My Top Texas Destinations for November

I love November in Texas!  The hurried pace of October is over, leaving only time to watch the leaves fall and dream of Thanksgiving dinner.  These are some of my favorite places to visit in Texas, and I would love to hear about some of your favorites, too!

 

1.  Fossil Rim, Glen Rose Texas

Amid all the exotic animals at this huge, drive through animal park, my favorites in the fall are the native ones!  Beautiful white tail deer come up to your car alongside the antelope, and wild turkeys can be seen throughout the park.  Visit the park, spend the night in one of their "safari tents", bunkhouses or for a more luxurious stay, The Lodge.  Don't miss their Murder Mystery Dinner and Tour on November 10th.  On a previous trip, we stayed in the Bunkhouses, and had a wonderful time!  Read about our visit last year; Fossil Rim in November, Glen Rose. 

2.  Lost Maples State Natural Area 

For a look at beautiful fall foliage, you can't beat a visit to Lost Maples State Natural Area.  The native Bigtooth Maples in their autumn colors last about two weeks in November.  Take your camera and a sense of adventure, hiking throughout the park is exciting and a little strenuous due to the rocky terrains and hill country topography.  The camp sites are limited, as are the number of cars allowed in the park at one time, and lines can be long, so visit early or on weekdays if possible! 

3.  Take in a Texas Thanksgiving Day Parade -

Many of our major cities host Thanksgiving Day Parades, making them Turkey Day traditions.  The El Paso Sun Bowl Parade is celebrating it's 76th year, and the HEB Holiday Houston Parade has been a tradition for almost 60 years!  

4.   Texas Citrus Season

Beautiful, red grapefruit grown in the Rio Grande Valley is in season!  Purchase some and enjoy, or find new recipes to make that highlight the official Texas State Fruit, which was designated in 1993.   

 

 

5.  Nine Flags Festival in Nacogdoches

Celebrate the season in Nacogdoches, the oldest city in Texas, at their annual Nine Flags Festival!  Unlike the rest of Texas, 9 flags actually flew over the city since it's inception in 1685!   The charming town has daily (and nightly events), and on November 24th is the much anticipated Wassail Fest! 

6.  The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

Not all events in Texas are to be celebrated, but should be remembered and memorialized.  The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas chronicles the death of President John F. Kennedy, and the people involved in that sad day in American on November 22, 1963.  We visited the museum last year after I finished reading, 11/22/63 by Stephen King,  http://havingfuninthetexassun.blogspot.com/2012/03/sixth-floor-museum.html. 

 

7.  Horseback riding in Caprock Canyons State Park

Enjoy the beautiful fall scenery as you ride along on a guided trail ride!  Arrange to go horseback riding through the canyons and rugged countryside with Quitaque Riding Stables.  Explore the amazing land of Caprock Canyons State Park, which also offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and a chance to view the 80+ free roaming bison of the official Texas Bison Herd that call the park home.    

8.  Sweet Potatoes, Bright Star Farms in Alba 

Take a drive to East Texas and visit Bright Star Farms.  Purchase some Texas grown sweet potatoes for a pie or Thanksgiving Dinner.  I love sweet potatoes served everyway, baked, in casseroles, pies, fried crisp (with a little sugar sprinkled on top), but my favorite is mashed with heavy cream and mixed with a small can of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce!  Whew, these are spicy, but with a GREAT flavor!!

 

 

9.  Texas Youth Hunting Program

Hunting is big in Texas, and if you would like the opportunity to take your child/children hunting, the Texas Youth Hunting Program offers workshops, information, as well as safe and affordable hunts for Texas Youth and an adult caregiver.  Not sure about hunting?  Why not let your child participate in their Texas Youth Outdoor Writing Competition? 

10.  Texas football 

TCU plays Texas on Thanksgiving Day, for the first time, replacing the longtime rivalry of Texas A&M and University of Texas!  Dallas will also host the Washington Redskins on Thanksgiving Day, too! 

11.  Fishing

You just can't beat fall fishing in Texas!  Texas Parks and Wildlife knows this, and host plenty of opportunities to get your gear wet.  From fishing derbies to fly fishing instruction, check out their Calendar of Events.  November is also a great time to plan an offshore fishing trip, consider chartering a boat, some specialize in family fishing trips!  YUM, Fresh Red Snapper!!  

