A Taste of Georgetown

This morning we went for a spot of exercise at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown. The 9 mile bike and walking path is made of a fine rock and sand mixture which doesn't get muddy after the rain. Brian and I went separate directions, exploring our new park for our 45 minutes of cardio.
The San Gabriel River and all the lush vegetation surrounding it makes one of the most peaceful and rejuvenating walking tracks I have ever been on. Cruising by multiple play areas, ball fields, public facilities, and even a frisbee golf course, I imagined Wilder running freely and us playing games as a family on all the park had to offer. Seemingly endless acres of manicured lawn dotted with full trees for shady picnics sprawled out in every direction. Geese and ducks lined the river, huddled in groups and bravely waddled up to me when I moved towards them. Brian agreed, next time we come we'll bring a loaf of bread and make friends.
After our trip to the park we had an early lunch at Laurie's Too, a quaint little tea room in Georgetown's historic district near the college. I had been looking at local dining options the day before when I ran across this cafe. The menu sounded yummy and the cafe description charming.
We were warming greeted by the grandma-like waitresses who never let our glasses of iced tea run half empty. The food was not quite up to the level the prices were and the decor was somewhat lacking, though it was evident that they tried to furnish the large space as best and economical as possible. Groups of elderly ladies and their friends trickled in to enjoy the cafe-style lunches. The main selling point was the flawless and genial service, which we greatly enjoyed.
Georgetown has a rich history since 1848. Its downtown area is the oldest main street with original buildings in the state of Texas, having avoided fires and natural disasters.

As you can see, Georgetown was named after its great benefactor, George Washington Glasscock who donated 173 acres to the town, which has now grown for miles in all directions. It also has the oldest University in Texas, Southwestern University, which ranks in the top 10 private schools in the nation.I was delighted to learn that Georgetown is the Red Poppy Capital of Texas. I adore red poppies! I will have to look up with the Poppy Festival is -I believe it's in the spring- and we'll definitely take part, though I've never been a huge fan of community celebrations and big to-dos. (It's in April, just found it.)

The three square blocks of the historic district surrounds the City Hall. Small businesses, artsy shops, salons and restaurants as well as half a dozen antique stores occupy the beautiful old buildings.
After wandering in several Brian finally said to save something to look at for later -we'd have plenty of time to gaze in all the stores in the coming years and if we kept up today's snails pace we'd never get home. Well, more to enjoy later!
The Palace Theater has an eclectic season, recently closing it's run of "Steel Magnolias" and soon opening "Lend Me A Tenor." Following in the fall they are putting on a play re-enacting the first Ku Klux Klan trial in the U.S. which was held in this county in 1926. Complete with its own local chocolate and confection factory! This is definitely the place for me!

The section we explored today is only a fraction of what Georgetown has to offer. I gathered many ideas of things to do with visitors who stay with us -so many fun places to peek in, to walk around, things to taste and enjoy! We'll share more as we get to know this wonderful town better. So many exciting things to come!