What to See and Do in Texas | Must See Attractions for 2023

The park is located in the East Quarter neighborhood within the Harwood Historic District.

The park is breathing new life into a section of the historic district that was falling into disrepair.

What once consisted of abandoned buildings and surface parking lots is now a beautiful, four-acre oasis with a variety of features that appeal to all ages.

Kids are sure to love the massive playground and interactive splash pad...

...and the open-air pavilion will be the whole family's new destination for movie nights, fitness classes, and live performances.

There is also plenty of seating, so you can pack a little picnic to enjoy amid the lush, peaceful surroundings.

Another exciting element of Harwood Park is the pedestrian promenade and rain garden. Walk along a paved path and admire intentionally-selected plants that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Other park attractions include a pickleball and basketball court, dog parks, and more.

Visit the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy website or the Downtown Dallas Parks Conservancy Facebook page for more information about Harwood Park, including hours of operation.

Are you excited about Harwood Park? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, and don’t forget to check out AllTrails to discover the best hiking spots in Texas. Download AllTrails+ for special perks like offline map access and 3D maps!

The post Before Word Gets Out, Visit Texas’ Newest Urban Park appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

The Homestyle Restaurant In Texas With Food So Good You’ll Ask For Seconds… And Thirds

Katie Lawrence — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 23:37:13 +0000

When was the last time you enjoyed a meal at a homestyle restaurant in Texas? If it’s been a while, consider trying the Grain Bin Cafe and Store in Seguin. This charming, mom-and-pop eatery specializes in hearty breakfast plates, Southern comfort classics like chicken-fried steak, homemade desserts, and more.

If you want more Texas restaurants, make sure to sign up for our weekly dining newsletter. Every Thursday, a new eatery to try in the Lone Star State will be delivered straight to your email. Yum!

Next time you find yourself anywhere near Seguin, don't even think about leaving without stopping by the Grain Bin Cafe and Store for a hearty meal.

The atmosphere is charming, the service is fast and friendly, and the homestyle fare is to die for. What's not to love?

The restaurant has a decidedly country-chic vibe about it, featuring farmhouse-style decor that's so perfectly Texas. Seating is available both indoors and outside.

Personally, I'll never pass up the chance to dine al fresco on a beautiful day.

On any given Saturday or Sunday morning, the Grain Bin is packed with locals who just can't get enough of the restaurant's signature breakfast plates.

From silver dollar pancakes and golden-brown home fries to eggs cooked however you like and crispy-as-can-be bacon, the portions are huge and flavors top-notch.

If you're visiting on a weekday, however, you'll be pleased to learn that the lunch and dinner menus are just as scrumptious.

Daily lunch specials feature everything from burgers to chicken-fried steak, and dinner entrees include sandwiches, seafood, chicken dishes, steaks, salads, and more.

You'll also see pork chops, Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas and tacos, and sides such as green beans and mashed potatoes.

Don't pass up the appetizers or desserts, either. Start your meal with fried okra, chips and salsa, or stuffed jalapenos, and finish with a slice of whatever decadent treat is on the menu that day (I'll take mine with a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream, please and thank you).

Visit the Grain Bin Cafe and Store Facebook page for more information, including current hours and a full menu.

Have you ever eaten at this homestyle restaurant in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. And if you’ll be road-tripping to Seguin, check out our road trip packing list for ideas about what to bring with you.

The post The Homestyle Restaurant In Texas With Food So Good You’ll Ask For Seconds… And Thirds appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

The Abandoned Ammunition Plant In Texas Once Comprised 8,400 Acres During World War II

Tori Jane — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:46:19 +0000

There are quite literally thousands of abandoned places in Texas. It’s not surprising, and it makes sense; after all, Texas is enormous, with a long history filled with wonder, war, and plenty of mystery. Some of these abandoned places aren’t a mystery at all, though – take, for example, the old Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, which is every bit as fascinating as it sounds.

