Lone Star Travelers Blog

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park invites your family to an evening of Haunted Halloween Fun on Saturday, November 01, 2008 from 6PM-8PM.  There will be a Halloween Trail to explore where you may come across scary monsters!  Cozy up to the campfire where the monsters dare not venture to cook your hot dog and roast marshmallows.  Later on play games, win prizes and get a terrifying Halloween tattoo.  This event is free however park admission does apply, or show your Texas State Parks Pass.  Martin Dies Jr, State Park is located in Jasper Texas in the Pineywoods Region.  Note:  The park is closed until the end of October, 2008 due to damage from Hurricane Ike.  Call 409-384-5231 to confirm availability of this event.

As of September 01, 2007 operational control of Rusk and Palestine State Parks along with the Texas State Railroad was transferred to American Heritage Railways.  Camping is still available at both the Rusk and Palestine parks.  The Rusk Park offers shaded sites, some are full hook-ups, under the big trees with front row views of the historic steam and diesel trains chugging in and out of the depot  Tent camping only is available at the Palestine Park.  On selected dates beginning November 28th thru December 27th The Polar Express will depart Palestine Depot on a magical trip to the North Pole.  Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas as they read along with the story and excitedly make their way to a visit with Santa.  The sounds of Christmas carols across the clear night air with hot chocolate to warm you up will stay in your memories long after the journey ends.  Each child will receive a special gift.  Ticket prices range from $28-$49.95  for adults and $18-$24.95 for children ages 2-11.  polarexpressride.com  1-888-987-2461  The Palestine Park is located in Anderson County in the Pineywoods Region.

From Thanksgiving through December the grounds around  Goliad State Park’s Mission Espiritu Santo will glow with Holiday Lights.  The Mission was established more than 250 years ago by Spanish missionaries and soldiers at Goliad on the San Antionio River.  It stands today, rising above the landscape, an imposing image on a vantage point overlooking the park.  Goliad State Park is located just south of Goliad Texas on U.S. 83 and 77A in the South Texas Plains Region.  

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Fort Davis, Texas to it’s 2008 list ‘Dozen Distinctive Destinations.’  They make note of the lack of traffic lights, absence of chain stores and they call the town “an extraordinary blend of majestic scenery, abundant wildlife and cultural resources.  fortdavis.com

The world’s largest inflatable beach ball will be bounced down Elm Street on Saturday the 25th of October and Sunday the 26th of October 2008.   Carnival Cruise Line in partnership with the Dallas Film Commission will be filming the fun for a commercial to be nationally aired on TV.  Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand to record the feat of bouncing this ball, 35 feet in diameter and 3 stories tall.  (The current record is 33 feet.)   Festivities at this Main Street District event kick off at 12Noon on Saturday and Sunday and will include a Carnival Cruise Line Fun Booth in Pegasus Plaza with live music, free ice cream and lots of giveaways.  You will have a chance to win one of 5 free cruises for a family of four on a Carnival Fun Ship.  972-341-2514 for more information.