#1 Top Seafood Restaurant  : Moby Dick’s

517 S. Alister , Port Aransas, Texas 78373, Phone: 361-749-9447

Moby Dick’s has good brews on tap; like most of the south it carried Yeungling beer, which is in the class of best lagers. Moby Dick’s also has good visual character which is good for the children, a rich selection of dishes—I tend to go for shrimp while my husband prefers crab. Prices are reasonable and you receive good quality although we once had the grump queen as waitress but we smiled her way out of her attitude and she delivered quickly.

#3 Top Seafood Restaurant : Joe’s Crab Shack

5025 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, Phone: 361-980-0023

Joe’s Crab Shack is one of the chain restaurants. They airlift in seafood from the north and always cook it up delectably. They’re famous for making buckets of crab, potatoes, corn, sausage and sometimes in combination with clams, lobster or other seafood. The staff dances for the diners every forty-five minutes and if you go often enough you’re likely to be able to do it to. Lots of fun.

#4 Top Seafood Restaurant :  Railroad Seafood Station

1214 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, Phone: 361-883-6200

The Railroad Seafood Station is downtown Corpus Christi near the tourist sites and was quiet compared to many of the restaurants right next to the USS Lexington. The atmosphere was quiet, the service good and the menu varied. Their specials were a good deal, my husband ordered the Rock Lobster special and was pleased by the price, portion and tastiness. I had salad and was equally pleased.

#5 Top Seafood Restaurant : Doc’s

13309 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, Phone: 361-949-6744

Doc’s is a great pub with casual dining style. Prices are a bit more than the fish fry shack next door. You are seated, waited upon and served good seafood. Service was terrific and the crowd large, get there early on weekends. It has a great view of the the harbor and is located midway on the causeway from Corpus Christi to Padre Island. The place next door is more like a fish and chip joint–you order as you enter, find a table and they drop fried seafood and french fries at your side. Beware the seagulls.

#6 Top Seafood Restaurant : Virginia’s Seafood and Steaks

815 Trout Street, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, Phone: 361-749-4088

This place was packed. The menu was somewhat intimidating. They’d cook your fish for you. Or you could have a fish they had bought. Fish is the right choice at Virginia’s. The cole slaw was promised without mayonnaise but came creamy anyway. It was a small annoyance because I ordered a green salad too and that was terrific. Beer was good but a good lager was only available via bottle.

#7 Top Seafood Restaurant : Castaway’s

320 N. Alister , Port Aransas, Texas 78373 Phone: 361-749-5394

Castaway’s was quiet when we ate there, but has a huge salad bar not used at lunch. We had good fried bar food – me chicken strips and my husband and prawn salad. The salad was rather unvaried but fresh. Service was terrific. Beer was good but a good lager was only available via bottle.

 There’s other seafood restaurants in Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, but these will feed you well.

The best spot for RVs in the park is the Rio Grande Village Campground.  It is the only campground in the park that offers full hookups, but there are no restrooms or other facilities available.  There are no size restrictions for RVs and all sites are on a first come first serve basis for a small fee.  The campground only has 25 RV-ready sites and can fill up quick during peak times, so arrive early and have a backup plan in place.  Other camping facilities are available, but tend to be very rugged and difficult to access.  These campgrounds offer no hookups or other amenities.

One of the main activities park visitors partake in is hiking.  There are very extensive trail maps available from the visitor’s center and purchasing one is strongly recommended.  Hikes can be tailored to any length you choose, but most of the popular trails range from 4 to 5 miles in length.  Every hiking path offers different views of the natural landscape and features that make this park so great.  You can venture down to the Rio Grande or through the rocky mountain terrain.  Some trails are suited to those looking for a more extreme adventure and consist of rough terrain and steep inclines.

