The public gets its first chance this week to the see the newly restored Texas Governor’s Mansion.

The Governor’s Mansion began public tours on Tuesday, nearly a year after Gov. and Mrs. Perry returned to the home last summer. Anita Perry remarked on the first public tours and posted a couple of photos on her blog.

The Governor’s Mansion first opened as home to Texas’ top elected official in 1856. The Perrys moved out of the mansion in 2007 to make way for an extensive maintenance project. While that project was taking place, arsonists set fire to the mansion on June 8, 2008, gutting the building.

Shortly thereafter, the restoration project commenced, backed by a $21.5 million appropriation from the Texas Legislature. The project included the re-creation of the “X-and-Stick” porch railings, the ionic columns on the front porch, and the restoration of all historic rooms to their pre-fire appearance.

Tours are available Tuesdays through Thursdays, and require one-week advance reservations.

In Austin, artists and musicians are finalizing prepwork for this weekend’s Arts City Austin Festival (April 13-14), which transforms the streets surrounding City Hall and the 2^nd Street entertainment district into an outdoor art fair. Among the reasons to go: Hundreds of artists will display their works throughout the festival grounds, more than 150 pieces of art enliven the galleries inside City Hall, local food trailers offer sustenance and libations, musicians perform non-stop, and perhaps best of all-the weather promises to be spectacular!  Tickets cost $8; free admission for kids age 12 and younger. It’s also free if you ride your bike!

Interactive kids’ activities at Art City Austin

First produced in 1951 as the Texas Fine Arts Association’s Spring Juried Art Fair, the event—renamed Art City Austin— moved downtown in 2008. It’s organized by Art Alliance Austin, which works to advance the city “by integrating art, culture, and creativity into public life.” See www.artallianceaustin.org,

It’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend, with the weather cooperating just in time for several wildflower festivals and peak blooms still to come in some areas.  

On April 13-14, Chappell Hill hosts its 49^th annual Bluebonnet Festival, named the Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas by the Texas Legislature. The event features live entertainment, historical tours, food and vendors from 9 a.m. until the early evening, when you’ll want to get out for a sunset drive of wildflower country. The surrounding area tends to put on an impressive show  each year, and the area visitor bureau’s Wildflower Watch shows lots of ongoing blooms.

Indian blanket, coreopsis and a few bluebonnets put on a colorful show between Brady and Llano last year along SH 71.

Not to be outdone, Burnet and Llano counties share the title of “The Bluebonnet Capital of Texas”—and Burnet is where you can also find this weekend’s 30^th annual Burnet Wildflower Festival. Visitors can enjoy an air show, grand parade, carnival, car show, live music and entertainment, street dances, a pet parade, doghouse races, wiener dog races and vendors from April 12-14.

Also in the Hill Country, the Wine and Wildflower Trail makes a great case for visiting some of the region’s wineries at the height of spring scenery. Through April 14, visitors can sample wines at any of the area’s 32 participating wineries (remember to bring a designated driver!), get discounts on wine bottles and take home a packet of wildflower seeds as a reminder of the trip. Tickets are available on the Texas Hill Country Wineries website. If your journey takes you to Fredericksburg, also plan to make a stop at the Wildflower Celebration at Wildseed Farms or join the fun at the  Bluebonnet Tractor Ride on April 13.

In Ennis (which claims the official Bluebonnet City title), Texas Bluebonnet Trails season has begun, with the estimated peak for bluebonnets coming next week. Last year there was a breathtaking field of bluebonnets just east of town, which you can see in this video–there’s no guarantee that area will give an encore performance this year, but you never know!  Maps and updates on the best current driving routes in the area are available from the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau website. The city also hosts the Bluebonnet Trails Festival on April 20-21.

Resources for wildflower sightings

Visit TxDOT’s Drive Texas wildflowers page at  or call the 24-hour automated hotline at 800/452-9292 for reports on the locations of scenic spring wildflowers.

User-submitted tips and maps on wildflowers also are available at www.texasbluebonnetsightings.com.

The United States and Mexican governments opened the Boquillas border crossing on Wednesday, reestablishing tourist access between the two countries in Big Bend National Park.

A rowboat will ferry visitors across the Rio Grande at the Port of Boquillas, which is in the southeastern section of the park near Rio Grande Village. The crossing had been closed since 2002, when the United States shut it down in the aftermath of 9/11.