12.  The 2012 Marfa Home Tour and Symposium 

Experience the beautiful adobe structures and architecture of Marfa for this Special Event being held the first weekend in November. 

13.  Big Bend Ranch Special November Ranch Thanksgiving Dinner

Visit the Sauceda Headquarters at Big Bend Ranch State Park for a special Thanksgiving Dinner.  Reservations are required, but only $15 a person and include park entrance. 

 

 

 

 

14.  Learn about the Native Americans that called Texas "Home"

Although the Wampanoag Indians, with whom the Pilgrims shared their first Thanksgiving, lived in far to the North of Texas, November is still a wonderful time to learn about the Native Americans who called Texas home.  The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas in Livingston host the Bulls and Arrows Bull Riding event, and an Indian Arts and Crafts Fair in November.  Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto is a wonderful place to learn about the indigent Caddoan Indians   Fort Martin Scott in Frederickburg is a restored United States Army Outpost.  Learn about the Meusebach- Comanche Treaty, and their present day fight with the Former Texas Rangers Association!   Or take the Fate Bell Shelter Tour at Seminole Canyon State Park, as guides take you to see American Indian Rock Paintings, estimated to be about 12,000 years old. 

15. National Take a Hike Day, November 17th

There are so many wonderful places to explore in Texas, pick a trail and go!

16.  Leonids Meteor Shower

The Leonids Meteor Shower should peak on November 17th, offers a good view in a nearly moonless sky!  Visit Franklin Mountains State Park for an evening of Melodies Under the Milky Way, as a local musician plays and after the concert enjoy a presentation about the night skies. 

17. Visit a pecan farm

Pecans are ready for your pies, so why not visit a local pecan farm?  The Frio Pecan Farm is the perfect Texas Hill Country getaway, and they even offer overnight accomodations so you can relax, sit back and peel a few! 

 

 

 

18.  Veterans Day

Veterans Day is November 11th.  Take some time to recognize this important day to your children.  Hang your American Flag, get down some old pictures of family members who have served, or visit one of the National Cemeteries in Texas. 

 

 

 

 

19.  King Ranch's 22nd Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast

Each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the legendary King Ranch host a Ranch Hand Breakfast!  In addition to eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, they also serve up a big helping of life on the largest ranch in Texas!  Watch team roping and old-time cow camp cooking demos, plus much more!  Spend the entire weekend in Kingsville, and enjoy "Historic Kingville Celebrates the Ranch Hand"!

Hoblitzelle Camp and Conference Center, Midlothian

My oldest son, who is twelve, has had to run for a lot of things.  He has had to run after his little brother, who is always taking off.  He has had to run for his life from his sister.  He runs to dinner, even if it's still two hours away.  That kid is ALWAYS hungry!
 
This school year, he is also running for the cross country team.  It's his first year, and he's really enjoying it, even if he's not the fastest runner on the team.  If a cheeseburger was waiting for him at the finish line, he might run faster.

His last cross country meet was an all district meet, and they raced at Camp Hobiltzelle in Midlothian.  I had heard about Hoblitzelle before, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to go there.  I wasn't prepared for how big, and how beautiful it was! 

Camp Hoblitzelle, which is part of Salvation Army, offers summer camps, retreats, family camps, and even a nearby working guest ranch, Hi View Ranch.  The property, which is about 1,200 acres, was originally part of the Singleton Ranch, owned by John Hawkins Singleton in the 1800's.  According to their web site, Singleton "served under three flags of Texas during conflict: Texas Republic vs. Mexico, United States vs. Mexico and the American Civil War".   I love Texas history!

I cheered loudly during the race, but I couldn't wait to explore when it was over!  A lovely and scenic lake sat just out of my reach, with a rack of canoes that, I swear, were calling my name!!  Bridges and even an amphitheatre flank the lake.  Were fish jumping in the lake?  Is the Texas sky blue?  We wandered around the recreated Fort Tejas, and were about to head over to the horse stables when everyone started  leaving (Dang you fast runners!) .  We didn't have nearly enough time to see everything that Camp Hoblitzelle offers,  a swimming pool, sports fields, rope course, paintball, fire pits, putt putt golf and beautiful trees to rest under while getting lost in a good book.

