Seguin - History, Romance and Family Fun


         Published by the La Vernia News on October 11, 2012


           Do you have the traveling bug? The dictionary says that travel means to make a journey. A journey has no defined timeframe; it can be a day or two, or something much longer. And, when all is said and done, it really doesn’t matter where you travel, or how long you are gone; it will be defined by the memories it creates.

            Everyday Journeys

 Harry and Linda Kaye Perez

             We are here to give you ideas and information to plan a journey. Together, we will explore Texas destinations and beyond that perhaps you may never have considered; each one will have some unique things to do or see, romantic places to stay, interesting history or simply beautiful scenery to enjoy. So, if you don’t have the traveling bug yet, you soon will.

             So, let’s get started with something close to home: a day trip to Seguin. Just 20 miles from LaVernia on either FM 467 or FM 775, Seguin is a town over 25,000 people and probably best known for the beautiful Guadalupe River that runs through it. It is rich in history with names like Juan Antonio Navarro, Stephen F. Austin, and, of course, Juan Seguin.

           For the Entire Family: Starcke Park is a 227-acre municipal park on the Guadalupe River, offering a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, picnic areas, basketball and volleyball courts and a regulation 18-hole golf course. There is also a 4-mile paddling trail loop for canoes and kayaks and is great for beginners. Head south from downtown on Business 123, turn right at the park and boats can be put in near the Saffold Dam; this is also a great swimming area. There is no charge for any of the activities mentioned above and overnight camping is not allowed.

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           For the Kids: Seguin is the home of a fabulous family-owned amusement park that has been entertaining children of all ages since 2007. ZDT’s started out small but has grown to a major complex that encompasses several large buildings full of video games and playgrounds, a two story go-kart track (great for adults also), a bungee trampoline, the MaxFlight JetFlight/Roller Coaster/Bobsled Simulator and the rock-climbing wall. Outside activities include a parachute drop, the Dizzy Toucan ride, the Silo Climb and the water park.

 The concession area offers hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, snacks and drinks. ZDT’s also provides an outdoor picnic area for those who want to bring their own refreshments. They are open year-round and you can check out the prices and hours of operation on their website. There are no long lines to wait in and during the last three hours of operation each day, you can purchase an extreme wristband for only $12.00.

            For the Romantics of all ages: Austin Street (Business Highway 123) runs from Interstate 10 through the downtown area, past the Guadalupe County Courthouse and the town square. Along Austin Street there are two Victorian-style B&Bs. The Weinert House has four beautifully decorated rooms ranging from $80 to $200 per night; the Mosheim Mansion offers six rooms ranging from $89.00 to $249.00. Both are perfect for an overnight get-a-way for two.

           

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           Once you have checked in, take a stroll to the town square surrounded by unique shops, bars and eateries. At Chiro-Java you can get a great cup of specialty coffee, a pastry or a hardy self-designed sandwich, and sit outside and enjoy activities in the town square. Inside Chiro-Java you will find original wood floors, unmatched tables and chairs (no two alike) and free Wi-Fi. It is open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday; closed on Sunday.

          For some evening entertainment, check out the Ticket Sports Bar and Grill. They call their cuisine “casual American dining with South Texas attitude” and it wouldn’t be a sports bar without beer, multiple big screen TVs with surround sound, a 12-foot HD projection screen, and a full bar. The Ticket is open until midnight most evenings.

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             For Wine Lovers:  Owners Michael and Melissa Poole officially opened the Blue Lotus Winery on September 1, 2012.  From downtown Seguin, travel north on Highway 123 for 3 miles, turn east on Highway 20 for 4 ½ miles and you will find this s small winery. In addition to wine, they also produce “mead.” The process to make mead is the same as wine, but instead of grapes, they use honey; alcohol content is similar to that of wine. At the present time, Michael makes ten different varieties of mead including traditional, apple, peach, blackberry and raspberry. The raspberry mead was our favorite; it has an immediate burst of raspberry flavor then leaves a delicate honey taste in your mouth.  

             Blue Lotus Winery is a dream in progress for Michael and Melissa; they will soon be adding a formal tasting room surrounded by beautiful arbors and outdoor seating areas. Currently, the tasting room is in the same building where the wine and mead are made, giving visitors a wonderful opportunity to see how it is done. Tastings are available every Saturday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM for a small fee.

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          Up-Coming Events in Seguin:

In September - Market Days, Downtown 

In October - Kids Day in the Park

In October - Pecan Fest Heritage Days


       For additional Information:

 http://www.zdtamusement.com

http://www.weinerthouseseguin.com

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http://www.mosheimmansion.com

http://www.chirojava.com

http://bluelotuswinery.com

                                                

                                                       


 


                                                   


                                                           Please contact us with any comments or questions: Harry-Linda411@att.net

 



 



   © Harry Perez 2012