If you’re heading west on Interstate 10 through the heart of Texas (between San Antonio and Houston) you might be surprised to see a dinosaur on the side of the road. Or maybe you won’t. I don’t know what surprises anyone anymore. Besides, there might be dinosaurs all over Texas, I don’t get down there very often.

Irregardless (see what I did there?), this T-Rex is one of the many fabulous roadside attractions along the I-10 corridor. Don’t worry, it doesn’t bite. Anymore.

This post is part of UpTake’s Roadside Tuesday Series.

Photo: CortneyMartin82 via Flickr

MLK Parade in Seattle

Cities all across America are celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this weekend. Here is a list of cities with popular events and parades (click name of city for event list):

Houston

Seattle

Atlanta

New Orleans

San Francisco

Philadelphia

Boston

San Diego

Miami

Indianapolis

Chicago

Washington, D.C.

New York City

Los Angeles

Denver

St. Louis

Dallas

Obviously there are more cities celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King –  if your town isn’t listed please check your local paper or community website for more information.

Photo by Seattle Municipal Archives via Flickr

Image Courtesy of Houston Beer Week

Something that just doesn’t happen often hit Houston, Texas last week. A week long string of events know as Houston Beer Week that began Monday, October 11th, and  continued throughout the week, culminating with the Monsters of Beer Charity Festival this past Sunday, October 17th, 2010. So what exactly is a beer week? Why have one? What’s the purpose anyway?

I’ll try to answer these questions and more! A ‘beer week’ is typically a celebration of the craft beer culture that exists in a particular locale. For Houston, something like this hasn’t happened in about ten years, so this is indeed a treat for those craft beer aficionados craving good beer. The great thing about a beer week, Houston included, is that the events happen at different craft beer related locations throughout the city. Cost is depended upon the location, so can pick and choose what you go to.

A cornucopia of events such as beer dinners, tastings and classes took place last week. Again, the beauty of this week is that you can pick and choose what you go to based on your schedule, available funds or what you like. There is something for everyone. The other benefit is more an intangible one: the pure camaraderie that exists n the craft beer community, whether it be a brewery, beer lover, media , bar owner or distributor. Beer folk are the best kind of people you’ll ever meet.

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Mighty friendly folks here in Blanco!

Texas is big. I know, surprise, surprise. You can drive for hours and never leave the state. So where can you go for a quick weekend get away? A place that takes both no time at all to get to, but gets you away from the daily grind? There are many places in and around San Antonio, Austin and Houston that both natives and visitors can get to with relative ease. Blanco, Texas is one such town. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this quant little town boasts quite a lot of history, beautiful landscape and fun things to do. Rivers, hills and lots of antique shopping. Plenty for everyone. For those who also partake in the pleasures of a American craft beer, Blanco is also home to the Real Ale Brewing Company.

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