Beech Tree News Network

Earlier in the spring – since neither of us had been, a friend and I traveled to Texas. Texas is well populated and has some of the largest cities in the nation. We spent our time in San Antonio and Waco. Our visits to the Alamo and the River Walk in San Antonio as well as to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Silos in Waco were highlights of the trip.

The San Antonio area has several historic sites. The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero) is likely the most famous. I was warned that I would be disappointed seeing the Alamo, but I wasn’t. The rich history compensates for the small structure. I enjoyed listening to the audios as I walked through the building and grounds. The story of those who died in battle there is still compelling.

Also in San Antonio, we enjoyed the River Walk, an urban waterway below street level with restaurants, boutiques and other places of interest along the way. The River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, provides a beautiful way to navigate the city with steps up to street level provided periodically. The River Walk was initially constructed as part of a plan to control flooding and over the years has inspired similar projects in other cities. We used the River Walk to find some really good food. Since our hotel was on the River Walk, we were able to sit on our hotel balcony and watch the River Walk traffic in the evenings – a definite bonus.

Waco is home to Magnolia Market at the Silos, occupying two city blocks in the downtown area. Magnolia Market is owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the HGTV Fixer Upper stars. The various stores offer items aligned with Joanna’s unique style. Admission is free, and visitors can play games on the lawn or picnic in various areas. Food is available in store fronts as well as from food trucks around the lawn. One of the shops I enjoyed was the Silos Baking Co. (I won’t confess to the number of cupcakes I took away with me.). The atmosphere is welcoming and unhurried – a definite draw for a tourist.

J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Not all those who wander are lost,” and Matthew Karsten said, “Investment in travel is an investment in yourself” (https://quotesguides.com/travel-memories-quotes/). I enjoyed our Texas visit. And if God allows, I will wander to another unvisited site down the road.