Lifestyle

Treasuring the Past & Looking Toward a Bright Future in Castroville

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The city of Castroville, located in the Texas Hill Country, maintains great pride in its humble beginnings. Colonized in the mid-1840s by a group from Alsace, France, it now carries the title of the “Little Alsace” of Texas, and rightfully so.  It’s a wonderful place in which visitors can learn about the settlement of the state, the pioneers who worked to establish roots here, and how the town became prosperous. It’s also a great place to find yourself experiencing unique events designed to promote the past while also looking toward the bright future of Castroville.

Treasuring the Past & Looking Toward a Bright Future in Castroville

Photo: Instagram/slightclutter

Pioneer Day is one such event that invokes a sense of community and is open for all to attend. On Saturday, October 13, the Landmark Inn will host this one-of-a-kind event, featuring storytelling, open-fire cooking, mules pulling a wagon, and so much more. By nightfall, guests can enjoy a guided campfire tour back in time to the year 1844! During the reenactment, they can listen in on the conversations of Alsatian colonists, Lipan Apaches, Tejano ranchers, and Texas Rangers. Exhibits will also be available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with campfire tours commencing at 7 p.m. (free with a reservation). The cost of daytime admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children (6 – 17 years of age). Make your reservations today by calling (830) 931-2133.

Treasuring the Past & Looking Toward a Bright Future in Castroville

Photo: City of Castroville

The Landmark Inn is integral to your experience of Pioneer Day in Castroville. The historic inn tells the story of the community, which is recognized as one of San Antonio’s oldest suburbs. In its early settlement years, Castroville was home to a multicultural population, including African Americans and Hispanics, among others. The Landmark Inn, the store, surrounding homes, and the mill were all part of a community center or hub, providing services to locals and travelers. Since the 1920s, the Inn has become one of the state’s best-preserved historic structures. It not only allows for year-round family-friendly programming and events but also offers a uniquely immersive overnight experience in comfortable, historic lodgings. With all of this on the banks of the scenic Medina River, it’s tough to find a more picturesque and meaningful setting from which to enjoy the Hill Country. For more information on the Landmark Inn or to plan your visit, go to www.visitlandmarkinn.com or call 830-931-2133.

Treasuring the Past & Looking Toward a Bright Future in Castroville

Photo: Facebook/Castroville Botanical Garden Trail

Fast on the heels of Pioneer Day is the 5th Annual Backyard Bluegrass Concert, benefitting the completion of the Botanical Garden Trail in the Castroville Regional Park. On October 21, this benefit fundraiser will be held at Houston Marchman’s backyard (it’s literally a backyard concert, by the way), located at the corner of Florence and Angelo Streets. This wonderfully charming musical event will feature The Tennessee Valley Authority and Houston Marchman & the SouthTexas Field Hippies as its headliners. For more information and to plan your attendance, contact patmarince @ sbcglobal dot net.

Treasuring the Past & Looking Toward a Bright Future in Castroville

Photo: Facebook/Castroville Botanical Garden Trail

Quickly becoming a reality, the Botanical Garden Trail at the Castroville Regional Park is designed to showcase the area’s great diversity of native plant species. It will not only be the ideal place for the display of these important plants, but it will also include interpretive signage, together with online educational materials. The entire package promises to be a noteworthy outdoor education tool. School and nature groups, as well as park visitors and tourists, are sure to enjoy the experience.

Treasuring the Past & Looking Toward a Bright Future in Castroville

Photo: Instagram/jobetsypsh

The City of Castroville has been working toward the completion of the Botanical Garden Trail over recent years. Efforts have included conceptual and physical design approval and implementation, completion of a Butterfly Garden, and now the installation of accompanying irrigation systems. The project is nearing construction for the limestone block terraces and its ADA-compliant trails, for which fundraising has played an indispensable role. $25,000 is required to complete the upper portion of the trail. Those interested in donating toward ensuring this project’s success can do so at the Go Fund Me site (at this link), or by check written to the Botanical Garden Trail. Checks can be mailed to the Friends of Castroville Regional Park, P.O. Box 173, Castroville, Texas, 78009. Your support of this initiative will go a long way toward ensuring the natural beauty of Castroville will be preserved for everyone to enjoy in the years to come.

Treasuring the Past & Looking Toward a Bright Future in Castroville

Photo: City of Castroville

While striding toward the future, Castroville wears its history as a badge of honor. Its community members support the preservation of the past even as they welcome tomorrow’s changes. It’s the best of both worlds – old and new – right here in the Texas Hill Country.