Highlighting the beautifully eerie work of Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo, discover more fascinating abandoned locations across America in our Vacant Series. These unique man-made structures have been left abandoned and are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations.

From 1942 until 1997, the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant was in service, crafting things like TNT, rockets, and other pyrotechnic-centric affairs.

It sprawled across an incredibly impressive 8,493 acres, with more than 400 buildings at its peak.

During World War II alone, this plant manufactured 393 million pounds of TNT.

During the 1950s, following the war, its focus shifted to solid-fuel rocket motors.

Thanks to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 1987, the plant would again shift its priorities, this time to destroying missile systems for the U.S. and the Soviets.

The first missile was destroyed in September 1988, symbolizing the end of the nuclear arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. In July 1989, the last missile would be destroyed.

The beginning of the end would kick off in 1990 when the EPA caught up to the plant.

Methylene chloride and trichloroethene had been found in the groundwater. Some of this water was flowing into Caddo Lake, contaminating everything in its wake. There were also high levels of lead and mercury in the water of surrounding streams.

Cleanup began in 1996, and to this day, it continues.

In 2000, the grounds transferred ownership to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the kind folks there created the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

As of the time of this writing, about 6,000 acres of the former ammunition plant's land has been deemed safe for visitors. In 2009, it officially opened to the public... with some interesting warnings.

These signs warn you of important considerations, like the fact that you might just stumble upon some random stray explosives in the woods.

The grounds are eerily quiet, and it's fascinating to see all the ways in which nature is taking the land back.

Where ammunitions were once manufactured, birds now build nests. Wildlife of many kinds takes shelter in the remains of the old buildings. It's quite possible that turning this area into a refuge was the best move they could have made.

Today, it's eerily beautiful, especially if you're like us: utterly intrigued by things long gone and places that were.

Have you heard of or even visited the Longhorn Ammunition Plant? Do you know of any other amazing abandoned places in Texas? Let us know in the comments!

Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife. Discover even more spooky places in Vacant: Inside 13 Eerie and Fascinating Abandoned Locations Across America.

The post The Abandoned Ammunition Plant In Texas Once Comprised 8,400 Acres During World War II appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

The Humble Mexican Restaurant In Texas That’s Been Owned By The Same Family For Over 50 Years

Katie Lawrence — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:14:04 +0000

If you’re in search of some of the best Mexican food in Texas, look no further than El Chaparral in Helotes (and, more recently, Boerne and San Antonio). Owned and operated by the same family for over 50 years, this local institution is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and incredible food (especially the fajitas and bean soup).

When a restaurant has not only been continuously operating for over 50 years but also is still owned by the original family that started it all, you know you're in for a great meal - and that is precisely the case at El Chaparral.

The story of this humble Mexican eatery began in 1972 when husband-and-wife duo Carlos R. and Mary Garcia purchased a small building in Helotes (which, coincidentally, also happened to be a former Mexican restaurant) and officially opened El Chaparral.

El Chaparral is still owned and operated by the Garcias, with the sons of Mary and Carlos keeping the business in the family. There are now two additional locations in Boerne and San Antonio, but visiting the original restaurant at least once is a must.

No matter which location you patronize, expect a warm, inviting atmosphere and a staff that makes each guest feel like part of the family. Warm lighting and elegant (but still vibrant and colorful) decor set the stage for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Everything on the menu is to die for. I highly recommend starting off with some tableside guacamole, made-to-order with fresh avocados, onions, tomato, cilantro, jalapeños, and freshly-squeezed lime juice.

Fajitas reign supreme here at El Chaparral, and you simply cannot leave without trying them. Choose from beef, chicken, or shrimp, served on a sizzling skillet alongside rice, refried beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

Other menu items include soups, salads, tacos, enchilada plates, and more. You'll even see certain menu items named after employees (including the owner). Try them all and see who your taste buds align with the most!

If you have any room left, don't skip dessert. The flan and tres leche cake are my personal favorites, but you really can't go wrong with any of the options.