I read all about their Family Camp, and it sounds great!  There are activities for kids and parents to do seperately, and together, including outdoor activities (Did I mention horseback riding? ) and even financial planning workshops!  So, I'll be visiting their website for more information on it, and their other events.  IHere is the link if you want more information.     http://www.hoblitzelle.com/index.asp

How to make a scarecrow

My four year old has outgrown his 4T jeans and cooler weather clothing, and while the majority of them are going to find new homes at our church's Mission Center, we decided to recycle of a few of them and make a new friend, a scarecrow! 

Scarecrows are old.  They have been around for thousands of years.  The Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all used them to protect their crops from hungry birds, although they have not always been made out of hay.  Even native Americans used them!  To read more about the history of scarecrows;  http://www.spfdbus.com/thanksgiving/adopted-scarecrow/history_of_the_scarecrow.htm

If you want to stand up your scarecrow, you will need to make a frame out of wood.  If you are going to sit him on a bench or hay bale, you can skip this part.  We purchased the wood at Home Depot for $.92.  Because I wanted a preschooler sized scarecrow, I measured my little boy.  He is 42 inches tall and he is 41 inches from finger tip to finger tip.  Since I am planning to "plant" the bottom 12" of the frame, to make our scarecrow stand up, I need a stick that is 54" tall and one 41"  to secure his arms.  I used a screw to secure the 2 sticks together. 

As we are leaving the home improvement store, I'm thinking how cute my little guy is, carrying the wood and telling everyone he is going to make himself a scarecrow and use the wood to "hang it".  I think it's so cute that I'm trying to get a picture, and thinking how I wish I had let him wear his little Bob the Builder yellow hard hat, when he quickly turns around, and in a move right out of The Three Stooges, hits me on the nose with that 8 foot long piece of wood.  Instantly, the orange smocks are flying as admirers of my boy are ducking and taking cover as he twirls around to see why I'm shreiking, sending the wood swishing through the air.  My nose is now bleeding and I'm trying to grab the wood, and him.  We are a circus act, a sad, pitiful circus.  Learn from my mistakes... 

Once we get home, and I get cleaned up, I gathered a pair of his favorite jeans and a button down shirt.  We aren't really trying to scare away any crows, and I want it to look more like a scarecrow than a little boy. I like the way the hay looks sticking out of the holes of a button down shirt! 

We purchased a bale of straw at our local feed store for $8. Ask for straw instead of hay, because it's less expensive, and your scarecrow will never know the difference!    Stuff the jeans and shirt.  Again, I want some of the hay to show, so I overstuffed and pulled some down the arms and legs of the jeans.  Then using twine, tie them off so it doesn't fall out. Use tacks or a staple gun to secure the shirt and jeans to the frame.  I also used safety pins to attach the shirt to the jeans. 

The head is the most complicated part of the scarecrow.  The first jack-o-lanterns were made to adorn scarecrows.  You can also use a pumpkin and paint a face on it. (it will last much longer than if you carve it).
When I was a child, we had a scarecrow every year, and my mom would use a small, white pillowcase and paint a face onto it.  It's lighter and will stay in place much longer.  I outlined the face, and since this is a project for my little one and he WANTED to paint, I let him fill in the eyes, etc.  I probably could have done a better job, but the project is about him, and for him, not me. 

Every good scarecrow needs a hat!  My little guy wasn't about to share one of his baseball caps, but he was fine letting me use one of his brother's knit hats.  Be sure and stuff a little extra straw under the hat for hair! 
 

Friday Night on the Farm, Country Critters, Alvarado

Some men see pumpkins as they are and ask why, I dream pumpkins that never were and ask "Why not"?  ~  U.S. President John F. Kennedy dreaming about a 1500 pounder in the oval office.

Who, during a hot and sweltering Texas Summer, doesn't if for only a moment or two leave the confines of their sunscreen coated body and travel forward in time to imagine the cool of fall, and pumpkins?  As much as I love summer, I certainly admit to transporting myself to a time of falling leaves and fields of orange occassionally. 
Country Critters is a farm in Alvarado that offers seasonal activities to the public throughout the year.  They also offer rental for birthdays and special events.   Located in a rural area, it's a big farm with lots of room for your kiddos to run around, explore and enjoy country life!  During Autumn, they bring out the pumpkins and the decorations for a fun, not at all scary, good time! 

