Knocking on Knox County's Door

Have you ever received a present not expecting it to contain much? Then you open it to find the most magnificent treasure imaginable. This would be my trip to Knox County. As Regional Coordinator of the Texas Plains Trail Region, you can't even believe the wonderful places I get to go. Everyone of them unique. Everyone of them different. But KNOX COUNTY! Wow and double WOW! This place knocked my socks off with their accomplishments made by their creative, stick-to-it, won't say no attitude. This is the finest example of community partnerships. The towns of Knox City, Goree, Truscott, Munday, and Benjamin have joined forces to showoff the best things in their county. It is rural tourism at its finest. Laying aside school rivalries within the county, these towns have listed their assests, made goals, and like a house on fire, set off to get them done. Everything from quaint shopping stores, decorated tractors, precious bed & breakfasts, hunting opportunities, ranch tours, salvaged buildings, car collections, watermelon feasts--I'm not kidding, I'm in love with this county. I am planning to take visitors to Knox County for an "inspirational tour." They have set the standard for other communities to follow. Visit their website today to find out more: http://www.knoxcountytexas.org/. You will find the people who'll welcome you with open arms. Drop in, won't ya? The visit will make you smile. Tell em' Deborah Sue sent you. Find out more awesome places in our region at: http://www.texasplainstrail.com/.

Stop and SHOP in Seminole

Isn't it great to be driving down a highway on a long trip home, then suddenly get sidetracked by something unexpectedly wonderful? This happened recently to Texas Plains Trail Board Member, Virginia Scott on a return from El Paso. They made a "pit stop" in Seminole, Texas, and just happened to find a sign reading, "SEMINOLE TRADE DAYS!" What luck! Now they certainly couldn't resist, and holy smokes they found treasures galore. Virginia and her traveling companion, Georgia, found food booths (Hot dogs, Mexican food, hamburgers), and lots of booths filled-to-the gills with beautifully crafted items from local artisans. Booths ladened with iron works, jewelry, home decor, purses...well, let's just say, more than can be described --lured the two of them to purchase the following: a set of 4 ceramic garden pots (Inexpensive as compared to retail stores), key hangers for their purses, presents for all the grandchildren, dried salsa dips, homemade dish scrubbies, and peanut patties. (Sidenote: Seminole is #1 in peanuts. You can even have freshly made peanut butter made in a jiffy. No pun intended) Virginia and Georgia apparently left a few dollars in Seminole. They couldn't say enough about all of the items to be had for a few dollars: leather works, birds, farm/ranch supplies, water softeners. After a "short" stop--an hour and a half---stomachs full and trunk loaded, they were happy campers. Needless to say, the two of them could do a commercial for Seminole Trade Days. Virginia stated, "We always drive to our meetings and always find something new that either teaches us, pleases us, or simply mystifies us. That's the beauty of TEXAS."
I don't know about you, but I'm going to find out the upcoming Trade Days in Seminole at http://www.seminoletxchamber.org/. Check out more great places to go in the Plains Trail Region at http://www.texasplainstrail.com/

Nothing Shallow About Shallowater, Texas

Shallowater, Texas, a community Northwest of Lubbock, is anything but one dimensional. It will be evident upon your arrival that its, "Texas roots run deep." This motto has evidently been passed on to the youth. A visit to the school will leave you knowing that the future of Shallowater is in great hands. Under the direction of teacher, Cindy Crouch, and Superintendent Phil Warren, the Service Learning Class have begun the Woodward Heritage Park. Dana and Elleine Woodward, former Shallowater ISD teachers, donated their Heritage Farm artifacts to the district and all have been moved to the Shallowater HS grounds. Structures include the home, and the school house (with the bell). Future projects include adding the windmill, corral, and landscaping. This amazing group of community-minded students have made a commitment to honor their past and embrace the future. Through their efforts, much has been done to improve the town. News headlines these days focus upon teenagers in trouble. Make no mistake, Shallowater has found the key to student involvement. These bright, creative, and visionary kids give presentations that major CEO's would envy. Visit their website at: www. shallowaterisd.net to find out more. The Texas Plains Trail Regional Board of Directors recently had a meeting there, and as a retired teacher, I can say, never have I witnessed a more impressive group of students. If you are needing motivation for your youth, head to Shallowater to see the wondrous things they have done. Shallowater....a great place to visit and live. Check out our website to find more excursions: http://www.texasplainstrail.com/.

