concrete city:Many towns boast nicknames, from Austin’s “River City” to San Antonio’s “Alamo City.” Seguin, though, has one of the most unusual: “The Mother of Concrete Cities.” A Seguin chemist held several concrete production patents, which accounts for the use of the material in more than 90 area buildings by the end of the 19th century.
You can reach Seguin (pronounced “se-GEEN”) by driving south on I-35 from Austin through San Marcos (see South Day Trip 04 for city attractions). It’s a 36-mile trip to this town on the Guadalupe River named for Lieutenant Colonel Juan Seguin, a hero of the Texas Revolution. Prior to the Mexican invasion of 1837, Seguin was ordered by his superiors to destroy San Antonio. He refused, thus saving the city.
The most beautiful area of Seguin is Max Starcke Park. It offers picnic tables under huge pecan, oak, and cypress trees, and a winding drive along the Guadalupe River. Seguin is known for its huge pecan trees and boasts what was once the “World’s Largest Pecan” on the courthouse lawn at Court Street.
where to go
Seguin Tourist Information Center. 116 N. Camp St.; (830) 379-6382; visitseguin.com. Stop here for brochures and maps. Open Mon through Sat.
Los Nogales Museum. 415 S. River St. (just south of the courthouse); seguinconservation.org. Los Nogales, which means “walnuts” in Spanish, houses local artifacts. The small brick adobe building was constructed in 1849. For tours of Los Nogales, call the conservators at (830) 560-6291 or (830) 305-1847. Next door, The Doll House is filled with period children’s toys that you can see through the windows. This white miniature home was built between 1908 and 1910 by local cabinetmaker Louis Dietz as a playhouse for his niece. Later he used it to promote his business. Open by appointment, though visitors are free to stroll the museum grounds. For tour information, call the conservator at (830) 379-8033.
Max Starcke Park. South side of town, off TX 123; (830) 401-2480. Make time for this pleasant park, where visitors can enjoy golf, tennis, and baseball as well as many riverside picnic spots. A large wave pool is open seasonally. Free admission; fee for wave pool.
Sebastopol House. 704 Zorn St.; (830) 379-4833. This is one of the best examples of the early use of concrete in the Southwest. Sebastopol was once a large home constructed of concrete with a plaster overlay. Today it is open for tours and contains exhibits illustrating the construction of this historic building and its restoration in 1988. Guided tours given hourly Thurs through Sun 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
The Seguin–Guadalupe County Heritage Museum. 114 N. River St.; (830) 372-0965; theheritagemuseum.org. This local history museum is housed in a former grocery store. Exhibits trace the multicultural heritage of Seguin’s early settlers. Open Mon through Fri. Free admission.
Seguin’s Lakes. Seguin is surrounded by four lakes on the Guadalupe River that offer bass, crappie, and catfish fishing, including lighted docks for night fishing. RV facilities are available as well. The lakes include Lake Dunlap (I-10 to TX 46 exit west of Seguin, then 8 miles on TX 46); Lake McQueeney (I-10 to FM 78 exit, then west for 3 miles to FM 725, then turn right and continue for 1 mile); Lake Placid (I-10 to FM 464 exit, stay on access road); and Meadow Lake (I-10 to TX 123 bypass, then south for 4 miles).
The Stephen & Mary Birch Texas Theatre. 425 N. Austin St.; (830) 372-6168; thetexas.org. This 1931 theater has been used for scenes in two movies: Raggedy Man and The Great Waldo Pepper. Now a fully restored theater for the performing arts, it still sports its original marquee and recalls the old days of small-town Texas theaters. Although group tours are available by appointment, feel free to knock on the door and, if volunteers are working, you may score a free look inside.
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flower power |
| Is it spring? Grab the car keys in one hand, your camera in the other, and get ready for a bloomin’ good time! Starting in late March and extending into early summer, wildflowers line the roadways throughout central and south Texas. The best way to find the top fields is with a quick call to the Texas Department of Transportation’s wildflower hotline (800-452-9292). The hotline is active from mid-March until early May, and you can request information by region (Central Texas and Hill Country covers most of this book’s scope). |
True Women Tours. Fans of Janice Woods Windle’s True Women can take a guided tour of the sites mentioned in this bestseller and seen in the television miniseries. Led by local docents, the tours take a look at sites that play an important role in the historical novel by the Seguin native: the live oak–shaded King Cemetery, the old First Methodist Church where two True Women characters were married, and the river where horses were daringly rescued in the tale.
One of the most memorable stops is the Bettie Moss King Home, near the King Cemetery. The home, with its wraparound porch and shady lawn, was where several generations of the King family were raised and was also the childhood home of author Janice Woods Windle. For tours or a printed guide for a self-driving tour, contact the visitor center at (830) 401-0810. Fee for guided tour.
Wave Pool & Aquatic Center. Max Starcke Park East; (830) 401-2480. In this Texas-size pool, youngsters can cool off under the Mushroom Shower or splash in the simulated waves. Nearby, the sprawling Kids Kingdom Playscape makes an excellent stop for energetic young travelers as well. Open seasonally. Fee.
where to stay
Mosheim Mansion Bed & Breakfast. 409 N. Austin St.; (877) 372-9905 or (830) 372-9905; mosheimmansion.com. This stately Victorian home is located near downtown and blends vintage style with modern amenities. Six guest rooms feature private baths, some with whirlpools and fireplaces. $$.