Kdog family Texas Vacation

[kdog]

Truth stranger than fiction, the kdog family (me, wife, and two 7 y/o girls) is going to be vacationing in South Padre Island the week of June 8. And if that isn't strange enough, we're going to be driving there from Kingman, AZ! :eek: Google maps would have us going through Tuscon, Las Cruces, El Paso, and San Antonio. We're going to take a few days driving out, so we'll have time to smell a few roses.

Any words of wisdom from any Texans on alternate routes, or not-to-be-missed attractions along the way? We're thinking of hitting Sea World in San Antonio.

I'm really looking forward to seeing your part of the country. I like to photograph birds and nature, and I hear that SPI is one of the best spots in the country for that. I'm hoping we'll be able to find a nice beach for the kids. Maybe do some fishing too. Suggestions for things to do in SPI would be welcome as well. I won't be bringing the motorcycle unfortunately.

Thanks and Cheers,
-joel

[country-bum]

If you get up to Corpus Christy the aircraft carrier Lexington is there. It is a pretty good way to kill an hour or two.

[pkpr1998]

If you will be stopping in San Antonio, you need to go to the RiverWalk. We stayed at the Drury Inn, it has been about 8 years or so ago, but the Drury was a nice place to stay.

[kdog]

Thanks, guys. That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. The San Antonio River Walk and USS Lexington are now on my list. Corpus isn't far from SPI, and I'd been thinking of going there for a visit. I used to be an avid windsurfer, and Corpus was always the place to go in that part of the country. Maybe I'll event rent a board while I'm out there.

What about further west? Any restaurant recommendations in El Paso? Anything else to see between there and San Antonio?

Thanks!
-joel

[country-bum]

There is a park in the Davis mountains called Balmora (spelling is wrong) Pretty senery and a nice looking hotel. If your into scuba somewhere there there is a nice lake. Heard about it from my brother.

[dukey33]

The Texas Gulf coast is a bird watcher's paradise. Although the time of year you are coming may not be peak migratory season, look up Birding info with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. TPWD website (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/exptexas/view/)

[K1200KING]

Joel,

Don't miss Chope's. Great Chile Rellanos! Not far from Las Cruces.

Dan
Chope's Bar & Cafe

Address16145 S Highway 28, La Mesa, NM, 88044LocationNM 28 (in the center of town in La Mesa; no street address)Phone505/233-3420; 505/233-9976CuisineAmerican RegionalPriceMain courses $4.50-$8Reader Rating
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Frommer's Review
This is one of those legendary spots, a requisite weekly pilgrimage for many. Drive 15 minutes south of Old Mesilla through pecan orchards to its door, and you'll encounter a real locals' scene. The dining rooms are plain. Set in an old house, they have tile floors, faux wood paneling, and closely set tables, usually full of families, business people, and college students. You'll feast on chile rellenos, enchiladas, and burritos. Whatever you order, make sure it's smothered with red or green chile, if you can handle the heat. If not, opt for tacos or a hamburger. Kids like the place because it's casual and they have their own menu. Service is friendly but very overworked. With your meal, order up margaritas or a Mexican beer, or, if you really wish to partake, head next door to the cantina, a dark and raucous place reminiscent of a border-town bar.

[Wolfgang]

If you are in Corpus Christi near the bayfront downtown check out the Water Street Oysterbar. Among the best seafood places anywere.

For real casual mainly fried seafood try Snoopy's Pier under the bridge leading to Mustang Island.

http://www.waterstreetrestaurants.com/

http://local.yahoo.com/details;_ylt=AicbClxFCmPRl_vsX6rzi.hxUWoL?id=19325717&stx=&csz=Corpus+Christi+TX&ed=sFeVVa160SxIIcs1bB0k0Fb.xnu.UIXTguqFYU_cjy25DlwFTUcF.QZO_4_cQghxesb7tpce89Ng3GMNZPw-

Don't expect too much of the beaches, nice enough but NOT the caribeen.

