Come and Take It!!! Gonzales, TX

   Come and Take It!! That's a battle cry for all Texans. But do you know the story behind this famous saying? Follow me to Gonzales, TX as we both learn all about Texas History and what it means to "Come and Take It." 
   
    I've lived in Texas my entire life and I have never been to Gonzales until now. That's pretty strange considering how much I love Texas History. History is just running throughout Texas and unfortunately, due to recent events, we might lose our history. I for one will never forget what made this state so great. There is so much more that I want to learn and feel that I need to know. History is history, whether we like it or not.

    I started the day out pretty early. Not knowing anything about Gonzales or even looking at a map, I just drove around to see what I could find. We found the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce. This is where I highly suggest you start out. The chamber is located in the Gonzales Old Jail Museum. The office has the two nicest ladies working there, they are very helpful, full of information, and you get a goodie bag with informational pamphlets. Of course, I had to buy a shirt while I was there too. This is the place to start your trip and plan your day. Gonzales even has a driving tour that you can take yourself or have a guide take you.

  While we were there we decided to take the free tour of the Old Jail. This is a very interesting and informational tour. I even stood in the solitary confinement cell for about 30 seconds, with the door closed. The jail is 2 stories so you will be going up pretty steep stairs. The jail was built in 1887 and you will visit the sheriff living quarters, women & psychiatric cell, along with the cells upstairs for inmates. Upstairs in the large "runaround room" there is a hanging noose. Yes, this was actually used and they will explain how they did it. Any Old West fans out there? You can hear all about Johnny Hardin and his time in Gonzales. There is a legend about a prisoner named Howard there.  While Howard was in jail, he became obsessed with the clock on the courthouse, keeping strict attention to the number of hours he had to live. He swore his innocence would be shown by the clock, that none of the four faces would ever keep the same time again if he was hanged. Through the years the faces have rarely been consistent. 

   After taking the tour we decided to do a little shopping. the first place we went to was Angels & Outlaws, located right on the square. This is a very cute store with a large selection of apparel for men, women, and children. They also have jewelry and other accessories. You can for sure find a great outfit here. After that we made our way over to Main St. Market Place, now this is a place for some stuff. We looked for over an hour and everything they had in there and of course, I found the one thing that has freaked me out since I was a little girl, a Mrs. Beasly doll. My older sister had one and I was terrified of her, I didn't even want to take a picture of her, but I did and I also wanted a picture of this recipe box. My Grandmother had one and as soon as I saw it I thought of her. It was green and full of everything you could think of to cook. Yes, I should have bought this. Maybe I should go back and see if it's still there. 

  Remember I said to always ask the locals where to go and where to eat, Well we made sure to do that in the Marketplace and she hooked us up as well. We were hungry so she led us right down the road to Rodeo. This is a small cafe that is known for locals. This is their spot. The food is great and a very reasonable price. Actually, I couldn't believe how cheap it was, and they also have daily specials. Well worth it and I will be back.

  After we were full and couldn't take a nap, we decided to get a little more History in. Gonzales Memorial Museum is where we headed. This museum is very unique and houses a lot of historical artifacts. I was amazed by so many things that were held in here. One of my favorites was showing the wardrobe of the time. I could live during the 1700 and 1800's. Hey, it would be easy because I would never know what I would be missing from now.

  Have you ever heard "Come and Take It?" Here is a brief history of the battle that I found on Wikipedia. 

The Battle of Gonzales was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. It was fought near Gonzales, Texas, on October 2, 1835, between rebellious Texian settlers and a detachment of Mexican army soldiers.

In 1831, Mexican authorities gave the settlers of Gonzales a small cannon to help protect them from frequent Comanche raids. Over the next four years, the political situation in Mexico deteriorated, and in 1835 several states revolted. As the unrest spread, Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea, the commander of all Mexican troops in Texas, felt it unwise to leave the residents of Gonzales with a weapon and requested the return of the cannon.

