Things to Do

4 Reasons to Go Nuts Over San Saba, Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

It is not bragging if it can be proven. And, the proof is in San Saba, the “Pecan Capital of the World,” and home of the original Mother Pecan tree! Visit San Saba to discover why these Hill Country Texans own the braggin’ rights for the biggest nuts in Texas and could successfully argue their bridges and parks deserve honorable mentions, too.

1. Pecan Capital of the World

4 Reasons to Go Nuts Over San Saba

Photo: Flickr/Michele

San Saba can thank E.E. Risien for putting this Texas town on the map. Risien, an English cabinet maker, discovered pecan trees growing in abundance in San Saba. He staged the first pecan show in San Saba County to find the best pecan. After the judging, Risien bought the land on which the winning pecan tree stood and continued to produce tons of pecans of several varieties. One well-known variety is the Jumbo Hollis. This tree, by the banks of the Colorado River near San Saba, is believed to be the world’s most productive pecan tree. The tree yields nuts of astonishing size. Ripley’s Believe It or Not says the Jumbo Hollis requires the least number of nuts to weigh a pound—only 33 instead of the normal 70.

2. A Few Fun Facts

4 Reasons to Go Nuts Over San Saba

Photo: Flickr/QuesterMark

A famous pecan tree is not the town’s only claim to fame. San Saba has so much more to offer fans of the Texas Hill Country. For stargazers or paparazzi, San Saba can claim one of the original “Men in Black.”  Tommy Lee Jones who was born in San Saba owns a 3000-acre ranch in the area.

For history buffs, the town has pristinely preserved some very historic buildings from the 1800s. One of these is the oldest continuously operating jail in the United States. Built in 1884, the jail is still serving its initial purpose.

For conservationists and romantics, San Saba proposes (pun intended) the Wedding Oak Tree. Folklore claims Indian braves married their Indian maidens under its glorious and expansive boughs; and, National Geographic designated it as one of the ten most remarkable trees for Earth Day 2016.

3. Beautiful Bridges

4 Reasons to Go Nuts Over San Saba

Photo: Flickr/Chanchey

For a quaint and unique experience, sway over the historic bridges of San Saba. The Beveridge Bridge is a single-lane, wooden suspension bridge over the San Saba River.  It was built in 1896 and after several restorations remains open to pedestrians but not to vehicles.

The Regency Bridge, also known as the “Swinging Bridge,” is a one-lane suspension bridge over the Colorado River.  It was built in 1939 and is the last suspension bridge in Texas still open to vehicle traffic.  With all the swinging and swaying, you will need a steady hand to capture the gorgeous panoramic views and the wild life visible from such outstanding viewpoints. After this dizzying excursion, head over and relax at one of San Saba’s beautiful parks.

4. Play at the Park

4 Reasons to Go Nuts Over San Saba

Photo: Flickr/PaulBradshaw

San Saba Park is the ideal place to enjoy and appreciate nature. Paved walking trails and wide bridges crossing over the river offer perfect views of old pecan trees and wild life roaming in the woods. Risien Park is a serene and relaxing park along the river that is perfect for family outings.  It is equipped with grills and tables for picnics and cookouts. And, as if beautifully landscaped grounds with showy ferns, cannas, and caladiums along meandering nature trails were not enough, Mill Pond Park includes a spring-fed lake, a cascading waterfall, a charming water wheel, a grist mill, a sandy beach, a duck pond, and a bridge perfect as a backdrops for photo enthusiasts. So much serenity and nostalgia captured in one beautiful park!

Although size does matter, it may not be all it’s cracked up to be. With ample natural beauty and a magnetic old-world allure that calls out to one’s most primitive adventurous spirit, San Saba’s charming appeal keeps folks coming back for more. Come see for yourself!