A Toast to Post

I have the great privilege of traveling the 52 Counties and 282 Communities in the Texas Plains Trail Region. It never ceases to amaze me that every trip I find something new and unusual. The trip to Post, Texas this week was one of those learning experiences. Back when Post had its monthly Old Mill Trade Days, I was a vendor selling my calligraphy artwork. Those days however, I drove in...drove out...never stopping to mill ( no pun intended) around the town. What a mistake that was! This town....wow! Post was founded by cereal magnate CW Post. Yes, that's right, CW of Post Toasties and Grapenuts. It seems CW, after manufacturing all kinds of agricultural equipment and "fathering" advertisement for his healthy products, Postum, Post Toasties and others, was looking for his "Utopia." He found that perfect spot about three and a half miles from the Cap Rock on the High Plains of Texas. A beautiful town was built...much of which is still standing thanks to the wonderful community who has embraced their significant history. The City of Post...once Post City...flourishes today with the OS Museum (you gotta see this!), the old Sanitarium which now holds the Garza County Historical Museum (Get one of the girls to give you the tour...you'll love it...and learn lots.), the Hotel Garza Bed & Breakfast l, the Garza Theatre, and the Historic Algerita Building. Believe me, one day in Post isn't enough. Make time to catch a gospel show at the Ragtown Theater...and then...the shops. I stopped in at the Plum Crazy, a unique creative place. You won't get out of that place without finding something unusually cute! I'm heading back in a week...you come too! Check out the fantastic history of Post at http://www.texasplainstrail.com/ Happy Trails!

Making My Way To Matador, Motley County

If you're ever feeling the pressure of this fast-paced, never ending list of to-do's...and just need to get to a quiet and quaint place to let the world fall off of you...head to Motley County. Arriving in Matador is a bit like placing yourself in the middle of a movie set. Reminiscent of "Whistle Stop" in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, the town has a friendliness and warmth that is hard to capture elsewhere. The newly restored Hotel Matador Bed & Breakfast built in 1914, is a great place to end the day. Beautiful furnished great room, cozy, elegantly decorated guest rooms, and, OH SO delicious breakfast was enough...but add to that picture a wonderfully fun conversation...and I have to say, it would be hard to beat. Not a lot of eateries after about 7 pm, but right smack on Main Street Matador you'll find a quaint little inexpensive, yet yummy Main Street Cafe. The folks in Motley County are best-friend kind of friendly. With genuine hospitality, we were shown around the county where tons of interesting history abounds. Their local, Friends Who Care, are smack dab in the middle of renovating the Motley County Jail which is 117 years old- the oldest government structure in the county. As history goes, one frequently jailed cowboy would call out to passersby in the hopes of getting a cigarette with,"Hello out there." This story was relayed to William Saroyan, a playwright, who wrote a successful stage play with that title, "Hello Out There. Lots of fun history & stories go with that jailhouse. There will be a fun, fundraiser coming up this summer to add funds to that cause. While there, places to visit are the Motley County Historical Museum and you must also drive a few miles to Roaring Springs...an amazing little place with a large history...and much pride in the beautiful park. Be there around two...and you can join the locals at the Roaring Springs Bed and Breakfast for coffee...and insider's information. Roaring Springs Ranch Club is near and offers camping, swimming, golf, fishing, and hiking...a place for family fun and happiness. More on Matador later. But...why wait....get moving to Matador. You can find all the history of this special place at http://www.texasplainstrail.com/.

Down to Denver City

There are untold blessings to discover as you drive along the vast roadways of the Texas Plains Trail Region. This part of Texas truly signifies the Texas that outsiders view it to be.....wide open spaces, working cowboys, oil wells sprinkled around the area, windmills, barbed-wire fences...and yes, the most amazing sunrises & sunsets imaginable to the human eye.
This trip to Denver City, Yoakum County wanders through Friona-Cheeseburger Capitol, into Muleshoe where you can view probably the world's largest horsehoe. Driving down further South, you'll pass through the Wildlife refuge where you can see the Sandhill Cranes. Denver City is a fresh and friendly Texas town that welcomes you with open arms. Go to http://www.texasplainstrail/ to find out the history of Yoakum County.

Tales from the Texas Plain Trail Region

Welcome to my blog. Follow me as I take you on a journey through the amazing sights of the Texas Plains Trail Region. Hang on to your hat...it's gonna be a wild ride.