Texas 2021: Three Days in Garner State Park

Emerging from the Deep Freeze

Sunset from our site in Garner State Park

Once we knew Texas was back up and mostly running after the freakish winter storms we experienced in South Padre, we started our trek north.  When we told Tim's sister and her husband (Deb and Kerry), who live in Texas, that we were planning a couple of months in the state, they highly recommended Garner State Park.  On our way to Garner, we stayed in Fredericksburg for a few days. I had selected this region as it is known as Texas' Wine Country - but unfortunately due to the winter storms the previous week many of the vineyards and surrounding parks were still recovering or without water and/or power.  But we were happy to have power and water at the RV park, and enjoyed a few relaxing days in the neighborhood, including a short hike in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Wildseed Farms the US's largest working seed farm (I have some of their Texas Sunflowers growing now!) as well as Fredericksburg Brewing.  In fact, when we found out a tasting in town of 3 2-oz pours at Grape Creek would be $25 per person, we ended up going back to Fredericksburg Brewing a second time.  I guess wine tasting is not our thing.  I would love to revisit when the Texas is fully recovered, and the Texas Bluebonnets are in full bloom!

**Updated 2024 - I had to rebuild this slide show and had to grab some pics off the internet**

Since Deb & Kerry had an RV, they planned on connecting with us for a few days in Garner.  They knew the region well as they had lived in Leakey, TX for a few years which is not too far from the park.  This time of year, the park was not very full and a couple of different campsite sections were closed.  We got two spots next to each other and they were both huge with plenty of room, bordering a wooded area.  See Tim's video of our sites here.

We took turns cooking dinner and as an appetizer, Kerry cooked Tablitas on the charcoal grill pit.  Tablitas are crosscut beef ribs, about 3/8″ thick, which were pre-marinated and they are amazing.   He also cooked shrimp on the grill that they purchased in Port Aransas when we met them there earlier on our trip.  Tim had a new recipe that he made once at home; Creamy One-pot Spinach Shrimp Pasta which he got from the "Tasty" recipe app.  We certainly had our fill of shrimp.

Kerry grilling the Tablitas

After being on the coast - beaches - we could finally enjoy some hiking trails.  Tim was looking forward to Garner State Park for the hiking and biking.  All the trails are easy to get to in the park.  Since we stayed in the park, Tim got up early and biked to the trail heads.  His primary goal was Old Baldy and he hit a few other trails that were connected.  He also did more trails on another day, since it would be the last time for awhile as we were heading back to Minnesota after this. See Tim's video of his hiking adventures.  

The Frio River runs on the east edge of the park.  Here you can enjoy swimming, floating and paddle boats. Our brother in-law knew the park well and took us to a spot where the campsites were closed, so there was nobody else on this part of the river.  We wondered out onto the river exploring, hiking along the rocks and boulders.  Most of the river bottom is solid rock and shallow, so you can easily walk in the river.  Just be careful of slippery spots!

Since Deb & Kerry were familiar with Leakey and the surrounding the area, we took a road trip to a remote section atop a fairly large hill to try out some drone shots (Kerry had a drone but hardly every used it!).

Drone footage of Leakey hill country.

We then jogged over to Bandera, the cowboy capital of the world!  We had a beer at the 11th Street Bar, then wandered over to Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon - it's below the General Store and you kinda have to know where to look.  We were treated to a "local" with most of his teeth, sharing an old cowboy poem about a donkey.  It's a thing - look it up.  In the bar, there was an older couple playing old cowboy standards and an old desk that Hank Williams carved his name in.  A definite must go if you find yourself in Bandera.

**Updated 2024 - I had to rebuild this slide show and had to grab some pics off the internet**

It was great to be back with family, and we looked forward to our trip back north.  We monitored the weather and road conditions, especially important since we would be bringing our trailer back north.

Great to enjoy Garner with our Buffalo Plaid Family!

We stopped in South Marietta, Oklahoma, then Kansas City, MO, where we winterized Minnie prior to entering Iowa.  

Sunset at The Grove RV Park, South Marietta, OK

Our last night we spent in a hotel in Albert Lea, MN and then made it home by noon the next day.  Not ideal returning to Minnesota in March, but we had to due to other commitments   We were happy to be home, and planning our next adventure!

Have you been to Garner State Park - during what season?   Have you been to Bandera and had a drink at Arkey Blue's?  Leave your comments below!  Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.