Boquillas is the only port of entry between Presidio and Del Rio, which are about 300 miles apart. For visitors entering Mexico, the crossing provides access to the village of Boquillas and the protected areas of Maderas del Carmen, Ocampo, and Cañon de Santa Elena.

Big Bend National Park has pushed to re-open the crossing to foster both tourism opportunities and resource management cooperation with its Mexican counterparts.

The port is open to pedestrians only—no vehicles—from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, according to a joint press release from the National Park Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

For travelers entering the United States, the National Park Service is staffing an interagency facility that houses two kiosks with a remote link to Customs & Border Protection officials in other locations. Border agents can interview crossers and examine their documents via the remote link.

The press release from the U.S. agencies did not contain details about documents required for American travelers entering Mexico. However, it said that travelers returning from Mexico to the U.S. must have a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative approved document , such as a U.S. passport.

It’s also worth noting that travelers returning from Mexico to Big Bend are only permitted to cross during the aforementioned hours of operation.

—

Both photos by Robert Hart

Texas wildflowers are so delicately beautiful that it’s no surprise their annual blooms are subject to the whims of spring weather.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin says spring showers bode well for some wildflower blooms, while cool spring temperatures are delaying others.

“Look for the wildflower season to improve as we get deeper into spring and into the early summer, when wildflowers that need less rainfall traditionally reach their peak,” Damon Waitt, the center’s senior director, said in a press release.

Here are some highlights from Tuesday’s press release:

• “Cool temperatures have also encouraged Texas bluebonnets, blackfoot daisies and other early bloomers to stick around longer in locations where there was enough fall rain for them to flower.  In other areas, the cool weather delayed the peak of some blooms.”
• “Among the good viewing options are: bluebonnet patches along roadways near Brenham, Texas. Other Washington County sightings include many coreopsis along Highway 290 East near Hempstead and winecups and other wildflowers where that highway intersects with FM 1488.”

Be sure to check out our April cover story about beautiful wildflower drives, and join us May 4-12 for the Texas Highways annual wildflower photo exhibit at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 27 years since musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Fabulous Thunderbirds started showing up on TV and radio with songs to discourage littering as part of the Don’t mess with Texas campaign.

The campaign was a big success and grew into a household slogan in Texas, and even beyond. But at the same time, the state’s population has grown (at a pace of 1,000 people per day currently), and a younger generation of Texans doesn’t necessarily relate the slogan with its anti-littering message.

That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation on Tuesday launched a makeover of Don’t mess with Texas, including a special emphasis on the iconic red, white, and blue trash barrels—the same cans that first showed up in early commercials with the likes of Randy White and Ed “Too Tall” Jones of the Dallas Cowboys.

“We want to remind all Texans and visitors that trash belongs in a trash can and not along our roadways,” says Phil Wilson, TxDOT’s executive director. “That’s why trash barrels are playing a key role in the re-launch of Don’t mess with Texas, our state’s most critical and successful anti-litter campaign.”

TxDOT held a press conference on the State Capitol grounds to introduce the makeover, complete with dancing trashcans (performed by Austin comedy group Esther’s Follies), a new anti-littering song performed by local musician Shakey Graves, and penguins from SeaWorld San Antonio.

The department plans to distribute more than 300 branded trash barrels across the state in the coming months, including at state Travel Information Centers, to drive home the message of the Don’t mess with Texas campaign. Let’s hope people get the point and start curtailing the estimated 1.1 billion pieces of litter thrown each year along Texas roadways.

We may be hard at work finishing up the summer edition of the Texas Highways Events Calendar, but our eyes are always on what’s coming up next weekend. Now that spring is officially here, there are great annual events popping up all over the state, plus plenty of Easter activities happening this weekend.

Wildflowers are starting to bloom along Texas roadways, but if you’re in East Texas, don’t forget to look up in the trees. In Palestine, the dogwood trees are putting on their best show for the last weekend of the Dogwood Trails Celebration, which features a lively roster of activities including wine tastings, cooking classes, historical tours, train rides, a gospel music festival and Easter celebrations. Tips on the best places to see dogwood blooms can be found at Dogwood Bloom Watch, or find the local visitor center at www.visitpalestine.com for more information.

About an hour northeast in Tyler, the Azalea and Spring Flower Trails is another great place to see a Texas spring in bloom, with additional events through April 7.

