Storm’s in Lampasas opened for business in 1950. This place was originally called the Dairy Cue. They sold soft-serve ice cream, but hamburgers were also on the menu. The business grew all through the 1950′s, and the awnings and speaker system were added during this time.

Storm’s in Lampasas is a drive-in. No indoor dining room. They do have a very nice outdoor patio. You can order from the patio and they will bring your food out to you.

They still grind their own hamburger meat and make the french fries from fresh-cut potatoes. The hamburger patties are thin. That seems to be popular with these 1950′s burger joints. Consider ordering a double meat burger or better yet the Storm’s Special.

Storm’s in Lampasas is a great example of a 1950′s drive-in. The old awnings, the menu boxes, and the speaker system are all, well, old.  The provenance of this place is unquestionable. The same family has run the joint since the day they opened in 1950. The place has an authentic 1950′s feel to it. Good burgers, by the way. Give it a try, next time your in Lampasas Texas.

Map to Storm’s

Description From The Publisher

Texans are passionate about this signature sandwich, and photographer/writer Rick Vanderpool has become, in his own right, the Hambassador of Texas. In 2006, Rick undertook a quest to find and photograph the best Texas burgers, traveling over eleven thousand miles and visiting over seven hundred Texas burger joints. Since that time, he has continued his travels, sampling the finest the Lone Star State has to offer. He’s also picked up some fellow enthusiasts willing to share their own tasty tales along the way. From Fletcher Davis’s 1885 Athens creation (recipe included) and the Cheeseburger Capital of Texas in Friona to Whataburger #2 in Corpus Christi and Herd’s in Jacksboro, join Rick and his “Hamburger Helpers” on their journey celebrating the history of the original Texas hamburger.

More Info

The book starts out by painting a picture of the origins of the hamburger in Texas. There are several chapters dedicated to hamburger history. Rick’s research was quite broad going way beyond historical facts. Part of the brilliance of the book is that it contains so many stories, descriptions, and recommendations from people located all across the state of Texas. How else can one person write a book about Texas hamburgers? I learned this years ago: when traveling the best advice for places to eat usually comes from the locals.  Rick incorporated plenty of advice from many friends and acquaintances to write a book full of information on burger joints from across the state of Texas. This book is fun, informative and a valuable resource.

Texas hamburger joint enthusiasts will want to read “The Texas Hamburger: History of a Lone Star Icon”. This text could end up being a classic resource book for Texas road trip travelers. I guess it’s my practical side that makes me see things this way–beyond the art and prose of the author, this book is a road trip journal and potential resource for any of you charting the less-traveled byways and destinations.

Check out the Facebook page and you can buy a signed copy of the book here. 

Note: Image of cover art provided by and Copyright (c) Rick Vanderpool.

Hancock Springs

Hancock Springs has been a popular destination for swimming at least since the 1880′s. Back in the 19th Century people came here seeking the health benefits of the spring water. A sign in front of Hancock Park claims the bathing pools at Hancock Springs are the oldest in the state. The original bath house, built in 1883, has been preserved by the community and is right next to the modern pool, that was built in 1911. This newer pool has been maintained by the city and is still in use today.

The pool at Hancock Springs is what they call a free flowing pool. The water from the spring is channeled to one end of the pool. This spring water then flows across the pool and in turn flows out of the pool and is channeled to Sulphur Creek which is near by. So, this is not like a regular pool that has filters and chlorine to keep the water clear. It’s just the constant flow of water and the origin of the water that keeps the pool clean.

On first site you may think the pool is not clean. That was my own first impression. It has a sort of drab green tint to it that is deceptive. The water comes from underground sources. It’s loaded with minerals that give it a turquoise tint. A dip in this pool was all it took to confirm that it was quite clean and wonderful to swim in. The water coming out of the spring has a constant temperature of 69 degrees. A little cold but refreshing once you get in. On a hundred degree day, it’s simply wonderful to cool off here.

Some pools with spring sources have a sulphur odor, but I encountered none of that at Hancock Springs. The water is very good here. The pool is quite big, and was not at all busy the day I was there. The surroundings are nice: trees, grass, picnic tables, shade, all the important accommodations are present.

