This state historical site is such a cool place. It features ruins of Kreische Brewery (and the…read morestill standing home) as well as Monument Hill a tomb for those who died in the Dawson Massacre of September 1842. There is a beautiful overlook, and the grounds themselves are very well maintained. Only $5 per person for admission and leashed dogs are welcome. The Visitor Center has a few displays of relics that you won't want to miss! I do recommend wearing good shoes and carrying water if you are planning to walk down to the brewery. It's a bit steep in some places!

On a visit to La Grange, I looked up the top attractions in La Grange on TripAdvisor. Monument Hill…read moreState Park came up as number one. We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. After paying a small fee to enter, we parked. The visitor's center has a small museum where you can learn all about the history of the park. It's a good way to kick things off. From there, you can hike around the park. Beyond getting a workout, you come across historical markers and other goodies along the way. Brewery ruins, a home, a statue, and more. You'll learn even more through this experience. I love these types of hikes: where you simultaneously learn and get a workout in.

This miniature village was created from historical buildings that were moved here and restored…read more There is a looping path where you can walk from one to another. This place is best for little kids and they have several events throughout the year like the haunted village. There are a few interesting buildings with furniture but for adults, it's a pretty quick walk-through. We were the only ones there on a Saturday which was nice in that we weren't rushed but a bit odd though the staff was friendly. They do have some cold beverages for sale.

Disappointed. We drove 2 hours to come see the village and learn about the history for it to be…read moreclosed. Website on face book and even the flyer we have says it's open .

This unique home was constructed in the 1870s, and is one of the only remaining stone wedge…read morebuildings left in the state of Texas. It is located in Austin's Symphony Square, a nice park that features 350-seat outdoor performance amphitheater in addition to its four historic buildings. The Jeremiah Hamilton House is home to the Austin Symphony box office and the facilities office. The three-sided building was named after Jeremiah Hamilton, who served for two years in the 12th Texas Legislature (1869-1871) and built the home in 1871.

Serene, serene, serene. It's easy to get lost in this place. It's like walking back in time and…read morereally enjoying what was once a way a life. The dial in audio tour was unexpected and wish I had saw the sign before we were close to leaving. The ground are kept up very well and the fishing isn't bad either. They def bite here. The groundskeeper is super laid back and allows almost anything as long as you're respectful of the property. My family and I came here after we had dinner and it was really nice to cap of the day trip with Zedler Farm Handicap accessible. My uncle's mom is in a wheelchair and were able to get her from the parking lot (handicap parking lot is at the foot of the bridge), over the bridge and to the gazebo.

This venue is absolutely beautiful!! The staff is so amazing and I just love working with their…read moreteam!!

Super cool spot we just found…read more It's free. 17 known bodies were thrown down the hole. We used a flashlight and saw some golf balls. Def check it out if you're out this way.

If you are in the Marble falls area this is a nice stop to check out. No buildings... nothing…read morearound it. Don't expect much of a hike or any long activity. It is cool though to see history alive.

The city did a really great job in setting up this memorial to the legendary cattle drivers on the…read moreChisholm Trail. As a history buff, I couldn't resist the draw to check it out. Of course I took a lot of pictures. The statues and informational plaques are top-of-line. Upon leaving, I felt as if I had stepped back in time. This is also a great place to get away from it all in order to gather your thoughts. Please don't pass through Yoakum without checking out this fine memorial.

Went by today, the remains are gone. The buildings are all cleared. Nothing to see anymore.read more

Rumour spreadin' a-'round in that Texas town 'bout that…read moreshack outside La Grange and you know what I'm talkin' about. Just let me know if you wanna go to that home out on the range. They gotta lotta nice girls. - ZZ Top If you're looking for a plaque or some sort of historical marker to identify one of (if not the) oldest whorehouses in America you'll be sorely disappointed. Down a dusty road off the highway lay the remains of the Chicken Ranch which inspired such classics as "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and the musical gem "La Grange". Behind a metal fence with some cows roaming about lay the decrepit remains of a building. You'll have to use your imagination to fill in the rest of the blanks, guessing what was. Originally opened in 1844 and run by a widow named Mrs. Swine. The brothel has a fun and colorful past that is worth a read. Here's a snippet from Wikipedia regarding the random moniker: As the Depression lingered, the number of customers dwindled, and Williams had difficulty making ends meet for her employees. She implemented the "poultry standard," charging one chicken for each sexual act. The number of chickens at the brothel exploded, and soon the place became known as the Chicken Ranch. Williams supplemented her income by selling surplus chickens and eggs.[1 Due to the history of this location, I'm surprised the state hasn't made it an official historical landmark. In the meantime, if you find yourself traveling down highway 71 around the small town of La Grange it's worth a stop to sit and guess about what used to be.

I wish I had planned my day better. You could spend the whole day here. We would have packed a…read morepicnic lunch. There is so much to see. Plan on your walking shoes too! It was amazing to explore the townsite and explore the building where the declaration of independence from Mexico was signed. Just walking on the grounds where these visionaries walked was melancholy. The visitor center has a bunch of information. This historical site houses the Star of the Republic Museum, a park, and the Barrington living history farm. We didn't get to see the farm or visit the park. We ran out of time

Got about 8.5k steps in from walking during the visit to this park. Not only that, I got to see and…read morelearn something. Allergies were under control thanks to starting Allegra. It allowed me to enjoy the walk while understanding more about Washington on the Brazos River. Got to see the famous Brazos River and imagine how life was or could have been. Washington, Texas could have been a bustling city like Austin. It was fun seeing the old life acted out in the exact place it happened. It was fun hearing from those playing the various roles all over the park. It's a nice and sacred part of Texas history. One can explore neighboring areas like Navasota or Chappell Hill for dinner. Was hoping to have dinner at Bevers in Chappell Hill but it was closed. It was an easy drive home. Found a new way to get 10k steps in.

A bit underwhelming…read more When I visited Grotto, I was a little disappointed. The Grotto is a small section of the Riverwalk that is designed as a man-made rock grotto. You can walk under the cave to view a waterfall and fountain. I am not sure if it was construction or a poorly built safety rail, but the pathway surrounding the installation was lined with cheap-looking PVC pipes and buckets filled with concrete. It really took away from the art installation. The photos really make the Grotto seem larger and more robust than it actually is. Once you walk under it, the main attraction (the face and fountain) is actually quite small. I would only really visit if you're in the Pearl-Midtown area, otherwise I would not recommend going out of your way to see it.

What: landmark/art. Very cool to walk along and have this random, eclectic art to enjoy and…read moreappreciate. Location: 5 minute walk from The Pearl Brewery.

The Jail museum is awesome! Ellen gave us a great tour! She was funny, very knowledge, and took…read moregreat pride and care of the jail. I loved seeing all the graffiti of the past prisoners while hearing about some anecdotes and learning about the history. Museum closes at 3:30 but I would try and go in the morning when its cooler since there is no A/C. Admission is free and there is a donation box near the door. Some Groups can even arrange a late night ghost hunt! Go check it out!!

I recommend going to the Gonzales Jail Museum and getting a tour from Ellen. There are few 19th…read morecentury jails that are preserved like this one.