This weekend also marks the final days of the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont, which features a carnival, midway, live entertainment, livestock shows, and car and boat displays. Saturday is Kids Day, so all children age 17 and younger get in for free and pay only $1 per ride on the midway between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

It’s also Easter weekend, and there are plenty of opportunities to make the holiday special (and get in some extra egg-hunting practice for the kids). Here are just a few:

Amarillo: Easter EGG-citement, March 30

Beaumont: The Last Days of Christ Outdoor Passion Drama, March 28-30

Fairfield: Annual Easter Eggstravanganza , March 30

Fredericksburg: Easter Fires of Fredericksburg Pageant, March 30

Mount Vernon: Easter in the Park and Community Egg Hunt, March 30

Stonewall: Easter at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, March 30

The Dallas Film Society is busy preparing for this year’s Dallas International Film Festival, which kicks off next week.

The event runs April 4-14 and features 175 films at venues across the city. I had a chance to interview Lee Papert, festival executive director, by email recently, and here’s what he had to say about the event.

How many film submissions did the festival receive?

This year, overall, we received just over 1,300 film entries.

What distinguishes DIFF from other film festivals?

The Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) is an “encyclopedic” festival. We offer a little bit of everything—which isn’t unusual. But, most importantly (and why we are different) is the atmosphere. We strive mightily to create an ambiance that celebrates film—and all the creativity that goes into it. No matter whether you’re the director of a blockbuster or you’ve just screened your first short film; whether you’re a costume designer, cinematographer, producer, or grip—we celebrate the artist. The passion we have for the process and the people involved, well, it makes for a truly welcoming atmosphere—one that also embraces the people attending the movies, participating in the panel discussions, or having their faces painted at Family Day! (Family Day features a free screening of The Sandlot at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Klyde Warren Park.)

Has the festival grown from last year, by how much?

While we certainly won’t know attendance figures till after the 2013 DIFF is completed, we have grown in respect to our “footprint.” We’re bigger in scope and facilities. This year, we’re adding new facilities, including the Klyde Warren Park, and we’re returning to Plano for a special Centerpiece Screening at the “absolutely incredible place to watch a movie” Cinemark West Plano theater.

What are some exciting or interesting aspects of this year’s event?

As mentioned, we’re expanding our “footprint” geographically—and are partnering with a couple of brand new venues. One of those, the new LOOK Cinemas offers a wonderful new multi-theater complex and an incredible new take on the “in-theater dining” theme. LOOK is our Opening Night venue and we’ll happily show at least five different movies that night—and then treat our guests to fine dining from Nick & Sam’s Grill. Finally, we continue to embrace the word “International” that is part of our name by striving to show wonderful films from all over the world. Last year we featured films from 27 different countries. We expect even more this year.

What is the festival doing to honor Italy (this year’s featured nation)?

Each year, we like to shine a spotlight on the films and filmmakers of a different country. Last year it was Korea—this year, Italy—a country rich with film in her blood. Home to Fellini, the spaghetti western, Franco Zeffirelli’s classic Romeo & Juliet, and so much more. We will show at most seven films—showcasing everything from a classic Fellini film to one or two new movies. Throw in some classic Italian food and drink—and you have our Italian Spotlight!

What are some of the films being screened this year?

We are thrilled to be screening Java Heat with Mickey Rourke and Kellen Lutz; Midnight’s Children—Deepa Mehta’s film written by Salman Rushdie from his book of the same name; Mud with Matthew McConaughey; and many, many others.

How many people attended the festival last year?

The 2012 Dallas International Film Festival saw more than 35,000 people attend more than 180 different movies, multiple parties, our panel discussions, Family Day, our High School Day and all of the Festival’s offerings.

Who were some of the movie stars/celebrities that attended last year?

Last year, we were thrilled to bring to Dallas Laura Linney, Gabourey Sidibe, Peter Weller, Michael Weston, Famke Jannssen, Don & Donnie Nelson, Julie White, Glen Keane, and many others.

Who are some of the movie stars/celebrities expected to attend this year?

This year, we fully expect to welcome award-winning director William Friedkin, Indian director Deepa Mehta, Twilight heartthrob Kellen Lutz, the first woman to ever run a major movie studio Sherry Lansing, and a host of other stars and fan favorites.

What’s a special tip you would give to someone visiting Dallas for the festival?