Another exciting and popular activity at Big Bend National Park is rafting down the Rio Grande.  Trips can be scheduled that range from a half day all the way up to a full 7 days.  While floating down the river, rafters are treated to spectacular views of the mountains and canyons that surround the area.  If you don’t own your own equipment, a number of rental outlets can offer assistance for a fee.  Some places even offer guided tours that can range from day trips to overnight excursions.

No matter what you’re looking to do, Big Bend is an excellent wilderness getaway.

Gorman Falls

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Who would have guessed that such a luscious green waterfall exists in Texas? Gorman Falls is a beautiful 65 foot high waterfall fed by natural springs including Gorman Spring and is located in Colorado Bend State Park in central Texas. Access to Gorman Falls is sometimes limited to protect the fragile natural environment so call ahead to the park if you plan on visiting. Colorado Bend State Park can be reached along Ranch Road 580 at Bend west of Lampasas or south of San Saba.

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Lower McKinney Falls

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The Upper and Lower McKinney Falls are located along Onion Creek in McKinney Falls State Park which is on the southeast edge of Austin just west of the airport. Humans have been living around and using McKinney Falls for over 5,000 years. Today even though the water looks inviting for a swim on hot days, swimming in the creek is sometimes restricted due to high levels of pollutants that reach Onion Creek from Austin’s run-off. To reach the park and waterfalls take the McKinney Falls Parkway right off 83/Lockhart Highway.

Upper McKinney Falls

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Hamilton Pool Falls

Hamilton Pool Falls drops some 45 lovely feet into the Hamilton Pool in the Hamilton Pool Preserve which is located about 30 miles west of Austin along Hamilton Pool Road off 71 North. This waterfall reminds me of Ash Cave Falls in Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio with the exception that Hamilton Falls fills the pool below. Swimming is allowed at Hamilton Pool when the water quality allows but the preserve parking lot is limited to 75 cars. Any additional cars must wait in line for additional spots to open up.

Pedernales Falls

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Pedernales Falls is a series of waterfalls flowing over limestone formations located in Pedernales Falls State Park in central Texas about 30 miles west of Austin not far from Hamilton Pool Falls. The falls are popular with swimmers, tubers and sliders but care must be taken in this part of Texas because it is subject to flash flooding. There are other waterfalls in the park located along tributaries of the Pedernales. To reach the park from Austin take 290 west until you reach Ranch Road 3232. Take that north to the Pedernales Falls Park entrance.

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Twin Falls

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Twin Falls is one of many small waterfalls located along Barton Creek in the Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin.

Krause Springs Waterfalls

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The Krause Springs Waterfalls are located along Cypress Creek in Spicewood, Texas about 35 miles west of Austin. The springs area is a privately run campgrounds with two swimming holes fed in beautiful fashion by the many waterfalls. There are 32 springs in the area and both swimming holes are continuously fed with 70 gallons of water per minute even during severe draughts. Krause Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places. To reach Krause Springs from Austin take 71 North until you reach the town of Spicewood and follow the signs for the springs which is located at 404 Krause Springs Road.

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Williams Waterwall

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Williams Waterwall is a 64 foot high waterfall sculpture located near the Williams Tower in Uptown Houston. Powered by 78,500 gallons of continuously recycled water this giant man-made waterwall is a popular tourist attraction and is often used for weddings.

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Fall Creek

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Waterfall along Fall Creek in Richardson, Texas.

Zilker Botanical Gardens Waterfalls

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This lovely man-made waterfalls is located in the Zilker Botanical Gardens in Zilker Metropolitan Park in Austin.

Lost Maples

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This waterfall is located in Lost Maples State Park (Natural Area) which is located north of Vanderpool, Texas off Ranch Road 187.

Chalk Ridge Falls

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Chalk Ridge Falls is a roughly 20 foot high waterfall located on the Lampasas River in Chalk Ridge Falls Park in the central Texas town of Belton. To reach the park and falls from Belton take 190 west to FM 1670/Stillhouse Hollow Dam Road south and look for the park on your left.

