Baldwin Photography: Houston Area

Summer is here! It's my favorite season - despite the Houston heat, mosquitoes and all the other things that people hate about those dog days. I love the long days, the muggy nights, popsicles, swimming pools and playing in the sprinklers with my girls. Most of all - I love all the mini-summer-vacations we take as a family. For example, right this second, I'm sitting on the balcony of a cabin we rent every year - over looking the beautiful Frio River. It really can't get any better than this :)

Through my business, I've been blessed with meeting several new Houston families - many of whom are not originally from Texas. And, while my heart will always belong to Houston, it really isn't a great representation of the many great things this beautiful state has to offer....which brings me to reason for this post. I've decided to share with you my personal TOP TEN FAMILY VACATION SPOTS in TEXAS. So, onto the list...

1. San Antonio - home of the Alamo.

I have to be completely honest. San Antonio holds a special place in my heart, as this is where my husband and I were married most than six years ago. But, it really is a great place to visit. Not only is it a mere 3-4 hour drive from Houston, it offers so much for a family to do. San Antonio is the most visited city in Texas and is really geared for the vacationing family. From the Alamo and lesser known missions (we were married at San Jose), to dining and shopping on the Riverwalk, getting up close and personal with the dolphins at Sea World or enjoying the rides at Fiesta Texas - there really is something for everyone. One of our favorite things to do during the summer is to check out the free music series offered at the County Line. Not only is it great food - but the girls love dancing to the country music under the big trees. Lots of fun.

2. South Padre and the Valley

My husband's family have a winter home in the Valley. We take a few trips down there over the course of the year - and summer is my favorite time. The beach is just gorgeous, one of the best in Texas. And the folks are so friendly. The girls love the long drive down Hwy-100 going through Los Fresnos. There is a crazy tourist trap, called BobzWorld. You just have to stop to see all the crazy things, including a life-sized dinosaur made of plaster! Right before you cross over to the actual island, make sure to also stop at Port Isabel. Tours take you to the top and she is a pretty lighthouse. On the island, there is a turtle nesting area, normal beach activities and also chartered fishing, which is always fun. Isla Blanca Park is our favorite beach location. It's very pretty and perfect for families.
Oh - and I almost forgot about Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville. Its just a short drive from the island and is one of the nicest zoos in Texas. If you travel here in the summer, just try to hit up the zoo in the morning because that's when the animals are awake and out. It's just too hot for them in the afternoons.

3. Big Bend National Park


While it is quite the drive to get out there (~ 10 hours), it is most definitely worth it. Big Bend is the nation's best kept secret - as it is the least visited national park. But, in my opinion, all of those people are missing out. The place is huge and there is so much to see and do. The national park sits on an unique spot where three  ecosystems come together - desert, mountain and river. Wildlife include bobcats, javalinas (a weird west-texas version of a pig), black bears, road-runners, and lots and lots of deer. There is also a wide variety of guided backpacking or river trips you can take. I've never tried one but I have my heart set on the wine-tasting river trip that takes you through two canyons and several other beautiful areas.
We've been out to Big Bend National Park twice and have yet to see everything. When you go, I suggest you start looking at postcard images, picking up a trail guide or two, and then asking the rangers where to find the specific locations you are looking for. Many of them include a long drive on a dirt road, followed by a mile or so hike to see what you want - but it is well worth it. To see some of the gorgeous views, go here.
The best time to visit, in my opinion is late Spring (April) or early Fall (late Sept/early Oct) and you'll get to see the desert flowers in bloom. Just gorgeous.
 If you're not into camping, the best place to stay during your visit is Lajitas. It is a private first class resort - and they treat you like celebrities. You're greeted with cold beer, nice rooms - and after a long day of hiking, you can schedule a massage at their on-site spa. Golfers also love the place, as this is the one and only international golf course in the U.S. It really is a nice get-away.
Other places to visit while you're out there are the Big Bend State Park - rumored to be even more spectacular than the national park and River Road, known as the most scenic drive in Texas. It parallels the Rio Grande as takes a winding path through the desert mountains of West Texas and Northern Mexico.

4. Garner State Park

We've been visiting this little gem since I was in high school. And, that's where we are today! Every year, in the middle of June, my entire family (grandparents on both sides included!) pack up for a week on the river. Our days go a bit like this. We sleep in, then enjoy a tasty breakfast on the porch of our cabin overlooking the scenic Frio River. There is always a breeze and zero mosquitoes (which is a nice break from Houston). Chad usually takes the girls fishing on the banks and then we might play a hand or two of cards, or a round of dominoes- my families' favorite game is 42, if you've heard of it. And, after lunch, we all head down to the river where we sit in floats, drink beer and watch the children splash around on the rocks or dive into the deeper areas. The constant cool flow of the Frio keeps you comfortable as you soak up those Texas rays. After we've had enough of that, we'll load up and head into the State Park for their nightly dance. It really is the best way to spend the summer with family. If you can't get a reservation for the State Park (they usually book up to a year in advanced), there are lots and lots of nice cabins right outside the park and sitting on the river. We prefer to stay at Happy Hollow - as it is the perfect spot on the river with big boulders to perch atop of when the water is too cold or deep swimming holes when you just need to dive completely in. Even this year, despite the drought, there is still is plenty of water to keep you cool.

5. Fredericksburg Wine Country

 OK. So, I had to sneak one place in that isn't so much "family" friendly -but still a great little get-away for parents. When we've just had enough and need to escape "city" life and screaming kids, we set the girls up for a "granny weekend" (thankfully we are blessed to have family in town!) and head out to the Fredericksburg Wine Country. We usually rent a little B&B - but these aren't your traditional B&Bs. We try to pick on that is more of a bungalow style where we don't have to share the house with others. Instead, we have a nice little cottage to ourselves that overlooks the beautiful hill country and then they supply vouchers for breakfast or lunch in town. Fredericksburg is the heart of the the Texas Wine Country and there are maybe 9-10 wineries in the area. It's always a great time take the drive down 290 and stopping at each winery to do some wine tasting and relaxing. My favorite winery is Fredericksburg Winery (I LOVE their Christmas Spiced Wine) and Chad's favorite is Becker Vineyareds. Fredericksburg is also a shopper's haven, if you're into that. And, after a few glasses of wine, who isn't? :) Usually, we also try to reserve some time to take the short drive to the famous little town of Luckenbach, Texas. Its really nothing more than a ice-house, a dance hall and a few chickens. They usually have someone strumming the guitar out under the shade tree so its always a nice time.
For dinner, we hit up the Cabernet Grill  for some scrumptious hill country cuisine. Finally, if we're not too hung over the next day, we'll stop by Enchanted Rock and try to hike our way to the top. It is the largest 
pink granite pluton rock formation in the United States.

...well, the river is calling my name so that's the end of part I. Look for Part II to be posted sometime this week! Take care!