Markers for Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow on the site of their ambush by Federal Marshals. I recently had the pleasure to vacation in one of my favorite states, Texas. Because of its wide variety of scenery and culture, we were on a whirlwind tour to catch as many amazing sights as we could in nine days.
Of course, I could not drive to Texas without stopping in Gibsland, Louisiana to visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum. A must see if you get anywhere near the Texas-Louisiana border, this building (which was historically the last café where Bonnie and Clyde dined before their departure) is filled with memorabilia from the famous duo’s past. For a small admission fee you are free to spend as long as you like viewing newspaper articles, photographs, clothing, and a bullet-riddled V8 Ford replica of the actual car they were driving. The owner says this vehicle was thought to be the real McCoy for several years, until the actual one surfaced. Unfortunately, the actual car was restored—removing all traces of its significant historical value.
Of course, I could not drive to Texas without stopping in Gibsland, Louisiana to visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum. A must see if you get anywhere near the Texas-Louisiana border, this building (which was historically the last café where Bonnie and Clyde dined before their departure) is filled with memorabilia from the famous duo’s past. For a small admission fee you are free to spend as long as you like viewing newspaper articles, photographs, clothing, and a bullet-riddled V8 Ford replica of the actual car they were driving. The owner says this vehicle was thought to be the real McCoy for several years, until the actual one surfaced. Unfortunately, the actual car was restored—removing all traces of its significant historical value.
Miller's Seawall Grill at Galveston Island But back to Texas…
We started our Lonestar trip in Galveston Island. Once the capitol of Texas, Galveston suffered a horrific hurricane in 1900 which nearly destroyed the town of 40,000. Fortunately for us, many citizens chose to stay and rebuild the great city, which provides many miles of beaches, shops, restaurants, and tours to its guests.
I recommend a beachfront hotel for a great view and easy short walk to sun and sand!
We enjoyed breakfast every morning at Miller’s Seawall Grill https://millersseawallgrillgalveston.com/ Serving up some great food—and breakfast all day—since 1976. I alternated between omelet and chicken & waffle. Both were equally delicious, and the prices were reasonable.
If you are looking to splurge on a romantic Italian dinner, look no further than Grotto Italian Ristorante at the San Luis Resort. https://www.sanluisresort.com/restaurants/grotto/ Service is top notch and food is perfection!
The historic Strand District on the island boasts of gift shops, antiques, tours, and lots of restaurants. Much ado about seafood along the harbor as well as a wonderful little 30-minute film about the Great Storm. https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/pier-21-theater
We started our Lonestar trip in Galveston Island. Once the capitol of Texas, Galveston suffered a horrific hurricane in 1900 which nearly destroyed the town of 40,000. Fortunately for us, many citizens chose to stay and rebuild the great city, which provides many miles of beaches, shops, restaurants, and tours to its guests.
I recommend a beachfront hotel for a great view and easy short walk to sun and sand!
We enjoyed breakfast every morning at Miller’s Seawall Grill https://millersseawallgrillgalveston.com/ Serving up some great food—and breakfast all day—since 1976. I alternated between omelet and chicken & waffle. Both were equally delicious, and the prices were reasonable.
If you are looking to splurge on a romantic Italian dinner, look no further than Grotto Italian Ristorante at the San Luis Resort. https://www.sanluisresort.com/restaurants/grotto/ Service is top notch and food is perfection!
The historic Strand District on the island boasts of gift shops, antiques, tours, and lots of restaurants. Much ado about seafood along the harbor as well as a wonderful little 30-minute film about the Great Storm. https://www.galvestonhistory.org/sites/pier-21-theater
Stuttgarden Tavern boasts Craft Food, Craft Beer My top restaurant pick at the Strand? Stuttgarden Tavern. https://stuttgardentavern.com/ This 3-story building near the harbor features at least six different house made bratwurst—lean and delicious—rooftop dining, and a HUGE selection of craft beers. Their menu is much wider than bratwurst, with chicken, Wiener schnitzel, German potato salad, and many sandwiches. I tried the Smoked Gouda Brat and the Jaeger Brat. Both were incredible.