Coleman Park Falls 

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Coleman Park Falls is located in Coleman Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

Wichita Falls

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Wichita Falls is located in the city of the same name in northern Texas about 15 miles south of the Oklahoma border.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

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These waterfalls are located in the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve located just west of Austin along the 360 Loop. The 227 acre preserve was created due to the indomitable efforts of a group of environmentalist women known as “Now or Never”. You can read more about their efforts here.

Tea Garden Waterfalls

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This waterfall is located in the Tea Gardens sections of Brackenridge Park in San Antonio.

San Antonio Riverwalk

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This man-made waterfall is located along the lovely Riverwalk in San Antonio. A great place to visit.

Bench Falls

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Bench Falls is located in Austin where lots of college kids hang out.

Window View Trail Waterfall

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One of the waterfalls located along the Window View Trail in Beg Bend National Park.

Bull Creek Falls

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Bull Creek Falls is series of small falls on Bull Creek in the Bull Creek District Park in northern Austin. The area is popular with sliders and swimmers when the weather is hot. The park is located on Lakewood Drive right off the 360 Loop.

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Pine Canyon Falls

Pine Canyon Falls drops some 200 feet in Pine Canyon in Big Bend National Park after a rainfall. Without rain this waterfall is dry which is typical of most of the waterfalls found in Big Bend and Guadalupe National Parks. Pine Canyon Falls is the terminus of the Pine Canyon Trail which is reportedly difficult to reach.

Fort Worth Water Gardens

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This man-made urban waterfall is in the over 4 acre water gardens located in downtown Fort Worth. The water falls 38 feet here top to bottom. In 2004 a child and 3 adults drowned in the bottom pool which resulted in renovation which lowered the bottom pool water level from 9 feet to 2 feet.

Image via Wikipedia

Restaurant Week is an annual event in Houston, Texas.  It was established in 2003 to help fund the Houston Food Bank in fighting hunger.  Food lovers can enjoy a three-course gourmet meal for under $35 per person and  participating restaurants will donate $5 of the proceeds to the food bank.  Donations are also accepted and 100% will be given to the food bank.

This year Restaurant Week will actually last for two weeks, from August 10, 2009 through August 23, 2009. 

In 2009, it is anticipated that over 75 restaurants will be participating in this event.  They will offer a variety of cuisine to choose from.  Some of the businesses that have already committed to participation are:

Arturo’s Uptown Italiano

Located at the corner of Post Oak and Loop 610 between Memorial and San Felipe, this establishment offer excellent Italian dining at it’s finest.  The hours of operation are Monday-Wednesday from 11 am-10 pm and Thursday-Saturday from 11 am-11 pm.  The Lunch Menu consists of Bruschetta, baked Eggplant Parmigiana, Sauteed Shrimp, Sonya’s Ravioli and several other dishes.  The Dinner Menu consists of Fried Calamari W/Marinara Sauce, Tuna Tartare, Sauteed Shrimp Fettuccine, Angel Hair Pasta W/Clams, Beef Tenderloin Fiorentina, Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Breast and many more tasty choices.  Arturo’s also offers an array of Dessert choices including Creme Brulee and Arturo’s Tiramisu (handmade daily by Arturo).  Prices range from $5.75 for appetizers to $32.75 for dinner.  Arturo’s also provides a beautiful dining area for private parties.  It is able to accommodate up to sixteen people.  For more information or to arrange a private dining experience call 713-621-1180 to speak to Chef Arturo.

The Capital Grille

This beautiful restaurant is located at 5365 Westheimer Road in Houston.  They are open for lunch to private, scheduled parties only.  The hours of operation for dinner are Sunday-Thursday from 5 pm-10 pm and Friday-Saturday from 5 pm-11 pm.  The lounge is open daily from 5 pm-10 pm and offers over 350 of the most tasty wines to satisfy even the most finicky wine lovers palate.  The Dinner Menu consists of everything from veal to filet mignon to lobster. 