Dallas is an incredible city for film. But, it’s also a great city for art and dining. Come to Dallas for the Film Festival, but each day, before the movies start, why not check out our incredible museums like the Crow Collection of Asian Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Dallas Museum of Art in the downtown Dallas Arts District. Or, if you’re here for the second weekend of the Festival, explore the many galleries attending the Dallas Art Fair. All that art appreciation is sure to make you hungry—so don’t miss our many, many FANTASTIC restaurants. There’s definitely something for everyone!

Photo courtesy of Best Maid

 

What goes great with a green shirt and green beer on St. Patrick’s Day? If you’re in Mansfield, the answer is simple—pickles.

This city on the southern edge of the DFW Metroplex, birthplace of the Best Maid brand of pickles, thought their local product was a natural when it came to the wearin’ o’ the green. Thus, the World’s Only Best Maid St. Paddy’s Pickle Parade & Palooza was born last year.

“We hope to make it an annual tradition in Mansfield,” says Isabel Lamb, the brand manager for Best Maid. “Last year we had about 7,000 people, and this year we hope to have about 10,000 to 13,000.”

Lamb said the idea for this event took root when Amanda Rogers, the editor of the Mansfield News-Mirror, approached Best Maid to write a historical piece. Rogers presented the idea of tying the pickle purveyor into a family-oriented event, and the company became the main sponsor.

This weekend’s festival on March 16 starts with a parade at 2 p.m. It also includes some unique touches, like pickle-eating and pickle juice-drinking contests, “Wheelie-ing Elvi” (the plural of Elvis, I think) and the Pickle Queens–a group of women in red wigs and green gowns who appear in the parade and represent the event at special occasions year-round.  (There may even be a giant papier-mache pickle this year, at the suggestion of some amusing commentary  about last year’s event.) The street party begins afterward.

Other St. Patrick’s Day events across the state include:

Dublin: St Patrick’s Day Festival

Shamrock: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Wichita Falls: St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Festival

Surfside Beach: St. Patrick’s Day Parade

It’s shaping up to be another busy weekend in Texas for Santa with dozens of events to get people jingling all the way to Christmas. If you’re looking for a place to get in the holiday spirit, check out the list below for tips on what’s happening this Friday and Saturday, or browse all the December listings here.

Do you have a favorite event that you’re planning to visit soon? Let us know in the comments, or better yet, share your holiday photos with us on Instagram. We’d love to see Christmas light displays, little ones meeting Santa (whether happy to or not), live nativity scenes, Texas-sized menorahs, luminarias, ice skating in short sleeves–anything that says “holidays in Texas” to you. Just be sure to post your photos with the tag #TxHwysHolidays, and they’ll be added to our slideshow. We’ve posted a few already (above) just to get started. For more details on how it all works, check out the previous blog post.

Holiday happenings this weekend include:

• Baytown: Christmas on Texas Avenue Street Festival, Dec. 8
• Belton: Old-Fashioned Christmas, Dec. 8
• Burnet: Christmas on the Square and Christmas at Fort Croghan, Dec. 8
• Caldwell: Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Square, Dec. 7-8
• Chappell Hill: Holiday Home Tour and Teddy Bear Parade, Dec. 8
• Conroe: Annual Christmas Celebration, Dec. 8
• Fredericksburg: Lighted Community Christmas Parade, Dec. 7; and St. Nikolausmarkt, Dec. 7-8
• Kemah/Clear Lake Area: Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade, Dec. 8
• Kilgore: Snow Hill Festival, Dec. 7-8; and Holiday Happenings in Historic Homes, Dec. 8
• Lubbock: Candlelight at the Ranch, Dec. 7-8
• McAllen: Candlelight Posada, Dec. 8
• Mesquite: Christmas in the Park, Dec. 6-8
• Round Top: Christmas in Winedale, Dec. 8
• Tomball: Christmas on Commerce, Dec. 8; and the German Christmas Market and Festival, Dec. 7-9

And don’t forget these ongoing events:

• Burnet: Christmas Trail of Lights, Dec. 1-31
• Grapevine: North Pole Express and Christmas on Main, weekends through December
• Johnson City: Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style, through Jan. 1
• Marble Falls: Walkway of Lights, through Jan. 1
• Midland: Christmas at the Mansion, Dec. 1-29
• Nacogdoches: Nine Flags Festival, through Dec. 8
• Spring: Home for the Holidays, weekends through Dec. 23
• Wichita Falls: ElectriCritters (weekends until Dec. 22) and Fantasy of Lights (through Jan. 1)
• The Woodlands: Winter Wonderland and Woodlands Ice Rink, through Jan. 21