Read more about the article Mission San Jose – San Antonio, TX

Mission San Jose – San Antonio, TX

After spending most of our time in downtown San Antonio, we headed to Mission San Jose. Just five miles south of downtown, Mission San Jose, also known as “The Queen of the Missions,” offers a glimpse into Colonial Spanish life in the New World.

Until 1821, Texas was part of Mexico, which was really part of New Spain. The Spaniards built hundreds of missions across Mexico. In San Antonio alone, missionaries built the five missions along the San Antonio River in the 1700s. These missions were connected to each other by the King’s Highway (El Camino de Real de los Tejas), which stretched from Mexico City to the Sabine River at the Texas/Louisiana border.

Founding of Mission San Jose

The Franciscans founded Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo on the east side of the river in 1719. For unknown reasons, it moved to its present site on the other side of the river around 1727. By 1758, Mission San Jose housed over 280 Native Americans and included a granary, friary, church, mill, blacksmith shop, and soldiers’ quarters. Cattle totaled 1000, and sheep totaled over 3,200. It was a large operation!

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Read more about the article Hermann Park – Houston, TX

Hermann Park – Houston, TX

On our recent trip to Houston, we experienced Houston like tourists. Since most activities for a family wedding were located near the Museum District, we spent a morning at Hermann Park, followed the next day by a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston – MFAH.

Hermann Park

New York has Central Park, Atlanta has Piedmont Park, and San Francisco has Golden Gate Park. Houston’s equivalent is Hermann Park. Bordered by Rice University, Texas Medical Center, and the Museum District, the 445-acre Hermann Park offers activities galore.

One can easily spend lots of time here with the Houston Zoo, a public golf course, a dog park, the McGovern Centennial Gardens, the Japanese Gardens, and the Pioneer Memorial Obelisk. Additionally, you can hike the Marvin Taylor Trail, rent pedal boats, fish in Lake McGovern, ride a carousel, and eat at the restaurant. To the delight of many children, a small train even takes guests 18 miles to stops throughout the park.

Rose Garden at McGovern Centennial Gardens
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Read more about the article MFAH: Museum of Fine Arts – Houston, TX

MFAH: Museum of Fine Arts – Houston, TX

Most trips to Houston involve visiting family for both my husband and myself. After attending a family wedding in Houston this spring, we decided to see Houston like tourists. MFAH, which stands for Museum of Fine Arts Houston, has always been on my list to visit. It did not disappoint!

The museum consists of three buildings – the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, the Caroline Weiss Law Building, and the Audrey Jones Beck Building. Our two-hour visit barely scratched the surface so I plan to spend more time on our next trip.

Wilson Tunnel connecting the Law and Beck buildings
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Read more about the article Bayou Bend – Houston, TX

Bayou Bend – Houston, TX

We visit family so often in Houston that we forget to take advantage of the many museums, gardens, and other activities. On our recent trip, I took Thing 2 with me to Bayou Bend, the mansion and gardens of the late Houston philanthropist, Ima Hogg. Not knowing what to expect, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and left with a better understanding of Houston’s history.

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