Crave Sushi

If you like sushi, you will love Crave Sushi.  This lovely establishement is located at 2900 Travis Street in Houston.  You can start your meal with a great appetizer such as Quick Seared Bonito Sashimi, then move on to any one of a vast selection of sushi.  Don’t forget to top it off with a nice warm glass of Sake.

Denis’s Seafood House

This restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere.  It is located at 9777 Katy Freeway in Houston.  The menu includes everything from Fried Green Tomatoes to Oysters to any type of fish you can imagine cooked any way you like.  Prices are quite friendly too, varying from $6.99 for appetizers to $31.99 for a more gourmet meal.  Denis’s is open Sunday-Thursday from 11 am-10 pm and Friday-Saturday from 11 am-11 pm. 

Truluck’s

Here you can get everything from steak to seafood.  Truluck’s is located at 5350 Westheimer in Houston.  They are open Monday-Thursday from 11 am-10 pm, Friday from 11 am-11 pm, Saturday from 12 pm-11 pm and Sunday from 4 pm-10 pm.  Menu prices range from $7 for appetizers to $36 for the most perfectly cooked steak you will ever eat.  Truluck’s also has over 100 wines to sample or buy, by the glass or bottle.  There is even live entertainment every night. 

If you would like any further information on Restaurant Week in Houston, Texas you can view their website at http://www.houstonrestaurantweek.com/  It really is a great eating experience to be enjoyed by all.

http://www.arturosuptown.com/index.htm

http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/Locations/Houston/Main.asp?

http://wecravesushi.com/

http://www.denisseafood.com/

http://trulucks.com/pages/houston-texas

Athens

Located in North East Texas in Henderson county, Athens is the self proclaimed Original Home of the Hamburger as well as the Black Eyed Pea Capital of the World. It’s a lovely quaint little town and has some excellent antique shopping there.

Corinth

Corinth is up in North Texas in Denton County between Dallas and Denton. The city calls itself  the Gateway to Success.

Cypress

This one is a little unincorporated area in Harris County just North West of Houston proper. There’s not much historical claim to fame here, but it does have Tin Hall, Texas’ oldest continuously operated dance hall. Tin hall has been in operation since 1889.

Dublin

Any fan of Dr. Pepper knows about Dublin, Texas. Dublin home to the oldest Dr. Pepper bottling plant, which has operated continuously since 1891, just six years after it’s creation in nearby Waco, Texas. 

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Egypt

Egypt is the oldest community in Wharton County, Texas, located about a hour’s drive South of Houston on US 59. It was first settled in 1822. In 1836, it was Company F of the First Regiment of Texas Volunteers, recruited by William J. E. Heard and based in Egypt, which captured the Mexican Army in the Battle of San Jacinto.

Eldorado

Located in Schleicher County in West Texas, is the little town of Eldorado. Most recently Eldorado was briefly in the spotlight as it is the closest incorporated town to the Yearning for Zion Ranch, the new home to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in which over 400 children were taken into Child Protective Custody on April 4, 2008. Other than that it’s been a relatively uneventful town of less than 2000 permanent residents.

Italy

Properly pronounced “it-lee” and not “i-ta-lee,” Italy, Texas is located on I-35 in Ellis County. One of the main things that people see as they whiz through the town at 70+mph on the highway is the Monolithic Dome Institute housed inside Bruco, the Texas Italian Caterpillar.

(Source: Wikipedia. Author: Lothar1976)

Jamaica Beach

There’s not much to say about Jamaica Beach really. It’s a small community which was only incorporated in 1975 and has just over 1000 people living there at this time. It’s located on Galveston Island and is just South of the State Park on 3005.

Malakoff

Just West of Athens is the community of Malakoff, named after the Russian fort Malakoff which had a key role in the siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. If you’re heading in to Athens off Highway 31, you’ll go right through it, so don’t blink.

