Hidden Valley, a Little Piece of Country in San Antonio

A New Favorite Local Eatery

2012-02-01T14:02:00.002-07:00

Barry and Joyce are full-time RVers from
Oregon who host at several of
their favorite campgrounds as they
gallivant across the nation.

"Let's Eat" With Barry & Joyce

Agave Mexican Restaurant
3302 Pleasanton Road
San Antonio, TX
210-923-8454
Directions

People come to San Antonio from all over the United States and even the world to see the Alamo, the River Walk and other delights that the city has to offer. Another great thing about San Antonio is the food, especially delicious Mexican cuisine.
Do you have a hankering for some really good, "real deal" Mexican food? Then you have to check out Agave Mexican Restaurant on Pleasanton Road, just a few minutes from Hidden Valley RV Park.

What's an Agave? Found mostly in Mexico, these plants also called Century Plants are found all over South and central Texas. There are many varieties of agave, some of which are used in the making of Tequila, others in the production of the recently popular healthy sugar alternative sweetener.

When we walked into the place you are immediately hit with a very clean and bright dining room. There aren't a lot of paintings on the walls and the place isn't painted to look like an old Mexican villa. The large dining room has white tablecloth's on the tables and booths with just a few nick-knacks hanging from the ceiling. On one wall there's a large screen TV that was playing and a jukebox. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with specials each day.

What Agave's lacks in atmosphere, they more than make it up with their outstanding service and food. After being seated by our waiter Giovani, he immediately took our drink order. The restaurant doesn't have a full bar but they do serve several brands of beer by the bottle and wine margarita's in several flavors. I settled on a Dos Equis and Joyce got a regular margarita.

When Giovani brought our drinks, which only took a couple of minutes, he was also loaded down with a bowl of chips, a small craft of salsa and to our surprise, a small bowl of queso, Mexican Style cheese dip. We found the chips to be very fresh and the salsa was fantastic. Agave's boast that their chef's make all their salsas from scratch and the chips are made fresh everyday as well. I would call the salsa about medium-spicy hot but Joyce said she thought it rather on the hot side. No matter how you label it, this stuff is good. The queso was warm and had just the right amount of chili's swimming around in the cheese.

After a very short wait, our entrees arrived. I selected the three chicken enchilada plate with flour tortillas (I had been given a choice of corn or flour) and Joyce chose to order a la carte, choosing to get two Guisada tacos and an order of Barracho beans. In addition to ordering our dinners, we had ordered guacamole to eat with our chips but didn't make it to our table until he brought the entrees. Accompanying the meals were two serving jars of salsas, one red and the other green. Giovani told us the green one is the hotter of the two and since I like the hot stuff, that is what put on my first enchilada. In addition to all of that, Giovani brought me two homemade tortillas to boot.

Wow, were we ever impressed. The chicken in my enchiladas was cooked to perfection in really soft "melt in your mouth" flour tortillas. All of the enchiladas were covered in a semi-sweet, red tomato sauce. Also on the huge plate was a hearty serving of refried beans that were also outstanding and also a large portion of Mexican rice. The rice was fluffy and seasoned well.

I tried both of the sauces and I can tell you that both are very, very good. The green is a tad hotter than the red one but if they bottled this stuff, I'd buy both of them.

Joyce reported her Guisada's were delicious. She ordered two of them but could have easily gotten by with just one. These guys were big! The Barracho beans were amazingly good, with a couple of chucks of pig fat still in the bowl.

We also really liked the guacamole which was very creamy and obviously freshly made.

Agave's prices are very reasonable. Joyce and my dinners, accompanied by two Dos Equis' and two margaritas came to just $32. Joyce is really a cheap date!

You can rest assured that Agave's hasn't seen the last of the two of us.

Deliciosa!

Do Ya Wanna be a Cowboy (girl)?

2012-01-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Breakfast

Just a reminder for all our guestsat the Valley this week about the Annual Hidden Valley Cowboy Breakfastdetails:

WHEN: Friday, January 27, 2012 8am to 10am
WHERE: Hidden Valley Registration house
WHAT: It's a FREE breakfast, cowboy style with a heapin' helpin' of western vitals to fill up the hungriest cowpoke or cowpokess. It's a 34 year San Antonio tradition where upwards of 55,000 starvin' folks descend upon the Cowboy Dancehall Parking lot, rain, shine or freeze, for an authentic, outdoor trail-ride style breakfast at 4AM, with a screaming cattle call and several western bands at high volume (ouch!) Our version is for a more laid back crowd, still hungry but with a hankerin' for a couple more hours sleep and music at lower decibels.
WHY: The unofficial kick off of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, February 9-26, 2012. If you've never seen a rodeo, even if you have, San Antonio's version is worth the experience. At the office I have the entertainment and event schedule. You can check it out on line too at the Rodeo website

210-623-6737 Call, email or facebook your rsvp

Menu:

Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
Bacon, Potato & Egg Tacos
Fruit (for health conscious cowpokes)
Pastries
Coffee, Hot chocolate & Juice

Country Music willaccompany our grub, of course.

If you've got 'em, wear your western duds, hats and boots. Prizes for the Best western dressed!

Hidden Valley Weekend Picks and a Bonfire

2012-01-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Drop by the Bonfire Cove on Saturday evening for cocktails at the Bonfire Cove, bring your own beverages. We'll stoke up a bonfire and bring the marshmallows.

Also, don't miss the chance to bring your dog to the Botanical Gardens and see the Spurs play Sacramento!

Friday: January 20th, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters	9:45am - 6:30pm	Empire Theatre
Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly	9:45am - 7pm	Magik Theatre
Cave Without a Name Tour	10am - 5pm	Boerne, Tx
Western & Heritage Art Show	6:30pm	Pearl Studio
Roger Creager	7pm	Cowboys Dancehall
Spurs vs Sacramento	7:30pm	AT&T Center
Beethoven 2, 4 & 5	8pm	Majestic Theatre
Jason Eady Band	8pm	Gruene, Tx
Zack Walther	10:30pm	Floore's Country Store
Adam Hood	10:30pm	San Marcos, Tx

Saturday: January 21st, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Pearl Farmers Market	9am - 1pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9am - 1pm	New Braunfels, Tx
TriPoint Arts & Crafts Fair	9am - 4pm	3233 N. St. Mary's - Ste 102
Dog Days - A Winter Paws	9am - 5pm	SA Botanical Garden
Lehnis Railroad Museum	10am - 4pm	Brownwood, Tx
Cave Without a Name Tour	10am - 5pm	Boerne, Tx
Traders Village	10am - 5pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Jacob's Well Natural Area Tour	10am - 11:30am	Wimberley, Tx
Billy Bacon & The Forbidden Pigs	1-5pm	Gruene Hall
Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly	2:00pm	Magik Theatre
Rampage vs Peoria	7:00pm	AT&T Center
ComedySportz	7:30pm	12002 Bandera Rd
Beethoven 2, 4 & 5	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
Helotes FFA Event	8pm - midnight	Floore's Country Store
Wade Bowen	9pm	Gruene Hall
HalleyAnna	10:45pm	San Marcos, Tx

Sunday: January 22nd, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Quarry Farmers Market	9am - 1pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Dog Days - A Winter Paws	9am - 5pm	SA Botanical Garden
Cave Without a Name Tour	10am - 5pm	Boerne, Tx
Traders Village	10am - 5pm	9333 SW Loop 410
The Ruby Jane Show	12-3:30pm	Gruene, Tx
Beethoven and Orpheus	4pm	Laurie Auditorium
Clay McClinton	4-8pm	Gruene, Tx
Family Night & Free Dance	6-9pm	Floore's Country Store

Hidden Valley's Weekend Picks

2012-01-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Arts and Crafts, Classical Music and a free dance night at Floores Country Store to boot scoot your way to midnight...All this weekend in San Antonio.