When the initial request was refused, Ugartechea sent 100 dragoons to retrieve the cannon. The soldiers neared Gonzales on September 29, but the colonists used a variety of excuses to keep them from the town, while secretly sending messengers to request assistance from nearby communities. Within two days, up to 140 Texians gathered in Gonzales, all determined not to give up the cannon. On October 1, settlers voted to initiate a fight. Mexican soldiers opened fire as Texians approached their camp in the early hours of October 2. After several hours of desultory firing, the Mexican soldiers withdrew.

  The cannon was lost for quite some time and the cannons fate has been disputed over the years. Many believe it was taken back by Mexico while others believe it could have fought at the Alamo, while some believe it was melted down. The cannon below is believed to be that cannon that was found by accident.This may or may not be the famous "Come and Take It" cannon but as a Texian, I believe it is. 

  After this, we decided to do a little more shopping. We were told to go to the Emporium and we were glad we did. You will not believe what all is in here. Two stories of everything and then some. We were there for hours. But I will say in the summer months it is very hot in there so be careful. You will not believe what you will find, and of course, I found my old records and 8 tracks...because you can never have enough of those. This is the antique store that conquers all antique stores. But there are many more there, as well as throughout town. We even stopped at a couple house that has their items in the yard. You wander through like a maze and pick what you want. They were a fun couple to talk to.

   Now we had one more stop before we left Gonzales, Pioneer Village. You could easily spend all day here, and if they wanted to lock the gates and just let me live there that would be fine too. The Gonzales Pioneer Village houses a collection of 1800s and early 1900s era houses and building from Gonzales County.

Here you can learn about Texas History and what it was like in that era. Tours are accompanied by volunteers in period costumes and have full information on all buildings and history. Just let me live in the Muenzler House and I will be happy. This may be the first place you would want to go after visiting the Chamber. It will be the busiest part of your day, but so worth it. Below is a pic of the Blacksmith Shop and the Muenzler House.

  We were finished with our day and headed home but first, one last stop. I was more excited to see this than almost anything else for the day. Sam Houston's Oak. Here is some information of why this area is so important. Courtesy of https://findery.com/

   Along U.S. Highway 90, approximately 9 miles east of Gonzales is a Texas historical marker that reads, “1/8 mile north is Sam Houston Oak where General Sam Houston established his headquarters camp March 13, 1836, after burning the town of Gonzales. Under this oak, his small army was joined by many volunteers from the eastern settlements, who went with him to San Jacinto.”

So, if you stopped your car and read that description, you might just say something like “huh”, or “well, I'll be darned”, and then you would be on your way. However, what that description fails to convey is just how that event, and this location, fit into the big picture of Texas history. 

Just a few hundred yards up the gravel road is that ancient oak tree known as the “Sam Houston Oak.” It is also known as the “Runaway Scrape Oak”, and sometimes referred to as the “Runaway Speech Oak.” After Sam Houston was appointed Commander-in-Chief at Washington-on-the-Brazos, he rode west to Gonzales where a loosely formed group of around four hundred men had began to organized an army. Shortly after he arrived on March 11th, he learn the fate of the Alamo. 

The news that the Alamo had fallen sent the region into a panic. Most of the colonist and settlers left their homes and head eastward for safety. The movement became known as the Runaway Scrape. Houston and his men burn the town of Gonzales to keep the Mexican Army from gaining any benefit of it. They camped near this oak tree the night of March 13th. Lacking ammunition, supplies, and horses, Houston announced to his men a plan to evacuate and retreat to the east. 

The plantation style home behind the oak is also a historic site known as the McClure-Braches Home. It was built in the 1840s (restored in 1997/’98) and served as a stopping point for wagon trains, stagecoaches and mail wagons for many years.

  This last stop made my entire trip. I was standing and looking at History. I know for some that's not much, but for me it's amazing. Gonzales is so full of Texas HIstory that you just can't get to it all in one day. This would be a great weekend getaway. There are plenty of places to stay, restaurants, and events throughout the year to keep you busy. So if you are a History buff or antique shopper, Gonzales is for sure your day trip destination or weekend getaway.

Travel on,

Cyndi

Population 90!!

   You would think that a town with a population of just 90 couldn't offer much. This is not the case with Round Top. Round Top is centrally located between Austin and Houston in Fayette County. If you blink you will miss it, thankfully there is that one stop sign. This is a very quiet town during the week, things seem to get more active towards the weekend.  It's a quiet country trip well worth the drive.

