Golden Sunsets and Sandy Beaches

Doesn't this photo make you want to be there? Right now? There's just something about a sunset on a beach that calms the body and spirit. The weather is perfect right now for a trip to the beach. If you want to go, give these fine folks a shout: Matagorda Bay Nature Park or the Matagorda County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. They've got information about birding, kayaking, educational programs, places to stay, and other fun things to see and do. Photo courtesy of darkhairedgirl.

Stop and Smell the Lavender

Start making plans to visit beautiful Blanco in the heart of the Texas Hill Country for the fifth annual Blanco Lavender Festival. This year's event will be held June 12-14. A Lavender Market will be held on the grounds of the Old Blanco County Courthouse featuring arts and crafts and local lavender products. Tour many of the local lavender farms where you will experience the beauty of lavender in the fields and the unique vision of each farmer. For information on more things to see and do while you're in Blaco, visit the Blanco Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of caterpillar.steps.

SEMINAR - Social Media Marketing: Using Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs to Promote Your Community

The Colorado River Trail and the Texas Leadership Institute is cosponsoring a seminar entitled, "Social Media Marketing: Using Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs to Promote Your Community." The seminar will be held in Austin, TX at LCRA's Red Bud Center on June 11, 2009. The seminar is only $50 and includes all course materials and lunch.

Does your community have a Facebook page? Do you know how to Twitter? How much traffic does your blog get? Learn how the answers to these questions can open the door to a whole new way of marketing your community. Using social media marketing, you can promote your community to visitors, keep residents informed and engaged, and participate in meaningful conversations with your customers.

Topics Include the Following:

• Introduction to Social Media - Learn what social media is and how it can be used to effectively marketing and promote a community.
• Facebook, Twitter, & Blogs: Tools to Try - Learn how to set up a Facebook page, a blog, and a Twitter account during this seminar. Don't forget to bring your laptop!
• Live Web Site Critiques - Get supportive input from the presenter and the audience.
• Case Studies - Hear from communities that are using social media now.
• Live Webinar - Learn how to promote an event with social media via a live webinar.

Speakers include Carla Pendergraft with Carla Pendergraft Associates, Ellie Mirman with HubSpot (Boston, MA), Katie Cook with the Austin Convention and Visitor Bureau, and Will Hampton with the City of Round Rock.

To register, visit the Texas Leadership Institute's website and sign up for course number 1382. If you have questions, please send an E-mail to Sarah Page.

Mmmm, Gulf Coast Shrimp

Shrimp boats are a common sight along the Texas Gulf Coast. The ones pictured above were shot in Palacios. For those who live inland, it can be quite an experience to watch the shrimpers in action. In many locations along the coast, you can even buy fresh Gulf shrimp right off the boat. For more information on shrimping in Palacios and on their Shrimp-O-Ree festival in August, contact the Palacios Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Van Sutherland.

Vanishing Texas River Cruise

Spring is here, and the weather outside is perfect for a cruise around Lake Buchanan. Beautiful scenery, bird watching, a little history, and some good friends - what more can you ask for? Vanishing Texas River Cruise offers sightseeing tours and special cruises year-round. Why not take a cruise this weekend? Photo courtesy of John. W. Schulze.

Take Flight at the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum

The Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum in Schulenburg chronicles the successful careers of brothers Joe and Victor Stanzel in the model aircraft industry. The museum includes three areas for visitors to experience: 1) the main museum wing, which includes interactive and static exhibits, 2) the factory wing, which demonstrates how model aircraft are manufactured, and 3) the historic Stanzel home. For more information on things to see and do in Schulenburg, contact the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of wlcausey.

Burnet's Bluebonnet Festival

On April 10-12, why don't you plan a visit to the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival? There will be arts and crafts vendors, food, live music, an air show and car show, ride on the Hill Country Flyer, and a shoot-out by the Burnet Gunfighters. Keep an eye out for this guy pictured above ... we can't tell if he's a good guy or a bad guy. For information about the Bluebonnet Festival and other fun things to do in Burnet, contact the Burnet Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Van Sutherland.

The Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol Building is a beautiful example of late 19th century public architecture. Rising 15 feet higher than the nation's capitol, the building is made from "sunset red" granite quarried just 50 miles from the site. Guided tours are offered daily, with the exception of major holidays. Tours include the capitol building and the new underground extension and cover the history of the building, the legislative process, and a good bit of Texas history too. For those who plan to visit before the end of May 2009, you could see state government in action. The 81st Legislature is currently in session, and the public is welcome to come watch the legislative process at work. Photo courtesy of MattyV53.

Watch the Trains Go By in Flatonia

Flatonia is a town rich in railroad history. The trains and railroads are still something visitors can experience today. Pictured in the photo is the famous Tower 3. Visitors can tour the inside of the tower and the Southern Pacific Caboose by making an appointment with the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce. The Flatonia Rail Park also has a photo pavilion where visitors can safely watch and photograph the trains as they pass by. Photo courtesy of rhrown.

All Aboard!

What better way to see the beautiful Texas Hill Country than traveling by train? The Hill Country Flyer is a great family outing, and a wonderful way to enjoy the Spring weather and the wildflowers. Excursions begin in Cedar Park, and travel through Liberty Hill and Bertram before ending in Burnet. Special events on the train are also a lot of fun. Special excursions include the Bluebonnet Festival, Murder on the Bertram Flyer, Oatmeal Flyer, Halloween Ghost Stories, Halloween Murder Mystery, North Pole Flyer, Main Street Bethlehem, and New Year's Eve Flyer. Wanna ride? Photo courtesy of Van Sutherland.