Colorado River, TX

While colder, harsher climates spark hibernation mode at some Leisure Time Resort (LTR) parks, the staff at the Colorado River preserve in Columbus, Texas, scrambles to welcome winter visitors. Located 70 miles west of Houston, just off Interstate 10, historic Columbus' milder temperatures – lows in the lower 40s and highs in the upper 60s – conspire with simple Southern gentility, luring campers to this off-season treasure. This preserve lies among green fields and pecan groves along the shores of the Colorado River.

Indeed, abundant natural beauty and wildlife grace this 218-acre countryside getaway. Scenic river frontage winds lazily for more than a half-mile along rolling prairie. Ancient pecan groves perforate wide-open spaces, while fragrant magnolias frame the Welcome Center. Similar to the phenomenon at Medina Lake, relatively tame deer herds make their home here, so bring your corn and your camera for keepsake photos. And Texas' famous wildflowers, especially bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush, blanket area fields and roadways as spring arrives. After peak wildflower season (end of April) until early October, the preserve stays open only on weekends as a respite for urbanites and as a stopover for full-timers on the way to their next destination.

Coming Home

Colorado River's small size another draw for the oft-called "Winter Texans." Of the 128 total campsites, 70 are full hook-up and the remaining 38 are power and water only. Five rental trailers are available by reservation for guests.

Making Friends

Partaking in the preserve's rich amenities is one way to meet your neighbors. Opportunities abound at either end of the preserve, whether its action-packed activities near the family lodge or more serene options like a riverside picnic at the park's southern boundary. Adventurous sorts might enjoy a soak in the hot tub after a busy schedule of court games, shuffleboard or horseshoes beside the Family Lodge. Across the road, the Activity Center houses conveniences such as laundry facilities, a small Trading Post, and the Recreation Office.  A-section sites are clustered near the Activity Center, with a central bathroom facility and a gazebo.

Heading toward the river, you pass tennis courts, a ball field, an 18-hole miniature golf course and a catch-and-release pond stocked with catfish. A boat launch rests at the end of 22 full hook-up sites in D-section, upriver to the west. Canoes, which the preserve rents, and small boats navigate this part of the river most effectively. (Serious boaters/fisherfolk travel 20 miles to Fayette Lake to play.) Pecan trees bridge the D and C camping sections, and campers are welcome to gather nuts during harvest.

Venturing Out

DISCOVER COLUMBUS: Amid streets lined with centuries-old live oak trees, Old Town Columbus offers a glimpse of the past, featuring both early Texas settlements and austere Victorian homes. Known for its "Live Oaks and Live Folks," Columbus is also the oldest Anglo-American settlement in the state.  The first pioneers settled the area in 1823, and the Texas Rangers formed in the town that same year. A Visitor Information Center inside the historic Stafford Opera House provides more details about citywide events. Among the most popular are the:

• Christmas on the Colorado Festival
  First weekend in December featuring Historic Homes Tours; Artists Studio Tours; Jazz Concerts and More!
• The Live Oak Festival (third weekend in May) – featuring an arts and crafts show and sidewalk café among the festivities
• Colorado County Fair (September)

SPOETZL BREWERY (Shiner, TX): The Spoetzl Brewery, south of Interstate 10 between San Antonio and Houston, produces Shiner brand beers. Established in 1909 by Czech and German immigrants, the brewery is named for the legendary Kosmos Spoetzl, a Bavarian brewmaster famed for taking his craftsmanship to the locals. Having survived prohibition selling ice and "near beer," the brewery has since blossomed – with devotees in 22 states – in a town of 2213 people. Spoetzl hosts public tours on weekdays at 11am and 1:30pm. Also noteworthy: downtown Shiner holds a Spring Trade Fair on the third Saturday in April and a Fall Trade Fair on the third Saturday in October.

BLUE BELL CREAMERY (Brenham, TX): Blue Bell, the far-too-modest "Little Creamery in Brenham" (as the slogan goes), is home to some of the best ice cream ever made. Creamery tours lasting 45 minutes are available on weekdays. Typical tour times are as follows: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, and 2:30pm. Call ahead at 800-327-8135 to confirm before making the trip. The cost of admission, $2-$3.00, includes a serving of ice cream following the tour. Kids under 6 tour free.