Hancock Springs pool is highly recommended for anyone looking for the “old school pool” experience. I’ve already said it was over 100 degrees the day I was there. Someone I spoke to that day told me about the new pool, across town, at the site of Hanna Springs. The city built a new pool there a few years ago. She told me that that new pool was really nice. Then in the same breath she said: “but that water is hot!” I love the history of this place, but setting that aside, the cool clean water of this pool make it a very good pick on a hot day.

I asked about the schedule for the rest of 2011, and I was told that the pool would be open regular hours, sees city web site, until August 20. School starts there on August 22 and after that the pool will be open on weekends until it gets too cold. I have checked on pool hours before and can tell you if you call the city’s central phone number, the operator will get you the information you need.

The Hostess House

The Hostess House is a two story building, right next to the Hancock Springs Pool. This building was originally constructed in the 1920′s, and it complimented the pool, providing changing rooms and a place for dances and public gatherings. In the 1940′s a golf course was added to Hancock Park and the Hostess House was improved. Through the years this public building had provided a place for locals to gather, dance, have proms, weddings, and so on. Today the property still is used for pretty much the same purpose. Weddings, a catering company operates out of the building and runs the Green Frog Tea Room. During the week you can stop to eat here and see the inside of the building.

 Town Square

On a cooler day I would have found a place to eat German food, but it was too hot on the day of my visit. The town square hasn’t changed much since my last visit. One thing new that I noticed is The Waters of Lampasas walk path. A display of murals related to the waters of the area, and located in an alley off the Square. Also new, an old sign uncovered on an old store front right next to the walk path. I’ll include photos of both of these new features below.

Wrap Up

I stopped at Storms for a burger. Lampasas is the location of the original Storms Drive-in. I will write a separate article about them since I have several pictures to share. I usually look for ethnic food when in Lampasas. Like I said, it was too hot for a heavy meal when I visited in July. I had read about a place called the Sweet Pickle Deli in the same area as Hancock Park. Sure enough, the place is just a couple tenths of a mile south of the park heading towards Burnet. The deli is tiny but charming. It’s not a full menu restaurant, more like a catering business with an open front door and daily specials. I don’t want to go on about this place, but just want to say it was a great experience for me. Check them out on the Web and find a map in Google maps: 512-556-8330.

Related to Lampasas

Lampasas Texas History and Trip Guide

Lampasas Texas County Courthouse

Storm’s Drive-in in Lampasas Texas

Map of Hancock Springs

Images

There are so many pages on the Web that feature a picture of the Star of Texas Rocker but not much more. I just figured there wasn’t anything else here to see. What a surprise it was to find an interesting business next to the rocker. The main building is the Mercantile Store. They sell hand-made furniture and gifts of all sorts in there.

I really need to start with the mercantile building first. It’s made from native trees harvested in the area and cut up at the saw mill at Natty Flats. The building and the use of materials is quite different. It looks like they are using historical construction methods and materials. No drywall or drop-ceilings here.

There’s also a good collection of artifacts from the rural past of this area. Corn crib, old wagon, I already talked about the saw mill. Some of the furniture they build is also reminiscent of an earlier time. They even have authentic old fashion outhouses. A real treat for anyone that has never seen one before. They’re the real deal too, except for the modern plumbing and air conditioning, that is.

And, they have the Star of Texas Rocker. World’s largest rocking chair, almost 26 feel tall. They made it, by the way. Can’t buy these at the big-box building supply store. Nope.

Next door to the Mercantile Store is the Natty Flat Smoke House. A decent place to eat if your hungry for barbecue. They also have a functional soda fountain and make soda fountain drinks.

The worlds largest rocker is something to see, but they also do a good job of portraying the history of the area, and some of their hand made original furnishings are really outstanding.

Located on Highway 281 about 7 miles South of Interstate Highway 20. Not too far out of your way if your in this area traveling on I20. If your vacationing in the Granbury Texas area it’s not too far away and easy to work into your travel plan.

Natty Flat Texas on a Google Map

Images

Krause Springs is one heck of a swimming hole. This place has been on every list of the best places to swim in Texas that I have ever read. That means that quite a few other web sites have visited this destination and wrote elegantly about it. Here’s my quick take on this destination.