Friday: January 13th, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly	9:45am-7pm	Magik Theatre
River Fest Arts & Crafts Show	10am-11pm	SA River Walk
Spurs vs Portland	7:30pm	AT&T Center
Beethoven 1 & 3	8:00pm	Majestic Theatre
Van Wilks	8:00pm	Gruene, Tx
John Wolfe	10:30pm	Floore’s Country Store
Carolyn Wonderland	10:30pm	San Marcos, Tx

Saturday: January 14th, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Pearl Farmers Market	9am-1pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9am-1pm	New Braunfels, Tx
MLK Day of Service	9am-4pm	Along March Route
Jacob’s Well Natural Area Tour	10-11:30am	Wimberley, Tx
Lehnis Railroad Museum	10am-4pm	Brownwood, Tx
Traders Village	10am-5pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Boerne Market Days	10am-5pm	Boerne, Tx
River Fest Arts & Crafts Show	10am-11pm	SA River Walk
Ted Russell Kamp	1-5pm	Gruene Hall
Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly	2:00pm	Magik Theatre
Reckless Kelly	7:00pm	Cowboys Dancehall
Monster Jam	7:00pm	Alamodome
Rampage vs Rockford	7:00pm	AT&T Center
ComedySportz	7:30pm	12002 Bandera Rd
The Man in Black	7:30pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Beethoven 1 & 3	8:00pm	Majestic Theatre
Jesse Dayton	9:00pm	Gruene Hall
Rich O’Toole	10:30pm	Floore’s Country Store
Rodney Parker	11:00pm	San Marcos, Tx

Sunday: January 15th, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Quarry Farmers Market	9am-1pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Traders Village - 1st Anniversary	10am-5pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Boerne Market Days	10am-5pm	Boerne, Tx
River Fest Arts & Crafts Show	12-11pm	SA River Walk
MLK Wreath-Laying Ceremony	2:00pm	MLK, Jr. Plaza
Monster Jam	2:00pm	Alamodome
Rampage vs Houston Aeros	3:30pm	AT&T Center
Family Night & Free Dance	6-10pm	Floore’s Country Store
Spurs vs Phoenix	8:00pm	AT&T Center

Get Ready for Cattle Call

2012-01-10T00:06:00.003-07:00

Cowboy Breakfast

Less than 3 weeks away...

Just a reminder for all our guestsat the Valley this week about the Annual Hidden Valley RV Park Cowboy Breakfastdetails:

WHEN: Friday, January 27, 2012 8am to 10am
WHERE: Hidden Valley Registration house
WHAT: It's a FREE breakfast, cowboy style with a heapin' helpin' of western vitals to fill up the hungriest cowpoke or cowpokess. It's a 34 year San Antonio tradition where upwards of 55,000 starvin' folks descend upon the Cowboy Dancehall Parking lot, rain, shine or freeze, for an authentic, outdoor trail-ride style breakfast at 4AM, with a screaming cattle call and several western bands at high volume (ouch!) Our version is for a more laid back crowd, still hungry but with a hankerin' for a couple more hours sleep and music at lower decibels.
WHY: The unofficial kick off of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, February 9-26, 2012. If you've never seen a rodeo, even if you have, San Antonio's version is worth the experience. At the office I have the entertainment and event schedule. You can check it out on line too at the Rodeo website
Don't forget to make your RV site and breakfast reservations while there's still room at our RV Park near San Antonio.

210-623-6737

Menu:

Biscuits with Sausage Gravy
Bacon, Potato & Egg Tacos
Fruit (for health conscious cowboys)
Pastries
Coffee, Hot chocolate & Juice

Country Music willaccompany our grub, of course.

If you've got 'em, wear your western duds, hats and boots. Prizes for the Best western dressed!

Hidden Valley Weekend Picks

2012-01-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Catch the last weekend of the River Walk holiday lights. Sport fans, don't miss the US Army All American Bowl at the Alamodome on Saturday. Enjoy the weekend...Come by and stay with us while you visit these events. 210-623-6737 for reservations.

Friday: January 6th, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly	9:45 am, 11:30 am & 7 pm	Magik Theatre
First Friday Art Walk	10 am - 9 pm	La Villita
HemisView Farmers' Market	4 - 7 pm	800 E Cesar Chavez Blvd
37 Degrees Opening Reception	5 - 8pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
River Walk Holiday Lights Continue	Dusk	SA River Walk
Rampage vs Texas Stars	7 pm	AT&T Center
Cascade Flashlight Tour	7 pm	Boerne, Tx
The Last 5 Years	7:30 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Les Miserables	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
Sarah Jarosz	8 pm	Gruene, Tx
Ruby Dee & The Snakehandlers	9 pm	Floore's Country Store
The Hill Country Gentlemen	10:30 pm	San Marcos, Tx

Saturday: January 7th, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Jacob's Well Natural Area Tour	10 - 11:30 am	Wimberley, Tx
Lehnis Railroad Museum Family Day	10 am - 4 pm	Brownwood, Tx
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
US Army All-American Bowl	Noon	Alamodome
Primer Sabado	Noon - 6 pm	Market Square
Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly	2 pm	Magik Theatre
Les Miserables	2 pm & 8 pm	Majestic Theatre
The Last 5 Years	2:30 & 7:30 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
River Walk Holiday Lights Continue	Dusk - 11 pm	SA River Walk
Jazz Piano at Uptown Blanco	6:30 - 9 pm	Blanco, Tx
Eli Young Band	7 pm	Cowboys Dancehall
Spurs vs Denver	7:30 pm	AT&T Center
The Gourds	9 pm	Gruene, Tx
Nick Lawrence	9:30 pm	Floore's Country Store
The Fossils	10 pm	San Marcos, Tx

Sunday: January 8th, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Quarry Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Les Miserables	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Majestic Theatre
Rampage vs Houston Aeros	3:30 pm	AT&T Center
The Ash Family	4 pm	San Marcos, Tx
Family Night & Free Dance w/ Jimmy Cribb	6 - 10 pm	Floore's Country Store

Hidden Valley's Weekend Picks

2011-12-30T20:08:00.001-07:00

Hidden Valley extends the warmest of wishes for all our guests... past and present. The beginning of a new year is a perfect opportunity to meditate on our blessings and ways to improve. We are doing just that...personally AND as a place we can provide for you to enjoy. We invite you to comment below with any thoughts you have that would help us serve you better and even the things you like about our "little piece of country."