[cfell]

Here is a fun place to turn the kid's loose! http://emilymorganhotel-px.trvlclick.com/ hehe...

Or,

this one.. right next to the Alamo! Theodore Roosevelt (of Rough Rider fame) would stay there and "frequented" the bar.. great stuff! http://mengerhotel.com/ And, it's right next to the "River Walk" also.... nice place to go if the kiddo's can walk reliably.

Near the Menger is the "River Walk Mall"... they have great airconditioned shopping and IMAX, ETC..

While there... Check into http://www.marketsquaresa.com/?res=1280&ver=true

or...

[kdog]

There is a park in the Davis mountains called Balmora (spelling is wrong) Pretty senery and a nice looking hotel. If your into scuba somewhere there there is a nice lake. Heard about it from my brother.

I see it on the map. It's spelled Balmorhea. That sounds like a great area, and we we'll definitely check it out. Thanks for the tip. :thumb:

[kdog]

The Texas Gulf coast is a bird watcher's paradise. Although the time of year you are coming may not be peak migratory season, look up Birding info with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. TPWD website (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/exptexas/view/)

Migration season or no, it's got to be better than Arizona for birds. Really looking forward to that.

[kdog]

Joel,

Don't miss Chope's. Great Chile Rellanos! Not far from Las Cruces.

Dan

Hey Dan, that place sounds great. Mmm... chile rellenos and margaritas. http://www.dgrin.com/images/smilies/DukeGirl.gif We might have to spend the night.

Awesome tip. :thumb:

[Beemerider]

Migration season or no, it's got to be better than Arizona for birds...

Oh c'mon! We have seasonal sno-birds of many, many variations.....................


:rolleyes:

[kdog]

If you are in Corpus Christi near the bayfront downtown check out the Water Street Oysterbar. Among the best seafood places anywere.

For real casual mainly fried seafood try Snoopy's Pier under the bridge leading to Mustang Island.

http://www.waterstreetrestaurants.com/

http://local.yahoo.com/details;_ylt=AicbClxFCmPRl_vsX6rzi.hxUWoL?id=19325717&stx=&csz=Corpus+Christi+TX&ed=sFeVVa160SxIIcs1bB0k0Fb.xnu.UIXTguqFYU_cjy25DlwFTUcF.QZO_4_cQghxesb7tpce89Ng3GMNZPw-

Don't expect too much of the beaches, nice enough but NOT the caribeen.

Mmmmm... Seafoooood.... Taking notes here. Thanks for the tips!

So the beaches aren't that hot? What about the beaches at SPI? Any better? Oh well, the kids will have to go birdwatching with me. :)

Thanks, Wolfgang.

[kdog]

Here is a fun place to turn the kid's loose! http://emilymorganhotel-px.trvlclick.com/ hehe...

Or,

this one.. right next to the Alamo! Theodore Roosevelt (of Rough Rider fame) would stay there and "frequented" the bar.. great stuff! http://mengerhotel.com/ And, it's right next to the "River Walk" also.... nice place to go if the kiddo's can walk reliably.

Near the Menger is the "River Walk Mall"... they have great airconditioned shopping and IMAX, ETC..

While there... Check into http://www.marketsquaresa.com/?res=1280&ver=true

or...

Wow, talk about extremes. :eek: Those look like great places to visit, but they got anything in between like a Hampton? :D

San Antonio really looks like an interesting town. Lots of history there.

Thanks, Deacon.

