Lara Keel Texas Lobbyist: Tips for Traveling in Texas
The following was inspired by an article from the Dallas Morning News in August of 2012. It is reprinted here by Lara Keel as a service to Texas travelers, Texas Lobbyists, Government Consultants, and other interested parties.
If you are planning at trip to our great state, we have some suggested sites for you to visit:
See the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles on Padre Island
Whether you visit the north or south part of Padre Island, it’s thrilling to watch the sea turtles lay their eggs, cover them, and then rush back to the water. You may not know this, but avid conservationists gather these eggs for safe keeping, allow them to hatch in a controlled environment, and then release them back into the water.
For information on Padre Island National Seashore releases (North Padre Island), call 361-949-7164. On South Padre Island, call Sea Turtle Inc. 956-433-5735.
Palo Duro Canyon is a popular destination
Early Native inhabitants once lived in these canyons and hunted mammoths. 120 miles long and 800 feet deep, this is the Texas version of the Grand Canyon. Museums and shows are available.
Balmorhea State Park has a natural pool that you can swim in, cool and spring fed.
Watch out for the fish and don’t slip on the way in.
Big Bend National park
Big Bend is one of the treasures of our state. Huge and expansive, it is primitive and beckons to the hardier tourists. There is a wonderful 15 mile hike along the South Rim that reaches 2000 feet in elevation and overlooks a vast desert plateau below.
Texas Classics: The Alamo, Goliad, and San Jacinto
Texas battle grounds are popular attractions. The Alamo City (San Antonio) boasts the prided shrine of the Lone Star State. It is kept by the vigilant Daughters of the Texas Republic, so gentlemen remove your hats and no photographs area allowed. Down US 183 you’ll find Goliad, where James Fannin’s troops were killed after they surrendered. The San Jacinto battleground is where Texas won its independence. You’ll find that just East of Houston.
Wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country
Drive north of San Antonio on highway 281 to find some of the most gorgeous fields of wildflowers you’ve ever seen. This drive is best in a Spring where Texas has received a goodly amount of rain. 2011 was horrible, but this year the flowers were in rare form. While you’re on the way, keep an eye out for Frederiscksburg peaches, available in road side stands from Blanco to Kerville.