The service was hit-or-miss. Ambience is casual and fun. Great place to bring a group.
The service was hit-or-miss. Ambience is casual and fun. Great place to bring a group.
After we had established a glowing tan, we headed inland to San Antonio for a glimpse of the historic Alamo and the quite famous Riverwalk. If you’re going to stay in San Antonio, I highly recommend a hotel on the Riverwalk. Most of the hotels feature cafes for scenic outdoor dining. We stayed at the Hilton Palacio del Rio, and I would stay there again in a second! It was beautiful, clean, elegant, and right on the Riverwalk for convenience.The GoRio! Boat tours are a must-do as well.
 San Antonio's Riverwalk is a 2-1/2 mile wonderland-day or night. |  Remember to visit the Alamo! |
About an hour’s drive Northwest of San Antonio is a sleepy little town filled with wineries and breweries, called Fredericksburg. I would baptize this town as the “Napa Valley of Texas.” A day is hardly enough time to see all the shops, eat at every restaurant, and sample every beverage. I would seriously consider going back with friends to spend three days. Several B&B’s located in town and hotels on the fringe.
My favorite wineries in Fredericksburg…
Pontotoc Winery https://pontotocvineyard.com/ —All Texas grape wines. Beautiful courtyard with shade trees. Owner is delightfully charming. They offer “picnic basket” trays for a wonderful way to nibble while you sip! Lodging available as well.
Becker Vineyards https://www.beckervineyards.com/Visit/Estate-Winery-and-Tasting-Room -- okay this one was special due to the name. Needless to say, we purchased quite a lot of items with “Becker Vineyards” printed on them for gifts and keepsakes with the family name. We also did very much enjoy the Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the Muscat Chenin. They also own a lavender farm, so there are several home décor items offered with my favorite scent. Note: we did not visit the winery estate, only the Main Street location, which is in an old car dealership building, which adds another layer of distinction to the visit.
My favorite wineries in Fredericksburg…
Pontotoc Winery https://pontotocvineyard.com/ —All Texas grape wines. Beautiful courtyard with shade trees. Owner is delightfully charming. They offer “picnic basket” trays for a wonderful way to nibble while you sip! Lodging available as well.
Becker Vineyards https://www.beckervineyards.com/Visit/Estate-Winery-and-Tasting-Room -- okay this one was special due to the name. Needless to say, we purchased quite a lot of items with “Becker Vineyards” printed on them for gifts and keepsakes with the family name. We also did very much enjoy the Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the Muscat Chenin. They also own a lavender farm, so there are several home décor items offered with my favorite scent. Note: we did not visit the winery estate, only the Main Street location, which is in an old car dealership building, which adds another layer of distinction to the visit.
Fredericksburg Brewing Co. is a refreshing stop offering local beers and wines, as well as great food. My favorite (and only visited) restaurant in Fredericksburg…
The Fredericksburg Brewing Company https://www.yourbrewery.com/ -- lively, casual, awesome food, wine, and beer.
Before we exited Texas, our trip would not be complete without a visit to Dealey Plaza in Dallas. We paid our respects to President John F. Kennedy at the infamous spot where he lost his life. While not a happy moment in history, it is an educational experience for the younger generations.
My opinion is that every American should see it in person. The city of Dallas has made a nice effort to memorialize the area and honor our fallen President.
And on that somber note, we headed the Jeep back toward Missouri. Thank you for coming along with me on my adventure! I hope that I have enticed you to make your own trip to Texas and enjoy what this beautiful state has to offer.
My opinion is that every American should see it in person. The city of Dallas has made a nice effort to memorialize the area and honor our fallen President.
And on that somber note, we headed the Jeep back toward Missouri. Thank you for coming along with me on my adventure! I hope that I have enticed you to make your own trip to Texas and enjoy what this beautiful state has to offer.
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