Thank you all for your interest and support during 2011 and we include you all in our prayers for a happy and healthy 2012 for you and you families.

Weekend Picks

Friday: December 30th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Eisbahn	10 am - 10 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Sea World Christmas Celebration	Noon - 9 pm	Sea World of Texas
Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park	1 - 9 pm	Fiesta Texas
Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
Starry, Starry Nights	6 - 10 pm	Llano, Tx
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 pm - Midnight	Johnson City, Tx
Rampage vs Houston Aeros	7 pm	AT&T Center
The Band of Heathens	8 pm	Gruene, Tx
New Year’s Eve 5K Run/Walk	10 pm	Jimmy Brought Fitness Center
Rob Baird	10:30 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Saturday: December 31st, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Eisbahn	10 am - 10 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Sea World Christmas Celebration	Noon - 9 pm	Sea World of Texas
Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park	1 pm - 1 am	Fiesta Texas
Starry, Starry Nights	6 - 10 pm	Llano, Tx
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Wimberley, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 pm - Midnight	Johnson City, Tx
Celebrate San Antonio!	6 pm	Downtown SA
Case of the Deadly Detective Dinner	6:30 pm	Spaghetti Warehouse
ComedySportz Interactive Improv	7 pm	12002 Bandera Rd
Spurs vs Utah Jazz	7:30 pm	AT&T Center
Cody Canada & The Departed	9 pm	Gruene, Tx
Down-Home New Years Party	9 pm	San Marcos, Tx
Two Tons of Steel	9:30 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Sunday: January 1st, 2012

Event	Time	Location
Quarry Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Sea World Christmas Celebration	Noon - 9 pm	Sea World of Texas
Hair of the Dog Day 2012!	Noon - 11:30 pm	Gruene, Tx
Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park	1 - 8 pm	Fiesta Texas
Eisbahn	1 - 8 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Hair of the Dog Festival	5 - 10 pm	San Marcos, Tx
Starry, Starry Nights	6 - 10 pm	Llano, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 - 10 pm	Johnson City, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 10 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx

Hidden Valley's 'Capers on the Creek' Newsletter # 23

2011-12-22T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hidden Valley's 'Capers on the Creek' Newsletter # 23

Internet Security, the RV Gourmet, Park Events Video and lots to do in SA this month and next.

An Occasion for Food, Friends and Fellowship

2011-12-21T16:18:00.002-07:00

Although the weather dampened the air on November 26th it didn't dampen our spirits. Our annual Gobbler Get Together was moved from the Bonfire Cove to the Patio of the Registration house to keep us warmer and drier. But the food, friends and fellowship kept us all the warmer. We had a "full house" that weekend in the RV Park so that made for a full house for our gathering too.

THE GOBBLER GET TOGETHER 2011 VIDEO

We always get to having so much fun that it's hard to remember to take photos but we got enough for a short video. If you were there make sure you look for yourself in the video and feel free to download a copy. If you didn't make it to this event we'll look forward to seeing you in 2012 at one of our events. The new schedule should be ready on our website soon so you can plan your reservations around the weekends of your favorite events if you'd like.

One Life Ending, Another Beginning

2011-12-21T15:29:00.005-07:00

One of our guests has just completed a unique adventure that is really just beginning. What can that mean? Here's the story...
Amy and Patrick have had their RV, their home for the last few months, at Hidden Valley RV Park. A quiet couple, by most standards, but very lovable, too, they've just returned from meeting with their friends and family for the occasion of their wedding. They wanted a simple event but with a unique twist. So, they planned a beach wedding. All beach weddings are beautiful because their back drop is the raw beauty of nature and the ocean, waves and sand but to take it one step further, this blessed event was carried to the tropical paradise of Hawaii. A picture is worth a thousand words so here are four thousand more words to chronicle the beginning of their life together.

(I would have loved to catch that luscious bouquet)

Can't you just FEEL the emotions they are experiencing?

A memorable way to start
a new life together.

As you move on to new places we will miss ya'll but we'll always remember the couple from site 14.

Congratulations...Amy and Patrick.

San Antonio RV SuperShow Free Tickets

2011-12-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

"South Texas’ biggest and best RV Dealers have come together to presentthe South Texas RV Super Sale and expect thousands of families of all ages tocome experience the only place in South Texas where you can shop for an RV withvirtually every size and shape, make and model."

It’s a fun family outing and is the one place where you can experience what itwould be like to become an RVer and how you can make the RV lifestyle a realityfor you. For the seasoned RVer it's a paradise full of new RV ideas, gadgetsand tips to improve your RV experiences. If you're in the market for a new RV, this is definitely the place to shop.

Now, here's the fun part for those already RVing. The RV Super Sale entry ratesare listed below but if you want to attend and stay in an RV Park convenient tothe RV Show location, our San Antonio RV Park is offering a FREE night ofcamping if you stay any three nights to attend the show. That free night willgive you more than enough savings to get tickets at the show for two. Make sureyou reserve your site in advance at this link and mention code "RVSHOW" to get your free night.

JOE FREEMAN COLISEUM, EXPOSITION HALL

3210 East Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78219
(210) 226-1230

Get directions

January 5- 8 , 2012

Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 8pm
Saturday	10am - 8pm
Sunday	10am - 6pm

SouthTexas RV Supersale Tickets:

$10, Adults
$7 Active Duty Military (with ID)
Children 15 and under free

$2.00 discount coupons available at this link.

DailySpecial Pricing:

Thursday: $ 7.00
Friday: Seniors 65 + $ 7.00
Saturday-Sunday: Active RV Club Members (with ID) $7.00
Discount coupon may NOT be combined with Daily Special Pricing.

FREEPARKING

Joe Freeman Coliseum has thousandsof FREE parking spaces.
Designated handicap parking is available.

