A Pause in Luling and Bit About the Thump
Views of Luling
On the road to Houston, we decided to stop in Luling. We had been traveling quite a bit (stories and pictures are coming) and thought about resting before heading back to Houston. We did not like the looks of the RV Park, so we drove on after spending some time walking around Luling.
Around Luling
The smell of the additive for natural gas (the one that lets you know gas is leaking) is overpowering. I live 20+ miles from Luling and can smell it if the wind is blowing right. If you can ignore this, you will be treated to some pretty landscapes, similar to the Provence area of France.
Booming Luling
Luling is a boom town AGAIN now that exploration of oil and gas resources is on an upswing. There are 100s of oil wells, capped and working. Some are decorated in whimsical motifs (see above for Cow Over the Moon and Honey Bee). Some of the old wells are leaking and should be replaced or repaired. The trouble is, the land upon which the oil pump sits and rights to the oil are usually not owned by the same people. Tracing mineral rights would keep you busy.
Camping in Luling
We were going to stay in Luling for a day or so at Riverbend RV Park, but we decided against it. The sites were a little pricey for being in Luling, but the river was close, so I guess that explains it. If you can go without filling your blackwater tank, take a back-in site for $25 per night.
| (30 amp) Full Hook-Ups | $30.00 Per Night * |
| (50 amp) Full Hook-Ups | $30.00 Per Night * |
| Water & Electric Only (Back-Ins) | $25.00 Per Night * |
| Primitive Camping | $20.00 Per Night * |
| Rates include 2 people – Additional persons | $5.00 Ea Per Night |
There is a small pool and the showers were clean. There are two entries into the river from the property. They also have a catch and release fishing pond which brings the birds.
Downtown Luling
The downtown area is thriving, with the Oil Patch Museum, shops, eating establishments and lots of green space. Also, artists have been drawn to Luling by the lower rents (vs. Austin) and there are numerous studios.
Drive Luling
Take a drive around Stringtown and other oil areas. When I was in college, my classmate and I did. We were looking for THE COVER SHOT for a book on the History of Caldwell County. This was a group project our capstone history class was writing OVER SPRING BREAK. We drove down back roads, oil access drives and through some fish camps. When we saw huge catfish heads and giant alligator gar heads and scales hanging on the fence. I said, “This is it. The cover!’ My classmate starting humming “Deliverance” as I shifted into out of there.
Take a trip out I-90 W and visit Kactus Korral Inc., 7715 US Highway 90 W., Harwood, TX 78632-4747. This cactus farm has huge holdings and greenhouses for growing succulents and a railroad spur for transport. They also sell antique guns and western wear.
In this area, you will see lots of Pine trees, almost enough to be another Lost Pines area. These were planted by settlers and create an ecosystem all their own. That sound the wind makes when blowing through pine needles is instant serenity to me.
Historic Luling
Oil, railroad, BBQ and football rivalry have spurred growth in both Luling and its rival, Lockhart, just 30 miles down the road. Both have historic buildings that represent the best of period architecture. Only Luling has the San Marcos River. When it is flowing, there is nothing more exciting. If water levels allow, check out the Luling Zedler Mill paddling tour.
Watermelon Thump
The “Thump” is held in June. The Champion Watermelon award is given to the largest Black Diamond watermelon grown according to the grower’s association rules. The runners up are auctioned. The fun includes a parade, car show and live music by known bands. There is a huge Thump pavilion for dancing.
For family fun, how about three separate watermelon seed spitting contests? There is also a watermelon eating contests. Have you ever seen a grown man flop face first in a slice of watermelon and eat it like a huge corn on the cob? Or, plant your own face in a big slice of watermelon and eat your way out. Do not miss it!