  Round Top offers events throughout the year. One of the biggest is Texas Antique Week that is held twice a year, Spring and Fall. What started out as just a weekend 20+ years ago has now turned into 3 weeks and 4 weekends that spreads From Burton all the way to LaGrange. This event is huge and you will never believe it until you see it. You can find anything and everything from the vendors, stores, and throughout the fields in Warrenton. During Antique Week several places will have their own events. From wine tastings, live music, and a Junk Gypsy Prom, you are sure to be well entertained. Over 100,000 visitors embark on this tiny town for this event, so traffic and congestion are heavy, plan accordingly. See my "All About Texas Antique Week" Blog next month.

  There are more events throughout the year here in this tiny town. From Wine Walks, Cook-Offs, Art Shows, and the Longest Running 4th of July Parade West of the Mississippi. This parade has visitors staking out their spots days before and you do not want to miss it. Round Top knows you will fall in love the very first time you visit, so they want you to keep coming back. Visit the Chamber of Commerce website for all current events.

   Lodging is a very big thing in Round Top. Although there are no actual hotels, you have a wide choice of Bed and Breakfast and private rental houses. One of my favorite houses is The Vintage Round Top, picture shown below.This is actually two houses and you can rent one or both. They are both beautiful and decorated like you wouldn't believe. You almost don't want to touch anything. With the location being only a mile outside of Round Top you have luxury and convenience all in one. If you are looking to stay a little more out in the country then The Cottages on Mill Creek is perfect for you. This is a full Bed and Breakfast where you can either have a room in the main house or stay in one of the two private houses. It's a perfect country getaway. But I can't forget about The White House on the Hill. This place is amazing and has such a great story to it. I want to live here...seriously I do. You will fall in love simply by just looking at the pictures.

  There is an abundant amount of shopping in this little town. With three squares that offer Antiques, Retail and Art you will be busy for hours. The only problem you will have is where to go first. Henkel and Bybee Square are in the heart of Round Top, with Rummel Square being located a few blocks down. Some of my favorite stores are located on Henkel Square, It is one of the best shopping squares I have seen in a small town. But I promise you the other squares have just as much to offer. Not to mention Old Glory Antiques and Market Hill, home to Paul Michael Company. Of course, my number one rule, ask the locals. Locals know where to go, what to do and where to eat. Honest opinion all the time. Because locals want you to love their town as much as they do.

  Now that you have shopped and shopped and shopped some more you have to be hungry. Round Top has that covered as well. One of the most famous destinations restaurants is Royer's Cafe started by Bud the Pieman himself. At first, the exterior throws you off. How can this place be famous? But as soon as you walk inside you will know. Memorabilia covers the wall and ceilings and you can't help but take a few pictures. Royer's serves lunch and dinner with some items being available on both menus. May I suggest a few things...Shrimp BLT, Shrimp & Grits, the Awesome Steak, Micha's Pasta, and of course the Stuffed Quail. Guys, there is nothing bad here!!! Now for dessert, because this is what made them famous. You can enjoy pie after your meal or if you're just looking for a quick slice you can get that by visiting Royer's Pie Haven located on Henkel Square. You may even spot Tara, the Pie Queen slinging some pie that day. Although I wrote so much about Royer's it 's not the only place in town. There are several other places to get your hunger on, the Garden Company, Stone Cellar and two new restaurants moving in. Stone Cellar is a local favorite with great beer and live music every weekend.

  Are you getting married? You will not believe all the options there are for weddings. You have Haw Creek Chapel on Henkel Square, The Compound that is located two miles outside of town, several Bed and Breakfast and the one that makes me want to get married all over again...Festival Hill. This place is gorgeous and you could spend an entire day there. Beautifully landscaped lawns, church and you will not believe the concert hall. Festival Hill offers concerts throughout the year, special events, and a presentation of the Nutcracker by Austin Children's Ballet. This is just a few, Round Top is your absolute wedding destination.