Hidden Valley's Weekend Picks

2011-12-16T14:47:00.001-07:00

Friday: December 16th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Sesame Street Live	10:30 am & 7 pm	Freeman Coliseum
Holiday on the Boardwalk	11 am - 11 pm	14732 Bulverde Rd.
Christmas Tree Farm	11 am - 5:45 pm	Pipe Creek, Tx
Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park	4 - 10 pm	Fiesta Texas
Eisbahn	4 - 10 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Starry, Starry Nights	6 - 10 pm	Llano, Tx
Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 pm - Midnight	Johnson City, Tx
Rampage vs Rochester	7 pm	AT&T Center
Randy Rogers Band	7 pm	Cowboys Dance Hall
The Nutcracker	7:30 pm	Lila Cockrell Theatre
Classic Country Christmas Show	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Christmas is ON the Air	7:30 pm	Salado, Tx
A Christmas Carol	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Holiday Pops	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
Jerry Jeff Walker	9 pm	Gruene, Tx
Holiday Boat Caroling & Luminarias	9 pm	SA River Walk
Joe Ely	9 pm	San Marcos, Tx
Charlie Robison	10:30 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Saturday: December 17th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Leon Springs Farmers Market	8:30 am - Noon	24133 Boerne Stage Rd
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Holiday Gift Market	10 am - 1 pm	Kyle, Tx
Cowboy Kringle’s Kids Workshop	10 am - 5 pm	Gruene, Tx
Traders Village: Photos w/ Santa	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Eisbahn	10 am - 10 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Sesame Street Live	10:30am,2pm & 5:30pm	Freeman Coliseum
Holiday on the Boardwalk	11 am - 11 pm	14732 Bulverde Rd.
Christmas Tree Farm	11 am - 5:45 pm	Pipe Creek, Tx
33rd TubaMeister Christmas	Noon	Arneson River Theatre
Sea World Christmas Celebration	Noon - 9 pm	Sea World of Texas
The Nutcracker	2 & 7:30 pm	Lila Cockrell Theatre
Classic Country Christmas Show	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Christmas is ON the Air	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Salado, Tx
Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park	3 - 10 pm	Fiesta Texas
Santa’s Railroad Wonderland	6 - 9 pm	Texas Transportation Museum
Starry, Starry Nights	6 - 10 pm	Llano, Tx
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Wimberley, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 pm - Midnight	Johnson City, Tx
ComedySportz Interactive Improv	7:30 pm	12002 Bandera Rd
A Christmas Carol	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Holiday Pops	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
Holiday Boat Caroling & Luminarias	9 pm	SA River Walk
Jerry Jeff Walker	9 pm	Gruene, Tx

Sunday: December 18th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Quarry Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Legacy Outdoor Market	10 am - 3 pm	Legacy Shopping Center
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Holiday on the Boardwalk	11 am - 11 pm	14732 Bulverde Rd.
Christmas Tree Farm	11 am - 5:45 pm	Pipe Creek, Tx
Cowboy Kringle’s Kids Workshop	Noon - 5 pm	Gruene, Tx
Sea World Christmas Celebration	Noon - 9 pm	Sea World of Texas
Sesame Street Live	1 pm & 4:30 pm	Freeman Coliseum
Eisbahn	1 - 8 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
The Nutcracker	2 pm	Lila Cockrell Theatre
A Christmas Carol	2:30 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park	3 - 10 pm	Fiesta Texas
Rampage vs Texas Stars	3:30 pm	AT&T Center
Santa’s Railroad Wonderland	6 - 9 pm	Texas Transportation Museum
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 9 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Starry, Starry Nights	6 - 10 pm	Llano, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 - 10 pm	Johnson City, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 10 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
Robert Earl Keen	7 pm	Majestic Theatre
Classic Country Christmas Show	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Holiday Boat Caroling & Luminarias	9 pm	SA River Walk

Shoppers Paradise, Even if You Hate Shopping

2011-12-06T22:54:00.001-07:00

"OUT & ABOUT" WITH BARRY & JOYCE

Recently Joyce and I made the driveup to the Fredericksburg area to explore the Fredericksburg Trade Days at Sunday Farms. Located seven miles east of Fredericksburg, TX on US290, the Trade Days are held every third weekend throughout the year. Inthe month of November they are open the second weekend as well. InDecember the show is moved up to the second week.

The Trade Days are essentially aflea market but with a Texas twist. Not only are there vendors sellingeverything you can think of, there's a "biergarten" locatedright in the middle of the grounds with a live band playing some great bootscootin' country music all day.

How 'bout them vendors? Well,there are over 350, some set up in "shops" all over thegrounds. Also, there are six barns you can browse through to your heart'scontent. Do you need a 1940's vintage drill press? You can bet oneof the folks selling tools has got one. How about an old bed? Yep,there out there. How about an automatic feeder? We found one!

Craft vendors are everywhere. We saw a lot of beautiful handmade jewelry of all kinds, anything fromsmall turquoise ear rings to huge "Texas bling" rings andnecklaces. Several vendors had their metal sculptures on display. What everyone needs in there front yard is a five-foot pink flamingo. Set one up right in front of the RV, folks.

Redneck Wine Glass

Antiques abound at Trade Days. We saw beautiful old furniture, collectable belt buckles, rings, jewelry andmuch more. We even saw some very old shirt studs with the Texas Lone Staron them: just what you need to fancy up that white western shirt. Absolutely beautiful! We found a vendor selling old and new, cabinetknobs and handles. You need some knobs with the Texas Lone Star onthem? He's got them.

While shopping you’re sure to workup a powerful hunger. There was kettle corn, pastry's, corn dogs, burgersand of course, barbecue. In fact, you can smell the smoked meats waftingthroughout the grounds.

The Trade Days is open 9 a.m. - 6p.m. Friday & Saturday/9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. Parking is three bucksin a front pasture, one of which is available for RV parking and specialevents.

So, if you need something unique orspecial for someone on your Christmas giving list, Joyce and I highly recommend a day trip from Hidden Valley RV Park up to the Fredericksburg Trade Days. You’re sure to findsomething there to fill any Christmas wish list.

FredericksburgTrade Days

355 SundayFarms Lane

Fredericksburg, TX 78624

"Out and About" With Barry and Joyce is published when ever Barry finds a gem wants to share. Watch for more in this series and the "Let's Eat Out" Texas Restaurant reviews series.

Enjoy up to $15 in savings this holiday season!

2011-12-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Enjoy up to $15 in savings this holiday season!
Click on this link for special savings at Longhorn Steak House, Olive Garden and Red Lobster during your stay at Hidden Valley this holiday season.

'Luminarias' and More Weekend Picks

2011-12-02T13:53:00.001-07:00

December 2, 2011 begins Fiesta de las Luminarias at dusk on Friday, Saturday and Sundays only.
Experience the Holiday serenity of the River Walk as you
stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 6,000 luminarias. Warmly glowing candles in sand filled bags line the walkways to symbolically mark the "lighting of the way" for the Holy Family. This centuries old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday only. This is an uplifting way to experience the Christmas season on the San Antonio River Walk without breaking the bank. FREE to the public.

