattern.
Next, we went to check out the Zedler Mill and wandered around the grounds. It was very interesting. But what I liked most was the beautiful venue for weddings or other special events.
Next stop: lunch. We ate at the City Market in Luling just down the street from the Oil Museum. This was a whole different experience for me. You go back to the smokehouse and order which meats you want and how much. Then you can order the sides, bread, pickles, onions, etc. outside the smokehouse in the front of the store. Your meat is served on meat paper which you can either take out in a bag or sit in a very casual dining area to eat. We ate there and then we ordered some more meat to take along home.
After we had full tummies, we went on a scavenger hunt. Luling has found a unique way to celebrate its heritage: decorating its aging — but still working — pump jacks with vibrant colors and characters.
We found cowboys, killer whales, watermelons, butterflies and more.
It was fun to look for them and take their pictures.
The next day our friends left and continued on their journey. It was so wonderful to spend some time with them. We went on to visit Gonzales and the Shiner brewery. Gonzales was was the site of the first skirmish of the Texas Revolution.
In Gonzales we peeked at the Jail Museum, saw the “come and take it” cannon, ate a fabulous bbq lunch at Bakers Boys BBQ, and had a driving tour of some of the historic houses and important sites. At the brewery, we enjoyed a tour of the Spoetzel brewery, maker of Shiner beer. It was a busy and interesting day.
We walked the Palmetto trail the next morning before we left Palmetto State Park. Everything looked so tropical and swampy. The trail leads to the water tower where the water comes from a natural spring. The palmettos are huge and really cool. The trails are lovely. It was a nice stay.
Looks like a very interesting place. I would love the nature trail, for sure! Carol
It’s a cool place. I wish it would have been warm enough to float on the river. I walked further on the trails this time and almost felt a little lost. Not enough signage. But I got a great walk!