This swimming hole is on private property. So, it’s a little different than so many other swimming holes that are on public land or owned by cities. Your basically swimming in someone else’s back yard.

What a yard though. The parking lot is sort of on top of a hill. There’s a house there and a garden of sorts. I think they call it a butterfly garden. Paths head down the hill form there to other area of this property. A little way down the path from the house are bath houses and picnic shelters. Then you will come to a man-made pool. Further down the hill in a valley are the springs and a creek. This bottom area is really beautiful. Huge cypress trees, water cascading over the hillside, a rope to swing on. Plenty of rocks and water, really just a wonderful place to swim and laze in the shade of ancient cypress trees.

The man-made pool is special because they are pumping spring water from below to fill this pool. You know the water is from springs because it is so cold. The day I was there is was about 103 degrees, but 5 minutes in this pool and I couldn’t remember being hot. Because the water’s so cold it can be tricky getting in the first time. I advocate the all at once method. Just jump in and get it over. I guess you could call this a free-flow pool because the water is constantly flowing through it and the excess flows out the end of the pool and cascades down the hill into the creek below.

A truly unique place. Here’s location information and a map.

Construction began in February 1939 and was completed in October of that same year. The Regency Suspension Bridge spans 340 feet from tower to tower. The bridge stands 25 feet above the recorded high water level of the Colorado River at Regency.

This bridge was restored in 1997. Really an amazing site. Pictures really don’t convey how high this bridge is above the river or how far it spans from side to side.

Many sites on the Web recommend driving on FM 574 and Mills County Road 433 to get to the bridge. This is a fine way to get there if you don’t mind driving on washboard gravel roads for about 5 miles. An alternative route is FM 500 near San Saba to Mills County Road 433. This map should help.

Glen Rose History

Around 1860 Charles and Juana Barnard built a three story stone gristmill along the Paluxy River. The town that eventually grew around the mill was called Barnard’s Mill. The town square, which is just a block form the original mill, was developed several years later.  The first courthouse on the square was completed around 1892 and burned down in 1893. Second courthouse on the square, the present day structure, was ordered built by the commissioners’ court in 1893 and completed late in the same year for a cost of $13,500.

Read more about the history of Glen Rose here.

Key Attractions

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Located just northwest of Glen Rose, Dinosaur Valley State Park is a 1500-acre scenic park. Although the key attraction at this park is the dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River, there are many other ways to enjoy a day here. Other activities include camping, hiking, mountain biking, horse-back riding, river swimming and fishing.

The Promise

For 22 years, The Promise, a live performance depicting the life of Jesus Christ has been performed in the Texas Amphitheater in Glen Rose Texas. This artful, one of a kind, reenactment of the life and time of Jesus Christ is a key attraction of the Glen Rose area.

Barnard’s Mill and Historic Downtown

Early Texas gristmill, constructed in 1860 by Charles Barnard, a block off the historic town square. The first permanent structure in this area, the original mill was a three story building constructed of stone and built like a fort to withstand Indian attacks. For years, town social events were held on the third floor

Today, the three story mill building and cotton gin annex are open for tours. The hospital wing added in the 1940’s today houses the Barnard’s Mill Art Museum.

The Somervell County Courthouse was constructed in 1894. The courthouse, located just a block from Barnard’s Mill,  is a simple two story structure featuring elements of Romanesque Revival and General Grant architectural styles.

The Somervell County Historical Museum is also located on the square. This is a great place to go see a dinosaur track.

There are plenty of shops and restaurants on the square, if antique shopping is your thing. And, they have benches and pecan trees, if sitting is your thing. The Historical Commission has an office in the courthouse, so you can stop in for area information.

Other Attractions

Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose Texas

Big Rocks Park in Glen Rose Texas has been a popular hangout for a long time. As the name says, there are big rocks, result of some geologic event thousands of years ago that I completely don’t understand. What makes it interesting is that the Paluxy River flows by the rocks and the river bed is rock. The unusual rock forms and the river make for an interesting place to hang out for a little bit. Wading in the water is a popular pastime here in the early summer when there’s still water in the Paluxy.

A big plus for this place is that Oakdale Park is right across the street. For a few dollars you can swim in the pool at Oakdale Park and also hang out at Big Rocks.

