One look around Castroville and you can immediately see that it’s like no other town in the Texas Hill Country. Tucked into a bend of the Medina River and surrounded by rolling hills, the town looks as if it has been plucked from a European countryside and placed in the heart of Texas. Fachwerk cottages and Alsatian architecture speckle the town, giving it an Old World warmth. With a unique blend of French, German, and Swiss influence, Castroville begs to be explored.
Here are five fun ways to get to know Castroville:
1. Take a historic walking tour.
Photo: www.wikimedia.org
With over 60 historic building throughout the town, a walking tour is a perfect way to take it all in. Visit The Steinbach House, which was not only built in the 1600’s but in Wahlbach, France. Now a Tourism and Cultural Center, you will learn about its history and the four-year relocation efforts. Also, see the Landmark Inn and tour the grounds of what was once a dry goods store, then an inn, then expanded to a gristmill. Also, don’t forget the original St. Louis Catholic Church, which was built just days after the settlement of Castroville. No worries, if walking long distances isn’t your cup of tea, there are also step-right-on-up buses and vans to shuttle you between stops. Be sure to book your tour a few weeks in advance to ensure a spot.
2. Take a selfie in front of Haby’s Alsatian Bakery mural.
Photo: Yelp/Rubin C.
In honor of the Texas-Alsace spirit, Patrice Hoff of Mulhouse, France created a mural on the east side of the Haby’s Bakery, making it an ideal photo op. The mural depicts what makes Castroville unique such as it’s founder Henri Castro, St. Louis’ Catholic Church, and scenes from Castroville’s sister town of Eguisheim, France.
3. Enjoy a pastry at Haby’s (since you’re there).
Photo: Pixabay/Artemtation
After you’ve successfully uploaded your selfie to social media, #TheLittle Alsace, follow your nose and step inside Haby’s for a handmade honey bun or cinnamon roll. Also, check out their selection of international bread such as rye, pumpernickel, tortilla, and pumpkin.
4. Stop and enjoy the poppies.
Photo: Pixabay/HOerwin56
There are no shortages of places to appreciate the natural beauty of Castroville. If you are lucky enough to be in town during March and April, you can’t miss the vibrant red Alsatian Poppies that burst into bloom all through town. You can also spy over 160 bird species and 65 butterfly species by strolling over a dozen trails in Castroville’ss Regional Park. If you’d like some expert gardening advice or would like to take home a beautiful plant or garden piece to remember your trip by, be sure to pay Brady’s Blooming Barn a visit. If you’re lucky you may catch an educational demo from one of the local chefs or partake in a wine or beer tasting while you’re there.
Photo: Pixabay/Ron Porter
No matter the season, Castroville has something to celebrate! Visit Castroville’s Market days held the 2nd Saturday on March, June, and September. Celebrate the “grandaddy” of all church festivals, St. Louis Day, in August. Walk to your heart’s content in the Annual Volksmarch that takes you to beautiful points of interest through the town. Or, shop till you drop at over 250 booths that make up the Old Fashion Christmas.