Friday: December 2nd, 2011

Event	Time	Location
St. Nikolausmarkt	2 - 9 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Christmas Under the Stars Festival	4 - 8 pm	Brownwood, Tx
Eisbahn	4 - 10 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Shoppers’ Jubilee	4:30 - 9 pm	Bandera, Tx
Dickens on Main	6 - 9 pm	Boerne, Tx
28th Old Fashion Christmas	6 - 9 pm	Castroville, Tx
Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 pm - Midnight	Johnson City, Tx
David Crowder Band	6:30 pm	Sunken Garden Theater
The Nutcracker	7 pm	Majestic Theatre
Classic Country Christmas Show	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
A Very Latin Christmas	7:30 pm	Empire Theatre
Christmas is ON the Air	7:30 pm	Salado, Tx
Holiday Boat Caroling & Luminarias	9 pm	SA River Walk
“She Loves Me” Performance	8 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Max Stalling	8 pm	Gruene, Tx
Reckless Kelly	10:30 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Saturday: December 3rd, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Leon Springs Farmers Market	8:30 am - Noon	24133 Boerne Stage Rd
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
28th Old Fashion Christmas	9 am - 4 pm	Castroville, Tx
Holiday Gift Market	10 am - 1 pm	Kyle, Tx
Traders Village: Holiday Market w/ Santa	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
St. Nikolausmarkt	10 am - 7 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Eisbahn	10 am - 10 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
2nd Tamales! Holiday Festival	Noon - 7 pm	Pearl
The Nutcracker	2 pm & 7 pm	Majestic Theatre
Classic Country Christmas Show	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Christmas is ON the Air	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Salado, Tx
Christmas Under the Stars Festival	4 - 8 pm	Brownwood, Tx
Dickens on Main	6 - 9 pm	Boerne, Tx
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Wimberley, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 pm - Midnight	Johnson City, Tx
ComedySportz Interactive Improv	7:30 pm	12002 Bandera Rd
“She Loves Me” Performance	8 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Live Beatles Tribute	8:30 pm	Comfort, Tx
Holiday Boat Caroling & Luminarias	9 pm	SA River Walk
Kelly Willis/Bruce Robison Holiday Show	9 pm	Gruene, Tx

Sunday: December 4th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Quarry Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Legacy Outdoor Market	10 am - 3 pm	Legacy Shopping Center
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Eisbahn	1 - 8 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
The Nutcracker	2 pm	Majestic Theatre
“She Loves Me” Performance	2:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
2011 Trail of Lights	6 - 9 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 10 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 - 10 pm	Johnson City, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
Classic Country Christmas Show	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Holiday Boat Caroling & Luminarias	9 pm	SA River Walk

Hidden Valley's Weekend Picks

2011-11-18T06:45:00.001-07:00

Whether you like to 'boot scoot' at Cowboys Dance Hall or listen to Rachmaninoff at the Majestic, this is a full weekend of fun and things to do. Don't forget the SeaWorld Christmas Spectacular begins on Saturday and the University of the Incarnate Word has their 25th annual "Light the Way" Lighting Ceremony on Saturday. If you're at Hidden Valley this weekend, check out the Traders Village for lots of great bargains and fun day of activities.

Friday: November 18th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Fredericksburg Trade Days	9 am - 6 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Native Plant Walk	10 am	SA Botanical Garden
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Old Gruene Market Days	10 am - 5 pm	Gruene, Tx
Weihnachtsmarkt	10 am - 6 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Market	10 am - 6 pm	Burnet, Tx
Flavors of SA Food Tour	2 pm	Various locations
Christmas Light-Up Parade	5 - 6:30 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
South Texas Maize	5 - 9 pm	Hondo, Tx
Korn	6 pm	Sunken Garden Theater
Christmas Tree Lighting	6 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Jake Owen	7 pm	Cowboys Dance Hall
“Anne Frank and Me” Performance	7:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Rachmaninoff 2	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
“The Love List” Performance	8 pm	Cameo Theatre
“She Loves Me” Performance	8 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Jason Boland & The Stragglers	8 pm	Gruene, Tx
Granger Smith	9 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Saturday: November 19th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
27th Turkey Trot	8:30 am	Uvalde, Tx
Breakfast with Santa	8:30 am - 10 am	New Braunfels, Tx
Leon Springs Farmers Market	8:30 am - Noon	24133 Boerne Stage Rd
Beginning Bird Walks	9 am	SA Botanical Garden
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Blanco Market Days	9 am - 4 pm	Blanco, Tx
Enchanted Rock Trail Building Day	9 am - 4 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Fredericksburg Trade Days	9 am - 6 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Water Saver Gardening Walks	10 am	SA Botanical Garden
Tamalada!	10 am, 12 pm & 2:30 pm	Central Library
Holiday Gift Market	10 am - 1 pm	Kyle, Tx
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Old Gruene Market Days	10 am - 5 pm	Gruene, Tx
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Weihnachtsmarkt	10 am - 6 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Market	10 am - 6 pm	Burnet, Tx
South Texas Maize	10 am - 9 pm	Hondo, Tx
UTSA vs Minot State	1 pm	Alamodome
Stars in the Park	5:30 pm	Blanco, Tx
Celebrity Song Slam	6 pm	Henry B. Gonzalez Conv. Ctr
11th Holiday Lighted Parade	6 pm	Kerrville, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru	6 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 pm - Midnight	Johnson City, Tx
Festival of Lights & Parade	7 pm	Hondo, Tx
Christmas in God’s Country Fair	10 am - 4 pm	Hondo, Tx
ComedySportz Interactive Improv	7:30 pm	12002 Bandera Rd
“Anne Frank and Me” Performance	7:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Rachmaninoff 2	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
“The Love List” Performance	8 pm	Cameo Theatre
“She Loves Me” Performance	8 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Jason Boland & The Stragglers	9 pm	Gruene, Tx
Ryan Beaver	9 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Light the Way 7:30 pm University of the Incarnate Word

A SeaWorld Christmas now thru Jan 12 SeaWorld SanAntonio

Sunday: November 20th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Quarry Market	9 am - 1 pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Fredericksburg Trade Days	9 am - 4 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Legacy Outdoor Market	10 am - 3 pm	Legacy Shopping Center
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Weihnachtsmarkt	11 am - 5 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
South Texas Maize	Noon - 9 pm	Hondo, Tx
“Anne Frank and Me” Performance	2 pm	Wimberley, Tx
“She Loves Me” Performance	2:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
“The Love List” Performance	3 pm	Cameo Theatre
The Legendary Pete Anderson	4 - 8 pm	Gruene, Tx
Hill Country Christmas Lights	6 - 10 pm	Johnson City, Tx
2011 Christmas Walkway of Lights	6 - 10 pm	Marble Falls, Tx
The Kings of Salsa	7:30 pm	Majestic Theatre

Dave has been a welcomed guest here at Hidden Valley since May of 2010. A proud Idaho native he still has family there and enjoys an occasional visit. A contractor by trade he has been an invaluable addition here at the Valley where we're always buildin' or fixin' something.
Dave enjoys the outdoors and has a soft spot for a certain canine named "Gunner" who looks like a bear but has the adorable personality of a lamb, a BIG lamb. Dave has a great capacity for kindness and is a natural helper to any in need. Many an RVer has benefited from his generosity in giving a free hand when needed.
You'll likely meet him on your next trip to Hidden Valley.

