Central Texas Region
RETURN TO GOSH2022
Chynna Clugston Flores
Western Trail Heritage Park
HISTORY | Central Texas
From 1874 to 1894, the Great Western Cattle Trail was the main thoroughfare for cowboys driving their herds north. Approximately 7 million longhorn cattle and thousands of horses moved north from Bandera through Oklahoma to Dodge City, Kansas (and sometimes up to Ogallala, Nebraska), helping give birth to the ranching industry in the West. Today, Bandera’s Western Trail Heritage Park pays tribute to the cowboys who contributed to the rich history of Texas.
Snap a selfie in front of the Great Western Cattle Trail sidewalk art at Western Trail Heritage Park.
Sponsored by Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Chynna Clugston Flores
Cameron Park Lovers’ Leap
PARKS | Central Texas
Overlooking the Bosque River, the picturesque Lovers’ Leap is one of Central Texas’ natural wonders and one of the central attractions in Waco’s Cameron Park. With high limestone bluffs and the rolling river below, the location gets its name from the legend of a forbidden relationship between Waco tribal princess Wah-Wah-Tee and her Apache lover. Determined to be united forever, the pair jumped from the cliffs together rather than be separated by the disapproval of the rest of the Waco tribe. While the story is speculative, the view is spectacular and (safely!) available from one of two pavilions or the overlook plaza.
Snap a selfie from the park's marked selfie spot overlooking Lovers’ Leap.
Sponsored by Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau
Chynna Clugston Flores
Lockhart State Park Pool
SPLASH | Central Texas
Don’t feel comfortable swimming in a river or lake? Lockhart State Park is one of only four state parks with a swimming pool. Open through Labor Day, enjoy a dip in the pool at one of two daily swimming sessions. Just remember to wait 30 minutes after eating barbecue before swimming.
Snap a selfie from the pool.
Chynna Clugston Flores
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
WILD TEXAS | Central Texas
Nestled within the Hill Country woodlands, the 227-acre Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve provides and preserves habitat for many native plant and wildlife species, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. St. Edward’s University’s Wild Basin Creative Research Center, located within the preserve, offers environmental education programs to help all connect with the natural world.
Snap a selfie in front of Bear Creek Falls, a gentle 0.7-mile walk from park headquarters.
Chynna Clugston Flores
San Marcos Mermaids
QUIRKY | Central Texas
In the 1950s, San Marcos’ Aquarena Springs theme park opened, showcasing the crystal-clear waters of Spring Lake, glass-bottomed boats and Aquamaids, those smiling young women who nibbled fruit and sipped from Coke bottles while underwater (getting air from a dangling hose) to the delight of those watching from the Submarine Theater. The theme park’s gone, but San Marcos’ association with mermaids continues, with 10 mermaid statues situated throughout downtown, symbolic reminders to preserve Central Texas’ water resources.
Snap a selfie with any of the 10 mermaid statues in San Marcos.
Sponsored by San Marcos Convention & Visitor Bureau
Chynna Clugston Flores
Willie Nelson statue
MUSIC | Central Texas
For the Central Texas leg of your GOSH journey, why not enjoy Texas artists who have appeared on PBS’ Austin City Limits, starting with the man whose statue sits outside the Moody Theater where the show is recorded — Willie Nelson.
Snap a selfie with the Willie Nelson statue before you get On the Road Again to continue your GOSH journey.
Texas Pie Company
GOOD EATS | Central Texas
Every day is pie day at the Texas Pie Company in downtown Kyle. Enter under the eye-catching sculpture of a cherry pie slice to ogle the fresh, home-style pies and other baked goods, made from family recipes handed down through generations. From peach to pecan, cherry to coconut cream, you’re sure to find a slice (or an entire pie) that tickles your fancy and your tastebuds.
Snap a selfie either under the giant slice of pie that adorns the restaurant, or with a slice of pie inside the restaurant.