Oakdale Park

Oakdale Park has a long history in Glen Rose Texas. Even before the park was built, the land and the water wells attracted people to stay here. The history of Oakdale is interesting. Everyone calls this place Oakdale Park, but the sign out front of the park tells a slightly different story. It says, Oakdale Park, Motor Inn, Camping. Oakdale Park is, among other things, a surviving 1930′s Motor Court.

They rent trailer spaces and cabins, but swimming is a popular reason to stop here. The swimming pool, built in 1925, is enormous, even by today’s standards. The pool and the abundant shade around the pool make it one of the best places to swim in Glen Rose.

Paluxy Heritage Park in Glen Rose Texas

Paluxy Heritage Park is across the river from the town square in Glen Rose. The park contains several historic dwellings from an earlier time in Somervell County. Here you will find a log home, an early stone home, an early school house, and several other historic structures. Paluxy Heritage Park is a great place to relax, or to freshen up. There’s a also a pavilion for picnicking and parties, and a playground for the kids.

This park is just up the path from Big Rocks Park which is just across the street from Oakdale Park. There’s a nice walkway that runs along the Paluxy River and there’s a dock and an overlook along the way. This walkway terminates at the dam just before Big Rocks Park. You can walk across the dam and be in Big Rocks in no time. This is probably about a quarter-mile walk.

These three parks make for a great low cost day in Glen Rose. Want to swim in a huge man-made pool filled with crystal clear well water: Oakdale Park. Wade in the Paluxy River, work on your tan, and hang out with friends: Big Rocks Park. Sit in the shade while your kids play in the playground, or walk the path to see some historic houses: Paluxy Heritage Park.

Hammonds and Loco Coyote

Two barbecue places that are as different as they are great. Hammond’s is right on the main drag (67) in town, between the Galvanized Palace and the pawn shop. Loco Coyote, on the other hand is way out there. Out of town, that is. This is definately not your typical city barbecue place. No, it’s more like a down-a-country-road barbecue place in rural Somervell County. From Glen Rose it’s 7.2 miles West on Highway 67. Turn right on County Road 1004.

Somervell County Picnic Area Number 50

This roadside park is west from Glen Rose Texas on US Highway 67. There’s really nothing there except the view and usually a cool breeze. It’s an odd thing to include, but it’s a popular place to stop. These parks dot the landscape all across Texas. Located eight or nine miles west of Glen Rose Texas on Highway 67.

Ruins and Buildings Constructed of Petrified Wood

Petrified wood, a form of fossilized wood, is used in older buildings throughout the Glen Rose area. The gazebo and star fountain on the town square incorporate this stone. A little further up Barnard street there’s an old building built from petrified wood that today houses an art gallery. As you travel the Glen Rose area, watch for this unusual building material in older buildings.

Glen Rose Texas Short Stays

A couple years back I wrote a guide to Glen Rose for people just passing through. Some of the information is already covered here, but if your just passing through, you might want to take a look at this drive by destination article for the Glen Rose area.

What’s Close By

The Windmill Farm in Tolar Texas is as uncomplicated as it could be. No entry fee, more than 40 windmills on 26 acres. They’re not really selling anything. It’s more like an open invitation to view a private collection of vintage windmills. They also have several cabins you can rent.

Rough Creek Lodge is near Glen Rose. If you want to stay at a world class resort while visiting the Glen Rose area, this may be what your looking for. Also a very classy place for a wedding, by the way.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is in reality another key attraction of the Glen Rose area. Certainly not for everybody. The place is an exotic wildlife ranch, lodge, summer camp, and a not-for-profit 501(c)3 entity specializing in captive breeding for indigenous and exotic endangered and threatened species. If your an outdoors kind of person, of if you want to know more about exotic animals, this is for you.

For some a vacation isn’t complete without a round or two of golf. Squaw Valley Golf Course is the golf course in Glen Rose.

If the trip isn’t complete unless you went fishing at least once then Squaw Creek Park may be for you.

Where

Glen Rose Texas

Aside

If your aware of attractions in the Glen Rose that should be included here or if you own an attraction and would like to be included in this guide, please contact us.

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