The Pumpkin Patch- After a week full of visiting Pumpkin Patches, I'll tell you that I love that Country Critters has real pumpkin vines growing in their patch.  The pumpkins have been purchased, but the vines are real, and even has some little pumpkins growing!  On admission price included one of these pumpkins for each of us!

The Maze - Their permanent standing maze is lots of fun, with tricky turns.  My four year old and my 11 and 12 year old both had a terrific time.  We visited during Friday Night on the Farm, which was from 5 - 9pm.  After dark the maze is lit up with white Christmas lights! 

Pony Rides and Petting Zoo -  I appreciate places that can cater to my children of various ages.  All 3 of my children were able to ride the ponies, even though my oldest son's feet were almost dragging the ground on their large pony, Shiloh!   We enjoyed the petting zoo, which was mostly goats we could go inside and pet.  They also have some young Brahma cows, a donkey, peafowl, and chickens. 

Hayride - I love fall hayrides, and we usually do at least 4-5 a year, but many of those are, sadly, on city streets.  This hayride is all offroad, taking you around the farm, which is really big!  Because we were there at night, we were able to take both an evening ride to watch the sun setting, and a ride after dark!  We even heard a coyote howl in the distance, and I loved how all 3 of my children leaned in just a little towards me! 

Storytime-  Awww, this was so cute.  In a little area decorated for the season we listened to a book about a pumpkin who lost her nose.  Afterwards, the kids are treated to apple juice and cookies and the adults, a slice of homemade pumpkin bread!  Yum!  The bread can also be purchased at the food stand for $6.00.  My little boy kept going back to hear more stories, preferring that over the bounce house!  Score!

Bounce Houses and more- They offer two bounce houses, one is a barn and the other a cactus. It has a slide inside, and was hard to get my four year out of once he was inside!  They also have a couple of climbing structures and wide open areas for plenty of play!   
 

My Mommy Tips -

• They take cash and credit cards.  Parking is close and it's FREE. 
• Portapotties, but they were clean!  No changing tables, so bring a pad. 
• Pack a lunch, they have plenty of tables under shady trees.  The food stand sells nachos, corn dogs, etc. too.  Be sure to pack your hand sanitizer.  Sunscreen and bug spray, too. 
• Bring your camera and phone with a charged battery, there is not anywhere to charge them. 
• Slow down.  Relax on a bench and let the kids be kids.  Don't be in a hurry to the next activity, just let them run and explore.  Encourage a little pretend play, too.  Think of all the possibilities with this great, wooden train!  

Photo Ops- To a mom, the most important part of these activities are lots of photo ops, and Country Critters has them.  Several times different staff members offered to take family pics for me, too.  Love that customer service! 

For more information about Country Critters, please visit their website; http://countrycrittersfarm.com/

Thanks to R We There Yet Mom?  for letting this post be a part of their Friday Daydreamin' link up!  Please check them out for some travel daydreamin' of your own! 

Catfish Plantation, Waxahachie

 

Where can you get catfish, and a good ghost story, too?  The Catfish Plantation in Waxahachie! 

During the month of October, the restaurant goes all out to make sure you leave with more than a full belly.  They throw in a few goosebumps, too! 

 

We went out with several other friends one night for dinner.  Since our party was so large, we were seated by ourselves in one of the smaller dining rooms, which was a bedroom in the restaurant's former life as a house.  In fact, they claimed it was the bedroom of the ghost that haunts Catfish Plantation.  Having a room to ourselves was nice, since my kids aren't really "Restaurant Trained", meaning they are loud! At your normal restaurant they are loud, but at a haunted restaurant we found that they are extremely loud! 

The owners have decorated the entire restaurant for Halloween, and the wait staff really plays it up, too! Along with telling ghost stories and answering lots of questions posed by superstitious children, our waiter asked the occassional, "Did you hear that?"
You don't have to be a "believer" to enjoy the fun atmosphere they create!  We did have one funny incident where one of our friends found his cell phone, which he claims was in his pocket, in the corner of the room on another table.  We had no explanation for how it got there. 

