While
Glen Rose, Texas may be best known as America's Dream Town 2004 and
the Dinosaur Capitol of Texas, it is also an excellent place to visit
to beat the Texas heat. This time of year vacationers are looking
for the best ways to enjoy the summer, while staying cool at the same
time. A combination of water fun, nighttime entertainment and luxurious
accommodations is an excellent way see Glen Rose and to beat the Texas
heat.
Spending
time in the two beautiful rivers in Glen Rose, the Brazos and Paluxy,
can mean hours of cool enjoyment. The Brazos River is one of the most
popular canoeing and tubing rivers in Texas and offers miles of cool
water relaxation. The folks at Low Water Bridge Canoe Rentals offers
guests float trips of 3, 7, 10, 14, 24 and 31 miles. The Brazos also
has many sand bars and sandy beaches that make for great picnic spots
or swim areas. While drifting down the river, it is not uncommon to
see all types of wildlife like goats, deer, armadillos, foxes and
even a rare glimpse of a Bald Eagle.
For
travelers looking for something a little less exerting than canoeing
and tubing, a visit down to the Paluxy River may be in order. A local
hotspot, but not widely known by travelers, is Big Rock Park. The
park derives its name from the multitude of large rocks and boulders
that have been cut out by years of flowing water from the river. These
rocks provide excellent sunbathing opportunities and access to the
crystal clear water of the Paluxy for swimming and wading. Big Rock
Park is located just outside of downtown Glen Rose. The Paluxy River
also runs through Dinosaur Valley State Park and is home to some of
the best-preserved dinosaur tracks in the world, not to mention clear
blue swimming holes and tall rock bluffs. Dinosaur Valley State Park
is located just south of Glen Rose off Hwy 67.
Another
outstanding way to relax and stay cool is by taking in a performance
by Warm Country Heart at the Warm Country Heart Theatre (www.warmcountryhearttheatre.com)
on the historic square in downtown Glen Rose. This is a band of highly
trained musicians who perform Branson-style music. Warm Country Heart
produces a show that pays tribute to the Masters Festival of Music
Greats: Floyd Cramer, Chet Atkins, and Boots Randolph. They perform
the instrumental magic of the legendary "Masters Three"
vocal arrangements of Classic Country Hits of the 50's, 60's and 70's
and a little bit of humor. The shows run every Thursday, Friday and
Saturday nights at 7:30 PM and Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM.
After
playing in the rivers and experiencing first class music, its time
to check in at the Best Western Dinosaur Valley Inn and Suites (www.dinosaurvalleyinn.com)
for top-notch accommodations. Guests at this nationally recognized
hotel will enjoy the outdoor amenities such as the large swimming
pool, 15-person spa, kiddie pool with waterfall covered by a pergola
(to keep the kids protected from the sun), cool misters that drop
the temperature up to 20 degrees and the exotic fish pond stocked
with Japanese koi fish.
If
the heat outside becomes too much, then Best Western Dinosaur Valley
Inn and Suites guests will enjoy taking advantage of the indoor amenities
such as the exercise room, game room, dinosaur artifacts display and
gallery, large comfortable sitting area and coloring books for the
children.
As
always, guests are welcome to help themselves to the Texas-sized deluxe
continental breakfast each morning, 24-hour beverage service and the
evening snacks, which consists of popcorn, nachos and the summer time
special navy beans and rice.
For
more information on the locations mentioned visit www.glenrosearea.com.
