A Day Trip to Goliad, TX

Mission Espiritu Santo

     There are many things to see and do while you are visiting Hidden Valley RV Park in San Antonio.  There’s the Alamo, the River Walk, several theaters and much more.  You could spend weeks just sight-seeing in this great city.  However, if you like to take day trips and are a history buff like me, then have I got a treat for you.

     The place I’m going to introduce you to is a small town about 95 miles south-east of San Antonio called Goliad, TX.  Goliad is one of those sleepy south Texas towns that on the surface, doesn’t have much happening.  However, if you dig a little you will find a great little community with a lot going for it.

Presidio La Bahia

     First and foremost is the city of Goliad.  This is the home of Mission Espiritu Santo and the Presidio La Bahia both of which played important roles in the history of south Texas.   This is also the burial place of Colonel James Walker Fannin and 341 of his men who were executed at the Presidio in 1836.  The Goliad State Historical Park where Mission Espiritu Santo is located has a full-hookup campground that can handle most large RV’s.

     A “must stop” is at the Chamber of Commerce office on the square where you can pick up local tour information and a walking tour map of the downtown area.

     Each second Saturday is Market Days in Goliad which is one of the largest community markets in south Texas.  There you’ll find arts and craft booths, great food vendors and usually great music.  You just can’t pass up a vendor selling “large greasy burgers” or another smoking huge turkey leg.

Ervie Jay's Beer Garden

     Stop in and have a cold one at Ervie Jay’s Beer Garden on W. Franklin Street.  Be sure to say Hey to the owners, Jay and Stephanie Harvey.  If you’re lucky, Jay will be singing while you’re there.  By the way, Jay is also the Mayor of Goliad.

     You can’t go wrong having either breakfast or lunch at the Empresario Restaurant, they serve up some really great home cookin’ seven days a week.  For dinner, check out the Hanging Tree Restaurant on the other side of the square.

     I have just barely scratched the surface of what Goliad has to offer a visitor.  So, pack a picnic lunch, put on your walking shoes and head out to Goliad.  You won’t be disappointed.

 Article submitted by Barry & Joyce Crocker