We wanted a getaway for a few days, and this time it included small towns, big parks, a vast mall, and lots of fun!
Our first day, we headed southwest to Hondo, Sabinal, and then to stay the night in Uvalde, Texas. Hondo and Sabinal are small towns - where we always hunt for good food, a pretty park, a courthouse and quaint shops. Neither town disappointed. We enjoyed BBQ on a patio, bought a few things at a huge mercantile, walked around a park that was pretty and interesting, and shopped in an old theater turned into a junk store. There are always interesting people to talk with, and we enjoyed stopping and to do just that!
On to Uvalde, where we had a 3pm appointment to tour the Grand Opera House there. No shows were taking place, but when we called the manager (a delightful young woman) said she'd take us on a free tour. How fun it was! And so was the shopping and walking in this town, where we stayed the night. We found a super cute place to eat by the airport, on the patio, where we could watch the planes come and go. And the weather was fantastic!
Our second day was exploring two parks - Garner State Park - and Lost Maples. We made sure to get reservations (you need them, even if you're only spending the day). Garner was nestled in among Texas hills and it was just beautiful to walk and enjoy. Lost Maples is Texas' own haven of fall color, if you hit it just right. We were a little early, but still saw beautiful trees, hiked on a couple of trails, and picnicked outside - just before a cool front came through! We then drove on to Kerrville where we spent the night and grabbed tortilla soup - ate it in the car!
The third and final day started with a stop in Medina, Texas at the apple store there. They also have a pumpkin patch/fest right by it, which we used to take the kids to - so fun. There's always goodies to buy in that apple store. From there, we drove in to San Antonio, as it was my birthday and I wanted to shop at the La Cantera Shopping Center. It's a beautiful mall, where we spent a few hours strolling and shopping and enjoying a slice of pizza outdoors.
We had a bit of time before returning home, so we stopped in New Braunfels for a movie at their EVO theater there. It was a great time away, full of all sorts of varied activities and experiences. Go. Get out of town. And enjoy yourself, too!
(I forgot to mention - that house in the collage above is Matthew McConaughey's birth home in Uvalde - who knew?)