   There is so much more that I could go on and on. The best way for you to see for yourself is to visit the sites I have given you here and do a basic Google search. Round Top seems to be published in almost everything, because of this you are for sure to find what you are looking for. But you need to see it for yourself to truly appreciate what all they have to offer. Come out for a day trip or a weekend getaway, they are open year round.


Travel on,

Cyndi

Small Town Life!!!

    When you start out writing a travel blog you sometimes forget that you live in a town that attracts out of towners. I have lived in Carmine for 3 years, my husband has lived here his entire life. Oh the stories he can tell me about how it's changed. We live in his parents' old store. That might be strange to some but to us, this little fixer-upper is all ours and we love it. His dad use to serve/cater bbq and occasionally did a few cook-offs. I still hear stories today about how his bbq and sauce was some of the best around. Maybe that's where I got my cook-off vibe from, I want to win just as many trophies as he has.

   Carmine is a small town located on Hwy 290 between Austin and Houston. If you blink you miss it. Thousands of people pass through it every single day, but what they don't know is the hidden gem that Carmine holds. Carmine is the gateway to Texas Antique Week that is held twice a year. This 3-week long event brings over 100,000 visitors to this small area. Not to mention all the vendors who are here the entire time. It's busy, hectic, and every other word you can think of. I get asked all the time, "Are you here all the time". Why yes we are. Majority of the places here are open year round for you to visit. For a lot of people, they prefer to come between the antique show events.

  Carmine has more to offer than what people expect. There are several antique stores that have just about anything. One of my favorites is Carmine Trading Post located on Centennial St. The last time I was here I swear I spent 2 hours searching through everything. I was told they have a Cabbage Patch Doll still in the box there right now, I'll have to go check that out. My husband is big on signs so that's the first thing he looks for, mine is old albums, and they have a lot of them. This is one of the main places I send people for antiques. After a little antique shopping, I'm sure you worked up an appetite. JW's Steakhouse in one of our local restaurants. They serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday and offer daily specials. My favorite is the Chicken Fried Chicken while hubby loves the Porkchop. They also have some pretty incredible pies. Ask for Brittani, she's an awesome waitress. We also have a small little place called the Pie Shack, but they serve a lot more than pies. They are open only for lunch and serve a variety of sandwiches and of course PIE!!! My husbands favorite is the Coconut Pie, he gets it every chance he gets.

   Now that you are all full it's time for more shopping. Carmine offers several more antique shops throughout its small town and also along Spur 458 and Hwy 237. Once again all these places aren't open seven days a week so it's best to plan ahead. Thursday through Sunday seem to be the best days to travel here, as most places are open. If you need a break from antiquing Carmine is also home to the Texas Basketball Museum as well as well as the Visitor Center & Museum. If you find yourself wanting to stay the night may I suggest Pecan Grove Inn? This house is beautiful and you can stay in one of the beautifully decorated rooms or reserve the whole house for larger groups, rates are very reasonable. If you find yourself wanting a little reading time but forgot your book, don't worry. There's a purple house right around the corner with a walk up library. I love this idea and how it gives to the community. This can be done at your house too. All it takes is a little box or two right outside with books in it. It's so easy and a great way to involve yourself in the community.

    Carmine might be small but it is mighty. But if you find yourself wanting more to do don't worry, there are several other places not far away. Fayette County has some of the cutest and historical small towns. Round Top is located just 8 miles down the road and has even more shopping and fun. Further down you can go to Fayetteville or venture into LaGrange. All towns are within a short driving distance and offer so much.

   I love writing about small towns and can't wait to visit more. They have so much to offer, more than I could ever imagine. One of the best ways to visit any town is to make sure to ask the locals. They always will give you the truth about where to go and where to eat.

Join me on Instagram at JustATrippin' for daily finds.

Cyndi

 

It's Chili Season!!

    Have I mentioned how much I love chili cook-offs? Well, I do...a lot!! Last January I entered my first cook-off after only making chili once and I got 6th out of 35 teams. Now, this was just a local fundraiser, but it's a very popular fundraiser. So with that, off I went. I only did 4 cook offs last year with 2 of them being CASI Sanctioned. This is a whole new world for me and I was loving it, until I wasn't winning. I decided to change up the recipes a couple of times. I realized that the local cook-offs didn't care how CASI liked it. They like their chili darker color and bland, with CASI liking it red and spicy/hot. I messed up my chili twice trying to do something different at the cook-off. You never do that!!! I have entered a competitive world and I was loving it, but all I was winning were showmanship trophies.