   

Naturally, we all ordered the catfish.  We also shared a couple of orders of their signature Pumpkin Fries,  a deep fried pumpkin strips, sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar! 

The Dallas Area Paranormal Society and the Fort Worth Paranormal Society have both been out to the restaurant to conduct test.  To find out more, read more "ghost" encounters or plan your own dinner out, visit the Catfish Plantation's website at;  http://www.catfishplantation.com\

Living History Days at Fort Griffin

Stepping back in time.... 

 

 Fort Griffin State Historical Site came alive as they celebrated Living History Days!

 

Vendors dressed in period clothing display their handmade wares.  My daughter bought a "housewife", which is a sewing kit, and a boy and girl doll made from strips of cloth.  We were able to watch as they were made, and my daughter wants to try making some of her own when we get home. 

They also sell homemade, hand churned ice cream! Yummy!

I love the cannons! 

After my little guy moved back to a "safer" distance, he got to count down the cannon fire!  He was so excited when they told him he was a "cannoneer"!

Fort Griffin has about 30 head of Longhorn Cattle from the official state of Texas herd.  They had been brought in for display.  We got there too late for biscuits, which is a shame since nothing beats a buttermilk biscuit cooked in a dutch oven on a campfire!  If you haven't ever had them, you need to! 

Beautiful!

We met some of the nicest people at the Living History Days.  These events are always filled with people who don't just want to sell you their product, they are there to educate you about a way of life that has slipped away!  We watched as an arrowhead was being shaped, and learned about prehistoric weapons used in Texas. 

This beauty is Snow White, one of the many animals at the Living History Days.  Animals were such an important part of the history of Texas. 

After we had made all the tents and vendors and animals, we just sat and enjoyed the view.  It was such a slower, calmer way of life.  A cool breeze was blowing across the grounds, making for a very comfortable and content feeling among us.  We all said we wished we could just stay a little longer...  but the next day the kids all had baseball and soccer games, the busy life that defines the world we live in today.  Which made escaping to this quieter time, if only for an afternoon, so nice!

While Living History Days only happens once a year, the grounds at Fort Griffin are open all year long.  Camping is available along the river, and there are plenty of places to explore around the fort, and in nearby Albany.  Please read about our visit last year;  http://havingfuninthetexassun.blogspot.com/2011/09/fort-griffin-state-historical-site.html

Mineral Wells Fossil Park

Once upon a time, a giant pinata was filled with fossils, and hung over Texas.  When the pinata was broken, fossils rained down over what is now the Mineral Wells Fossil Park.  They are scattered over the ground, just waiting for your child to run around with a goody bag and fill it up!

 

Really, it's like that! 

 

 

And best of all, it's FREE! 

Located down a LONG gravel road, the Mineral Wells Fossil Park is open 4 days a week.  There is not an attendant, but a sign at the entrance explains a little about the geology of the region, and offers some help with identifying the fossils you find. 

You will find fossils, they can be found absolutely everywhere you look in the park.  However, the best places to look are on the inclines, where the soil is eroding.  I like gathering the columnals, which are super easy to spot for younger children. The look like a rock straw, and my 4 year old filled up a bag with them!  My oldest son likes trilobites, and my daughter is always looking for shark teeth.  Both are present, but you will have to look a little harder.  

 

 

 

My Mommy Tips:

• Wear good shoes with plenty of traction
• Visit early or late during the summer months, as there is absolutely NO SHADE!
• Take plenty of water, sunscreen and bug spray, just in case.
• Take bags to hold your fossil finds, or I prefer Home Depot Aprons, the big pockets work very well!
• They only have a porta potty - do with that information what you will.
• There are not tables, a playground or anything else, the only thing to do is look for fossils.

 

My kids just absolutely love it, and we have never left without having to carry my little one out kicking and screaming, no matter how long we have been there. Of course, I have to do that at Target, too.  And the bank.... which he refers to as the lollipop store.  But that's a little off subject.   

And did I mention, it's beautiful!  Peaceful and quiet (except for my children), nothing but sky above you and history beneath.  Can you see the hills off in the distance?  I can't really blame my kids for not wanting to leave.