The heart of Landa Park is its natural artesian springs known as Comal Springs, the largest springs in Texas and the North American Southwest. Owned by Harry and Joseph Landa from 1847 - 1927, the property was developed as a private park for family guests. By 1898, railroad spurs ran into Landa’s Park bringing visitors from San Antonio and throughout the state. Many picturesque amenities were created including a Phillipine-style gazebo on the lake shore, footbridges of cedar branch construction, and dining and dance pavilions of similar construction. Landa’s Park remained a popular tourist destination known as the “Beauty Spot of Texas” until 1927. The park was sold to investors in 1927 and during the Great Depression fell in to disrepair. The President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce began an effort to negotiate the purchase of the park for $80,000. A bond referendum was passed, and in 1936, Landa Park was officially opened to the public. Features built prior to 1936 still remain in the park today, including the spring-fed swimming pool and Philippine Gazebo. Additional amenities have been added such as a fishing pier, an Olympic pool, eighteen hole golf course, miniature golf course, baseball fields, volleyball court, and horseshoe pitching area. The park is home to the William and Dolores Schumann Arboretum, containing over 56 different trees species, many of which are 100 years old and older. Landa Park is a place for celebrations, community events and is part of the fabric of New Braunfels history. Strong civic support for the park is still exhibited by New Braunfels residents as evidenced by many volunteer organizations who dedicated time, energy and funding to the park. Friends for the Preservation of Historic Landa Park, the New Braunfels Parks Foundation, Garden Clubs of New Braunfels, Lions Club, Rotary International, and Boy Scouts of America are just some of the groups who continue to help Landa Park shine.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area consists of five land surveys that all use the spring as a corner to tie the properties together. These surveys were conducted in 1847 by a prominent surveyor names Bartlett Sims. In the early 1850’s William C. Winters, a San Jacinto veteran and early settler of Wimberley, hiked up Cypress Creek searching for its source and found an overflowing spring. It is said that Mr. Winters exclaimed “like unto a well in Bible times.” Thus it was named ‘Jacob’s Well’. The property changed hands many times over the next 100 years and became a popular recreational destination. Jacob’s Well Natural Area remains a popular recreational destination today.

Spring Creek Gardens can be found just north of San Antonio in the Hill Country Oasis. Filled with different areas and greenhouses, it is easy to spend a good amount of time in such a peaceful and relaxing space.

What was originally supposed to be a tunnel for a railroad was turned into a tunnel and resting place for bats

After a very challenging few weeks, taking a short getaway trip down to Corpus was much needed. I can't even describe to you just how peaceful and refreshing it was. Just spending a few hours going from one spot to the next down the shoreline, on the pier, and out on the jetty. It is a much-recommended place to get some fresh air, if you like water of course. Just stand there on the shoreline, stick your toes in the water, sit on the rocks or stand in the water, and just take it all in. You won't regret it. The pictures don't even do it justice, but here are some of the ones that I got in the time I spent there. I will definitely be going back, and hopefully soon.

When one plan didn't work out, I found myself at the Japanese Tea Gardens. Completely losing track of time, I spent well over five hours there. Walking the path, watching the Koi in the crystal-clear water, the Koi fry stirring up the sand beneath the water. The pathways covered in stone and pebbles of all shapes and sizes. The different flowers blooming vibrant, radiant colors. Watching the water just fall down the cliff side and listen to it as it crashes into the pond below. I even found my way to the top, able to look out and see the whole garden all from one view. I even managed to find a semi hidden trail that led me right to the top of the waterfall, and to a small cliff where I could just sit and take in the beauty. The sights and the sounds were just so breathtaking and peaceful, and it was rather easy to spend so much time there.