Moscow

Located North of Houston off US-59, Moscow is all but a Ghost town now. However, it was once Polk County’s largest town with a population of 228 back in 1880.

Palestine

About an hour’s drive South of Athens on Highway 19 is Palestine, named actually for an early settler’s home town of Palestine, Illinois, and not the country. Palestine was most recently in the news in February 2003 as the resting place for many of the pieces of the space shuttle Columbia disaster.

Paris

Proudly hailed as the “Second largest Paris in the world,” Paris is located in Lamar County, 98 miles North East of the Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex. The current Eiffel Tower replica in town is actually the second, as the original, made of wood, was destroyed by a tornado. The new copy added a Texas touch with a large cowboy hat on top. Of course, if you’re a fan of the movie Paris, Texas, you won’t find anything movie-related here as the movie has no scenes in town, and not a single piece of footage was filmed in the town.

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Roma

Located in Starr County, along the Rio Grande, Roma is one of the main ports of entry from Mexico to the United States via the Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge, a suspension bridge built in 1928. It is an old town, having been founded in 1765 and finally incorporated in 1936. Before Texas gained it’s independance from Mexico in 1836, Roma was actually under Spanish rule under the jurisdiction of Mier, Mexico.

Turkey

Situated in the panhandle of Texas in Hall County, this tiny little town has a claim to fame that makes it worth the trip if you’re into Western Swing music. You see, Turkey is home to Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing. So while the Big Ball may be in Cow Town, the last Saturday of April, is reserved for Bob Wills Day, and thousands will descend on the little town for some great music and BBQ.

Victoria

Named for General Guadalupe Victoria, the first president of an Independant Mexico (and not Great Britain’s Queen Victoria), Victoria is situated at the intersection of US 59, US 77, and US 87 about two hours drive from Houston, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. While visiting, be sure to stop off at Fossati’s Delicatessen, the oldest Deli in the state of Texas and is sitl family owned after 125 years.

Waterloo

Waterloo is a little unincorporated area North East of Austin in Williamson County. To get there take Highway 79 East out of Round Rock, and just after Taylor turn North on 619. When you reach the “S” turn in the road, don’t blink, because you’re there. Waterloo was the original name for the city of Austin.

Yorktown

Founded by Captain John York and Charles Eckhardt in 1835, Yorktown is a little town North West of Victoria, in DeWitt County. Yorktown’s notable son is Harlon Block, who is pictured as the soldier on the far right of the famous photograph, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima.

Starting out on my trip west, I decided to follow Will Roger’s example. Stopping into the local cafes just to sample the region’s chili was a plan that I had never considered before. Since I was heading west on Rt66, I knew I would be stopping in some of the greats areas for chili. Especially in Texas, who hasn’t heard of Texas Chili?

I learned a lot about how Texans made chili as well as other great foods. One of the first things I learned was that Texans get very serious about their chili. The second thing I learned was that chili is best prepared the day before, and never – never add beans. Adding beans to chili just isn’t done. Chili is not about beans, it is about the meat you use. There is a big difference between Texas Chili and Ranch beans; don’t mix the two.

My first stop when I reached Amarillo was the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch restaurant for lunch. As a child, my family occasional stopped at the restaurant while travel Rt 66 on the way home to California. It was usually the first western home cooking we got after a couple years of European Cuisine. This time I was also heading down Rt 66/Interstate 40 on my westerly trek to California to visit the relatives and knew I had to stop. Entering in the restaurant, I was greeted by the familiar stuff heads of deer, elk, and buffalo and various fowls that are mounted on the walls. As I was seated, a good-looking cowboy introduced himself as my server. As he was about to tell me about the famous 72oz steak, I had to stop him. As great as the Texas steaks are I already knew what it was I wanted – Texas Chili!

