Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Palacios
POP 4800
At a pleasant bend in TX 35, this somewhat frayed small town overlooks an inlet off
Matagorda Bay. It's a town with - a realtor would say - a lot of potential, including that
found at its small waterfront and once-grand hotel.
Sleeping
HISTORIC HOTEL
$
Luther Hotel
( 361-972-2312;
www.facebook.com/lutherhotel
; 408 S Bay Blvd; r $70-125; )
The Luther Hotel
dates to 1904. Still operating, it's the full-time avocation of the Luther family - just main-
taining the huge place is an endless chore. It's charming in a creaky sort of way but isn't
for guests who expect everything to work (although the rockers on the front porch rock
just fine, thank you).
Stepping inside the main building is like stepping back a few generations. The 29
rooms are furnished in a style of a few decades ago (don't worry, the scruffy motel-style
units on one side of the crescent drive aren't for rent). The place fairly reeks of history -
check out the letters and other historical artifacts dating to the time luminaries such as
LBJ were regular guests.
WORTH A TRIP
MATAGORDA ISLAND
To escape civilization, you can't do much better than this secluded island accessible only by boat. Matagorda Is-
land has no bridge connection to the mainland, no telephone, no electricity and no drinking water. It does have 80
miles of white beaches along its 38-mile length, plus almost limitless hiking possibilities. More than 320 species
of birds drop by throughout the year; deer, coyotes, raccoons, rabbits, alligators and more call it home.
Most people visit just for the day. To use one of the 12 primitive camping sites, see the
Texas Parks & Wild-
life website
(
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/matagordaisland
) for the island. The only way out to the island is by boat
across the 8 miles of Espiritu Santo Bay from Port O'Connor. Check out the local
chamber of commerce web-
site
(
www.portoconnorchamber.org
)
and look under 'Guides/Outfitters' for suppliers.
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