Hidden Valley's Weekend Picks

2011-11-11T06:48:00.001-07:00

You'll love these events but don't forget about some of San Antonio's great outdoor fun ideas for healthy lifestyle. If you don't want to leave Hidden Valley you can plan a day fishing on the Medio Creek or walking our Nature Trails.

Friday: November 11th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Veterans' Day Service	11 am	Castroville, Tx
Vintage Guitar & Instrument Show	11 am - 6 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Health & Fitness Expo	11 am - 7 pm	Alamodome
Veterans' Day Ceremony	Noon	Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery
Pamper Me For The Holidays	5 - 9 pm	Brownwood, Tx
Texas Patriot Festival	4:00 - 11 pm	Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX
Blanco Veterans' Day	6 - 11 pm	Blanco, Tx
Live Music at the Quarry Golf Club	6:30 - 9:30 pm	Quarry Golf Club
Jeff Strahan Band	7 pm	Gruene, Tx
Veterans' Day Dinner & Dance	7 pm - Midnight	Llano, Tx
San Antonio Rose Live	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Anne Frank and Me	7:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Brahms Sings	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
The Love List Performance	8 pm	Cameo Theatre
Time Stands Still Performance	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Billy Morgan & the Barn Burners	9 pm	Floore's Country Store

Saturday: November 12th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Leon Springs Farmers Market	8:30 am - Noon	24133 Boerne Stage Rd
SA Arbor Day	9 am - Noon	San Pedro Park
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Health & Fitness Expo	9 am - 5 pm	Alamodome
Holiday Gift Market	10 am - 1 pm	Kyle, Tx
Living History Presentation	10 am - 2:30 pm	the Alamo, San Antonio, Tx
Kingsland Fall Craft Show	10 am - 5 pm	Kingsland, Tx
Boerne Market Days	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Pamper Me For The Holidays	10 am - 5 pm	Brownwood, Tx
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Vintage Guitar & Instrument Show	10 am - 6 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
12th Veterans' Day Parade	11:30 am - 2 pm	Downtown San Antonio
Wurstfest	11:30 am - Midnight	New Braunfels, Tx
San Antonio Rose Live	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
River Rock Fest	4 - 11 pm	Concan, Tx
2011 Wild Game Dinner	5:30 pm	Mason, Tx
Pumpkin' Chunkin' Fall Vintner Dinner	5:30 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Chuck Wagon Dinner & Show	5:30 - 7:30 pm	Bandera, Tx
Live Music at the Quarry Golf Club	6:30 - 9:30 pm	Quarry Golf Club
Buddy Valastro: The Cake Boss	7:30 pm	Lila Cockrell Theatre
ComedySportz Interactive Improv	7:30 pm	12002 Bandera Rd
Anne Frank and Me	7:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Brahms Sings	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
Rachelle Ferrell Performance	8 pm	Carver Community Cultural Center
The Love List Performance	8 pm	Cameo Theatre
Time Stands Still Performance	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
The Khabele School Coming Up Together	8 pm	Austin, Tx
Asleep at the Wheel	9 pm	Gruene, Tx
James McMurtry	10:30 pm	Floore's Country Store

Sunday: November 13th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon	6:45 am	Alamodome
Quarry Market	9 am - 1 pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Legacy Outdoor Market	10 am - 3 pm	Legacy Shopping Center
Texas Hill Country Antique Show	10 am - 4 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Boerne Market Days	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Traders Village	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Gospel Brunch w/ a Texas Twist	10:30 am - Noon	Gruene, Tx
Kingsland Fall Craft Show	11 am - 4 pm	Kingsland, Tx
Wurstfest	11:30 am - 8 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Anne Frank and Me	2 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Time Stands Still Performance	2:30 pm	The San Pedro Playhouse
The Love List Performance	3 pm	Cameo Theatre
SA Rampage vs Texas Stars	3:30 pm	AT&T Center
Austin Art Cow Auction	6 pm	Austin, Tx
Free Veterans Day Concert	7 pm	Majestic Theatre

Munich at our San Antonio RV Park

2011-11-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

Since Oktoberfest is becoming an annual tradition at Hidden Valley, a little history is in order. Wikipedia makes these comments:
Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12th October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields have been named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's meadow") in honor of the Crown Princess ever since, although the locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n".
Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest.
The festival was eventually prolonged and moved ahead to September to allow for better weather conditions. Today, the last day of the festival is the first Sunday in October.
It is noteworthy that only beer which is brewed within the city limits of Munich is allowed to be served in this festival. Upon passing this criterion, a beer is designated Oktoberfest Beer. Oktoberfest Beer is a registered Trademark by the Club of Munich Brewers. Large quantities of German beer are consumed, with almost 7 million liters served during the 16 day festival in 2007. Visitors may also enjoy a wide variety of traditional food such as Hendl (chicken), Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstl (sausages) along with Brezn (Pretzel), Knödel (potato or bread dumplings), Kasspatzn (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkohl/Blaukraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a spiced cheese-butter spread) and Weisswurst (a white sausage).

Although ours is a South Texas style celebration we enjoy replicating the original feel of the celebration from using the official colors, (blue and white) to erecting tents as biergartens. Enjoy our video and feel free to share it with friends and family if you were one of our guests for the event.

Love it or Hate It?

2011-11-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

You know the old saying: spring forward, fall back. It helps us to remember how Daylight Saving Time affects our clocks twice each year.

During Daylight Saving Time, which begins in the spring, clocks are turned forward an hour, shifting an hour of light from the morning to the evening. When Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall, clocks are set back an hour and Standard Time resumes.

According to the present schedule—determined by the Energy Policy Act of 2005—the United States springs forward at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, and falls back at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November. This is a change from the previous when it ended on the last Saturday of October.

United States 2011 Daylight Saving Time Schedule: In the United States, Daylight Saving Time began on Sunday, March 13 and will revert to Standard Time on Sunday, November 6. Time changes in the United States take place at 2:00 a.m. local time. Arizona and Hawaii have legislated laws exempting themselves from the practice of saving daylight.

European Union 2011 Summertime Schedule: In the European Union, Summertime began on Sunday, March 27 and ended on Sunday, October 30. Unlike the United States where time switches are staggered according to local time, all time zones in the European Union change simultaneously at 1:00 a.m Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Feelings about Daylight Saving Time range from loving it to hating it. Many complaints deal with the inconvenience of changing numerous clocks and adjusting to a new sleep schedule. People who suffer with sleep disorders seem to find the bi-annual transitions more difficult. And according to studies, there are spikes in heart attacks and traffic accidents during the first week of Daylight Saving Time. There is also evidence that work productivity decreases as people adjust to a time change. For most people, however, Daylight Saving Time is merely a nuisance outweighed by other positive factors like additional daylight in the summer.