Having ordered my lunch, I began to work out what I wanted to do for the rest of the afternoon. The afternoon was free to visit the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, and Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian before I headed south to the Elkins Ranch for a night of western festivities. Severalminutes into my planning, I was present with a big bowl of Texas Beef Chili. Seems everything in Texas is big, including the taste of their chili. The chipotle pepper adds a unique flavoring to the beefsteak, along with the flavors of cinnamon and cloves. In addition to the chili, there was a wonderful honey flavored cornbread and a garnish of sour cream tomatoes and cilantro. Top off with a bottle of Texas Shiners Beer. Which I found they also added to the chili.

After the mouth-watering lunch, I head down the road towards the American Quarter Horse Museum. I don’t know much about the Quarter Horse other than that it a multi-purpose workhorse. I know more about pintos and paints – the real cowboy’s pony. However, after more than an hour of touring through the museum, I learned more about quarter horses and the men and women that ride them. Next was the Kwahadi Museum. I had never heard of the Kwahadi tribe, so I wanted to know more. As a woman of Native American Blackfoot descent, I am always on the look out for Native American museums where I can learn about my heritage. The museum is the home of the Kwahadi Indian Dancers, who at the time I visited where out touring around the state. Although I was disappointed at not seeing the dancers, the exhibits provide me with an excellent glimpse into the cultures of the Pueblos and Plains people through displays of paintings, bronzes, and beadwork.

Walking out the Kwahadi Museum and checking my watch, I found it was time to head for the Elkins Ranch. The ranch is located south of Amarillo in the Palo Duro Canyon valley area and is famous for its cowboy breakfasts and western evening dinner shows. The Elkins ranch is a real working cattle ranch and not only provides scrumptious culinary delights, but also provides jeep tours through various parts of the Canyon. With the tours, you will hear about the history of the area, including the stories of Billy the Kid and a visit the rustler’s graveyard. This trip I had planned to enjoy one of their famous chuck wagon dinners and the show provided by the Elkins’ Ranch Entertainers.

The first thing you will notice when you approach the ranch camp, is the tantalizing aroma of fresh cowboy coffee brewing. To find out that it is brewing over an open fire, just adds to the enchantment. All the ranches’ chuck wagon dinners and breakfast foods are from family recipes. There is no box mixes or short cuts use here; everything is prepared from scratch. On the night, I was attending the dinner, I was handed a tin plate and directed to a chuck wagon buffet line. What a sight and the smells coming from the chuck wagon – Rachael Ray’s “Yummo” just wouldn’t give it food the credit that was due. If I weren’t all ready hungry, I would soon be. I had the choice of Spicy Mesquite Smoked Ribs or Chuck wagon Chicken. There was potatoes and corn of the cob, ranch beans, cornbread, granny’s cobbler, and of course the cowboy coffee. Can’t say I’d walk away hungry, not with a spread like that.

The Ranch’s breakfast is equally fantastic, although I was not going to stay around for it. The spread includes western style scrambled eggs, maple sausage, sourdough or buttermilk, biscuits, Dutch oven potatoes, sausage gravy, fresh fruit and cinnamon rolls, with juice or coffee. All this food is prepared over a mesquite fire.

When I travel, I always like to stay at a ranch or at a B & B, again because I feel I can soak in the local culture where I wouldn’t at a chain hotel or motel. You just can’t sit down with your host or hostess at a motel and chat. Therefore, I decide to headed back towards Amarillo and check in at the Starlight Canyon Bed and Breakfast. This wonderful sanctuary is located in upper Palo Duro Canyon. Just about eleven miles South of Amarillo and is nestled in among cottonwoods and other trees. I was able to stay in the newly remolded Aspen room that had a private patio. The room had a large aspen log bed, a large wood burning fireplace, antler chandelier, an oversized bathtub – you can’t find that in a modern hotel room. The best feature I found was the hot tub on the patio. After a day of fun, I was ready to slip into that hot tub. The hot tub was a nice way to end a great trip to Amarillo. In the morning, would be on the road to another adventure in a new town and more Chili to sample.