Gruene TX

On the way home from San Antonio we stopped in Gruene. Thought we would check out a few stores and have lunch at the Gristmill. 

Info about Gruene. 

Very cool restored Dodge power wagon. 

Gruene Hall. Built in 1878, it is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. It was featured in the movie Michael, starring John Travolta.  It has also hosted musicians such as Willie Nelson Lyle Lovett, George Strait, Townes Van Zandit and many more. 

Sign out front.

The Gruene dance hall and bar.

The Gristmill river restaurant. A great place to have lunch. 

We opted for the outdoor seating, Beautiful day.

Good eats!

Huge onion rings. Our Appetizer

Tortilla Soup

Chicken wings, messy but good. 

Until next time Y'all.

Mission San Jose, San Antonio TX

 One of the places we visited while in San Antonio was the San Jose Mission. 

Hope you enjoy the photos. 

The Entrance to the Mission San Jose

The San Antonio Missions have been designated as a World Heritage Site. 

 

Thought we would check out the visitors center, gift shop and displays before we touring the mission. Dana picked up a patch for her backpack. She is getting quite the collection.

                                                 

The mission is just a short walk away from the visitors center. They also offer bike rental if you would like to visit the other mission in the area. 

A wall completely surrounds the mission and courtyard. It served as housing and provided security.

                                                            

A view of one of the rooms built into the wall. 

Wall Room

View of the courtyard from the window

Furniture

Fireplace

   

A few pictures of the mission and architecture. 

Great place to visit and see some of San Antonio's history.

San Antonio day 1

We recently had a weekend getaway in San Antonio. We got up early and headed out, it takes us about 2 1/2 hours to get to San Antonio. We wanted to get there in time to have breakfast at CH Guenther Pioneer Flour mill. We love this place! The service, food and ambiance are all fantastic. 

Be sure to get here early, the line gets long. They do have complementary coffee while you wait and you can visit the gift shop as well. 

The Coffee Wagon

Dana had the strawberry waffles. 

Scott had the Pioneer breakfast.

After breakfast we went to the Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard.

Mr. Ed

Neat place, we tried the olive leaf tea, different but tasty! 

Olive leaf tea

We also bought 2 little olive trees

Around 25 varieties of olive trees

Next stop, El Mecardo a historic market square. 

Love the festive colors. 

Time for a snack, street gordita. Yum!

Gordita

Lots of different vendors.

They have an indoor market as well. 

Indoor market

Indoor market

Only a short walk away, the Alamo and Riverwalk. We have been to the Alamo a few times so didn't take the tour this trip. 

The Alamo

The Spirit of Sacrifice, The Alamo Cenotaph.

Cenotaph

The Riverwalk. A tourist area, lots of restaurants, bars and gift stores. We have walked the river many times, so didn't take a lot of pictures. If you visit I'd recommend taking the boat tour, fun and informative. 

Check back with us tomorrow for a visit to Mission San Jose.

Pass Christian, Part 3 and Heading Back To Houston

Thursday we went to Long Beach. 

Traveling the Long Road to Long Beach

We also drove to Gulfport and Biloxi and did a little shopping. Dana got a new patch for her backpack from Sharkheads souvenir shop.

After a little more shopping and sightseeing we had a late lunch at The Pirates Cove. They have great roast beef poboys.

Roast Beef Poboy, Pirates Cove, Pass Christian MS

Friday morning all packed up and back on the road heading to Houston.

Crossing the Horace Wilkinson Bridge, Baton Rouge, LA.

Horace Wilkinson bridge

  

What a great road trip!

Coming Soon.... a weekend in San Antonio, TX

Day Trip To New Orleans

We decided to wait until Wednesday to make the trip to New Orleans. We thought going over on Fat Tuesday would be a bit to hectic. One of our first stops was the French Market in the French Quarter. 

Packed with different types of vendors. T-shirts, jewelry, arts and crafts. 

There are a lot of places to get Pralines in New Orleans. Three of our favorites are Loretta's, Aunt Sally's and Southern Candymakers.

Loretta's is Scott's favorite. Located in the French Market.

Dana's favorite is Southern Candymakers.

We both like Aunt Sally's.

Royal street has some very nice gift shops and antique stores. We also walked down Bourbon street,  great for people watching. 

Royal Street

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street

The blocks that surround Jackson Square are always full of artist and street entertainers. 

After a lot of walking it's time for some refreshments. The Gazebo cafe has an outstanding Bloody Mary. They also have a great Pina Colada.

Scott had the Bloody Mary.

Dana had the Pina Colada. It was made with ice cream.

After a little more shopping we decide on lunch at the Acme Oyster Bar. They have some of the best grilled oysters we have ever tried. 

A few pictures of the architecture and some of the colorful character you will find in the French Quarter. 

No trip to New Orleans could be complete with out a visit to Cafe Du Mond. Beignets and cafe au lait. 

Bon appetit