Bob Wertz Park & Pecan Street Festival (Austin, TX) -- August & September 2014

Bob Wertz Park (Windy Point) – August 2014

The water levels of Lake Travis might be a couple dozen feet lower than where it should be, but that just means there’s more beach available to enjoy.  And on a weekend when the weather is nice, this is a good place to go.  Maps can show you the way, but even just the drive in quite the experience.

Turning north from Route 620 on to Comanche Trail, the road appears to dead end at the Oasis, but there’s much more beyond that.  Nestled against the hillside, Comanche Trail becomes very narrow as it descends, but still provides a spectacular view of the lake.  Unfortunately there’s no place to pull off to snap a couple pictures.

After you pass the entrance to Hippie Hollow, Bob Wertz Park is only a short distance beyond that.  Because this is a State Park, there’s a charge of $10 per car coming in (so carpool to get the most bang for your buck).  Beyond the entry station are some parking lots and grassy areas.  Due to the lower water level, you have to go a bit further to get to the beach.  That’s an adventure.

 

 

 

What used to be the boat launch now serves as the ramp to down to the beach.  Once you’re off the paved portion, you then drive over the dunes the remainder of the way.  (Interesting to keep in mind that you’re driving on what was the bottom of Lake Travis only a decade ago.)  While there are some road cones set in sections so you don’t go beyond those points, there are no true trails.  Drive slow, and watch for sand patches, rocks, and buried branches.  You don’t need to have four-wheel drive to traverse this section, but you do need to be careful you don’t get stuck or bottom out when going over the terrain.  Be sure you arrive and depart from here when there’s daylight.

 

 

 

We had our folding chairs set up in the water, so we were able to enjoy the motion of the waves.  Our cars were parked nearby, so it was only a short distance back to grab more munchies or refresh a beverage.  It’s a public beach, but there’s no garbage cans around.  Be sure to cart out what you bring in.  And while there’s a park ranger which drives by every now and then, there’s no life-guards on duty.  Swim at your own risk and level of ability.  It’s a gradual grade so you can wade pretty far out, just watch for submerged branches, drop-offs, and undertows.

 

 

 

Bring plenty of water to drink and lots of sunscreen.  An umbrella to create some shade is not a bad idea also.  That way you both stay hydrated and lessen your chances of sunburn.  This is a good place to spend a summer afternoon with family or friends.

 

 

 

 

Pecan Street Festival – September 2014

During two weekends twice a year (in May and September), the Pecan Street Festival takes place in Austin.  Portions of East Sixth and some other nearby streets are closed to traffic during this time in order to give space for the vendors to set up their tents.  Pecan Street Festival has been an Austin tradition going back many years, and is a great local festival that all residences should frequent.

There are no shuttles to the area, so you’ll need to park somewhere within the city and walk over.  Brining a small umbrella to give yourself shade while walking around, wearing some sunscreen, and bringing a bottle of water is recommended, especially if you’re going to be there all day.  The local businesses that line the festival are open during this time, but note that bathrooms are patrons only.  Strategically placed throughout the festival are some portable toilets although.

The large majority of the vendors are Pecan Street Festival are local or regional craft artisans who produce pieces out of wood, metal, or other materials.  Paintings and prints are available, as well as a number of interesting things you won’t find anywhere else.  Soy candles, specific-fabric clothes and purses, and soaps & lotions are among some of the items you’ll find.  Most vendors have cards available with their website to allow direct ordering.

There are many places to get food as part of the festival as well.  Some local restaurants have limited grill items available (like gyros or BBQ chicken), and there are many places to purchase beverages to stay hydrated.  As the street is closed to create the festival space, beer vendors are available and patrons may carry around the open containers as long as they stay within the clearly-marked boundaries.  Additionally, there’s some vendors selling salsa, jerky, almonds, or other foods which can be sampled during your visit.

Pecan Street Festival wouldn’t be an Austin event if there wasn’t a stage to have some live music going on during the weekend.  The schedule is available online of who’s playing, as well as what vendors can be found.  The festival generally opens late morning (circa 10 am) and continues on until around dusk.

I’ve been going to this for over eight years now, and it’s something I look forward to.  Specific vendors tend to remember customers who return on a regular basis, which enhances the fun feeling of the festival.  This is something which is recommended for any Austin resident to come down and check out when this happens.

 

 

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