Incidentally, the correct term is daylight saving time, not daylight savings time. If you had it wrong, don't feel bad. More people Google the incorrect phrase than the correct one!,

So here's your chance - let us know-do you love or hate daylight saving time and why?

Teri's Weekend Picks

2011-11-05T06:27:00.003-07:00

Friday November 4th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Helotes Farmers Market	8:30 am - 1 pm	13222 Bandera Rd
WaterSaver Gardening Walks	10 am	SA Botanical Garden
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
ARToberfest	10 am - 5 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
La Villita First Friday Art Walk	3 - 9 pm	La Villita
Bands of America Super Regionals	3:30 pm	Alamodome
Wurstfest	4 - 11 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
First Friday Art Walk	5 - 8 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Hunter’s Bar-B-Q & Outdoor Expo	5 - 10 pm	Bandera, Tx
RingsideSA Gala 2011	6 pm	Freeman Coliseum
Family Flashlight Night	6 - 8:30 pm	SA Botanical Garden
San Antonio Rose Live	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Anne Frank and Me	7:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
STOMP	8 pm	Majestic Theatre
SLL Salutes America	8 pm	Laurie Auditorium
The Love List Performance	8 pm	Cameo Theatre
Time Stands Still Performance	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde	8 pm	Austin, Tx
ACLTV Taping w/ Lykke Li	8 pm	Austin, Tx
Dwight Yoakam	10:30 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Saturday: November 5th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Bands of America Super Regionals	7 am	Alamodome
Wimberley Market Days	7 am - 4 pm	Wimberley, Tx
City-Wide Yard Sale	8 am - 4 pm	Castroville, Tx
Leon Springs Farmers Market	8:30 am - Noon	24133 Boerne Stage Rd
Animal Botanical Saturday Camp	9 am - 1 pm	SA Botanical Garden
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Uvalde Fall Fine Arts Festival	9 am - 5 pm	Uvalde, Tx
Native Plant Walk	10 am	SA Botanical Garden
Community Vegetable Gardens	10 am	SA Botanical Garden
Devine Fall Festival	10 am	Devine, Tx
Holiday Gift Market	10 am - 1 pm	Kyle, Tx
Lehnis Railroad Museum Family Day	10 am - 4 pm	Brownwood, Tx
Market Place at Old Town Helotes	10 am - 5 pm	Helotes, Tx
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Traders Village - Amateur Boxing	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
ARToberfest	10 am - 5 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Wurstfest	11:30 am - Midnight	New Braunfels, Tx
STOMP	2 & 8 pm	Majestic Theatre
San Antonio Rose Live	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Diwali SA Festival of Lights	5 - 10 pm	Hemisfair Park
Chuck Wagon Dinner & Show	5:30 - 7:30 pm	Bandera, Tx
Wild Game Dinner	5:30 - 10 pm	Boerne, Tx
Bands of America Super Regionals	6:15 pm	Alamodome
SA Rampage vs Toronto	7 pm	AT&T Center
Hunter’s Blowout Ball	7 pm - Midnight	Menard, Tx
ComedySportz Interactive Improv	7:30 pm	12002 Bandera Rd
Anne Frank and Me	7:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Peter Murphy & She Wants Revenge	7:30 pm	Austin, Tx
SLL Salutes America	8 pm	Laurie Auditorium
The Love List Performance	8 pm	Cameo Theatre
Time Stands Still Performance	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Kirk Franklin Performance	8 pm	New Creation Church
She’s Country Tour	9 pm	Floore’s Country Store
Honeybrowne	9 pm	Gruene, Tx

Sunday: November 6th, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Holiday Showcase Market	9 am - 1 pm	Quarry Market Parking Lot
Legacy Outdoor Market	10 am - 3 pm	Legacy Shopping Center
Cave Without a Name	10 am - 5 pm	Boerne, Tx
Traders Village - Live Music	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Wurstfest	11:30 am - 8:45 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
ARToberfest	Noon - 5 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
STOMP	2 & 7 pm	Majestic Theatre
Anne Frank and Me	2 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde	2 pm	Austin, Tx
Time Stands Still Performance	2:30 pm	The San Pedro Playhouse
The Love List Performance	3 pm	Cameo Theatre
SA Rampage vs Texas Stars	3:30 pm	AT&T Center
Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight!	7:30 pm	Laurie Auditorium
San Antonio Rose Live	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre

The Crockers are Back

Barry and Joyce

Barry and Joyce are our American travel correspondents. They are full time RVers with roots in Oregon where they return annually to haunt their favorite spots. They both had full military careers and enjoy stopping at military bases around the country where they seem to find someone they know which ever one they visit. They traverse the country in their new 5er and offer their services at many state parks that they've come to love as well as Hidden Valley RV Park, for which we are grateful. "We love that we meet so many people and can have a continuing friendship with them as they also RV and we find we have lots in common. Almost where ever we go, someone we know is in the area." They both enjoy golf and plan to spend some hours on the courses in San Antonio during their stay this season. Joyce's golf lessons will undoubtedly give Barry a run for his money.
Barry has a passion for exploring his ancestry and has traced his family tree back many generations. He enjoys writing and computer technical stuff and has contributed many articles to the Hidden Valley blog. He also puts out his own blog "Barry and Joyce's Adventures"
Joyce enjoys walking for fitness, musicals and plays, shopping, quiet country places and along with Barry...dancing and dance halls. And you'll find them both at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo this winter.
They have family in both California and Oregon and are looking forward to a visit to their growing family in Florida this coming month.
Welcome back to Hidden Valley for the season!

An Ancient Egyptian Camper

2011-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

Scarab RV and Setzer&Co, LLC-Ultralite Tent Campers

That's what came to mind when I first found this new RV product, the Scarab. The name conjures up a vision from the movie, The Mummy, where scarabs, little beetles, sacred Egyptian symbols, can eat human flesh faster than you can say..."the fastest way to set up camp." Is it a trailer...an RV...a tent? All three!

This little apparatus will have the most inexperienced tent camper set up and ready to enjoy their site in...get this... 40 seconds! That's the claim. They call it Gorilla Camping and this is their website tag line:

To hit the road until you drop and to have a convenient accommodation to drop into, at the touch of a button!

YES! At the touch of a button!

Queen size sleeping area, 22 cubic feet of storage and easy access to the front storage compartment. Storage of up to 80” long and 43” wide.

Tows like a dream with a 300 pound dry weight and 550 pound gross capacity.

Low Weight—Low Drag—Low Center of Gravity—Low Profile—FAST Setup!

Is this the coolest?

I'm an RVer in my more mature years but I'd go tent camping in a minute with this baby. No more stakes and posts and an hour or more just to get the tent the way you like it...and needing usually 2 persons to accomplish the feat.

