Start Your 2024 Adventure with a Caffeine Boost in Paint Rock
About 3.5 hours northwest of Austin, Paint Rock Coffee Company is a great pit stop on your way to the ski slopes. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)
Sweeten your ride. If you’re embarking on a long drive to the northwest, whether it’s for a ski trip or to explore northern New Mexico and beyond, consider taking the route from Austin through Llano, Brady, and Sweetwater. Along this scenic path lies the charming settlement of Paint Rock, located about 3.5 hours away from Austin. This is the perfect opportunity to take a break and refuel at the Paint Rock Coffee Company. Housed in a former bank building across from the Concho County Courthouse, this cozy coffee shop offers a variety of hot and cold espresso drinks, ready-made tacos, and delectable pastries. You can even pre-order their Friday Special meal for pickup on Fridays or grab a whole pie or cake to enjoy on the road. The manager, Celeste, mentioned that they recently painted over the old bank sign with a pink “Coffee” to avoid confusion with a bank. Next to the coffee shop, you’ll find a small park with picnic tables and clean restrooms. If you’re craving another caffeine fix, the coffee company also has a location in Lubbock at 2002 Broadway.
Paint Rock Coffee Company, 112 San Saba St., Paint Rock, Daily 8am-7pm, 325/977-8222, www.facebook.com/p/Paint-Rock-Coffee-Co-PR
Visiting Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park will be free for six days in 2024. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)
Plan your visit. The National Park Service has announced six free entrance days for 2024:
- • Jan. 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
- • April 20: First day of National Park Week
- • June 19: Juneteenth
- • Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- • Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day
- • Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Texas is home to 17 National Park Service sites, with only two being actual National Parks: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. The other sites offer their own unique experiences and attractions. Make sure to mark your calendars for the free entrance days and plan your visit accordingly.
Free entrance days, National Park Service,
www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm
Travel Notes:
Picture this. Capture the perfect moment at Palo Duro Canyon State Park and enter the Texas Parks and Wildlife photo contest. The Holm family’s winning selfie jumping for joy was just the beginning of the State Parks’ 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2023. Check out the other stunning finalist and honorable mention photos on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Aggieland music. Michael Hearne has announced the lineup for the Bryan edition of his popular Big Barn Dance Music Festival. Held in Taos, New Mexico, for over 20 years, this year’s Texas rendition will take place on May 3 and 4, with a Songwriter Series on Sunday, May 5. The festival will feature incredible performances by artists such as Asleep at the Wheel, Gary P. Nunn, Rick Trevino, Shinyribs, and many others. Don’t miss out on this fantastic music event. The original Big Barn Dance in Taos will be held on the weekend after Labor Day, from Sept. 5-7.
Merry memories. The Texas Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024. Join in the festivities by sending your favorite photos and memories of the festival to their email address. These memories will be published later in the year, allowing you to relive the magic of the Texas Renaissance Festival.
Let them eat cake. Celebrate the 12th day of Christmas or the Epiphany with a delicious cake. Known as King Cake in French society and Rosca de Reyes in Mexican culture, this ring cake is topped with fruit in the colors of the Mexican flag and often contains a hidden figurine. Getting the slice with the figurine is considered good luck, and the lucky person is expected to provide tamales for Dia de la Candelaria on Feb. 2. Don’t miss out on this tasty tradition and get your Rosca de Reyes from La Ideal Bakery in Lockhart. But hurry, as they always sell out quickly.
Conclusion
As you start your 2024 adventures, make sure to fuel up at Paint Rock Coffee Company and take advantage of the free entrance days at Texas’s National Park Service sites. Capture unforgettable moments at Palo Duro Canyon State Park and enjoy the incredible lineup of musicians at the Big Barn Dance Music Festival. Join in the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Texas Renaissance Festival and indulge in the delicious tradition of King Cake or Rosca de Reyes. Embrace the excitement and wonder that awaits you in 2024!
About the Author
Gerald McLeod has been exploring Texas and beyond for over 25 years, sharing his adventures through his “Day Trips” column. Stay updated on his journeys by visiting his archive page and follow him on Facebook.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