     I have the cutest showmanship booth ever and people loved it. Not so much my husband because he had to haul it around. He hated it!! He is the type that you do things like this to win...money. I wasn't winning money so why do it. For me, it was a challenge. What can I do better? What can I change? Who could I beat?!?! So this year I decided to really get serious, as if I wasn't already. One night I made 4 different chili recipes. I made my 2 different final table recipes and 2 new ones that I found but tweaked a little. I also tweaked one of my winning recipes as well. I set out cups and scorecards, we looked like an actual cook-off. Then 7 people judged and we came up with the winners. It was a combination of two that made an awesome result and of course I didn't let anybody know what was in those two. So now I finally have a chili recipe and I wrote it down, you have no idea how important this is and how so many don't do it. I am so ready and can't wait for all the cook-offs. I have looked and looked at the calendar almost every day to see what cook-offs I can enter. I want to enter as many as I can each month, especially if they are CASI Sanctioned. The reason for this is because CASI cook offs give points, points lead to the National cook-off in Terlingua. This is my goal!! Yes I know it's a weird goal, but it's all mine. What is one of your goals? Do you have a passion that others just don't understand?

      I'm not sure why I love chili cook-offs so much. It allows me to travel, even if it's not very far. It's like an adventure every single time. I never know how it's going to be. I'm always nervous and worried that something could go wrong, until I start cooking. When I start cooking I forget about everything. All the worry seems to go away, until award time. I am very superstitious and will not let anyone see our entry number. To me, it's like if we don't get called out then I'm the only one disappointed. Maybe I should change that rule. But even when I don't win I still can't wait for the next one. I never thought I would enter this type of event. To be so serious about it and at times a little aggressive. My husband doesn't even understand it. It's a passion all it's own and I love it!!

      I am very serious when it comes to setting up and getting ready for any cookoff. I make a very detailed list of everything needed. First things first you need to have a good cooker. Don't show up at a cook-off with a crock pot, you'll get laughed right out of there. Depending on the cook-off is how much you make. So many you're are just cooking for the judges so 2-3 pounds of meat is ok. But if you are in a fundraiser you are likely to need a lot more because you are sampling your chili out. Don't forget your canopy and make sure you have weights. Last year I was at a cookoff and the wind picked up, and with that, it took a few canopies with it and their chili too. All that work and money gone because they didn't have weights tied to the tent. Another important feature needed is a wind protector for your burner. It's not much fun when the flame keeps going out.

    Cook-offs are a lot of work but also a lot of fun. We have met some amazing people at each one that has given great pointers to help me along. My nerves are already going for next Saturday and I can't wait to let all of you know how it turned out.

 Cyndi


 

Why?

I love to travel, but like others, finances keep me from doing it often. Driving around and finding those small town hideaways is just fun for me. I can drive for hours listening to the radio and clearing my mind. It's a getaway for me. Currently, I live in Carmine, TX pop. 250. I consider us a part of Round Top pop. 90, but if you say that to a born and raised local they would disagree. Round Top/Carmine plays host to Texas Antique Week twice a year. This is a huge event that brings 100,000 people to our small towns. It's busy, hectic, and a lot of fun. There is so much to do, but as a local, we tend to try and stay away from all the action. Round Top is home to former Texas Governor Rick Perry, The Junk Gypsy's, and many other popular artists and dealers. Round Top and Carmine tend to stay separate from each other, or that's how it appears. Round Top wants to be up and coming and a popular destination, while Carmine seems to want to stay more quiet and peaceful. I think that's why I wanted to start this blog. I want to show others that there is more to a small town than the celebrities and famous restaurant. I want to go where the locals go. I want to show you what the locals do. I want your day trip to be packed full of activities that are for tourist and locals. This is my Why. To show that there is more to these small towns than what meets the eye. Cyndi