Sunday, December 7, 2014

A Texas Roadtrip Anyone?

From Patsy....
As a native Texan, I thought I'd suggest some places you might consider visiting while in Texas.
 
      KING RANCH
 
King Ranch
2205 W. Hwy. 141
Kingsville, TX 78363
(361) 592-8055
 
 
For more information or reservations, contact King Ranch Visitor Center:  Mon. - Sat. 10 am-4 pm
Sun. 12 pm - 5 pm.
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To reach this 825,000 acre ranch, you take Hwy. 281N to Falfurrias; E. 285 to Riviera; N. 77 to Kingsville.
It is 103 miles and should take about 2-1/2 hrs.
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Make reservations for the tour of the ranch on a bus.  The cost if $15.00 pp and $12.00 for srs.  Seating is on a first-come basis.  Tours are offered from Monday through Saturday at 11 am and
1 pm.  The tour is given on Sun. at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. 
The length of the tour is 1-1/2 hrs.
The ranch is closed on major holidays.
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Among the sights to be seen are the Plomo pens, auction arena, Horse cemetery, colony (home of the Kinenos {the King's men}), Mrs. King's Carriage House, and the Commissary.  The home was built in 1912 by Capt. King's widow.  The King Ranch is also home to much wildlife and plant life.
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There is also a King's Ranch
Museum in Kingsville and a boot/saddle shop.
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       FOOD
 There is an iconic place to eat at a restaurant called King's Inn in Riviera (which the natives pronounce Re-ver-a.)  This restaurant is just a few miles south of Kingsville (and on the way back to Sandpipers).
King's Inn (on Baffin Bay)
1116 S. County Rd. 2270
Riviera, TX 78370
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm
(361) 297-5265
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This is truly a unique restaurant and has been around since 1945.  Don't judge it by the outward appearance.  There are no MENUS.  Food is served FAMILY STYLE.  Specialities include sliced avocado salad, onion rings, oysters, shrimp, and fried fish.  The tartar sauce is a well-guarded family secret and used to be made in wash tubs.
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Famous past diners include George Strait, Gov. George W. Bush, Matt Dillon, Nolan Ryan, and then-Gov. Ann Richards who used to fly down on Friday with a group of friends to eat.  I personally have driven with a group of friends in a motor home from San Antonio to eat at King's Inn.  We drove back the same night!     

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