And isn't this inviting?
Check out their site and if you're on LinkedIn, join the Roadtrip-Marketing Travel By Land Group for some interesting price details.

And if you get one of these before me, may I borrow it for a weekend?

Teri's Weekend Picks

2011-10-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Friday: October 21st, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Austin Film Festival	Various Times	Austin, Tx
Helotes Farmers Market	8:30 am - 1 pm	13222 Bandera Rd
Women of Faith	10 am & 7 pm	Alamodome
Austin Record Convention	10 am - 6 pm	Austin, Tx
Sea World Halloween	10 am - 11 pm	Sea World
Austin Region LCCI Car Show	5 - 9 pm	SA River Walk
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival	5 pm - Midnight	Helotes, Tx
99.5 Kiss Fall Fest	6 pm	Sunken Garden Theater
Horror in the Hills	Dusk - Midnight	Bandera, Tx
SA Rampage vs Peoria	7 pm	AT&T Center
San Antonio Rose Live	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
The Consul	7:30 pm	Austin, Tx
Xanadu Performance	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Raul Malo Band	8 pm	Gruene, Tx
Roger Creager	10:30 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Saturday: October 22nd, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Austin Film Festival	Various Times	Austin, Tx
Frankenthon Monster Marathon	7 am	Austin, Tx
Austin Record Convention	8 am - 6 pm	Austin, Tx
Leon Springs Farmers Market	8:30 am - Noon	24133 Boerne Stage Rd
Women of Faith	9 am	Alamodome
Pearl Farmers Market	9 am - 1 pm	Pearl Farmers Market
Farm to Market	9 am - 1 pm	New Braunfels, Tx
Annual Fall Wildlife Festival	9 am - 4 pm	Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Kerr County Market Days	9 am - 4 pm	Kerrville, Tx
18th Holiday Olé Market	10 am - 2 pm	SA Shrine Auditorium
Free Airplane Rides for Kids	10 am - 2 pm	Castroville, Tx
Pumpkin Patch Fun Time	10 am - 3:30 pm	Medina, Tx
SA Founders Day	10 am - 4 pm	The Alamo
Traders Village - Live Concerts	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Uvalde Market Days	10 am - 5 pm	Uvalde, Tx
Buda Fine Arts Festival	10 am - 6 pm	Buda, Tx
San Saba River Pecan Jam Festival	10 am - 11 pm	San Saba, Tx
Wild West Fest 2011	10 am - 11 pm	Dripping Springs, Tx
Sea World Halloween	10 am - 11 pm	Sea World
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival	10 am - Midnight	Helotes, Tx
Annual Buda Beer and Polka Fest	11 am - 10 pm	Buda, Tx
Austin Region LCCI Car Show	Noon - 3 pm	Johnson City, Tx
Food & Wine Fest	Noon - 7 pm	Fredericksburg, Tx
Fright Fest	Noon - 10 pm	Fiesta Texas
Blue Star Family Day	1 - 4 pm	Blue Star Art Center
San Antonio Rose Live	2 pm & 7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
Chuck Wagon Dinner & Show	5:30 - 7:30 pm	Bandera, Tx
Dining & Walking With Ghosts	6 pm	Castroville, Tx
Horror in the Hills	Dusk - Midnight	Bandera, Tx
Fall Concert in the Park	7 - 9 pm	Austin, Tx
ComedySportz Interactive Improv	7:30 pm	12002 Bandera Rd
Xanadu Performance	8 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Raul Malo Band	9 pm	Gruene, Tx
Cedarsqueezers	9 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Sunday: October 23rd, 2011

Event	Time	Location
Austin Film Festival	Various Times	Austin, Tx
Quarry Farmers & Ranchers Market	8 am - Noon	Quarry Market Parking Lot
BOOtanica	10 am - 2 pm	SA Botanical Garden
Legacy Outdoor Market	10 am - 3 pm	Legacy Shopping Center
Pumpkin Patch Fun Time	10 am - 3:30 pm	Medina, Tx
Buda Fine Arts Festival	10 am - 4 pm	Buda, Tx
Traders Village - Live Concerts	10 am - 5 pm	9333 SW Loop 410
Austin Record Convention	10 am - 5 pm	Austin, Tx
Sea World Halloween	10 am - 9 pm	Sea World
Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival	10 am - 10 pm	Helotes, Tx
Czech Heritage Festival	11:30 am - 4 pm	Knights of Columbus Hall
Fright Fest	Noon - 8 pm	Fiesta Texas
Halloween Children’s Concert	2 pm	Austin, Tx
Xanadu Performance	2:30 pm	San Pedro Playhouse
Happy Hour Cruise	4:30 - 6:30 pm	Wimberley, Tx
Mary Chapin Carpenter	6 pm	Austin, Tx
WWE Vengeance	6:45 pm	AT&T Center
SA Symphony: Brackenridge Park	7:30 pm	Brackenridge Park
San Antonio Rose Live	7:30 pm	Aztec Theatre
The Consul	7:30 pm	Austin, Tx
Randy Travis	9 pm	Floore’s Country Store

Meet Rhonda

Rhonda has been at Hidden Valley since since 2008. Yes, She is the infamous face behind Rhonda's Nature Trail and toils happily at extending the trail distance every week. Rhonda has been involved in the hospitality industry for some time and was previously commissioned as event host and organizer at another popular RV Park in the area. Family is very important to Rhonda and she enjoys get togethers with them frequently.
Rhonda, all of her own accord, serves as an unofficial host at Hidden Valley and takes it upon herself to meet and greet the Park guests. Her helpful attitude is a pleasure. Rhonda loves to fish and is mighty successful at it and has a special talent with making things grow. She appreciates nature and "Likes to live in harmony with it." During your next visit stop by the Bonfire Cove and check out some of her handiwork.

My Peeve With Plastic

2011-10-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

Just a beautiful breezy morning that just about nothing could mar. The trees bowing down as if to wave on the soft grasses underneath as they flutter in unison. The warm sun blazes hot on your skin but it feels magnificent as the gusts of ocean bound north winds fly through the air adding little goosebumps on your flesh.

Poetic right?

And then I see IT...
Secured only by a random twig...
Flailing wildly in an effort to escape...
Clapping violently against all in it's way...
Putting a blot on an otherwise perfect landscape...
Calling to mind the hundreds I've seen dotting our highways, even in the country.

The result of a careless passerby, an unsecured garbage can or an unscrupulous snacker at a rest stop.

THE PLASTIC BAG!!!!!! ARG. They are so ugly, so unnatural. Then, a few hours later...

What's this? While scanning flickr photo pages under ART, I find this photo. An exact replication, to the tee, of the deplorable BAG I just described from this morning.

Along with a very wordy essay on art being found in unusual places, (I think that's what it was about, it was too long to read the whole thing, and a little boring) Joost J Bakker IJmuiden placed this photo in the Flickr Gallery as a piece of art.

Well, what do I know?