[dukey33]

So the beaches aren't that hot? What about the beaches at SPI? Any better? Oh well, the kids will have to go birdwatching with me. :)


Believe it or not, in 26 years of living in Texas, I've not been to SPI. But I have been to Galveston Island and just comparing the water down towards CC, I will say it looks soooo much better than the muddy Mississippi River effluence we get up here. :v:

[kdog]

Oh c'mon! We have seasonal sno-birds of many, many variations.....................:rolleyes:

Well yeah, they're just not very photogenic. :eek:

[chuckle]

The River Walk is a must in San Antonio. Mie Tierra is a super restaraunt outside of the walk. We like to stay in the Crocket which overlooks the Alamo and has a bit of historical signifigance. If you make it to Corpus, take the kids to the Texas State Acquarium. The kids will love the acqatic petting zoo. SPI is supper. Look out for the Man of War, however. If you see on of those beautiful blue heads bobbing on the surface, get the kids out of the water now. :eek: Their tenticles can streatch out 10 feet from the main body. Also, go to the Walgreens on the island and get a bottle of alchohol and a jar of Adolfs Meat Tenderizer as a first aid treatment for jelly stings. We like the Padre Grand for a condo. It is down the beach from the main action hot spots and is nice and quiet.

[McRuss]

All good suggestions but when you turn off I-10 to go down to the Davis Mts, stay on 90 on into Del Rio, then head east to San Antonio. 90 is not a great highway but I like it a lot more than I-10. Just watch out for deer.

PS, we had our retirement property outside Kingman, 40 acres, but when we relocated to San Antonio, decided we liked the Hill Country far more and sold it. No regrets yet.

[eatanner]

I'd say those gals would enjoy Sea World and Fiesta Texas here in San Antonio if you have the extra days. Just bring the sunscreen though 'cause its starting out hot and dry this summer!

[kdog]

Believe it or not, in 26 years of living in Texas, I've not been to SPI. But I have been to Galveston Island and just comparing the water down towards CC, I will say it looks soooo much better than the muddy Mississippi River effluence we get up here. :v:

Lovely. :histerica

[kdog]

The River Walk is a must in San Antonio. Mie Tierra is a super restaraunt outside of the walk. We like to stay in the Crocket which overlooks the Alamo and has a bit of historical signifigance. If you make it to Corpus, take the kids to the Texas State Acquarium. The kids will love the acqatic petting zoo. SPI is supper. Look out for the Man of War, however. If you see on of those beautiful blue heads bobbing on the surface, get the kids out of the water now. :eek: Their tenticles can streatch out 10 feet from the main body. Also, go to the Walgreens on the island and get a bottle of alchohol and a jar of Adolfs Meat Tenderizer as a first aid treatment for jelly stings. We like the Padre Grand for a condo. It is down the beach from the main action hot spots and is nice and quiet.

Thanks for the tips, Chuckle. Man of Wars scare the heck out of me. Didn't know there was another aquarium to see in CC, that's good to know.

We have a condo already line up, but I'm not which place it is yet. The wife knows (I hope). We "won" a week there by being the high-bidder for it in a charity auction.

[kdog]

All good suggestions but when you turn off I-10 to go down to the Davis Mts, stay on 90 on into Del Rio, then head east to San Antonio. 90 is not a great highway but I like it a lot more than I-10. Just watch out for deer.

PS, we had our retirement property outside Kingman, 40 acres, but when we relocated to San Antonio, decided we liked the Hill Country far more and sold it. No regrets yet.

Sounds good on taking 90, McRuss. I always enjoy the more scenic routes, and we're not in a big hurry.
Funny you had land outside of Kingman. I'm looking forward to seeing the hill country.

-joel

[kdog]

I'd say those gals would enjoy Sea World and Fiesta Texas here in San Antonio if you have the extra days. Just bring the sunscreen though 'cause its starting out hot and dry this summer!

Thanks, Edgar. Sea World is a must see for us. We'll be right at home in hot and dry too, coming from Arizona and all. :D

-joel

[McRuss]

Thanks, Edgar. Sea World is a must see for us. We'll be right at home in hot and dry too, coming from Arizona and all. :D

-joel


Ummm, Joel, the 'dry' Edgar speaks of is the lack of rain. Zonies are speaking of the humidity (usually) when they speak of 'dry heat.' You can soon say you've experienced 'wet heat.' BUT, in wet heat you can still touch your door handle and wont get 3rd degree burns from your leather seats (1st maybe but not 3rd.)